haris_manda Reviews

Scorpion: Kill Screen (2015) Season 1, Episode 13

King of the Hill... of bad

[2/10 · 17 June 2018]

This has got to be factually the worst episode of a TV show I've ever seen in my life. And that's saying something because pretty much every episode of Scorpion is factually the worst episode of a TV show I've ever seen in my life.

Writers have about as much clue as to how games, darkweb or chatrooms work as I do about why we age and what's the process. It physically hurt my brain to watch this episode, especially when it came to gaming. First and foremost, I dunno what was that kid doing at the start of the episode, but he wasn't playing a damn game, that's for sure. Secondly, nobody and not even their mother posts their game on darkweb to 'have it tested' before 'shipping it to big guys'. The only games that wind up on darkweb are those that are literally illegal everywhere else. Thirdly, I don't care how much of a genius this kid is, he would never be 'the only guy' to have found out the 'secret level'. Gamers are anal. They would literally shove their head into every pixel until they'd found it. Fourthly, that game seemed to be 3D. And was downloaded through DarkWeb. Yeah, good luck with that. So, this kid knows how to 'hack into CIA stuff' and whatever else, but he somehow doesn't know to use a damn proxy or dummy IP or literally any of the dozens of ways to hide himself? Give me a break...

I watch Scorpion mostly for dumb entertainment, but this is just taking it to a whole another level. It wouldn't even take that long to do a damn research, but I guess writers were just to amped up on something to be bothered. The title of this episode ought to be 'Killing Common Sense' instead.

Keith (I) (2008)

Better version of 'The Fault in our Stars'

[8/10 · 8 December 2016]

There isn't much to say about 'Keith'. It's a standard story of a boy- meets-girl basket, with a slight twist towards the end. It's charming, sweet and funny at times, while also maintaining a dose of seriousness through its third act.

Imagine if 'The Fault in Our Stars' dropped cheesy, 'meta' humor, created better chemistry between leads and had a believable dialogue devoid of pretentiousness.

Although not a masterpiece by any means, it's a bittersweet story about young loves and growing up past them whilst they redefine you as a person. Definitely worth a watch.

The 100 (2014–2020)

8/10 if you remove all the characters and story points

[2/10 · 20 June 2015]

I watched 'The 100' for reasons I long have forgotten, but I remember visiting its IMDb page when 3-4 episodes were out. It had a decent enough of a rating so I figured I'd give it a shot. Nope.

Since I can't possibly fathom thinking about this show any more, I won't write a full-fledged review, but just point out things that make no sense.

1. Upon descending, teenagers try to establish a chain of command, which is quite normal for any settling group/society since that's how civilizations function. The problem here is that certain people are warranted certain "power" without any reason. A group of five, mid-point through the season, is waging a vote against 80+ people, which they lose, but they still get to carry out their judgment. This makes the whole "democracy" aspect bull, and, more to the point, reflects writer's dumb understanding of the teenagers.

2. Instead of sending 100 completely average people, who had already contributed their fair share to the human preservation, "the smart people" of the future send 100 perfectly healthy, young adults to scout out potentially lethal planet with a small ounce of hope that life is sustainable. No.

3. PG-13 rating; you can't have 100 angsty, rebellious teenagers left alone without any adult supervision and expect them to behave under the guidelines of 'PG-13 rating'. Nope.

4. Think of a stereotypical character. You did? This show has it. And they go nowhere.

5. The very idea that a 100 juveniles are capable of creating self- sustaining and self-preserving society is not only insane and impossible, but even the show itself has to come up with massive plot devices to make it work. '80 people don't rebel because 3 of the bad guys have weapons'. '80 rebellious teenagers listen to 5 other rebellious teenagers'. Come on... at least try.

6. Given that the humans were capable of sustaining life IN SPACE, on a SPACE STATION, for a healthy time, it's virtually impossible that they've failed to create a scouting drone of sorts that would be capable of determining whether life on Earth is possible.

7. They used 'Radioactive'.

8. It got beyond season 1.

9. Dialogue, aside from the fact that it's full of PG-13 cuss words, is something any sane human, with even an ounce of critical- thinking, will laugh at the moment the characters start speaking.

10. It's like Lost, except there are no interesting characters or dialogue, intrigue is non-existent, and it's full of teenager troops like 'Instead of thinking how to survive, let's f*** s*** up and try having sex and making out' or 'You can't possibly understand how I feel even though both of us were thrust into the exact same situation under the same circumstances with no prior knowledge of said situation'.

11. Please let's not go beyond season 2. Please.

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

RIpple effect indeed

[5/10 · 10 March 2013]

My mom told me a story of how she met my dad when I was seven. It lasted for about twenty minutes and it was a sweet story I still remember and cherish. You probably know where I'm going with this but ...

Let me just get this off of my chest: Stop watching this show after you finish 4th season ... just ... stop, for your own good. HIMYM was once an amazing comedy. Sure, it wasn't as great as Seinfield or Friends, but it had its charms. Sure, the characters were barely interesting but it had some great moments. I'd laugh few times every episode and it was enough. I didn't really want anything else from this show. So, why the hell would they take that away from me?

I can spout out for ten thousand words (for each season), but why would I do that? This show turned into everything else but comedy. Heck, even I can come up with better jokes about LeBron and Canadians. No! Just stop it! It doesn't take nine years to tell a story about how you met some woman! It took three minutes to tell them how you met Robin. Why does it take 9 years then to tell how you met this other girl? The show dragged out far beyond its limits. It broke itself apart after the 4th season ended. After that, each season was just worse and worse. The jokes became blunt, not even remotely funny. Awkward moments are rushed, sweet moments are empty and each episode just leaves me wanting this show to end. If the writers were going for this, great, they did it. This show has fallen into the abysmal pit and I really doubt they'll get out of it - not even if they ever show who the hell their mom is anyway.

HIMYM was once a decent, at times even great show. However, it overstayed its welcome. Now it's just "... another TV show ... darn ...", and it somewhat breaks my heart because this show really had some potential.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Expectations weren't high ENOUGH

[7/10 · 8 December 2012]

I was a mere child when I watched LOTR franchise and I still liked it. Ever since, year by year, I grew fonder and fonder of the movies and they remain, and probably forever will, one of my favorite movies of all time. I've read all the books countless times (including Hobit) and when I saw that Hobbit was coming into the cinema, my mind was entirely wiped away from its existence due to excitement that entered me.

Now, movie review.

As expected from Peter - almost flawless masterpiece. Given that he had a lot of material to work with, I imagine it was quite hard to put everything together for the scenery - yet he did it, once more. He captured the feeling of the book and transcended it onto a screen; of course, it was not solely his credit, to not be mistaken. The acting was amazing - perfectly fitting into fantasy style. The chemistry between actors was more than just the obvious - you could actually feel their interactions and live the story. Yes, it was that good.

I have no need to begin writing about camera work and all that comes with it; locations were beautiful, effects and colors were mixed perfect, a soundtrack that followed through pattered with what was going on perfectly ... it is really one of those moments when you simply can't say enough because you know, regardless of how many words you put in, you still won't be able to describe things the way you felt them. I have only one thing to say: congratulations Mr. Jackson and rest of the cast.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will become classic without any doubt; I am just glad that I got to be a part of the generation that witnessed the never-dying franchise of Mr. Tolkien's work.

Ergo Proxy (2006)

Ergo Proxy - ideas abide, mind lost

[10/10 · 23 November 2012]

Ergo Proxy is one of those things (including everything in the world) that will make you go "What the f**k?" I want to say this at the very beginning: This show isn't for everyone.

If you are a fan of Naruto/Bleach and like mostly action based anime with some or none major questions, you are best far away from Ergo Proxy. Some will say that the show is as slow as the Slowpoke from Pokemon franchise, but it is simply the best way to make these types of show. Just as with Steins;Gate, at the first half you are introduced to at least trillion questions you can't answer. And just when you think you've reached your limits, the answers slowly begin pouring out. And, after all is said and done, you are just sitting there and thinking "Well ... f**k". Ergo Proxy is a wonderful masterpiece - from the art, characters, sound and the very story, everything fits extremely well. After re-watching the show, you will actually notice that all of the answers were right in front of you from the very beginning - it is simply due to fact that we rarely pay attention to details during the beginning of a series that you couldn't grasp it all.

If you hate shows without 'OMGWTF THEY BLEW UP THE MOUNTAIN WITH JUST WINKING', then you shouldn't watch Ergo Proxy. Despite of its dark nature, gloomy appearance and particularly anguishing revelations, Ergo Proxy brings forth dozes of questions about life, society and the very human nature. It borrows themes from the famous philosophers of the past, brings up the questions that are best avoided and it makes you think - yes, it will make you think. I can't say that everything in this show is perfect - nothing is perfect for perfection does not exist - but this is one hell of a masterpiece. I didn't find it boring - never. Not even during those 'filler' episodes or at its beginning; somehow, I knew everything makes sense even though nothing made sense. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and that is why I'm hoping there will be a second season of this show - if there is, I'll watch it even if I have to move to Japan and learn Japanese language.

10/10.

Elfen Lied (2004)

I was left speechless

[10/10 · 16 September 2012]

For as long as I have watched Anime and Manga world, I never encountered upon the series that left me speechless at its end. Elfen Lied is everything but simple show to understand; it is followed with cruelty, horror, domestic scenery, love, hate, anger, disappointment, abandonment ... it adds everything heavy in 13(14) episodes that simply leave you speechless.

I'm aware of the fact that it has been 8 years since the series were ended, but even now I believe this show deserves more audience. Everyone praises popular manga's/anime's while greatness like this one is left behind to rot in shadows. From the opening scene, to the final closure, you are slowly but fully drawn into the story as it develops, part by part. You can't take your eyes off of the screen and you're simply waiting for the new episode to watch.

What I like the most about Elfen Lied is its honesty; it does not cover up the truth about bloodshed, it does not turn away from the fact that death is the part of life. It shows us how violent the world can be, how ignorant and arrogant people can be - and it shows us perfectly. I am sure that, if I ever have kids, when they grow in appropriate age, that I will show them this show. Why? Not because I want to screw them up to the point where they become something like Lucy but because I want to show them that not everything is sugar-pie, 'fluffy' and 'puffy'. Elfen Lied is real - and for that I am thankful. It delivers heartbreaking truth about 'freaks' which doesn't entirely apply to the 'horn' girls. It shows us how words can hurt, how words and simple lies can change people entirely. I recommend this show for anyone that can accept solid amount of gore and nudity and that won't go high-sky when he or she sees nudity in the series.

10/10

The Hunger Games (2012)

Bad ... just ... just bad

[3/10 · 29 July 2012]

When I heard that there's going to be a cinema release of "The Hunger Games", I was really excited (as many fans, really). Casting seemed kinda appropriate, even though not perfect. I believe they should cast actors of the age as represented in book, not any other.

Beginning was ... okay. I guess. They drill us in by few slides of the basic explanations of everyone who hasn't read the books. However, everything from that on goes downhill. At least 80% of original scenes from the "Tributes" part of the book were either changed or left out completely. She buys the medallion on the market instead of being a gift from a friend. Peeta's father never visits her, giving her promise that he'll watch out for her sister. Haymitch is nowhere until the train scenes. I mean, his failure of drinking problem is NOWHERE NEAR AS POINTED OUT AS IN BOOKS. I like the actor they cast for him, Woody, my boy, but they just don't give him an opportunity. There's no chemistry between characters, actress who plays Kantiss is just staring here and there like a dead seal, without any acting whatsoever. Actor who plays Peeta might be even worse. There's simply no connection whatsoever between them, no chemistry - before or during the arena.

For everyone who has read the books, Ru's death was one of the most emotional scenes in whole book. In movies they scavenged it to 30s scene without any emotion whatsoever. It's like watching that dude who died at the first step in arena being buried - no one cared! Jokes were plain, not well executed, Kantiss's absence of water was never portrayed (as if she instantly found the water), scenes in the cave were empty, without any emotion whatsoever, scene where Tresh spares Kantiss was plainly retarded as if he had the eyes over the arena and saw what she did for Ru ... I can't begin to describe the enormous burden I bared during the movie time. They almost destroyed the book for me. I can bet up my house that (if anyone ever decides to make it) this will be the easiest movie to make parody of (maybe just above Twilight) simply because they thought they can make it to look better in the books.

They ruined great R+ books and dug them down to the PG+13. I mean, seriously? There's like three drops of blood in the entire movie. Main actress looks as if she ate her whole life ten meals a day, not starved for half of her life. She doesn't lose weight in arena, no, she actually gains it.

I can go on and on about the flaws of the movie, but I think this is enough. I'm just hoping someone will remake it in the future and make it ACTUALLY R+ because that's what it is. It's not a freekin' teenager drama but the movie about survival and overcoming the tyranny that was put upon them.

They even put president as if he was nothing. Just a dumb guy. They added a "bonus scenes" so we can see what's happening "behind cameras". Oh God ... even special effects looked as if the movie was made in 2000thish. Seriously movie makers ... if you can't do your job properly, don't do it at all.

The Legend of Korra: Endgame (2012) Season 1, Episode 12

Amazing finale

[10/10 · 29 June 2012]

I liked this show from its beginnings; it was well written, well made and, overall, amazing. I was intrigued by the story that was unraveling episode by episode. When it comes to the finale, the final episode of the 1st season (and not the only one, I hope), it was amazing. The great closure to the everything left behind. It was not only the closure of this show. Seeing more of the Aang and Katara definitely brought back some memories of the closure of the first Avatar. The show may not be the best crafted or better than its prequel, but Legend of Korra is an amazing show worth every minute of watching. I, as stated before, only hope this is not the last of it. We have yet to see Fire, Earth and Water. Although, Korra already mastered all four elements, and that's what worries me. I really wouldn't want this show to end.

And, even if it does, we've been given an great ending. 10/10.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Remarkable animation movie

[10/10 · 29 May 2012]

The story evolves around Hiccup: young, insecure want-to-be dragon hunter whose only cause is to impress his father and make him proud for slaying a dragon. That being said, movie reaches far from that.

When you're creating one animation story, at least over the course of past several years, you see one grand opening with either background story or action ripping in. How to train your dragon brings kind a both. It sucks you into the story of present and past right in and you already know you want to keep watching it.

Without further due, animations are mind-blowing. Characters are relentless; they're so different from each other that you begin to wonder where the heck could they meet each other. But, after all, it just clicks. The whole concept of characterization just fits right in with the whole concept of story. Writers were well aware that one slight miss-course off of the plot would lead to an entire disaster and they focused their full attention on unraveling the story by unraveling characters. They both dwell through same course of actions; as the story develops, so do the characters. They're colorful, funny, "wisdomous", caring, patient, loving (sometimes annoying, yes) that you just have to fall in love with them. I actually read few reviews that are stating that this movie is unoriginal: for God's sake it's based on the book! On the book! On the bestseller book! The story IS original. But, seriously, if you're going to make a movie about dragons, how much originality you can pull off in that area? The bottom line is: Movie is amazing! It's one of those movies you can watch with your wife, kids, parents, girlfriend, brothers, sisters, friends ... it's filled with comedy, "cute action", few drama moments and nice, captive ending to all of it. It produces one nice message by the end and I know that anyone who watched the movie felt something by the end. I, honestly, can't wait for the sequel and I hope it'll be at least as half as good as this one - even if it doesn't, I will enjoy it for sure.

Ugly Americans (2010–2012)

Humor at it sickest best

[10/10 · 27 May 2012]

I didn't catch Ugly Americans the day they went Air, but I was happy when I found out about them. Just to be clear at the very beginning: This show isn't for everyone.

Mixing up humans, demons, naked brains and what not may sometimes lead to stupidity, but this show makes it lead to the hilarity. Every episodes brings something new, either sick as hell or little less. It's refreshing to actually see a show which doesn't try too damn hard to be funny. Ugly Americans is simple: it has no rounding plot which will blow your freekin' mind, but it has that simplicity that's required for show to be good. Sometimes you won't even catch a sense out of things but still you'll laugh more than every minute. Many of my friends called this show "Stupid, immature, unfunny and insulting" - I can honestly say that, to the most people, it is. But this show isn't really made for "world-wide-knowing". Is it stupid? Yes. Isn't immature? Yes. Is it unfunny? No. Is it insulting? Hell yes.

Still, it depresses me to know that people are so tight in their minds that they can't comprehend simplicity of what this show brings. It's a simple story of billion different races living in the same world, trying to survive on their own ways. Centering a human around it just brings out our nature: we have to be in the center of all things. Mixture of amazingly portrayed characters and that subtle humor which sometimes you expect and sometimes you don't, creates an amazingly funny show which, yet again, is NOT for everyone.

Keep your horns up and your T-shirts on, 'cause it's gonna get hot.

The Legend of Korra (2012–2014)

Not as good as the prequel, but still the best Animation in awhile

[9/10 · 21 May 2012]

Legend of Korra appeals to be way more mature than its prequel: The Last Airbender. Whilst that gives an edge to Korra, it also removes that childish and innocent humor enveloped in rather serious conflict.

Still, do not be fooled - Legend of Korra is an impressive animation work; it goes flawlessly in graphic and motion design, it doesn't lack a humor nor a good, intriguing story. Korra is basically everything Aang wasn't: She's stubborn, hasty, inpatient and not as shy as Aang. I think they made quite a good move here since we already have three season with over twenty episodes to watch a mindful, calm and shy Aang. The gathering, or gang if you wish, are also kind a different. There's that innocent, teen "Love squared" as I like to call it which is more amusing than serious, though. Then there's again one "wisdomous" guy with only patience and non-conflict solution on his mind. There are also many others; lots and lots of different characters that you will surely enjoy in. It's actually still early to judge the show because it unravels itself episode by episode. As the more episodes are aired, the more you realize about the story of Republic City and all its mysteries.

To short the long talk, Legend of Korra is most likely more mature than the Last Airbender (which actually brings another question: if Tenzin is the Aang's only child (or so I understood), then there's only four (upcoming fifth) remaining Airbenders - We'll see), with not so much a childish humor (which is still there, don't worry) and a story which untangles really slowly and forces you to watch the show from episode to episode. If you loved the prequel, you'll love its sequel.

The Walking Dead (2010–2022)

Show that went down to hell

[3/10 · 19 April 2012]

First couple of episodes (almost whole 1st season actually), really caught my attention. They were well written, well acted and overall really good made. However, with the ending of the last episode of 1st season and the beginning of the first episode of 2nd season, this show kept falling deeper and deeper into despair.

I cannot even begin to write about stupidity of the characters, or even plot and acting that went down to hell. The only way for this show to entertain us is the same: make someone do something utterly stupid and retarded and make everyone fall in danger. Characters went numb, dull, fictionally retarded and overall not interesting. We all remember that little 'moral speech' from Dale ... that sucked out every little piece of hope I had for this show. Moving forward, Carl situation. "Hey, where's Carl?" "Who the heck is Carl?" - kid wanders off into woods, with no supervision whatsoever, plays a little bit, creating another 'drama-queen' moment ... The entire shipment of characters and how they are connected to each other just seems pointless. "Hey, Rick, Shane is danger to us." - Rick kills Shane "Hey, Rick, I don't wanna talk to you." This show wasn't that original to begin with, and all the hope they had was destroyed with this mole-drama queens show. It's like watching the dumbest of family fights; over and over again, till you, yourself, went numb. In conclusion: the show is boring, dull, almost none-entertaining, with utterly retarded plot and lines, with hard-to-call-it-real acting (or, overacting if you may) and characters so delusional and one dimensional that you just wanna kill each and every one of them. That being said, I want this show to be canceled and all the money going wasted for him to go somewhere else with little more of a story than "Hey, let's argue about our survival. If we kill a guy, we lose our hope." - fail at its best.

In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)

Should be better

[6/10 · 25 December 2011]

As one review stated, the movie isn't completely honest. I'm a war child from Bosnia and truth to be told, reality was far more different than the one showed in the movie: it was worse. Still, the movie is pretty good with really nice acting and solid plot. I liked camera work a lot and the message of the movie (which is not strong enough but ... well it's still there) You should not be carried away with emotions since I didn't and I lived to tell the story of a war. There are far better movies about war in Bosnia (No man's land, probably the best) but since this is Angelina's first movie as director, it is not that bad.

Check it out, it might surprise you...

Real Steel (2011)

Thrilling

[7/10 · 15 October 2011]

I'm quite a fan of Hugh Jackman (The Fountain main) and I was looking forward to seeing this movie since. The movie was amazing.

Story was pretty decent, acting was phenomenal, special effects were OUTSTANDING and everything just clicked in. It wasn't lacking anything; action was there, drama was there, comedy was there, romance was there ... from minute one to 127 it kept me glued to the screen, holding my breath at robot fights and laughing even at the smallest of jokes.

What I liked the most was a chemistry between all characters; Charlie, Max and Bailey and each and every other character in the movie. They all brought the core of their characters to screen and blew our minds with their performances.

I must say that I didn't expect this movie to be this good. My expectations were high for special effects and Hugh's acting, but what this movie brought was more than just that.

Recommended for watching : it should be first on your non-watched movies of 2011 because it stands out by it's greatness and pure mind-blowing performances.

The Secret Circle (2011–2012)

Doesn't deserve full 8

[7/10 · 7 October 2011]

I'll just put this in pros and cons since there's no really point writing 1000 words review for the show that barely started.

+ 1. Plot seems interesting 2. Chicks are hot 3. I love places of shooting (whole town really) 4. I love dark breeze of it 5. Acting is quite a good but it could be improved 6. Solid character development - 1. Lines are sometimes cheesy and really stupid 2. Sometimes nothing makes sense at all 3. Special effects seems really bad made 4. Whole concept of witchcraft is messed up and pretty much old story

Show has potential but it really needs to work up if it wants to achieve anything. They need to create something new, to write better lines, to actually create better chemistry between characters, to remove stupid 10s looks and a lots of other small things. So far the show is good; the rating does justice to it. Solid 7.5/6 show that has potential to rise to 8 if played well.

Dexter (2006–2013)

Dexter - best TV show since

[9/10 · 19 September 2011]

I've hooked up on this show like three years ago and never stopped watching it. I own all seasons on DVD's and watch one season monthly/weekly (as the time allows me). I've grew up to love characters, story and everything about the show.

It has comedy, drama, thrill, mystery and it's very darkish - my taste. I'm kind a surprised actually that the show didn't win Emmy - actually, I was disappointed. I like Mad Man and follow series for a long time, but, honestly, the show is no where near Dexter. Acting is good, plot here and there, but it has nothing that Dexter owns or that Dexter needs to own. But, I guess, not all have the same opinion as I do.

Show is addicting from the first episode and it's kind a thrilling to actually enter killer mind, to see how he thinks and how he sees things. The show embarks you on the journey you'd never thought to have : it's thrilling to the last second of episode, humorous, not cheezy at all, without flaws in plot and above all : it's honest.

I'm looking forward to Season 6 and hope that show won't stop on that.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Fairly good

[19 September 2011]

* Might contain some spoilers *

I don't know if they're connected, but I watched another movie where Apes are controlling over humans. It was amusing but unfortunately I forgot the name.

However, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an well-acted, scripted and produced movie; definitely better than any other movie that went out through summer break.

It brings action, emotion and rips everything good out of it rolling it in one nice slice of almost 2h fun. It is filled with humor, irritating characters, good-bad (black'n'white) characters, fairly noticeable soundtrack, well done CGI and above all amazing acting. Franco(Will) brings out everything that his character is. An deeply committed and caring son with only one goal left within his life : to find a cure for his father. Set aside of it, he creates visual chemistry between him and Cezar(ape) that small amount of actors can do. From first look, I didn't see mayor flaws in his acting but it was probably because I had kind a low expectations for this movie since I'm not huge fan of Sci-fi of last years.

Going on with actors, Freida(Charoline) was okay, surely could have done better job, but she was mostly shadowed by others so maybe she didn't get enough chance.

John(Charles) nailed this movie. I mean, I'm familiar with him as an great actor and one of my favorite roles was the one in Dexter where he plays serial killer, but this brings out the other side. Playing an character that requires to perform an mental illness and to convince audience that you actually possess that illness isn't easy job but he pulled it out throughout to the end. He's an amazing actor and I hope to see more of his work in the brief future.

Others were mostly just follow-up actors, but I kind a liked David(Steven) and Tom(Dodge) following up. David played an standard corporate drug seller whose only goal is to find a way to get more money and he pulled it off. As for Tom, he get used to play a role of the bad guy so he stood quite a good out there, guarding chimps and torturing them now and then.

Movie is a worth watching and gives you brief moment of fun but it won't last long in your head. It's like FAF - you see all the action once, it's not fun seeing it again.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

The best out there

[10/10 · 17 June 2011]

I never thought I'd say this, but this is one of the best things ever on TV. It is so mature, yet so childish; the perfect balance suitable for anyone. I am 16y old, and I find this show fascinating. There is so much wisdom in it, yet collided with humor and plain stupidity that you just can't say 'No' to this show. I am just glad they ended it the way they did, without bumping out the money of him, like people did to many shows. It started so naively, and ended so gloriously. What really made this show are characters; each and every one of them - from the king of the Earth Kingdom, to the very Avatar. There's a mix of 'sweet love' of childhood, 'sweet pain' of it, yet there are losses, honesty, discovery of the depths of the souls and so much more.

I watched whole three seasons in three days, and I was swallowing all that I could get. Of course, I will watch show again, slowly, to consume all that it can offer. But from what I've seen, I know that this show is something that everyone should watch. It offers so much fun for the younger ones, so much guidance and wisdom for the teens of my age, and yet so much of everything for the elder ones. It is no wonder this show has great rating on IMDb, but I think it deserves even more, just because it IS the BEST on the world.

If you didn't watch it, go buy it, WATCH IT NOW, you won't regret ONE SECOND of the time you watched it. 100 out of 10; even more.

Vampires Suck (2010)

Enjoyable

[10/10 · 6 June 2011]

I'm not big fan of Twilight, nor do I hate it, I'd just say it's overrated piece of s***. Whatsoever, I have decided to watch this movie after watching it's trailer on YouTube (which, by the wake, made me laugh more than last 5 comedies I watched before).

The movie wasn't playing anywhere in cinemas around me, so somehow I got it on DVD. I watched it twice and all I can say is : One of best parodies ever.

I mean, you can't expect from movies like this to make a mark in movie industry, but to make you laugh at those very moments and relax you in the way all comedies do. Jokes weren't very original, but few of them laugh the s*** out of me. ***Spoiler*** I almost died laughing at 'Black Eyed' scene and scene with 'Nothing bad will happen to you with me' poof poof poof 'Starting from now' ***Spoiler Ends***

This is the movie that relaxes you in the moment and it won't make you feel anything special after for. I'd recommend this movie to haters, lovers or even those who didn't watch the movie : it's pretty enjoyable. I liked most of the parodies by these two directors, but this one's the best for sure. It gives you fairly good dose of fun and it really shows all the flaws in original Twilight movies.

Becca (Bella) was phenomenal - probably best imitation in movies EVER. It actually kicked original character and all her flaws right into jaw, showing us all the stupid things about original character.

Good job on this movie, surely waiting for more parodies to come from these guys (I also laughed at Meet the Spartans just because I don't expect much of these movies, just to make me laugh for a moment, and after that to vanish from my mind - you should all try to do that)

I give it 10 just to boost it's rating, but it's probably around 7-8 (at the scale of laughing, not epicness if you understand me)

The Notebook (2004)

The forgotten way of romantic movies

[8/10 · 30 May 2011]

I have watched The Notebook at least four to five times for only one dull reason : To return the faith of love within my emotionless heart. Yes, even tho people are denying existence of cold-heart, it does exist, indeed. However, this movie, at least for a one moment, returns the faith of the kindness to me, and I am thankful.

The Notebook sets story of two young in love, fighting against those who do not believe in the bond between the poor and the rich; 'He's a good boy, but he's not for you.'

Based on the book by Nicholas, they actually adopted movie at their best. Movie does what no other romantic movie of now-days does : It returns faith to our hearts; faith of the kindness that truly exist in each and every human being, even tho that kindness is lost deep because of the coldness and cruelness of the world. It could be said that this movie has a elements of fantasy, classic fairytale; yet it's not. It is possible for the love to win everything if it's real - it is truly the greatest weapon among all.

I've said a lot, but nothing about the movie itself. Well, movie is, if not the best, in top 3 romantic movies ever made. Plot, acting, dialog, chemistry ... It stars with beautiful view upon the sunset and the lake; it truly starts magnificently. 'Do you want to dance with me ?' - so honest and respectful, so innocent and naive, yet so honorable. I could've never think of myself that kind a approach to the girl I'd sometimes like.

Movie really brings an truthful picture of love, kindness, struggles, rewards, hate, naivety and honesty, and the rating does not do the justice to this movie. When I see which movies take top 10, I feel sorry for all living; even tho I am living.

If you didn't watch, watch, you won't regret for a second.

Priest (2011)

Watchable

[6/10 · 12 May 2011]

I went to watch the movie without great expectations. My biggest expectation was to see some cool 3D. Story was alright, kind a not really original, visual concept was pretty cool, and so was acting. Music in the movie is also really good, character development was a bit bad. Also, 3D wasn't really impressive (there was actually very few and it's all based on sparkling fire, some birds, and priest's weapon) ...

All in all, movie worth watching, but it won't make anything at the stage of movie production.

That was kind a short review, now here's a bit longer :

Let's start with beginning.

Beginning of the movie was really impressive - priests are walking through caves, and suddenly they're faced with horde of vampires; "It's a trap" - and bum; all you see are black cloaks and screams followed by motioned vampires jumping from one priest to another. Then, it comes to the city; I was mostly amazed by the one simple thing - how is that, if vampires hate sun, whole city was covered in darkness while "outside" was covered in sunlight ? Never explained in the movie, but ... Then, it comes the sentence used most in movie "If you go against Church, you're going against God" - I am not really sure if those are exact same words, so forgive me if I'm mistaken. Then it comes moment of kidnapping Lucy; horde of vampires are rushing towards the house, and they're hiding Lucy in basement; however, not good enough. There are some plot holes, but it's alright ... still.

Then, the main protagonist of movie decides that it's time to finally break the chain he's bonded to by defying direct Church orders and going after kidnapper. Guess what - Church isn't pleased, so they're sending other remaining priests after him. One of them is a woman, secretly in love with the main character, while he was 'in love' with his brother's wife, mother of his child. It's kind a never-resolving love triangle, but handable.

Afterwards, everything's based on traveling from one place to another and fighting, so I'll that to you. What I liked about this movie is that, even upon the very title 'Priest', movie didn't tell a story by religious way. But we're well known for that fact - if you want best for your character, make him say 'So I'm going against God' - too much tension - not.

However, if we sum all, it was enjoyable experience, but I doubt I will watch movie again because there's no real message in the film but that power does not come from Church but from ourself and God, or that we should not allow darkness to blind our eyes with fear but to fight back at the very first sight of it. What can I say - watch it for yourself. The character I liked most, actually, was that crazy vampire-priest and the way he has seen the world; very inspiring.

You'd notice that I didn't mention the short cartoon-movie at the beginning of the movie; well, it was best part of film, so I don't want to spoil that.

6 out of 10 (they left a lot of space for second film, but I doubt it will be, but we will see)

Thor (2011)

Thundered me away

[8/10 · 7 May 2011]

I went to watch this movie with two friends after I saw trailer (which was too late for premiere, but at least I got it to watch in cinema) and I was blown away. Of course, it was not something that will be the crown of the world for a long time, but it is something you enjoy in the very moment and afterwards.

First of all, effects. I mean, it does not do all to film, but it IS first thing you notice among all others. It's truly epic, and there's no other word to describe it. Amazing fight at almost very beginning, and so on, brings things to really new level. Going on, acting. I was really unfamiliar with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) but they brought characters to life, and I mean it. I mean, it does not happen very often that some acting blow me away, but this did. I just assume that they used given chance, brought up epicness of the story, and did the best they could - it was great. I didn't doubt in Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins performance, and they showed me why.

Going on, story is quite well presented on screen. I was never actually fan of Marvel's strips, and I'm not very familiar with many of them, but as far as other reviews, they did amazing job.

This epic story is not something that will teach you valuable lesson in your life, but it will return the betrayal lesson you all should have in your minds. It is not, also, film that will stick into cinemas for a half a year or something, but it is definitely film that will provide great time watching it with friends. There is a lot of humor, which is by the way really good, and scenes that will make you think about things you've never taught before.

I gave 8/10, and I think that this IMDb ranking does honor to this movie.

Sucker Punch (2011)

This super-punching sucks

[1/10 · 15 April 2011]

I've never, but never, wrote review to put down some movie, but I have to do with this one. First, beginning of the movie. I was like, oh my God w** - music was epic fail, scenes were barely bearable ... I don't know. Whoever gave an idea for this beginning, I suggest him to jump off bridge or something.

Second, acting. Oh my, oh my ... I've seen better acting at amateur theater with kids of age 8 acting ... There was no willingness in their acting, it's just plain and stupid, no offense. It's like putting Barbie into hell and watching her escaping ... pinky boring.

Then, plot. Honestly, I was a bit confused with all that alter-reality because I'm a guy of one world, not tons of them. However, I handled that somehow, and continued watching. Oh my, oh my ... how much I regret.

She enters some sort of Japan-style temple or tomb or whatever and meets some wired guy who gives her gun and samurai sword and tells her to find out her freedom. Then she returns to reality, suddenly starting to speak much more and being more friendly. Then there pops out idea about escaping : finding a map, setting whole place on fire, finding a knife and a key ... Oh my, oh my ...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not feminist and I don't hate movies with girls fighting for something they believe in - but this is lame. I haven't even cared for a girl ... I did not cared if she was raped, if she was sent there without a crime; I do not care, it's just plain.

Then I kind a stooped watching movie and turned on music on my earphone. It was real pain in the a** watching almost 2hrs of nothing but suffering for my ears, eyes and my entire body. This movie brings nothing new, it just waste 2hrs of your life.

At the end, some short version :

+ I liked big guy with machine gun. - Everything else.

Friendly advice : Stay away from this movie !

The Fountain (2006)

A journey to finding yourself within and back

[10/10 · 4 April 2011]

You can love or hate this movie - it's simply enough. There's no between. It's been almost 6 years since movie release, and I watched it few days back after my friend gave it to me on DVD as a gift. This is my thanks to him. I love you man.

Whatsoever, movie is not a love story as sold as in today's world; it is not a love story that have two characters who fight each other and at the end they realize it was all worthless and they live happily ever after. This movie is journey; journey to find yourself, your doubts and fears, your passions and what you really are. As far as my eye can see, this is one of the best love stories ever, even if focus isn't fully on the love story. Story is more realistic than 99% of the other "romantic" movies. However, through the film we follow three parallel worlds, three parallel totally different stories, yet so similar. A man who's afraid to die and who search a way for eternity is not a man; it's just a figure that will lead a man to final knowledge - there is no eternity.

Acting in this movie was beyond acting. Forget all world-wide famous actors and actress - Rachel and Jackson are two actors worth remembering. Their performance made this movie even better than it is. I often just leave my "review" on films I love, because I think that if I don't like something I cannot judge it. But that's just me ... As I said on very beginning, you can hate or love this movie. This is not a movie filled with actions or scenes that will scare the s*** out of you or something like that - this is movie that will emote emotionless man if he can understand the whole concept in this movie. These types of movies have been forgotten and that's what bothers me most. As as 16y old kid as me, you assume that I hated this movie because I love to see killing and stuff; no, hell no. Maybe I am different, maybe I am not - I don't care. I prefer reality above fantasy, for reality this is. Don't be fooled by the space and the flying bubble - those are just elements to make this movie better; this movie is reality of death, life and loss, and how we should embrace what life brings, for all that life brings we cannot just ignore.

The movie is full of passion, provoking thoughts and ideas - and yet it's so simple for people who're not blinded by what is sold today. It is not just a love story between two people, it's a story of human itself, about how we accept what will come, today, tomorrow or after ten, fifty or hundred years. As the one of final quotes in movie is "I'm going to die" says, we are going to die - and that's what bothers most our population, humanity indeed.

Without doubt, masterpiece. It should be in top5 movies of all time; it is, but those blind wouldn't allow.