Reviews

This movie is unique and bold. I don't remember flicks of that scale with such a honest expression on how far may alcohol take you without bridges getting burned behind. It mainly addresses 40-year olds. I wish they do a same movie for a weed.

This hilarious TV series sprays nostalgic Tel Aviv vibe; TA is different from other Israel cities. Having said that, the story told could fit in at any "western" country. It's based on an universal humor, and mostly consists of day-to-day absurdist situations, meticulously planned in script and delivered on screen.

There are not too many bachelors in Israel, probably due to strong family traditions. The very few remained past-30 bachelors face constant pressure from friends, families and other people. Family is unreasonably and unproportionally worrying about him, strangers sympathize with the "poor lonely guy", while the friends are envying - they're certain he's having the time of his life.

Highest praise goes to soundtrack. I enjoyed every little song in the end of episode.

You never get tired of relentless satire aimed at overdose level of bureaucracy abuse in Israel, and probably in lots of other countries. You can't get enough of those countless day-to-day funny situations where law abiding citizen ends up guilty and in debt. Seeng those things happening not only to you, but to many others gives us a relief, maybe that's why we laugh.

There's no character development, basically, no drama, except... You can have it all - wake up in the P.M, go to all the parties in the world, have top notch models doing shifts in our bedroom... But, when the party is over, everybody's gone - you're left alone.

I'll let the other inaccuracies slip. But not this so-screaming one. There's no chance on Earth that someone, but Shin Bet, could capture an American in Judea. This vast error indicates that anyone who visits there is mostly depends on himself, which is really a lie. The area is secured and scanned on a minute-basis to prevent such issues. And now, all of the sudden - a CIA chief is getting captured?! Lame...

I'ma put on a table:

Soundtrack: A perfect duduk monologues makes you even more sentimental. Like the people saving each other on this disaster background is not enough. Actors: Close to a perfect. Armenian actors looked natively natural, Russian - as usual, knowing what they're doing, even the french guy fits in. Script: Strong and weak at the same time. Dramas played surprisingly well, but the camera was too attached to the earthquake epicenter. I think the film would have win couple of points if this catastrophe would have been shown from different angles. Including Mass Media, politicians involvement, additional forces arrival, other cities shown destroyed as well as Spitak. Without all mentioned before - it's not a "disaster movie", but a drama related to disaster. Moreover, the earthquake itself was demonstrated for merely 5 minutes. Which in turn is a disaster for "disaster movies". Of course, all mentioned above require a solid investment, which is probably the reason it didn't play out. Still' it's a solid "Russian disaster movie". All in all - it's improving as we speak. Spirit: Extremely international. A guy from Lesoto, Iceland or Nicaragua would appreciate this movie same as armenian or Russian. It has no "mother tongue", as long as you have them subtitles.

8 out of 10, and I'm tough.

Very strong characters, the ones that make you wanna pour a perfect glass of scotch. All the clichés that this movie had - somehow exposed their golden end. If you're looking for a perfect action thriller - this is your spot. At a start you'll reckon "you've seen it all before" - well, not really. The dynamics, from the middle to the end, are most unpredictable and rather surprising. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is having the time of his life performing in this flick: the voice, the character, the mimics will expose you the new Marv/Hartigan. Supposedly the director came up with a brand-new genre: a "hostage porn movie". And it feels like there will be followers.

Definitely worth a watch.

8 out of 10.

Could have been more if the film was longer.

This movie could have done more. Very good acting. The problem is with the scenario. It's too gloomy at the start, and after - it doesn't get better, until the action point - in the last third of the movie. It would have been more than entertaining in the 70-ies, 80-ies, but now we want action from the start. It keeps you tense until the last minutes. This is movie for a television, not the video file, where you can forward it to a final scene. ... Too tense. And too nasty also - very many disgusting moments which might make you throw up.

All in all - a decent western with a taste of horror.

7 out of 10.

You're dead in one days - that's what the engineer is saying to all the people. But they choose to live another day. They ignore, laughing at him, assault him and beat him. They have no idea - he's mistaken by one another day. No one listens - not the mayor, neither her assistants, neither the occupants of the building. He's definitely right - every professional agrees, but people just... What can you do to tell 800 people they're in danger? Without breaking a law... And the law - is too narrow in Russia - you're either a hero or a criminal. And why do you even have to tell them? Everyone is looking at you like you're somehow even more dangerous than they are. Suburbs, slum dogs... How do you save 800 people from the "ghetto project"? While, meanwhile - your life is in danger. No, you just don't.

8 out of ten, to show you the real Russian reality.

This movie is all about seeking the truth and "professional" revenge. Harrison Ford "The Fugitive (1993)" multiplied by a hundred actions of "action" on the hero's way. It has absolutely no boring moments. The movie flows fluently, like Eminem's rhymes flow. The women are beautiful and dramatic. The men are solid,frank yet rough-tough. Also there's a true sight on the post-Soviet law enforcement agency. On the way it had operated before, and probably still operating now. Considering the actors, the decent plot, dynamics and the performance it is surprising this flick was produced as a "TV" movie. It certainly should have become a blockbuster, could have become a commercial success as well. 8 out of 10. Disregard this (TV) tag.

A touching story all over the two hours, not just in the end. Intrigues - all over the movie, not just in the start. The end of the story - it may end at any moment, and it would still be great. No particular connection to Moscow, Russia, subterranean train - it can be anywhere, any time. People meet each other, struggle, about to die, struggle, survive, get to know each other on a new perspective.

It's a "must pause" every time you go to the bathroom. 'Cause even without the "subway drama", it's still a deepest drama, and it would rise your sentiments to a whole new level. 9 out of 10, but it starts from 9.

If you're a Gogol follower - skip it. The original story ends as the movie proceeds. Yet you would definitely like to step into the new fantasy world, glamorously picturized by the talented scenarist+director. Russia/Ukraine has an awful lot to offer - the whole abyss of an amazing mythology, with stunningly scary monsters rooted in a fascinating history. While the native language speaker will certainly find the movie rather colorful and surprising, the "foreigner" will be stunned by the visualizations and enjoy the unexpected appearance of a Englishman scientist whose stepping in turns this originally "horror" scenario into a detective, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" style. Strongly recommended to those who liked "Hellboy", "Sleepy Hollow" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles"...

8 out of 10

What looks like an ego competition between Russian agent and Jewish oligarch clearly reminds a fruitful "Collaboration" of Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. The story thus contains a healthy Russian/Jewish humor, including Soviet-time hilarious citations. All the interfering gunmen providing the great Bourne Trilogy style background. Russian Mafia/ KGB, performed by the titular actors, do their best to send their message: "We're not playing around". But the Russian Rambo is , as always, supposed to win twice, and he soundly does prove his point. There's also a drama. Not that deep, it'll leave you crying; still serving a viewer with the half-happy-end surprising dish.

8 out of 10, by the highest Hollywood standards.

1. The Grande Sherlock is actually ready to acknowledge he's making mistakes when it comes to solving puzzles. 2. The cops are smart and clever, they're actually helping Sherlock to solve the crimes. After it's been solved, they definitely are willing to show their appreciation for assistance. 3. I don't know where it's going to (it's just a first season), but Sherlock will probably be DOING Dr. Watson. The heroine theme fits just fine as the main character is neither more nor less than the Sick Boy from the Trainspotting, so he certainly knows best what to do when it comes to play a junkie. A modern environment makes the original story even more exciting.

Watchable, entertaining, almost thrilling... Historically correct and fair plot. I would call it unconventional scenario since all the bad guys are "exposed" from the very beginning, so you wouldn't have to wonder. In addition, the "first lady" appears to be extremely unattractive - the fact that is supposed to sort out all of the "Russian Beauty" hunters. The plot is neither predictable, nor "tough". In case you've "got lost" - they politely "guide" you to follow the "correct direction" in the beginning of each series.

It could have been good, really good, an 8.5 TV series, yet they've messed up with the music. Naturally, they suppose you watch it once in a week. This assumption made them believe that you wouldn't notice, that all in all - these series have only three (3!!!) "melodies" to run... could have done better...

SEVEN AND A HALF...