Reviews

I was mesmerized when I watched Head-On back in 2005. It was like a gift as I had not come across with such warm and impressive story especially from Turkish film industry. (Faith Akin is not promoting Turkish cinema 100% but still counts). The Edge of Heaven followed this and it was still an enjoyable movie despite its flaws. I really like Soul Kitchen as this is the first comedy made by the director but it will not be my favourite.

A guy is running a restaurant which serves ready-to-cook stuff and not doing well at all. He is also having personal problems since his girlfriend is moving to China for business purposes. All of a sudden everything changes and his restaurant becomes a big success and trendiest place in town with the touch of a gypsy cook. Then he makes money, his life changes blah blah blah.

Soul Kitchen is not offering a new thing but still has its funny moments. The lead character Adam Bousdoukos is excellent in his role and also Ugur Yucel (Knochenbrecher-Kemal) is so funny with his precious presence in the movie, the rest I have to say that do not add much on to the movie in relation to comedy. They more seem like they are in a drama which unfortunately how Faith Akin directs his film. The scenario was not up to his standards (things happen too fast). My examples the restaurant was not that bad although the food was awful. but business-wise it had a client base and they seemed to be regular. his brother loses everything in one evening although he knows its his only chance to be out of the prison. Restaurant being very popular and it does not seem it becomes very convenient because it serves good food but also for being conveniently located for the students nearby art school.

My main concern about the film is that I watched it as if I was watching another Faith Akin drama but this time forcing you to laugh. I hope Mr. Akin made this movie for fun and will come back with an excellent drama very soon.

Cem Yilmaz is a great comedian and has so many fans in Turkey. Whatever he does is acceptable and mostly laughable for many Turks. Therefore, he has got a good degree of creditability as well. I am thinking that 'Yahsi Bati' is the bast Cem Yilmaz movie only comparing to GORA and AROG. As I mentioned I also think that Cem Yilmaz is a clever and funny guy but I was horrified when I saw GORA as I did not like it a bit. I must admit that after three goes I could not watch the entire movie and gave up. With some of its flaws AROG was a good film but not great. I think Yahsi Bati made me laugh more than the other two. I also believe that classification for the film should be +15 as there are way too many jokes containing swear words ***the kinds that are not approved by Turkish people on the other hand used on daily base by many -)*** I appreciate Cem Yilmaz's efforts to make good films and I believe that all three movies were great when it comes to visual work especially Yahsi Bati was superb.

The movie is about two Ottoman officials trying to deliver a diamond from the Sultan to the American President. On the way they get robbed. Penniless they start a journey to find the diamond and go back to their country.

All cast was successful and there were not a single person I disliked in the cast. I also have the feeling that his new project will take us to China and after Yahsi Bati I have a feeling that I am looking forward to it.

Zombieland was the last movie that I watched in 2009. I had quite a good time as the movie is mixture of comedy and horror. One of the reasons I like this movie is because I don't like Zombie movies as pure horror. In the past I watched Shaun of the Dead and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Zombieland is not trying to tell us how things went wrong and people became Zombies. It is going straight to the point and showing us the ways of survival. The film starts with a good speed with those key ways of avoiding Zombies. (of course Columbus *Jesse Eisenberg* is the main character who is walking us through).

Then he meets a born-to-be a zombie killer Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) and they start their journey together. In fact they join their powers and methods and even in your seats you feel much safer. But this doesn't mean they are unbeatable. They meet two sisters on the way and all the way along they are cheated by these two girls. Their aim is to go to a theme park which is supposed to have no zombies around. Our two guys join the girls and they all head up to Florida and they encounter funny situations. Especially Bill Murray part is the best of this movie.

All in all it is great fun to watch but also gives you the feeling why on earth this movie was made. For fun and no high expectations go and watch.

Most comedy films are inspired from 80's youth comedies. Most of them decorated with low grade and cheesy jokes which make people laugh. Some changed their concept and made again cheesy but rather clever movies in the 90's best example is the American Pie. When we look back and see 2006 we see Cilgin Dersane (still the reason of making it is unknown to most). Its production is collide with the year of Turkish cinemas one of the most productive years. This is we can as an unfortunate and pathetic attempt and willing to forget as quick as possible.

The film revolves around a bunch of students who are preparing for university exam but the school (in this case students have to attend separately from their original schools which is in a financial crises). Do we see these kind of students around all they think about is fun, sex and doing absolutely nothing. We hope not to but unfortunately yes. But not all in the same classroom and as silly as these ones.

I mean who cares about saving this school from bankrupt once we know that none of the students will be successful. It is better of to close it down and get rid of the mess altogether. However, everyone should own the responsibility that we encourage the production companies and directors by paying money to watch them in the cinema since it is an easy way of getting more money. Absolutely no worries about providing a high quality movie unless showing young girls' waists, breasts and legs until the very end. I didn't find it funny a bit. It was rather scary to think that there are still films made like this and they attract around 1 million audience box-office result. I usually respect whatever the movie can be since it is a result of at least one human being's work. But there is no work done here absolutely none. * out of *****

As we all may have known what JCVD stood for, the story is about a famous actor having a big fall in his career. He is battling on more than one ground actually. In addition to that he is in court with his wife on her daughter's custody and not doing well there either. While trying to sort out the problems he goes to a bank in his home town and he finds himself in the middle of a bank robbery.

We see what happens inside and what it seems like from outside that is a good storyline.It shows all complications in Van Damme's life and difficulties of handling them from his point of view.

I am not a fan of Van Damme but I must say that this is the only Van Damme movie that he actually has to act and he is pretty good at that. It may be asked why the vote is only 5 then. Well, it all depends on the viewers mood as well. Although I thought it wasn't bad at all, I also didn't think it was worth more than 5. Well, I must say that most of Van Damme fans were very disappointed to see him acting and being in a movie with a topic actually. ** out of *****

If you want a thoughtful film with depth, WANTED is not your cup of tea. But it is an enjoyable movie to watch. It is a feel good movie and perfect choice for the ones who does not want a complicated storyline. The story is a simple one. The James McAvoy character is a low-grade accountant with a small office cubicle at a mediocre accounting firm with a boss from hell. His girlfriend is sleeping with his best friend. He has an all round lack of application. He rents a lowly apartment near a noisy railway line and he is the butt of jokes at the work place. The fact he does not know yet is his father is a hit-man from a secret group called Fraternity. He is approached and told that his father has been killed on the job and that he has rare talents for being a hit-man. He is then trained to become a hit-man with the ultimate aim of having him avenge his father's death. The training is atrocious includes being able to bend a bullet to hit your target, running on top of high speed trains. All main characters are doing their parts well. I especially like James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. WANTED does not require a full acting ability but at least we know that all players do their part with much effort. WANTED invites you to suspend your brains for a while and release your imagination. If you can do that for about 120 minutes then its a guaranteed fun time. *** OUT OF *****

The film starts with a horrifying scene where uniformed soldiers tortures a group of villagers. In the following minutes however, we do not come across with the same violent scenes. It is a very good way of creating a gripping storyline and that is the most important asset of the director and film's itself. After seeing the beginning, we think that something is bound to happen to one of the main characters.

The Violin is a black and white movie and it gives the audience an impression of a documentary film from time to time. The main three characters the old man Plucarto, his son and grandson all excellent. But of course, the old man should have the biggest slice of the compliments.

We congratulate the director for creating an amazing movie with such brilliant cast. **** out of *****

Brazil in 1970. Our protagonist Mauro is left with his grandfather by his mum and dad who have to escape from the police since they are accused of being political criminals. But, unluckily, Mauro's granddad dies just before he is dropped off to his house.His father tells Mauro that they are going away on holiday and will be back by the start of the world cup. He keeps waiting for his parents in a small Jewish neighborhood in Sao Paolo. Despite being a Jew himself, he doesn't know anything about Jewish traditions and religion.He warms up with the people in the neighborhood while waiting for his parent's return. The political pressure starts affecting this little neighborhood as well although they are not interested in politics at all.

It is a little film from Brazil. My personal opinion is it was just okay. I felt sorry for Mauro for being left all alone. But he is a little tough guy that he managed to live by himself. I was a bit concerned about the characterization since I found it messy. There was no bound with Mauro and anyone in the film that can be remembered afterwards. There were people floating around Mauro but that's all. What amazed me most is that the film shows the Brazilian people's joy and their love for football. Even in the hardest times. I found the scene of socialist students watching the game Brazil against Czechs. When Czechs score they say that it is good for socialist brothers but when Brazil scores their hidden nationalism comes out and they go wild. In general, I would give it a *** out of *****

Paul Verhoven's Hollow Man is not much. It doesn't do anything new or interesting with its premise. Mostly used special effects doesn't do much contribution to the movie that it should have.

It's also a curiously timid and unadventurous movie that doesn't even try to challenge its audience and seems a particular disappointment coming from a director whose other failures ("Showgirls," "Starship Troopers") have tended to be epic, outlandish and daring.

Kevin Bacon plays arrogant scientist Sebastian Caine, who is transformed after testing a top-secret, irreversible serum on himself.

When the return serum fails, he finds himself trapped in the state, gradually goes insane and turns into a serial killer.

Overall, invisibility effects were cool, but after Sebastian's transformation, there's nothing but dawdling around until he finally goes insane. ** out of *****

Mr. Ali lives alone after her daughter's death and his wife leaving him as she accuses of the death. He is much loved by the neighbour members for his qualities such as charitable, good-natured.

He spends most of his time with his neighbour's handicapped child and his son's father-in law.Despite not being alone he feels loneliness as his son is quite ignorant to him and he is not thinking of having a child.

His sons marriage is not going well. Sinan is a successful businessman but not spending much time for his wife as much as his work and other women.

All Mr. Ali wants is happiness towards the end of his life.

With the straight and uninteresting story line Gulum is not going above average. Acting is good from Tarik Akan's end. I even found Rutkay Aziz slightly weak. No need to mention about Okan Bayulgen as Sinan. I can barely stand him and he was so ridiculous in the part he was demonstrating the importance of handshake.

Give it a *** out of *****

Reviews on Gun Shy might be slightly misleading to me especially people with the same movie taste with me, as I don't think Gun Shy should get full stars or marks. I think it was just an okay film with lots of up and down moments. What I mean with that is it was not a gripping film from start to end.(Gives opportunity to people who likes to doze off in movies)

Gun Shy tells us the story of an undercover DEA AGENT(Liam Neeson)who is almost killed by gangsters. He only wants to retire but reluctantly accepts a final job. Being stressed up he starts therapy and he also meets with a quirky nurse(Sandra Bullock)whom he falls for in another treatment.Meanwhile, his final case brings him into contact with Fulvio Nesstra(Oliver Platt)an insanely violent mobster with a surprisingly tender side. Fulvio's secret passion is his failing tomato garden.

Liam Neeson and most of the cast look uncomfortable and lost in their roles. I only found Sandra Bullock better than the rest only in terms of acting not producing part.Contains frequent strong language, scenes of a sexual nature and some strong violence. ** out of *****

My expectation was high when I hired the Butterfly Effect 2 as it is the sequel of a very well-made movie about time travel.

The original movie was very entertaining and thought-provoking. It was very gripping and each scene was shocking than the one before. Unfortunately, this sequel has no charm of the original and it is so boring.

The lead actor can travel by looking at his photos rather than reading his diary. This was one of the qualities of the first film as not many people have childhood diaries and it is an easy task to look at the photos.When he splits up with his girlfriend I found it hardly effective. There was not much of shocks like in the first film especially when Aston Kuscher lost his arms.

The acting is appalling from all involved. There is no chemistry between the lead and his girlfriend. There are times when the film looks like becoming a soft porn movie. I wish it was possible to go back in time and never watch the film again. * out of *****

Two popular actors are paired in showtime like De Niro and Murphy playing a police and an actor. Although they share the most screen time together, they do not reach their expected performances such films like Analyse This, Meet the Parents, Dr Doolittle and Nutty Professor. The film starts interestingly but becomes a thin, ordinary comedy which is quite disappointing.It feels like especially De Niro doesn't enjoy being in Showtime. Thats a shame because he really shows his feelings thats what I think. Unfortunately, if the idea had been used cleverly this could have been a more interesting piece of work and could be followed with a sequel like any other popular Hollywood movie. Well, I don't think there would be a sequel to this at least casting De Niro and Murpy again. ** out of *****

Set in Manhattan, "Just My Luck" Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine make a charming couple. The scenario of the film has good enough subject to keep especially teenage girls hooked. The film is about lucky Ashley who is taking giant steps in her career with the help of her incredible luck. Jack on the other hand, is the worlds unluckiest guy. What ever he does or touches come back to him with disastrous results. Their path crosses in a masked ball.. They kiss and Jack sucks up Ashley's amazing luck with this kiss. What happens next?? Ashley goes down the steps very quickly and becomes unemployed, meanwhile, Jack starts being surprisingly successful. Ashley sees a fortune teller and realizes that she has lost her luck with the kiss. She has to find the man who stole the most important thing from her. When they meet again without knowing that they kissed in the ball, Jack is a successful manager and she is a wreck.He offers Ashley a cleaning job which is what he used to do before kissing Ashley. In this romantic comedy, Lohan convincingly plays Ashley, a young woman beginning her career. Pine is also good as her love interest. *** out of *****

Frankie Muniz plays Jason who is a high school student. His biggest problem is his life is built on small or big lies that puts him into trouble most times. However, he cannot escape from his teacher and he finishes his creative writing homework just before its deadline. While he is biking fast to hand his homework to the teacher, he crushes into a car. As he explains the situation to grumpy man(Giamatti) in the car, he gives him a lift to his school. But the problem is Jason leaves his homework in the car, the other way of saying this is Marty Wolf(Giamatti) steals it.

After a few months Jason goes to a movie and sees a trailer that takes him aback. Because the story of the movie is based on his homework. He tells that to his parents but of course they don't believe him. Especially his father uses words which insults him. Jason decides to go to LA and find Wolf to tell his father that Jason is not a liar. When Wolf refuses it, Jason takes action and ruins his life.

This is the short story of the Big Fat Liar. Well, as a kids movie it might be a light hearted one but there are some errors that even could would ask if that is possible. Such as, having such a small amount of money and going to LA with a friend to sort the problem out, having access to this cinema producer's highly protected house and office, setting up a telecommunications system overnight.Does it seem believable? It does not. Well this is a kids movie but kids are not that gullible.

Big Fat Liar offers some little pleasure to its target audience. Unfortunately, I am not a big fat liar to say that this is a good movie. ** out of *****

Okul"The School" is a result of a new trend in Turkish cinema. Having used the same stories over and over again new generation directors finally come up with different ideas. Of course, it doesn't mean that they are all grand. I think Okul is one of them. It is supposed to be a scary movie but it is not. It is not successful on being scary either. So what is it? Actors are so average especially Deniz Akkaya is pretty annoying with the teacher role. I am sure it could have been better if it was tried on harder. Maybe concentrating on one topic such as making it scary or vice versa. But directors have missed the target this time. ** out of *****

Lara Croft is a famous and successful video game. It was brought to the big screen with plenty of action. It is not bad to watch all these meaningless action especially the first half. I found the second half a bit boring.

But!!! Angelina Jolie makes an awesome appearance as Lara Croft. I cannot imagine or think of anyone else who could fit into this role. She is the biggest pro in the film and she makes the entire film watchable. Not being a Lara Croft fan, I didn't find it extremely good. I didn't find it incredibly bad, nonetheless, a bit boring towards the end. ** out of *****

With Scorpion King, we go back 5000 years ago. We meet Matayus(The Rock), one of the last person of his race which is known for their excellent assassin skills. The film is about Matayus and other tribes' coming together to fight against evil ruler Memmon who is cruel all tribes on his way and put them under his slavery. Next, we see Matayus and his friends sneaking into the notorious city of Gomorrah and meet a beautiful woman called Cassandra. Their try to lure Memmon out of the Gomorrah fails. Matayus and his friends will have to go back and fight with the devil again.

We see Scorpion King as the main and the good character although he was not as nice as in Mummy Returns. Acting in the film is not the best thing and well you shouldn't expect anything above average really. He was good in fight scenes as he is a WWF pro wrestler. That is how he is considered to get people into the movie theaters.

Well, it is not a good film. Sometimes, I felt like I was watching a TV programme like Hercules or Xena. There wasn't much special effects either to save the movie from going down. I could only recommend this film to the real The Rock fans. * out of *****

O Simdi Asker(He Is In The Army Now)is a nice idea of observing the Turkish Army. I felt that the story was nice, actors were good especially Mehmet Gunsur and Ali Poyrazoglu were great. Scenario was good up until the end but it was a big mess up in the last 10 minutes. I was also a bit mixed up with it whether it was a comedy or drama.

The story takes place in an army base where all soldiers who fulfil their duties for only 28 days with a payment. It was a once-made law after the big earthquake in 1999, August to compile some money for the government to recover. This arrangement of course allowed so many Turks who had been escaping from the army. Of course, there are so many different characters and some funny and sad stories and of course love too.

I am not a big fan of Mr. Altioklar's. His films get out of his directions somehow. In this film, it was the same problem and also as I mentioned above the ridiculous ending. Well, it could have been a better film but so far his best film I have seen anyway. ** out of *****

The title above is used to introduce the film "Gen" to its audience. Gen is about a young doctor(Doga Rutkay) with an ill mother. The film starts with her leaving her mother behind to start her new job. While she drives, we realise that she is not that close home as the hospital is in a remote area. As soon as she steps into the garden of the hospital, she sees the death body of a patient. This is the beginning of a nightmare for the next few days.

Two policemen comes to the hospital so as to investigate the suicide. In fact, they will have to stay in the hospital because all roads are cut off due to bad weather conditions. All their communication with outside world is cut off too. There is no way out!! In those few days, there will be more nasty murders. Now everybody suspects from each other.

In my opinion, the idea is brilliant. It could have been very scary indeed. There are positive sides of the movie of course. I really like the beginning of the movie. Especially, when she drives to the hospital and her first moments in the hospital. Actings are okay. Some of them are trying too hard to be mysterious and scary though. I think the final shock should have been spread into the through out of the movie. What I am saying is, it was a good twist but instead of showing it as a parody in the end, we should have realised that was coming when we see what is happening. The director needed to explain it altogether which I think didn't work well. Also the most dangerous patient in the movie is supposed to be at least 48 years old but his body looks so young and fit for someone who spends most of his life in this hospital. Lastly, I would like to say a few things about the director. I am sure he will improve. This is his first attempt. I have recently found out that he is only 21 years old. That made me feel more positive about him and his future films. I am not going to rate this film * out of ***** though.

I watched Aquamarine on a lazy Sunday afternoon with two girls who will be on their teen ages in a couple of years. It was interesting to observe how much they enjoyed Aquamarine. I also agreed with one of the quotes in the movie. When Ray gets surprised to hear that Aquamarine has been to Fiji islands, he says that it must feel wonderful to be there. Aquamarine's answer is "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy it but who you are going there with". I think that must be the summary of the movie for me. I usually keep my expectations high and get disappointed in many films. However, I did not have this problem when I picked Aquamarine amongst other DVDs. Maybe any other day I would have hated this film so much but on a quite Sunday with two sweet teenage to-be girls, I though Aquamarine was harmless and such a sweet film to watch. Recommended. ** out of *****

Kadinin Adi Yok(Women Has No Name) is an adaptation of the best selling novel in Turkey, written by Duygu Asena. It is a big shame that we lost Duygu Asena and the director Atif Yilmaz within four months. As they were both acclaimed names in their areas. In this review, of course I will have to leave the book aside as it was written well and got its appraisal. Unfortunately, I could not say the same for the film. It has such a good source to make a film that it is a shame to see Atif Yilmaz wasted it. It might be harsh but I think this is Atif Yilmaz's worst film in his career. After leaving her husband and her job Isik(Soygazi) goes to her friend's summer house. While she is there, she starts to think what went wrong in her life and whether they all were her mistakes or not. She thinks about her father and her childhood and their effects on her. In addition to this, she tries to figure out if those effects had an important part on her relations with men. She then starts writing up her past. She asks herself whether she will survive of the loneliness and unhappiness of all those years. If yes, how? While she is writing, Orhan(Arman) comes to the house. He is a friend of Isik's friend and is a translator. Orhan founds Isik's writings by mistake and reads them. After that, they establish a friendship. That's how the storyline is. However, pictures are dark, actors are not that enthusiastic and over all it is very depressing. We are not actually reaching the outcomes what the book tends to. Isik's dilemma, loneliness and unhappiness is not reflected as good as it was in the book. I am seeing this film as a wasted opportunity. * out of *****

This thriller evolves around Frank Morrison(Travolta) who had a failed marriage and has a son. He starts to worry about his son when his ex meets and decides to marry a wealthy and powerful local(Frank). Since then, Frank thinks that his son is acting different and hiding something from him. More Fank digs into what Frank is up to, more he finds about his dirty businesses and even a murder. Domestic disturbance is not a remarkable movie. It has been done so many times in different levels. It keeps you interested right until the end. But it is also very predictable. I could best describe this one as a TV movie. Not a bad film but just predictable and has wasted talents. ** out of *****