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kremim
Reviews
Love at First Sight (2023)
Quite Average
I was intrigued by the movie, because I've read the book. Many years ago it was a chance buy from a book store in Budapest while on an excursion there. The book was rather average too, but I always think of it with warmth because of my nice Hungarian memories.
While the movie as a whole was enjoyable, the main couple was definitely miscast. Haley Lu Richardson was OK, but the guy - Ben Hardy was tragic and there was absolutely no chemistry between them. I cringed most of the scenes he was in and everything being equal, i would have given the film at least 2 more stars with a better male lead actor.
Would recommend to watch it only if you are desperate and there's nothing better to do.
Der Vorname (2018)
Who Knew Germans had Such a Fine Sense of Humor
Witty, funny provoking - I absolutely loved this movie from the first to the last scene. I believe I've seen something similar in an Italian context, but the German version was so much better, more nuanced, more subtle and more to my taste. Although the entire movie takes place within a house and involves basically only five people, it never gets boring. The dialogue is very brisk and engaging, the acting is excellent. The topics the film raises, are interesting and are dealt in a clever and genuine manner - the choice of a child's name, the shadow Hitler still throws over German political and everyday life, the hypocrisy of feminist husbands and the difficult choices women make between career and child rearing, etc. All these difficult questions are examined without preaching, with tact, a sense of humor and empathy. Wholeheartedly recommend this movie and would be happy to find other German films of such quality.
Happiness for Beginners (2023)
Could have been so much better
I'm a hiker and I am absolutely mad for the wilderness. So when I saw a new film about hiking, and a romantic drama at that, I was so hyped. I didn't know it was based on a book, and having now watched it, I actually believe the book might be good and I might seek it out. However, the film was lame and it is really a shame. There's so much potential in the story, a better crew with a more experienced director and definitely a bunch of actors, who can actually act, could make a jewel out of this material. Unfortunately, as it is, the only enjoyable thing was the trail and probably Hugh, I found the actor, who played him, found just the right balance between being over the top and still keeping it real, I enjoyed him. Unfortunately the leads were completely not up to the job, zero chemistry, wooden performances, just going through the motions. Still, I do not regret watching the film, as it gave me, even if only vicariously, a feel what it would be like to go hiking in the US.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Pathetic, not funny and actually boring
With such a pleiade of stars, I expected something really interesting, fresh and funny. I love Kirsten Bell and Mila Kunis, but - oh, wow, what a boring, dull, stupid film this turned out to be. Do people really like these crude uninspired jokes and slap comedy sketches?
I could have felt sorry for the character of Jason Segel, if there was anything to like and respect about him, but all we saw was a sloppy, lazy, whining mess of a man, clinging to a beautiful woman way out of his league. Not much unlike all the other men in the movie, who were jerks of their own kind.
If there was anything redeeming about the film, it was the beautiful scenery. But a beach and a purple sunset do not a film make.
Outlander (2008)
Entertaining, Despite the B-Movie Vibe
I had low expectations and came to it only because of Jim Caviezel, who definitely shines in this otherwise B-movie. The plot is quite laughable at times, the CG is pathetic, and still - I was thoroughly entertained, rooted for the hero and the tribe, enjoyed the action and the dynamic of the character relationships and was satisfied by the kind of predictable (happy)ending.
My one gripe is, that I had hoped for breathtaking Nordic landscapes, but what we were shown felt staged and artificial. They probably didn't have the budget to shoot on place, which is a pity. The costumes and the staging were also kind of on the cheap side. But still, for a limited budget action movie, it does deliver enough.
The Hating Game (2021)
I expected less, so I really liked it
Although the plot is not especially original and some of the scenes were a bit cringey, the film is actually sweet and pretty entertaining. The hate-to-love tropes were well exploited, there was some depth to the main characters.
The lead actors are nice looking and with good chemistry. The height difference was actually really endearing. I'm not sure if that was in the plot or it just happened because of the choice of lead actors, but it did add an additional spice to their interaction and i loved it.
Not all of the scenes were predictable and the happy ending was quite satisfying.
All in all, a rom-com at least above average, with some notable performance from Lucy Hale.
6.5*
Culpa mía (2023)
Modern Spanish Fairytale
If you judge the film with the criteria for piece of life dramas, it is definitely lacking. Because it is made of fairy-tales stuff. It is Cinderella, moving from shambles to a palace, where she meets a benevolent king and a Prince Charming. It is about a girl, beating hard-core men at their own game - drift driving. It is about the bad boy with a golden heart. About Red Riding Hood, saved by Prince Charming and the Hunter from the Big Bad Wolf. And most of all, about romantic love. The film is made fairly competently, it is dynamic and there wasn't a dull moment. The lead actors wouldn't be remembered for subtlety and nuance, but they are definitely good-looking and have a palpable chemistry. Don't judge and expect too much and you can actually enjoy it.
Heavyweights (1995)
Can't believe how many people find this film funny
I was reading about Ben Stiller on IMDb discussion boards and plenty of people recommended Heavy Weights (1995) as one of his best comedy films. Oh, boy! This is one of the most disgusting and stupid films I've ever seen - the jokes were so lame (really, do people still laugh at fart jokes?! - Probably fat people do ...), Ben Stiller's character was pathetic rather than funny and the obese boys - well, they were too self-indulging, spoiled (and most of them - hm, ugly) to be appealing in any way. Instead of amusing I found the film dangerous - it promotes stuffing with junk food, encourages undisciplined behavior and on top of all - promulgates fat people as cleverer than thin and fit ones, while the truth is that junk food and lack of exercise is bad for brain development. Do not waist your time with this crap, life is too short, watch a better movie.