Reviews

I like Ricci as a woman and as obviously the producers noticed, i am not the only one, so the film appeared as a good excuse to expose her naked to the eyes of the general ( male) public. I guess that falls short from being a cure all redeeming feature though. In a nutshell, we have a good cast in an inconclusive film. Some of the plot appears unnatural. SOME SPOILERS AHEAD:For example the quarrel scene at the dinner, felt over the top and forced,with Ricci's character to be acting as a puppet following a script ,rather than a true person responding to the actual events taking place. More importantly though,many contradictory facts prevent the viewer from reaching a certain conclusion as to the central question of the whole plot, which remains unresolved until the very end. Is the protagonist dead or alive after her car accident? The simple answer is that you cannot give an answer, because there are some very important contradictory facts that render both versions unreasonable! If she was alive why couldn't she be heard by her fiancé over the phone when she finally reached one? It couldn't have been the ( almost astronomical) coincidence of a bad line at the particular instance(she heard him just fine) because Neeson's character appeared calm and certain at the particular scene that she wouldn't be heard properly. He wouldn't have sabotaged his own office Phone ( otherwise working in the rest of the film) since the eventuality that Ricci's character ( locked in the basement) would reach a phone in the house could not have been anticipated. The stealing of the keys was not intended by him and actually came to him as a major surprise. Once it was discovered by chance a few minutes after-wards it led to his rushing back home.If on the other hand she was dead, how could she then pick up things or break them or breathe etc. Notwithstanding the supernatural explanation that (only) the Neeson character could "talk" to the dead, how could they mobilize, move around and interact with the environment even in his absence? It is clear that none of these actions were parts of a dream sequence.It doesn't matter that the "she is alive " clues are eventually more ( and far more obvious) than the "she is dead" clues. The film makers manage the impossible : Without introducing in any way the "zombie" notion, they exclude both possibilities.In David Lynch's films there is such quality that you feel instinctively that there has to be an explanation ( or more ) that could make sense of it all.The question is not whether there is an explanation but which one is the more suitable? In this film you begin and finish with a "what the ..." and before halfway, you simply know from the glaring inconsistencies piling up, that the director blew it and won't be getting out of the mess she made of things. And unavoidably, you stop caring about what happens to the obviously neither dead nor alive character played by beautiful Ricci. Despite the ( many) naked scenes...

No need to write a comprehensive review as details of the plot etc can be found elsewhere and i don't like spoilers. Di Caprio's acting is as good as usual and the rest of the cast do pretty well ( Michelle Williams being the almost sad exception).The production values are high , still the film is not as convincing as it should/could have been. The element of surprise is somehow weakened by some elements that "warn" the experienced viewer of what will eventually folllow. The obvious of some observations or conclusions prevents you from really identify with the main character in his emotions and approach. In some scenes the characters appear pretentious or simplistic . The film is also ridden with many thriller/horror clichés. And is it just me or is it the case that some plot holes or loose ends are not covered/ answered sufficiently in the end? Bottomline : If in view of the high ratings you are expecting to see a film in par with say seven or the sixth sense , you need to lower your expectations. It's the only way to enjoy it fot what it is. A no brainer entertaining thriller suitable for a rainy winter night.

OK ,i did find the premise interesting , but come on, the acting is frequently over the top, the characters reactions extreme and unbelievable and so is the ease by which the central heroes "score" with women looking better than top models, as well as their total "immunity" to the occasionally "out of this world" beauty and heavenly figure of some of their "victims" until the "right" one comes along...Needless to say that despite it's somewhat original premise ,the film is ridden with clichés and of course a cheesy "happy" end...The movie tries hard to not be too sleazy, but sleazy enough for teenagers but the result is not so attractive... On the other hand, there are some clever lines and funny scenes and likable protagonists. Overall though unconvincing and unsatisfactory and therefore, overrated...

Yes it is a low budget film and it shows, especially 20 years after it's original release. But it grips you and holds you till the end, which actually against all odds manages to be a "happy" one...Some of the scenes are really impressively violent and raw and have some kind of dark attraction.If you add to these ,the existential dilemma of the desperate and seemingly hopeless hero of the film and his romantic relationship with the beautiful enigmatic girl vampire who tries to save him, then you understand why the viewer is hooked. The main reviewer who says in his review that there is no explanation as to how the vampires are turned into humans again, obviously missed something. The vampires are turned into humans via transfusion of human blood in their veins.You may consider this implausible ,but then isn't the existence of human vampires the premise of the movie implausible itself? There is no plot hole there.See again the scene where Caleb's father does exactly such a transfusion to Caleb to restore him...Overall an enjoyable film if you can "swallow" it's premise and it's low budget feel...7.5/10

This one i viewed after listening to some very bad comments ..And i didn't regret it.I love sci fi action films being a comics fun since i was a kid and the "incredible" Hulk was always one of my favorite heroes(or anti-heroes rather)...The movie is shot in a style that won't appeal to everybody.Think of Daredevil and you ll know what i mean.It moves slow to it's climax it is often dark and the acting is not always convincing.The directors use of camera, multiscreen and the music soundtrack rank from interesting to dubious for some tastes.So it's not as charismatic or important as Spidreman is.Also the fact that the film is introductory to the life of our hero doesn't leave room for much plot other than his struggle to find himself and co exist with others..... But the appearance of the actors is spot on and so is Hulk himself.Most importantly the outside daytime scenes with Hulk in action are amazing and believe me unmissable for any movie fan... Unless you hated x-men you MUST see it:6.5/10

There are enough comments so i won't repeat them..The essential problem of the movie is the lack of importance of it's theme.. Like the characters of the movie showing their surprise that somehow they are helping nasa but without really believing they are important enough, you can't help but feeling that the whole theme of the movie is not so strong a premise to hold the burden of a whole film.The semi-romantic and humor moments can't save the day either.The performances are basic and the successful result of the mission to the moon is well known before the viewing of the film..There are no spectacular visual effects or any real tension to compensate the viewer either.Good enough for t.v maybe but not for cinema.Waste your time if you must, just don't expect too much.. 4/10

I saw it when it first came out and i liked it instantly..It evolves around the idea that through a heart transplant a rather conservative man suddenly adopts the wild crave and love(obsession would be the suitable word) for the opposite sex that the donor possessed and that eventualy led to his demise...Sweet ,romantic and passionate in an attractive european sort of way ..7/10

I won't attempt a full review.I mean everyone knows about the plot of the film and who the cast was.It was after all a smash in the box office..But not a favorite of the critics.Even it's score in the present site shows that it is not so highly regarded among cinema fans. The reasons? Well for one Verhoeven is too commercially focused in his approach and the dialog the twists and the whole atmosphere of the film is too clichéd and hollywoodish and too manipulative even, for it's own good.Without being able to sustain a finesse that saviors other similarly flawed but more "classic" attempts in some film noir ..Some seem to believe that the acting was fine.Well it was not...The dialogues are unnecessarily rude often annoying and wooden and they convey in a cold manner the attitude of the characters which is very "ninenties" like, that is, over macho and supposedly "cool".In result the characters just appear selfish and over-stylishly empty.You can relate to them i suppose if you are easily impressed or if you can adopt such a self centered emptiness..But why should you?If you found yourself over-enjoying this film and you are over 25 then i would think that a reevaluation of your system of values would be in order....

At times while watching you wonder whether Leigh is serious about this attempt..Did he really try to create a moving film and lead the viewer to catharsis? The feeling conveyed by this film is a blend of drama and comedy.I mean at some scenes while a dramatic music is accompanying the plot centered around the life of the unmarried english middleaged Cynthia ,her behavior just makes you wanna laugh..Because she is so convincingly naive and "simple" that even her unhappiness seams comic.Her smooth manered brother Maurice is also enjoyable as the photographer who knows his job well but lives an unfullfiled life with a wife he loves but without a child.Does it sound like a brtittish soap opera?More so if you knew the rest of the plot and the simplicity of the messages conveyed through it.One obvious being that people need love and that love is a solution to human lonliness..Except the dialogue is not "wooden" the acting is very good the picture is cinematic and so on..But the question remains:"Is this atempt a serious one?"Is it a drama or a comedy? Well it doesn't matter...Either by chance or due to a "deeper" approach the blend works..Because life is neither "serious" nor "funny" nor "simple" nor "complex" ,or rather is all that .The film may not be an unforgetable or exactly exiting cinematic experience.But it is not a silly melodrama that forces pitty emotions out of you either.It is enjoyable and satisfying because you can identify with the characters and their reactions as human biological units that don't always understand their feelings and emotions or their purpose but experience them all the same and are ruled by them..7.5/10

This light extremely pleasant movie is full of virtues.The European artistic approach is more than obvious in each scene where every single detail is planned, the colors are superb,the soundtrack by Tiersen excellent with some of the most memorable music accompanying a film you'll ever hear (i actually bought the soundtrack BEFORE seeing the film)and the acting is funny and convincingly "cute" in a way that only the french can achieve...The movie as a whole is a beautiful fairy tale executed in a witty manner by people who enjoy what they are doing with imagination and faith .And the end result is sheer cinematic magic to anybody who is ready to watch with an open heart and mind.A journey into the beauty of a young woman's "soul" and the dreamlike clarity of her world-view. It's as if Amelie sheds her light to everybody and everything surrounding her rendering them interesting to the viewer as part of her world.Nothing groundbreaking, or dramatic or really "important" happens in the film..But the plot can't be criticized.Nor the depth factor if we want to be fair...The movie is after all and in all it's immense artistic beauty a ( somewhat romantic)comedy .The dialog and narration are very witty as is the surprise ending.And as in other European movies artistic references are also present. The effort to understand the inner emotions of a girl in portrait by Renoir is an obvious example.Asking for more would probably be something similar to asking more salt in a cake... So is it perfect? Well to me in it's genre is as close to cinematic perfection as anyone ever reached.The replay value of the movie is also very high .You will go back to it from time to time.All in all a solid 10/10.Enjoy without reservations...

This film is another missed opportunity.Dreyfus's performance as a pilot who everybody loves for his lively persona and humor (during his living version at least) is delightful .He incarnates convincingly one of the most likable characters you can encounter in a movie.His popularity is exposed and manifested carefully until it reaches the absolute climax.And then we have the major twist of the movie and of course Spielberg has to ruin what he so carefully achieved by leaning towards the melodramatic as he almost always does .The easy predictable solution that compromised the quality of even the would be masterpiece "Shindler's List" reducing it to a two thirds worthwhile experience and almost totally ruined "Empire of the sun" again haunts this effort.Spielberg has and seeks for no excuses.His approach is the easy commercial one and it is made consciously.But for the thinking viewer it is another let down.Of course the film was not meant to be an epic and many would argue that as a light drama it fulfills some basic expectations .Still, after a flying start and a near perfect first half you expect much more and the disappointment for the soap opera that follows is great . A movie is supposed to be watched throughout .More realism and less dramatic pretension and supernatural interventions would have benefited this film greatly.Parts of Spielberg films are to be included in the very best in cinematic history.This film has its share of very good "light" moments.But as a total it is definitely average at best.And it hurts to admit that once again another of the films that include one of my favorite first halves has to be rated as low as any other mediocre film.Worth your while only if you are prepared to be lifted high only to be thrown down again.Without a parachute...5.5/10

This is one of the most successful attempts of Spielberg to create his masterpiece and it's just off the mark..It suffers from what appears to haunt most Spielberg's efforts that is the 2/3 syndrome.For almost two hours the movie is appropriately realistic raw even and its plot is clever and absorbing .The acting is mostly top class especially from Neeson who balances superbly between shroudness and kindness and Ralph Fieness who incarnates the brutality and insanity of the third Reich and considers Jews subhumans. The cinematography is wonderful as usual and the camera work exemplary.The anti war message is conveyed in a strong shocking manner as is the message for human compassion in the middle of the holocaust.Similar qualities graced "The empire of the sun" .But as it happened in that movie as well , the balance gradually gets lost.Not due to miscalculation but due to a conscious submission to the melodramatic ...The public gets what the public wants? Maybe from a commercial point of view Spielberg's approach is more appealing to the patriotic or peace loving audience that loves the melodramatic. Not so if you belong to the group of people that don't like art to be reduced to a preaching to the converted.Not if you consider realism a virtue in this type of films.Not if you don't like mellow approaches. You can't fault the first two thirds of the movie.The movie is as it is exceptional, but not a masterpiece, by choice..I admire Spielberg for what he can create and has partly created but not what he chose to do to the end of potentially one of the best movies of all times for definitely non artistic reasons.. 7.5 out of 10 (10/10 for the first two thirds and 3/10 for the rest)

A great vintage comedy based on an original idea with non stop comic action and hilarious gags that will keep you laughing all the way.The actors are superb demonstrating the human weakness in a splendid manner.They do their best to stay of smoking for a month to win the big money prize.It sounds easy but is almost impossible because the city is full of fanatic smokers including the town's doctor who is the heaviest of them all.Will they make it?You'll never know until the end because....I can't reveal anything else Find it and watch it now..I love this film and i can't understand why it has not been reissued on dvd yet.Surely it deserves it and i for one would buy it instantly.Deserves to be in any self respecting comedy collection.....8 out of 10

So what if some of the ideas in this are not original and what if Arnie's acting is not arty or particularly strong? The plot is still very interesting the action intense, the visual effects impressive and the twists unpredictable...And if you watch such a film you must be prepared to enjoy macho action scenes without too much criticism and without demanding deep social messages... But as already noted, this is not a brainless action movie..It is very absorbing since it involves the cloning of people and the lookalikes that pop up in the movie keep the viewer guessing who is who or what until the end...Arnold is his regular self..Clumsy as an actor but somehow not offending and in his gigantic sort of way kind of likable and convincing even...The mystery of this guy's popularity cannot be fully discussed here, but one thing is certain .This film is not a disappointment.It is in my book his best after T2 and Total recall.And these are the only three movies by Arnie that you must see.... It surprises me that many rate True lies higher although it has a much poorer (to put it mildly) plot.Maybe the ideas on which the storyline progresses are not original but they are put in very good use... This is a far more interesting and mature movie in every aspect..Rent it or if you really like Total recall as i do buy it on DVD..I rate it 7.5 out of 10

The battle scenes that are the major part of the film look more real and less "heroic" than most Hollywood productions.At times a raw anti war rather than patriotic message is conveyed. This is good in my book. The main problem is that the character build up is lacking and the viewer is not given the opportunity to identify with any of them.And that is a crucial shortcoming ..You don't get to know them ,you don't get to feel for them....The acting itself is sufficient for supporting acts but no performance is particularly strong.The whole experience of watching this film is not a waste of time, but it leaves a lot to be desired.If you are a fan of no nonsense, non epic war films you can proceed. With caution....

The cinematography in the movie is really very good , and it is obvious that somehow( in an obviously perverted manner the director enjoys what he is doing), so it could be a camp classic for some, but ultimately this blend of ( more bad than black) humor and disgust rather than horror mixes badly and will fail to satisfy most viewers... Not the case if you are a teenager who considers torturing cats fun or if you have hidden sadistic tendencies.. Plenty of gory murder scenes for the fans of bloodbaths, but the whole concept of the murderous housewife is unconvincing and annoyingly over the top.The motive for each murder is ridiculous and unfunny.Don't try watching this highly disturbing movie unless under coercion , or the influence of drugs or alcohol or otherwise in a very peculiar mood to watch senseless disgusting gore in (admittedly) beautiful colors... Now that i think about it i may watch it again someday...

My impression is that since the early ninenties and especially after "green fried tomatoes" was released movies regarding human relations and/or tragedy and using narative as their spine became fashionable..Countless movies followed that i dont care to mention most of them inferior than the original they tried to follow and one of them is Shawshank redemption.Sure it is not a mellow love story but about life in prison that is objectively hard.But somehow the typical ingredients are there.The film is mostly sad and melodramatic and one can even consider it romantic in a way.Despite its strong cast and a good storyline it does not avoid all these characteristic cliches that sadly deprive it from any real replay value.Rent it on dvd and you wont be disapointed by viewing it but the second best movie of all times it aint and you will know this because you wont feel the need to watch it now and then as it happens at least to me with movies that are really classics...Not a bad movie but highly overrated....3 out of five stars.

This is a superb movie and definitely one of my favorites of all time.The action is intense and highly entertaining, the characters cool but mortal, the acting close to perfect by an all star cast that shines throughout ,the dialogues clever and Tarantino's disturbed genius provides a cinematic spectacle not to be missed by any fan of the art.The film has everything except from "true love".You can find the non stop struggle to survive or to gain power and money ,sex ,drugs, rock and roll,an instantly "classic" dance scene,moral dilemmas,clever back and forth plot twists even touches of distorted romance and existential concerns.The pace ranges from slow to frantic.. Maybe there is too much violence for the conservative viewer.But who needs conservatism when it comes to judging art? The creative madness of the gifted director in this gangster film combines humor , coolness , realism and an almost cartoonish at times surrealism accompanied by a suitable soundtrack that contributes immensely to the whole larger than life atmosphere.The heroes are likeable and their strengths and weaknesses despite their seemingly cool behavior are exposed in their moments of glory and decline (not necessarily in a chronological order) in a masterful manner. Chance can determine their fate and nobody is above the realities of a cruel merciless world in their quest for well, hedonism rather than happiness...No faults,just sheer cinematic enjoyment for the open minded cinema lover..10 out of 10...

One can safely comment that this movie is absorbing and highly entertaining..The concept that the viewing of a videotape leads to a certain death 7 days later and the struggle to prevent such demise in the meantime while time is steadily running out attracts the attention and interest of the viewer who is captured by the charm of the dark life threatening secret from the first scene and is not released until the end or long after it even...The acting is solid ,the characters behavior not always "smart" but believable , the visual effects convincing ,the atmosphere impressive and it maintains both the agony and the guesswork in your mind active throughout."Im scared but i love it " would be an accurate description of the experience. I wont reveal the exact plot but i will make a couple of general comments on it so if you belong to the category of viewers that don't wish to know anything about the storyline don't read any further.The first observation is that the actual killings are not shown while committed .This "just before and after" approach which is handled well gives the film a less bloody profile and effectively helps to remove of it the label of "another horror movie" since bloodbaths have become very much a cliché that provokes disgust but not necessarily fear. But is the movie a thriller proper? Well , if you expect at the end of it to leave the movie theatre with all the answers you will be a little bit disappointed.As in most movies that employ the supernatural as part of the explanation more questions than the ones answered are created and that for me is not a triviality.. If on the other hand you are not bothered with such approaches you can be sure that you will be in happy agony for 2 hours .It is certain that you wont regret your choice to see this otherwise impressive piece of film making. i would rate it 7.5/10