jvanree-709-423329 Reviews

The Hero (I) (2017)

Most honest movie I have seen in a long time

[10/10 · 25 October 2017]

As the title of my review says I believe this to be the most honest movie in years. Now I know that sounds like a contradiction because movies are usually for entertainment and don't need much honesty. But this movie is different.

Of course it is entertaining and contains humor. But more than humor it contains an insight to getting older, dealing with loss and still being able to find joy. This movie doesn't polish away the less beautiful sides of life and it doesn't ignore controversial topics.

The writer did an excellent job providing a great story and this movie should be rewarded for that. But even more it should be rewarded for the actors who are so much in character that you don't know if it's acting or truth.

Warning spoiler ahead: One scene in particular was amazing. It is the scene where the Sam Elliott does a script reading with Nick Offerman. In this scene both are moved to tears. Now the fact that it's a script reading within a movie (script within a script) and that they still made it look so real is unbelievable.

I can understand how this movie is not for everyone. A lot of people will simply live too much in the now to feel comfortable with watching these topics that aren't easy. But if you do, please go watch this. You will not regret it and possibly it will even give you inspiration and comfort for hard times to come.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Packed with special effects, awesome acting and lots of humor

[9/10 · 7 November 2016]

In general I tend to like Marvel movies, but they are usually a 7 to me. Entertaining and cool for a rainy Sunday but not something I'd necessarily watch twice. This one was different however, because the character has more dept than the usual Marvel superhero characters.

I was pleasantly surprised by the little jokes Marvel has in the movie. They are both obvious and less obvious. They toy with previous roles of the actors and even with their own past. Very cool.

The special effects were breath taking. I watched it in 3d and this is definitely recommended. I heard there is even an Imax version out and I figure that is well worth it.

All in all I definitely recommend this movie.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Intense, profound and brilliant

[10/10 · 15 February 2015]

If you are a bit like me you might think that a TV series on drugs can't be very interesting. However I've been proved wrong. This show is the most intense, profound and brilliant show I have ever seen.

Describing this show is not easy though. What makes it this special? To me it is the psychological depth of the characters, the progression of life stories and the small and large scale snowball effects in response to choices being made.

I'm not a professional in filming techniques, but even I can see that Breaking Bad is also unique in camera work. Unusual angles are used to shoot a different than usual series and little imperfections are cherished instead of polished away. This series shows wrinkles, body hair and moles. Just as it shows people making little normal daily mistakes, that don't add to the story but make it look so much more natural.

To conclude I'd say if this TV series was a book it would be literature, so it is definitely a must watch!

Dominion (2014–2015)

Epic

[10/10 · 23 August 2014]

This series has been an amazing surprise. I can see why it's not for everybody, but if you like post apocalyptic series with a dark side to characters... Then this is your piece of cake.

The Angels are portrayed as bad ass creatures which goes against cultural views current society has of them (as cute winged beings that protect you). Even if you see a "good" angel it has a dark lining around it.

The storyline is interesting and doesn't lose momentum on the go. Not once does it get boring or predictive. There are plot twists and unexpected moves. Very interesting.

The acting work is done pretty well. Especially Tom Wisdom (who I didn't see on screen before) is promising.

The setting of the series is awesome. The post apocalyptic theme has really been incorporated into the set in great detail *tumbleweed passes by*. Really thumbs up for the set builders.

All in all I'd say it's a must see.