851222 Reviews

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

A great movie that sets the bar for prequels

[10/10 · 24 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (2024) is a masterful sequel, or in this case, a prequel movie. This is a prequel story to the arguably best action film that graced the screens since 2015. To top or at least to be equally good to "Fury Road" was almost impossible task. After returning from screening of "Furiosa" i can only say that this movie is on the same level as "Fury Road" - for me personally. If there will be a better film in summer season of 2024, its going to be one exceptional summer.

"Furiosa" is a great action, adventure movie that works on almost every level. Director George Miller is a true star of this film, and you can clearly see a vision that come a live and a filmmaker doing great job in a universe he has created it. At running time 2 h 28 min never was i bored or not entertained by this stunning cinema. Action scenes, while related this time more on a CGI, are incredible to say the least. Cinematography is so sharply clear that you can understand, see and almost feel the action on screen. I do wish more screentime would have been given to some of the characters, but at the end of the day this is a "Mad Max Saga" - so you know what you are in for.

Overall, "Furiosa" is a terrific movie in every way. Two lead actors did a wonderful job, and they were as good as they ever were before. But its director and craftsmanship who were real starts of "Furiosa". If you loved "Fury Road", you will love "Furiosa". Its one of the very best prequels ever made.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

Surprisingly good movie

[8/10 · 23 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

I haven't read any of the books from the series, but i did watched all previous movies and enjoyed them all except for that Part 2 movie. I wasn't looking to watch "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" (2023) but i'm glad i did - this movie was way better then i though it will be. Without going into any spoilers or plot details, in my opinion the 3rd chapter of this movie elevated it to being better then i could have. The hunger games themselves in this movie were the most boring part for me.

Overall, with very solid acting, good story and good directing job by a veteran of the series, this movie actually was way better then expected. Better then previous one for sure. Wouldn't mind to watch a sequel to this one.

Spaceman (I) (2024)

Intriguing premise and bad execution

[5/10 · 19 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Spaceman" (2024) had clearly took inspiration from a movie like "Solaris" and other space movies that aren't about science but rather about discovery of itself. It melts the present, past and future of a man in search of him self at the end of the galaxy. And while that sounds intruiging, "Spaceman" fels short on delivering anythying worth mentioning. This is one of the most boring and uninvolving movies that i have seen in recent memory.

At running time 1 h 40 min i watched at the running time more then 20 times and barely finished this movie in a three or four evening. It drags beyond believe. While Adam Sandler can be very good in serious roles, he was simply bored in this one, as was the always reliable Carey Mulligan. Directing and writing weren't inspiring either.

Overall, despite intriguing premise, "Spaceman" was not a good movie at all. Its not the worst of the year, but its right up there.

Deadwood: Here Was a Man (2004) Season 1, Episode 4

A descent episode saved by the ending

[8/10 · 16 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

4th episode "Here Was a Man" wasn't anything special - just a good all Deadwood I came to enjoy at this point, until the ending elevated it. I won't spoil it although it's been 20 years since the release of the episode, but watching it now for the first time in 2024 I was surprised.

I liked this episode for same reasons I liked previous ones - great and gritty setting, solid acting and writing. Although it is a melodramatic series on some way, I enjoy this drama. Clearly it's not an action western but I like it for what it is.

Overall, good episode and ending that will leave you wanting for more.

BioShock Infinite (2013 Video Game)

Great gameplay and story until convoluted ending

[9/10 · 16 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"BioShock Infinite" (2013) is a video game I beat 4 times since it launched back on 2013. I always enjoyed the gameplay very much in Infinite, but the ending storyways was always a bit to much for me - I never truly understood it. But that is the only complaint I have regarding Infinite - other then that it's a great game.

Gameplay overall, as well pacing, action, exploration (it's a linear shooter but still) all are excellent. The remastered version is the definitive edition to play now and would highly recommend it if one haven't done it yet.

Overall, in terms of story this is my least favourite Bioshock from the trilogy, but great gameplay sold this one for me.

Deadwood: Deep Water (2004) Season 1, Episode 2

A gritty and involving world

[8/10 · 14 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Second episode "Deep Water" as well the opening episode of "Deadwood" set up it's gritty world and characters in way I got involved so far. It's a gritty world, down to earth and shows one the way life was way back then. Our world has evolved in technology since then, but not human motivation - for good or bad. I liked character of this show so far and there are plenty of them. Wild Bill is intimidating and is well acted.

Overall, with only two episodes in I was hooked on this show because of setting and how realistically it portraits life back then. Good series so far.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Good continuation of the series

[8/10 · 12 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" was better than I expected it to be from seeing a trailer. I thought it will wenture into Disney territory more and leave that darker approach which was in third movie behind. But this forth installment, while having some issues with pacing, is really entertaining movie. It's my least favourite from the series, but only because first three movie are among the best trilogies ever made.

Special effects in Kingdom were truly amazing. Everything just looks and feels true. Acting was good enough and script was good and funny and involving.

Overall, Kingdom is a good movie in every way. After it ended I wanted to see more. Hope they will continue with this franchise.

Monster: Please Don't Go (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

Good series so far

[8/10 · 5 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Second episode of Dahmer named "Please don't go" showed us a bit from Dahmer's years as a kid as well as took us to the 1991. Before watching this show I haven't heard about this person nor the events that happen, so for me it was a genuine story. And the ending of this particular episode left me speechless regarding authority - and I will leave it at that. Acting by the lead was excellent. I liked the directing of first two episodes very much - this show which is essentially a drama does not drag and is a very involving so far. Music and cinematography was good as well.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Fun and entertaining

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Galaxy Quest (1999) was a solid fun from start till finish. The only downside for me was it's third act because the movie then switched into a movie which it was moking itself. And then the bittersweet ending was very cool. I liked the premise of the movie and ridiculous the whole thing is - I'm not a fan of Star Treck so maybe not all jokes landed for me but it was a fun film most of the time. And very solid A list cast at the time did a good job into playing this whole thing with straight faces.

Overall, Galaxy Quest is good entertaining movie if you are in a mood for a total lampoon plot.

Reptile (2023)

A descent movie with Benicio Del Toro in a superb role

[7/10 · 4 May 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Reptile (2023) was a descent detective thriller with simple story yet it had somehow a convoluted storytelling. The real draw to this movie and basically what carried it for me was Benicio Del Toro. He was a terrific here and created a real great presence, even when the storytelling sometimes suffered. This is a great performance that glued this movie together. His chemistry with Alicia Silverstone (!) was solid. Justin Timberlake was cast basically for his name - he brings nothing to the role and while its not bad by any means, he is forgettable. And its a shame that Domenick Lombardozzi (The Wire) does not gets many roles - he was great in this one.

Overall, only for Benicio Del Toro you could watch this movie because he is terrific. This is a descent story and pretty good movie overall to see it once.

65 (2023)

Bad movie

[4/10 · 29 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

65 (2023) is a movie which felt that it was made in some 2001 on small budget as a TV movie. It had crazy premise that could have worked but in case of 65 - a highly predictable survivor story set, well 65 million years, it crashed and burned like asteroid that hit the earth all those years ago. If you set up aliens that visit earth on the same day as asteroid dropped, one should make those aliens feel different. And yet here they you casual movie John and girl that needs to be saved but usually saves our main hero with things like stabbing a T red with a piece of wood. Dialogs were predictable and pacing is bad - at running time just 1 h 30 min I was constantly watching at the remaining run time.

Overall, 65 is a shallow and generic and predictable TV movie made for some science fiction channel. It's boring and does not worth you precious time.

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Bad movie in every way

[3/10 · 22 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

I had no hopes for "The Scargiver", the second movie in the series (and hopefully the last one) after the abysmal first part. Even the first movie somewhat not that bad. This one unfortunately should be skipped by everyone, even some light alcohol did not help me to sit through it in one go. In three evenings I finished it and it's a bad movie is all I can say.

Overall, the director and written of this movie Zack Snyder made two really bad movies. I wasn't the biggest fan of his previous movies, but I did enjoyed them all on some level. Rebel Moon unfortunately is not the case.

The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Not bad movie that could have been better

[6/10 · 18 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Pope's Exorcist" (2023) is a movie that you have already seen before in case you did watch more then one movie about exorcism before. It's by the numbers flick with some interesting plot revelations here and there, and really fun and quiet good performance by a star Russell Crow. Other then that, this movie has a lot of flaws but at the same it's not a bad one either. Make up effects were really nice, music was on point but directing lacked in my opinion - at only 1 h 45 min this movie does drag. The ending also was a bit messy.

Overall, not a bad film by any means but not particularly good one either, "The Pope's Exorcist" is a hit and miss.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Excellent movie

[9/10 · 17 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016) was and still is a very good and in my opinion highly underrated movie. It's a very well made biopic about journalists in an Afghanistan, that shows the conflict without politics involved, and does it with dark and good humour involved. Production values were very solid here and the movie kinda puts you in a shoes of journalists that are living, partying, working, and sometimes discovering themselves in a middle of a war. This movie did involved some comparisons with "Hurt Locker" at least for me about war being a drug.

Overall, this is an excellent movie with dark humour, excellent acting, directing and writing. I liked it very much.

Air (I) (2023)

Good movie all around

[8/10 · 16 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Air" (2023) is a movie directed by Ben Affleck and tells a real life story of how Nike has signed Michael Jordan. And the rest is history. Because there isn't really what to spoil here about the story, i liked "Air" because of its good screenplay, solid acting by supporting characters and solid (as usual) directing by Affleck himself. From all of the movies he made so far, "Air" is in my opinion his most good-feel work as there is no violence, and while its not his best work, its a good movie and a bit of a crowd-pleaser.

Overall, "Air" is a good movie, very well paced and tells and interesting story.

The Killer (2023)

Has a lot in common with "The Samurai" more then any recent thriller

[8/10 · 15 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Killer" (2023) is a thriller with a simple plot but very good excecution. I won't get into plot details, but lets just say if you like thrillers about men being betrayed by his organization and that on the hunt for them, its likely "The Killer" won't be anything new. But in terms of moviemaking - "The Killer" is delivers more then 95% of movies with similar plot. Directing by David Fincher was excellent - at running time almost 2 hours never was i bored nor intruiged. Shot on locations which are many of them this movie looks and feels real - and that is his biggest strenght. Acting by Michael Fassbender was excellent.

Overall, The Killer is a very solid movie by David Fincher. Its not as great as many of his previous works, but for me it was miles better then his previous highly disappointing Mank. Its a very solid movie that reminded me of "The Samurai" with Alain Delon.

The Ring (2002)

A good mystery story with scares

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Rewatching "The Ring" (2002) recently in 2024 I discovered to a bit of my surprise of how the story of this movie actually is. The scares are there but they far and in between, but what separates this movie from crowd of horror movies is a story. It's a realy good one and makes this movie involving to watch. Even now in 2024 this movie got me intrigued in it's premise and good execution. It's all about the story, mood and setting. As good as Naomi Watts was in this film (and she is great), it's the story and above mentioned things that gets this movie working.

All in all, The Ring is a good mystery movie with excellent premise and solid execution.

The Marsh King's Daughter (2023)

Generic and very predictable despite the promising premise

[6/10 · 7 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Marsh King's Daughter" (2023) is a movie with great premise, but very average story. The opening of the movie, of which i did not know nothing when watching ( i haven't even read the synopsis) is intriguing. I won't spoil anything but it got me surprised and involved. Its like "Room" but different and i will leave it at that. But what happens next is the most generic and predictable story you could imagine. Acting by both leads were uninsipiring, giving the shalow script. Even the always reliable and great Gil Birmingham doesn't had to do much in this movie - he was wasted just like to promising premise.

Overall, "The Marsh King's Daughter" had an interesting premise, but nothing more. Its a very generic and average movie that even at 1 h 45 min. Run time did drag. A lot.

The Last of Us: Part I (2022 Video Game)

Worth your time

[10/10 · 6 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

The Last of Us Part 1 is a perfect video game. Damn, I will even call it one the best things I've had a pleasure to witness on TV.

If you have never played this masterpiece do you self a favour and do it, the PS5 version is the ultimate experience. Graphics were outstanding and even my jaw dropped a bit when starting this latest version, and it comes from one who played this masterpiece for like 8 times or so.

Overall, best video game of time (period) on its best performance - you can't go wrong with The Last of Us. It's a unforgettable journey that you have to immerse yourself in at least once in you life time. It's wort you time.

Shōgun: The Eightfold Fence (2024) Season 1, Episode 4

Good episode

[9/10 · 5 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

4th episode called "The Eightfold Fence" was a slower yet rewarding experience in comparison with 3rd part. This time it's all about teaching tactics and finding yourselves in a new environment. It was a gorgeous looking episode with some good interactions between characters. I liked the dialogs in here, as they fleshed out characters, well, only two of them. And slowly I can already see we're things are going, I guess. The show started to slip into its trajectory, and it doesn't feel unique no more. It's not a bad thing if done right. And if it's done right we will see in next 6 episodes.

Shōgun: Servants of Two Masters (2024) Season 1, Episode 2

Great episode and the beginning of something truly amazing (hopefully)

[9/10 · 2 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Second episode of Shogun called Servants of Two Masters was very interesting in revelations and plot building. After the first great episode I was looking forward for a second one and didn't disappointed for sure. It's a great episode focused on world building, with place, situation, characters falling slowly into their places. It's like Game of Thrones but set in real world.

Overall, second episode was great. I like how brutally bloody it is at times. Acting is amazing in here as well as excellent writing, directing and sets. Costumes are out of this world gorgeous.

Damsel (2024)

Entertaining enough for those who enjoy fantasy adventure

[7/10 · 1 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Damsel" (2024) is a movie that has nothing special or original, yet for the run time 1 h 45 min it did its job - it did entertain me. The premise was intriguing and i won't spoil anything, but i haven't watch any trailers nor read synopsis - the less you know about the plot the better it is. Acting was good enough by the lead actress. Directing was also solid enough. This movie did kept me involved. And while the third act was disappointing in comparison, still i would recommend this flick for one evening.

Overall, a descent movie "Damsel" won't blow you away, but it might entertain you mildly for one evening if you are in fantasy adventure movies.

Fast X (2023)

Weakest in the series and that is saying a lot

[5/10 · 1 April 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Fast X" (2023) is a movie that could be easily rated 1 / 10. Because its no longer a film, its a parody and even on camp level it does not work. I won't go into plot details, because 15 min. After it ended i already forgot what i was watching - Fast X is a highly forgettable experience. To b completely honest, there are scenes that are fun to watch, actually, majority of them is fun to look at. Clearly movie was expensive to made and some of the money they wasted on this "film" can be seen on screen.

Overall, i finished watching Fast X in like 4-5 sitting during a week. For me its by fa the weakest in the series.

The Iron Claw (2023)

Excellent and heartbreaking at the same time

[9/10 · 28 March 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Iron Claw" (2023) is an excellent movie about real family. I won't spoil anything, but the story here is as much about wrestling as it is about family and its tragedy. This was a hard to watch movie due to its tragic story.

Acting by everyone was superb, and Zack Efron was better then ever. Directing was superb - at running time 2 h 5 min this movie never dragged and was very involving from start till finish. This is not a wrestling movie one could imagine about this sport, but more of a family story.

Overall, "The Iron Claw" is an excellent film all around. Highly recommended.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Brilliant and Haunting

[10/10 · 22 March 2024]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Zone of Interest" (2023) is a brilliant movie by a director who's previous movies I wasn't fan of. But "Zone" is his best film by a mile and it's one of the best films of 2023 - it's a near masterpiece in my opinion. The approach to the material is what makes this movie so special. It's not a typical historical movie - this one uses sound literally as it most important tool. You don't see horrors, you hear them. It's all from the perspective of the ones living in the house - the way the hear it, so does the viewer. It creates a haunting experience. Performances by both leads were excellent so as a brilliant directing and writing.

Overall, "The Zone of interest" just might be one of the most brilliant and haunting and unique movies about war ever made. It will leave you thinking after and during the film. Great movie.