When I first saw this movie I wanted to write an honest review but I couldnt. On twitter, whatsapp everywhere are people waiting to tell you how racist, unsupportive,jealous any black person is for not thinking this is the best movie ever cos it has lots of black people in it. Today I watched Thor Ragnarok for the first time and I can no longer stay silent. There's a reason why I watch superhero films and it's to be wowed. Where were the scenes that saw black panther kicking ass, where were the scenes that showed his character develop, that showed the other character's arc? Where were the fight scenes that should have blown my mind away? Where was the story that had suspense and plot twists? Those things were absent from this film. There was only one funny scene. This film is quite dull and borING. I rated it two because of the Dino Melaye. we should all be honest enough to admit that the success of this film has very little to do with merit and a lot to do with sentiment. Thanks Marvel for the masterclass in film marketing.
Reviews
11 Reviews
A Dangerous Method
(2011)
mixed feelings
13 March 2012
I am a Cronenberg fan. I think a History of Violence is one of the greatest films ever made! I also think Eastern Promises showed what happens when a great Director pairs with an awesome muse. I anticipated this film eagerly but after watching it I was left with mixed feelings. Perhaps this is because the script was not as tight as that of the first two films I mentioned. It was never going to be easy capturing something as abstract as psychoanalysis on film, yet I can say that this film does ramble on at times and it is slow. A History of Violence was slow but the pay off was fantastic. Here there was no pay off. We were shown the lives of three great, complicated minds and that was it. After reading about the lives of the three central characters I can safely say that perhaps this was not the film Cronenberg should have made about Freud. He opted respectfully for the less dramatic and more factual and I think this sacrifice could have hurt what could have been another Cronenberg/Mortensen smash-hit. That said, I also think Keira Knightley was a mis-cast and Mortensen and Fassbender were as perfect as ever. Looking forward to the next Cronenberg flick. This wasn't awful but I expected more.
The Hurt Locker
(2008)
Am I the only person who just didn't get it?
3 June 2010
I hate watching movies after the buzz because you're more likely to feel let down if it's not as fantastic as everyone said. I don't think that was what happened in this case.
I was so thrilled to hear a female won best Director but I'm very disappointed now I've seen the film.
Did the Academy blindfold themselves and throw darts at the wall to choose best picture? Inglorious Basterds, District 9 and even the uber-commercial Avatar are far, far better than this film. Pityingly I haven't seen the other nominated films.
There was nothing original, exciting, different, entertaining about this movie.
I found it tiresome, boring and I was unable to connect emotionally with any character. Sloppy dialogue, lazy film-making. It became almost painful to watch.
Maybe the Academy thought giving this film a bunch of Oscars was their own way of fighting terrorism without leaving the country.
They only succeeded in reducing the value of the awards.
Thank you.
I was so thrilled to hear a female won best Director but I'm very disappointed now I've seen the film.
Did the Academy blindfold themselves and throw darts at the wall to choose best picture? Inglorious Basterds, District 9 and even the uber-commercial Avatar are far, far better than this film. Pityingly I haven't seen the other nominated films.
There was nothing original, exciting, different, entertaining about this movie.
I found it tiresome, boring and I was unable to connect emotionally with any character. Sloppy dialogue, lazy film-making. It became almost painful to watch.
Maybe the Academy thought giving this film a bunch of Oscars was their own way of fighting terrorism without leaving the country.
They only succeeded in reducing the value of the awards.
Thank you.
3:10 to Yuma
(2007)
mixed feelings...
12 October 2009
I saw this movie two days ago and I must admit I had mixed feelings. I'll start with the good which includes; (1)A stellar performance by Christian Bale (2)a powerful, subtle, well balanced story (3) the casting of Russell Crowe who I have to admit is a joy to watch no matter what he does.
Now for the bad; (1)Sometimes Russell Crowe didn't quite convince me (see the awkward way he looks at his "own" drawings) (2)sometimes the plot is repetitive and doesn't really move forward, rather it just goes around in circles.
I have mixed feelings because this is a good film by any standards but you just get the feeling that if one or two aspects received a tighter polish this could have been a great film.
In the end it's like The Proposition but on wobblier legs. I have to say I still rather enjoyed it. Thanks.
Now for the bad; (1)Sometimes Russell Crowe didn't quite convince me (see the awkward way he looks at his "own" drawings) (2)sometimes the plot is repetitive and doesn't really move forward, rather it just goes around in circles.
I have mixed feelings because this is a good film by any standards but you just get the feeling that if one or two aspects received a tighter polish this could have been a great film.
In the end it's like The Proposition but on wobblier legs. I have to say I still rather enjoyed it. Thanks.
Watchmen
(2009)
Not your regular super-hero flick!
31 March 2009
Have you seen Zack Snyder's latest vision? If not what are you waiting for? I walked into this one thinking "Not another super-hero/special-powers movie" but when I was walking out, that was the furthest thing from my mind.
The plot is not pristine, it sputters and weaves and loses it's way sometimes but the recurrent theme that humanity and even the best among it is flawed remains poignant throughout the film. I felt as if I had been given the closest thing to the Sin-City experience I had years ago. The violence was seminal, the gore welcome. The characters brilliantly played (all hail Rorshach!) As for camera-work, what words can suffice! It was artistic and hit every right note as with 300. The color, texture and balance as though carefully and obsessively picked to be beyond our expectations. The camera fulfilled my every desire. As for the music, I'll never hear the song Hallelujah and feel the same way again! Zack Snyder has given me faith in filmmakers. That there are still some out there who care not only about how many people come to see their film but also how they feel during and after it. Thank you.
The plot is not pristine, it sputters and weaves and loses it's way sometimes but the recurrent theme that humanity and even the best among it is flawed remains poignant throughout the film. I felt as if I had been given the closest thing to the Sin-City experience I had years ago. The violence was seminal, the gore welcome. The characters brilliantly played (all hail Rorshach!) As for camera-work, what words can suffice! It was artistic and hit every right note as with 300. The color, texture and balance as though carefully and obsessively picked to be beyond our expectations. The camera fulfilled my every desire. As for the music, I'll never hear the song Hallelujah and feel the same way again! Zack Snyder has given me faith in filmmakers. That there are still some out there who care not only about how many people come to see their film but also how they feel during and after it. Thank you.
Wanted
(2008)
Not a good film
5 September 2008
This is not a good film, I don't care what anyone says. I went to see this film with so much expectation that I was left disappointed. It just goes to show how film-making has become formula and how originality has become synonymous with unbelievability. They took a great cast, a Director with out-of-this-world aspirations, some mind-blowing special effects on the shaky foundations of a crappy story.
This is not a good film I repeat. It was sloppy in some parts, relied too much on special effects and looks like a hormone-fueled fantasy of a fifteen year old. Did this movie go through any developmental process? There are so many loose ends and let's just say that for someone who is a die-hard sci-fi fan, I didn't believe any of the crap these guys were dishing out. Believe it or not, there is a line where outrageous becomes ridiculous.
I feel sorry for the true film-watchers who still remember what a good film is because with a rating of 7 for this crap, the worst is yet to come. May God help us!
This is not a good film I repeat. It was sloppy in some parts, relied too much on special effects and looks like a hormone-fueled fantasy of a fifteen year old. Did this movie go through any developmental process? There are so many loose ends and let's just say that for someone who is a die-hard sci-fi fan, I didn't believe any of the crap these guys were dishing out. Believe it or not, there is a line where outrageous becomes ridiculous.
I feel sorry for the true film-watchers who still remember what a good film is because with a rating of 7 for this crap, the worst is yet to come. May God help us!
Lolita
(1997)
Very well made
17 May 2008
Now I haven't seen the Kubrick version. That was what I set out to watch but i ended up with this and i am not in any way disappointed. First is the casting of Jeremy Irons and the easy way he delivers the most difficult and beautiful lines. Precocious Lolita was exemplary! There were no doubts there but what i fell in love with about this movie was the Precision of the Direction.
I have never heard of this Director before and it is always such a gift to discover another good Director. I don't know what more Kubrick would have done to make his a better movie and I hope I find out soon. One or two flaws will be found as with any other work of genius but genius is never perfect. I watched this film believing there was no more the Director could have done.
I like the whole idea of Lolita, the telling of such a controversial tale through the eyes of the affecter and not the affected. Altogether a very well made film!
I have never heard of this Director before and it is always such a gift to discover another good Director. I don't know what more Kubrick would have done to make his a better movie and I hope I find out soon. One or two flaws will be found as with any other work of genius but genius is never perfect. I watched this film believing there was no more the Director could have done.
I like the whole idea of Lolita, the telling of such a controversial tale through the eyes of the affecter and not the affected. Altogether a very well made film!
Lucky Number Slevin
(2006)
Courageous, Audacious, Brash!
28 September 2007
In the end the story is pretty basic, there isn't so much originality. Even the way the story is told is not something that has never-been- before-seen. What is amazing is the confidence and deftness with which we are steered through this tale.
This confirms that it's not just the story but how you tell it- suspense, puzzles, loopholes that later become closed, mysteries that become solved...a masterful telling of a forgettable story and after seeing Wicker Park, i can say Paul McGuigan is a talent that can only get better.
Bruce Willis- I can see why Shyamalan respects him so much...he embodies a character and makes it his own. Every other performance will always pale in comparison to his though Hartnett gets top marks for trying. Sir Ben is always like a ghost-actor in that he blends so well with his character that you don't see him only his character (he made such a believable Rabbi!) and Freeman's laid back style is ever so strong. Lucy Liu has come of age as an actress- top marks for interpreting such a surreal role.
The cinematography is the most wonderful thing about this film, one scene literally took my breath away! and the camera angles are worked with such scientific precision. Some of the decor has to be commented upon as it blended so well with the story and I can truly say 10 out of 10 for lighting which was always enough and never too much.
The story was courageous, audacious and brash and this is partly why this film could be pulled off not to mention the first rate cast! Altogether, a great Directing effort and a film worthy of Slevin out of ten.
This confirms that it's not just the story but how you tell it- suspense, puzzles, loopholes that later become closed, mysteries that become solved...a masterful telling of a forgettable story and after seeing Wicker Park, i can say Paul McGuigan is a talent that can only get better.
Bruce Willis- I can see why Shyamalan respects him so much...he embodies a character and makes it his own. Every other performance will always pale in comparison to his though Hartnett gets top marks for trying. Sir Ben is always like a ghost-actor in that he blends so well with his character that you don't see him only his character (he made such a believable Rabbi!) and Freeman's laid back style is ever so strong. Lucy Liu has come of age as an actress- top marks for interpreting such a surreal role.
The cinematography is the most wonderful thing about this film, one scene literally took my breath away! and the camera angles are worked with such scientific precision. Some of the decor has to be commented upon as it blended so well with the story and I can truly say 10 out of 10 for lighting which was always enough and never too much.
The story was courageous, audacious and brash and this is partly why this film could be pulled off not to mention the first rate cast! Altogether, a great Directing effort and a film worthy of Slevin out of ten.
Swept Away
(2002)
A hidden gem!
7 September 2007
I first saw swept away three years ago and with tears in my eyes at the end I proclaimed it a good film. This was before I read any of the reviews. Every review I have ever read on this film has been bad, even on IMDb! After seeing the movie again last week, I knew I had to post a comment.
In my opinion, the good work that is Swept Away has been eclipsed by an enormous vengeful grouse against the union that is Madonna and Ritchie. True film lovers hate the idea of musician turned actress and to add to that she's married to a Director, this is seen as her even getting ready to jump deeper into the film game! It appears loathsome I agree but it's not enough to dismiss this film.
Swept Away is a good film. Guy Ritchie handled it with a simplicity and innocence that is hard to find in modern films where everything is so contrived that you can almost see the seams holding it together. He gave us a complete love story that thoroughly dissects the art of falling in love from the first gaze to the bitter end. He added light touches of humor in just the right doses and kept the film at a useful moderate length.
Adriano Gianini was adequate in his role. At times he over-acted but there were other times when his smile said it all and I agree that Madonna's acting was workman-like at best.
My advice is forget about the whole Mr. Madonna tag that's been placed on Mr. Ritchie, forget that Madonna is just another female musician trying to enlarge her slice of the entertainment pie, forget ALL those bad reviews and see this film again for it is a gem! And a hidden one at that!
In my opinion, the good work that is Swept Away has been eclipsed by an enormous vengeful grouse against the union that is Madonna and Ritchie. True film lovers hate the idea of musician turned actress and to add to that she's married to a Director, this is seen as her even getting ready to jump deeper into the film game! It appears loathsome I agree but it's not enough to dismiss this film.
Swept Away is a good film. Guy Ritchie handled it with a simplicity and innocence that is hard to find in modern films where everything is so contrived that you can almost see the seams holding it together. He gave us a complete love story that thoroughly dissects the art of falling in love from the first gaze to the bitter end. He added light touches of humor in just the right doses and kept the film at a useful moderate length.
Adriano Gianini was adequate in his role. At times he over-acted but there were other times when his smile said it all and I agree that Madonna's acting was workman-like at best.
My advice is forget about the whole Mr. Madonna tag that's been placed on Mr. Ritchie, forget that Madonna is just another female musician trying to enlarge her slice of the entertainment pie, forget ALL those bad reviews and see this film again for it is a gem! And a hidden one at that!
300
(2006)
300, the Oscars are calling your name!
3 May 2007
300, the Oscars are calling your name! That is how I felt after seeing this movie. It's always refreshing to see the film medium pushed to its limits as in Sin City, The Matrix and other groundbreaking movies. It's encouraging for movie-goers to know that a director is feeling for every boundary to give them the best a story can offer as was done with 300.
The Cinematography was flawless, some scenes literally took my breath away. The Direction was tight with all the seams invisible unlike other epics. The cast; Brilliant, a new God has been found in Gerard Butler and I gladly worship. The script was impressive and faultless, Who came up with those lines?? The intensity of this film is breathless, it just doesn't let up. The artistry is something extraordinary. It's something when a film as highly stylized as this doesn't leave you with a yearning for reality.
In summary, an immensely powerful film, one of the best cinema experiences of a lifetime and a must-see for every man, woman and supervised child. Brilliant!
The Cinematography was flawless, some scenes literally took my breath away. The Direction was tight with all the seams invisible unlike other epics. The cast; Brilliant, a new God has been found in Gerard Butler and I gladly worship. The script was impressive and faultless, Who came up with those lines?? The intensity of this film is breathless, it just doesn't let up. The artistry is something extraordinary. It's something when a film as highly stylized as this doesn't leave you with a yearning for reality.
In summary, an immensely powerful film, one of the best cinema experiences of a lifetime and a must-see for every man, woman and supervised child. Brilliant!
Lady in the Water
(2006)
The Amazing Shyamalan
3 October 2006
I am an M. Night Shyamamlan fan so forgive me if this turns out to be an eulogy rather than anything else. I have often called him the preacher who whispers but with this film i think he finally shouted all he has been trying to say with his previous films.
The story of this movie is brilliant to say the least and carries a powerful and moving message that we all can learn from that each has a purpose, that everything happens for a reason, that hope is not a stupid thing to have and above all life is a wonder.
I love the way Shyamalan dares us to believe in the extraordinary, it is a challenge he throws us almost like a man on a mountain shouting, come all who dare! He is a brilliant Director and the way he steered us flawlessly through this eclectic, magical and almost unbelievable tale has left me in no doubt whatsoever of his genius, not that I was ever in any doubt.
Here is one Director who promises us a future of well scripted, wonderfully directed films. Thanks.
The story of this movie is brilliant to say the least and carries a powerful and moving message that we all can learn from that each has a purpose, that everything happens for a reason, that hope is not a stupid thing to have and above all life is a wonder.
I love the way Shyamalan dares us to believe in the extraordinary, it is a challenge he throws us almost like a man on a mountain shouting, come all who dare! He is a brilliant Director and the way he steered us flawlessly through this eclectic, magical and almost unbelievable tale has left me in no doubt whatsoever of his genius, not that I was ever in any doubt.
Here is one Director who promises us a future of well scripted, wonderfully directed films. Thanks.
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