Jul 01 07
This movie is perfect for a lazy weekend evening when there’s nothing better to do (or no energy left to do it), so you and your significant other order maybe a pizza or some chinese and get something to drink, and settle down on your favorite sofa in front of your TV set for a couple of hours of mindless and predictable, but sweet romantic comedy entertainment.
Rating: Good.
Jun 25 07
Appealing to fans of the Fantastic Four and comic book-based movies, there is nothing remarkably good nor excruciatingly bad here, just a mediocre film best saved for a lazy evening in front of the TV. Expect a lengthy explanation of how the fantastic crew (and the villain) got their powers, some cool special effects, a couple of attempts at character development, and an underwhelming final confrontation.
Rating: Good.
Jun 23 07
There’s no easy way to say it, but it’s true: the magic of the first two movies is over. This film takes us back to the pre-X-men days of mediocre comic-book movies.
The worst is the mishandling of Peter’s fall into the “dark side”, caused in equal parts by his growing conceit and arrogance, and by a dark symbiote substance from space. Well, apparently, the most visible consequence of embracing darkness is a tendency to act like a complete moron on the streets. Rather underwhelming.
Avoid this film and cherish your memories about the first two instead.
Rating: Avoid.
Jun 17 07
Confident in his Sherlock Holmes-caliber rational and analytical mind, Hopkins plans and flawlessly executes the perfect crime. A towering, unassailable figure, arrogance is his only drawback.
Cocky, self-absorbed and with no excess of qualms, Gosling is a public lawyer destined for bigger things. Will he be able (and willing) to risk everything to stop Hopkins?
The struggle develops through solid acting, slow, deliberate pacing, and, at times, above average photography. The combination results in good entertainment.
Rating: Very Good.
Apr 26 07
I almost gave this film a Good rating; however, I decided my general disappointment merited the lowest rating despite the film’s (few) redeeming qualities.
Three main reasons for my dissatisfaction: a) a glacial pace of development; b) unconvincing, uninspired acting by all involved; and c) a never-ending, boring, tired stream of clichés. This last point can hardly be overstated. I had never rolled my eyes so many times during a film before.
Redeeming qualities: beautiful locale, and some decent cinematography.
Rating: Avoid.
Apr 22 07
A very enjoyable, very well made comedy by Woody Allen. I spent the whole movie laughing and giggling. The pace is quick and the story consistent. This is pure comedy, in the style of Small Time Crooks and similar Allen movies: neither philosophy nor psychology make an appearance.
The acting is very good, including Ms. Johansson’s, my least favorite actress. Apparently she has learned that the human face has 44 muscles capable of more than 5,000 expressions, and she has begun excercising a couple of them. Besides, the role is very well suited to her.
Rating: Excellent.
Jan 05 07
This film provides little more than Sunday afternoon entertainment for the younger set. The story is simplistic where not nonsensical, the plot is unoriginal and the acting atrocious. Except for the dragon, none of the characters has any personality.
I find films like this very frustrating. It is so hard to find quality fantasy movies, and Eragon is part of the way there: it has the believable young dragon, the crafty veteran warrior, the poweful evil wizard, the realm to liberate, the beautiful and resourceful princess. However, it just falls short due to a neutered, unintelligent script. A shame.
Rating: Good.