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Reviews
Hardcore Henry (2015)
A mess, but an awesome one
Very funny to read the reviews written about Hardcore Henry. It is all very contradictory in a most amusing way.. So now I just feel compelled to give my feelings/opinions on few points.
-The violence is there and it sure isn't for the faint of heart but it isn't gruesomely realistic to the point where it would become disturbing. For some strange reason I feel that the first person view actually introduces a detachment which helps to cope with what is shown (I know, one would expect the contrary...) -For some there is too much plot, for others none whatsoever, well it felt just right for me, not the most surprising scenario mind you, but fine nevertheless. -The Go Pro etc.. camera work could be a real nightmare for your head and your stomach. I for one just can't stand at all the now very popular "lost footage" genre BUT I felt perfectly fine with this movie.. go figure! -The one critic I must rally to is that this movie does feel like it is a bit the same scene over and over. I'm pretty sure one could have introduced more variety, and the first person point of view could be just as striking in an other genre and not just for plain fighting scenes. -The good side of this last point is that you really can, and should, see for yourself if you like that movie; you will know pretty fast if that is something you can enjoy. If you hate the first 10min, well no need to keep on watching.. ;-) -Last point, kudos to the stuntmen, fantastic job!!
Equilibrium (2002)
imperfect but a masterpiece nonetheless
One could discuss about few plot inconsistencies or the unlikeliness of some premises, Gun-Fu not being the least... however this movie achieves so much and goes so much deeper this would be pointless nitpicking.
The plot, while akin to Fahrenheit 451, is definitely a nice new touch on this theme. It isn't all too predictable either. The focus is being put for a large part on the main character's evolution and discovery of emotions, good but also destructive ones. This paired with Christian Bale's fantastic performance is what really makes this movie such a great emotional journey!
The movie also evolves between genres in an incredibly well mastered way, the action scenes might require as always some "suspension of belief" (what else do you expect in SF?) but are very aesthetic and great fun to watch (and very original despite Matrix influences).
The overall art direction is done cleverly (using different styles between the fascistic control society and the underground resistance for example) and with taste in my opinion. The clean, cool and clinical design of many sets is great.
Some scenes, especially the ones where Christian Bale starts to feel the powerful maelstrom emotions can be, will leave you with a lasting impression.
Over the years since 2002, I got to see this movie quite a few times. Not a single time did it's magic not work! That, by my book, is a sure sign that this film is playing in the masterpiece category, despite few quirks and 2-3 not quite so great FXs.
Oculus (2013)
A must see of the genre
Rarely do I feel the need to post a review. I will also keep it brief but I just needed to express my satisfaction at seeing the horror movie genre graced by such a good and clever film.
That film is simply one of the very best horror movie I saw.
It is a good story with a very clever construction and without using cheap FX and blood buckets it really did scare the sh*t out of me... The top notch acting from all actors involved (but the children deserve a special mention!) plays an important part in the fact that the movie reaches at you so well.
All in all a "must see", only requirement is to have strong nerves (maybe don't watch it alone in the middle of the night..).
Lost City Raiders (2008)
worst movie so far for me...
Will keep that review brief as watching that movie was already a much to big waste of time.
Bad:
-acting: well maybe that was really "mission impossible", the dialogs and script being what they are. But I must say, I felt the all movie long that what the actors do here is a kind of professional suicide.
-CGI: just not even decent, I could do better given some hours to learn to use the appropriate programs.
-Scenario: well well well, do not use your brain cells on this one, it just doesn't make ANY sense. Nothing is surprising, ever, character motivations are just plain ridiculous,"science" is the worst pseudo science gibberish I have ever heard in my all life! If only it would be to be taken as a parody, but ...no...they are kind of serious about this mess! (Do not even start me on the diving sequences, already the first minutes are a total unrealistic, idiotic, nonsense that even a 5y old would find suspiciously ridiculous)
-I could go on, but it just isn't worth it. (special mention to the settings, some are worst I have ever seen)
Good:
-You can skip this movie and, see, your life just got practically 90min longer....
Conclusion:
-Only watch this movie if you want to redefine your representation of what "pathetic" means. (for some reason that adjective just kept coming to my mind every second watching this "movie") Otherwise, believe me, no pleasure, no thrills, nothing, not even 2d degree fun is to be expected...
PS: this movie didn't get a 1 for the sole reason that it isn't shot with the family's camcorder, so IQ is indeed technically decent as long as no CGI is involved. Aaah, and there are few moments where boobs are the eye catcher, so that brings us to a generous 2. (special warning for "most" guys, hey I like boobs too, but believe me, no way that these few moments are worth watching the rest of this, just believe me on that one...)