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patrickvanrinsvelt
Reviews
Nightmare Alley (2021)
Links, nods, innuendo in a visual spectacle
Is this fast paced? No. Why? Too much going on. There are so many small visual, acting, and vocal tidbits throughout this environment masterpiece. It's one that I am trying to squeeze everything out of as I have just watched this for the fifth time.
Is it gripping? Yes, if you appreciate the story that is being told. Let yourself become part of the atmosphere that del Toro creates. Lights off and soft surround sound if you can. Like most of Guillermo's films, the environment is everything.
The acting talent abounds and when dealing with a movie about grifting, you are never quite sure about who is deceiving who.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Simply beautiful with an OK story
Wow. Talk about a gorgeous period piece. Del Toro is truly in his element here with perfect settings, creepy atmospheres, and superb cinematography. The acting is amazing with Tom Hiddleston just shining in a role that is just so suited for him. It's a great movie for Halloween for those that don't like the real horror films. This is more of a villainous story with ghosts and other creepy things and, in the end, fairly predictable. Does the story take away from the movie? Not really. It is still a graphically beautiful movie and well worth the time to watch. Make sure to turn down the lights and watch out for the jump scares.
The Week Of (2018)
Not for everyone
This was truly an interesting one to watch, especially if you are an Adam Sandler fan. In most cases the humor was very dry, which I love. Had its fair share of physical humor too and this was subdued. I was trying to place the type of comedy but it was almost Charlie Chaplin esque. As it continued to develop, it turns out to be a story of love, tolerance, and joy. Just not in a format that most would be used to. Kinda like a mix of Parenthood and 16 Candles, with the wacky Sandler humor mixed in. There is not doubt that what came out was very different, but I thoroughly enjoyed it in watching what every father tries to do for their children.
Seven Sharp (2013)
Fluff. No substance.
Just saw the head of a company called MyHR and no mention of the Great Resignation. Gym membership? NO! Higher wage, work from home, leaders not managers. Especially during an inflationary period. Wussy reporting.
The Ranch (2016)
Love the Heartland!
Besides a view to what the pride ranchers have in their profession, as I now have even more, this is a dramatic masterpiece. Enough laughs to make it fun, perfect cast, and the love of a family and friends. But it's pretty serious stuff and the cast is able to mix it well. Enough cussing to make ya giggle. Sam Elliott? Debra Winger? And all the rest? Can't be beat.
Anne (2017)
Simply beautiful.
What a gorgeous return to the simple pleasures of great entertainment. The characters are so well developed, Anne and Marilla simply taking this to another place. The cinematography is stunning and the story is heartwarming. Great family entertainment.
Annihilation (2018)
Had potential but the science blew it
Really did seem like a nice mix of Alien, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and the Blob. The science let the whole thing down and the story moved out of what could be to a tripped out interpretation of what cells do when they are floating all around. Silly. Maybe if they had grounded this more to facts the story would have been better.
The Dead Don't Die (2019)
My first Jarmusch
Wow. This is truly a quirky, intelligent, beautifully acted, comedy. It's very dry, and you gotta pay attention. Sure, it's about zombies but there is so much other interaction going on. The sound, visuals, language, and camera angles just add to the fun. Well be watching this again as soon as I finish it.
World War Z (2013)
An intelligent thrill ride
Ok. It's a zombie movie. But very well done and very intelligent. You'll find yourself looking up terms and principles that the movie uses to move the plot along. Decision processes, military terms, and a host of great international actors makes this film very believable. Quite frightening how close we could be to something like this. Only thing missing is a zombie.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Watch this one more than once
It's a true film maker that creates something like this that you just can't catch on the first viewing. A work of art in every aspect of filmmaking.
When you watch it the second, third, etc. time, the nuances of the characters in play, the scenery, editing, and viewer attachment changes. It is a living film that though it's presentation had not changed, your reaction and appreciation does.
It's a bit like reading Animal Farm when you are 16 and then again later in life.
The War of the Worlds (2019)
Snore. Had potential but died at the end.
Was following the book quite closely at the beginning so I was hopeful. The last half of the second part was just awful. Slow, boring, irrelevant. Should be buried with the aliens within.