In a beautiful character study of a man that society has neglected. Great film. Masterful visual work in this production with an equally lovely and terrifying score that complements Joaquin Phoenix's character development. Fan theories abound. A definite must see!
Reviews
6 Reviews
The Avengers
(2012)
A Thrilling Ride
7 May 2012
This new superhero flick by "Marvel" is quite good. Being a fan of many past Marvel movies, I feel that director Joss Whedon did give most comic book fans a film that they will remember. It is packed with action, costumed superheroes, villains, gadgets, plot-twists, witty dialogue - much like a well written comic strip. However, for those not entirely familiar with the heroes, as well as those who are looking for a more serious plot, they won't find anything deep in this flick. It is, as Roger Ebert put it, "The Westminster Dogshow of superheroes." The production team incorporates myriads of digital visual and sonic effects to give film-goers the biggest bang for their buck.
Nevertheless, children will find it very exciting, as will most Marvel aficionados. If you are a sucker for a pleasing Friday-night flick, with not too much to offer other than a thrilling, star-studded adventure, and a number of humorous jests by Robert Downey Jr. this is certainly for you.
Enjoy!
Nevertheless, children will find it very exciting, as will most Marvel aficionados. If you are a sucker for a pleasing Friday-night flick, with not too much to offer other than a thrilling, star-studded adventure, and a number of humorous jests by Robert Downey Jr. this is certainly for you.
Enjoy!
Joyeux Noel
(2005)
A film that spreads powerful messages of humanity.
6 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
'Joyeux Noel' is really a wonderful film. It is true in its historiography of the Christmas Truce of 1914 that happened in Ypres, Belgium; an event that revealed that friendship, music, and humanity really do mute the belligerent sentiments of war.
I had little idea of the plot before I saw 'Joyeux Noel.' I thought it might have been yet another World War I epic. For the most part I was right; it is a marvelous WWI epic, but it is dissimilar to all the others. The military ideal of patriotism that is so often saluted in war epics, is belittled in front of the incredible humanity and comradeship that the soldiers showed. I was simply enthralled at what I was seeing: soldiers from three different trenches were sharing champagne, playing soccer, and attending the same Christmas Mass. They were collectively committing high treason, while celebrating a friendship that had no geopolitical borders.
Christian Carion's "Joyeux Noel" has enlightened audiences across the globe. This is a marvelous ode to the brave soldiers of WWI who chose to toast together and break bread in a Christmas truce, rather than obey the warmongering orders of high command. It makes us understand the universality of our human experiences, despite wartime propaganda and nationalist sentiments.
The acting was superb by the German, French and Scottish actors, and the music was beautifully executed in the spirit of the times. Congratulations to those involved in making this inspiring film a reality. This visually and sonically captivating picture will make you think, make you laugh, and will make you cry.
If you have yet to see "Joyeux Noel," definitely consider renting this astounding epic. Seeing it will make you a better person.
Enjoy!
I had little idea of the plot before I saw 'Joyeux Noel.' I thought it might have been yet another World War I epic. For the most part I was right; it is a marvelous WWI epic, but it is dissimilar to all the others. The military ideal of patriotism that is so often saluted in war epics, is belittled in front of the incredible humanity and comradeship that the soldiers showed. I was simply enthralled at what I was seeing: soldiers from three different trenches were sharing champagne, playing soccer, and attending the same Christmas Mass. They were collectively committing high treason, while celebrating a friendship that had no geopolitical borders.
Christian Carion's "Joyeux Noel" has enlightened audiences across the globe. This is a marvelous ode to the brave soldiers of WWI who chose to toast together and break bread in a Christmas truce, rather than obey the warmongering orders of high command. It makes us understand the universality of our human experiences, despite wartime propaganda and nationalist sentiments.
The acting was superb by the German, French and Scottish actors, and the music was beautifully executed in the spirit of the times. Congratulations to those involved in making this inspiring film a reality. This visually and sonically captivating picture will make you think, make you laugh, and will make you cry.
If you have yet to see "Joyeux Noel," definitely consider renting this astounding epic. Seeing it will make you a better person.
Enjoy!
War Horse
(2011)
Very well made. A modern film reminiscent of the classics.
10 January 2012
It is well understood from the first few scenes that the typical cliché of both war films and animal dramas will stain Spielberg's canvas, yet the film pushes forward, earning well-deserved praise. Quite a few scenes are captivating to say the least; as is the scene with the horse, Joey, forging through heavily barb-wired no man's land.
'War Horse' surely reminisces the older WW1 films, and epic war films in general, such as Lawrence of Arabia, that drag on forever, yet do not fail to keep you enthralled with their stunning visuals and top-notch acting. Jeremy Irvine's performance was acceptable for an actor fairly new to the game, as were the performances of the gamut of child actors in the film, but honorable mentions must go to Emily Watson, Niels Arestrup, and Peter Mullan. The production did a wonderful job to give the horse Joey a deeper personified image, as if he were an actor. The same goes for the other horses in the film, who seem to converse amongst each other and reveal a chemistry shared between animal and animal, as well as animal and man. A wonderful job on the whole. Certainly Spielberg's finest work in recent months (yes, I don't think cowboys and aliens should ever mix).
For what its worth, this picture will move you deeply, as it has done to many. 'War Horse' inspires anti-war sentiments, as Joey's endeavors help him sympathize with men on both sides of the trenches, and ultimately reminds us of the beauty of Earths beasts. Each one has its own character that strikes a chord with the audience, and this is undeniable.
Enjoy!
'War Horse' surely reminisces the older WW1 films, and epic war films in general, such as Lawrence of Arabia, that drag on forever, yet do not fail to keep you enthralled with their stunning visuals and top-notch acting. Jeremy Irvine's performance was acceptable for an actor fairly new to the game, as were the performances of the gamut of child actors in the film, but honorable mentions must go to Emily Watson, Niels Arestrup, and Peter Mullan. The production did a wonderful job to give the horse Joey a deeper personified image, as if he were an actor. The same goes for the other horses in the film, who seem to converse amongst each other and reveal a chemistry shared between animal and animal, as well as animal and man. A wonderful job on the whole. Certainly Spielberg's finest work in recent months (yes, I don't think cowboys and aliens should ever mix).
For what its worth, this picture will move you deeply, as it has done to many. 'War Horse' inspires anti-war sentiments, as Joey's endeavors help him sympathize with men on both sides of the trenches, and ultimately reminds us of the beauty of Earths beasts. Each one has its own character that strikes a chord with the audience, and this is undeniable.
Enjoy!
The Green Mile
(1999)
Brilliant, a lot of fun, and full of heart.
25 December 2011
Truly a wonderful picture. I agree with what most people on here are saying: this film, along with Shawshank define great American cinema. Both pictures are ingenious in their conception -kudos to master writer Stephen King - and really spark more than just entertainment. This is not ars gratia artis, art for arts sake; it's art for the sake of humanity; for portraying brilliant stories that center around human interactions in the most inhuman of places. If anyone stumbles on this review, understand that there are few similarly heart-wrenching films out there. Others have pointed out more, and I agree. But these stand out among the rest, and that is indisputable.
If you are a film enthusiast that has not seen these films, or if you are just looking for a great flick, look no further. Definitely rent or buy these films for they are pearls of American cinema.
Enjoy!
If you are a film enthusiast that has not seen these films, or if you are just looking for a great flick, look no further. Definitely rent or buy these films for they are pearls of American cinema.
Enjoy!
Great action film on the whole; fast-paced, fun and an action-packed frenzy.
25 December 2011
One might argue that the whole nuclear war theme has been used a bit too often, but Brad Birds latest film is well worth the exception.
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in another action-packed suspense film. Together with Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, and Jeremy Renner, he travels to Moscow, Dubai, and Mumbai in order to prevent nuclear destruction. Each act in each country gets better and better, and the suspense never ceases to thrill. Great gadgets, gizmos, stunts, action sequences, CGI, and acting make this a must for anyone craving a high-octane, yet still family friendly adventure.
I found it to be the most interesting of the 'Mission: Impossible' films. Others might disagree. It has a thick plot, but director Bird communicates it very well from start to finish. I appreciated the score of the film as well, which includes a nice title sequence with the theme we all know. It wasn't without its flaws, but most will pass unnoticed.
Overall a 9/10. Get a ticket as soon as possible because this flick is one 'Mission: Possible.'
Enjoy.
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in another action-packed suspense film. Together with Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, and Jeremy Renner, he travels to Moscow, Dubai, and Mumbai in order to prevent nuclear destruction. Each act in each country gets better and better, and the suspense never ceases to thrill. Great gadgets, gizmos, stunts, action sequences, CGI, and acting make this a must for anyone craving a high-octane, yet still family friendly adventure.
I found it to be the most interesting of the 'Mission: Impossible' films. Others might disagree. It has a thick plot, but director Bird communicates it very well from start to finish. I appreciated the score of the film as well, which includes a nice title sequence with the theme we all know. It wasn't without its flaws, but most will pass unnoticed.
Overall a 9/10. Get a ticket as soon as possible because this flick is one 'Mission: Possible.'
Enjoy.
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