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Miroslav-A
Reviews
Real Steel (2011)
Superb action, great drama also.
Hugh Jackman in the sci-fi title, but isn't Wolverine... This time in the role of an arrogant guy constantly in money trouble, indebted to whole world.
How arrogant he is, he shows us at the very beginning of the film, when he gets news of a deceased ex-girlfriend from a relationship 11 years ago.
... and with whom he has as son, at the same age of 11. He gave up him at birth, and has no intention of seeing him now. But as the law dictates, he must appear in court to enter a plea of custody.
He quickly finds a benefit in all this - practically 'selling' his son for $100,000 to the boy's aunt in a secret deal with her very wealthy husband. Aunt gets the boy she loves, Charlie gets a lot of money, her husband makes his beloved happy : everybody happy ?
To Charlie, kid wich he didn't even wanted is a heavy load. And the kid also isn't too thrilled for spending time with a stranger, while his future foster parents are on holiday in Italy.
But it turns out they have common ground and interest - robot fights ! That fact introduces a new dimension to the story, and puts top-notch sci-fi elements in a whole different plan.
Doomed to each other, they're getting to know eachother. And as the days go by they are getting closer too. The kid 'wakes up' the human thing and fatherhood in Charlie who's slowly becoming aware of the child's presence.
In fact, it's fair to say that the young, very talented D. Goyo stole Jackman's lead role. A very striking performance, at the age of 10 left a huge mark on his career.
I'd even dare compare him to N. Portman at 'Leon The Profesional', where Natalie was even 1-2 years older. Certainly a serious competitor to the best junior role in blockbuster.
Although (always glad to be seen) Hugh did a great job in this slightly average title, my opinion is that whole story would be far less interesting if this irresponsible father was performed by another actor.
Interesting two hours of futuristic boxing matches, with one difference - in this version are human-operated robots. Very popular fights are used to entertain the wide masses, while to our protagonists have served to become friends and give family-drama meaning to this casual sci-fi action.
New York, I Love You (2008)
The second title in the 'Cities of Love' series.
This is the second title in the 'Cities of Love' series. Two years earlier it was Paris, and NY was followed by Rio and Berlin.
A modest 90 min conceived in 11 short independent life stories/moments, with more than that number of famous faces of Hollywood appearing during the film (all shortly though).
Same is the number of directors, since everyone has worked on their part of the film and with their group of actors. That's probably why we've been deprived of some deeper connection to the characters. That's why certain parts of the film are more interesting than others, which seems pointless (and unnecessarily).
... such as, for example, a painter who invites an unknown young saleswoman to pose for him, and then only on scene later he is dead.
Or a former opera diva, for example, in the hotel room, which we're looking at in conversation with a young man from the servants. But from the very next scene in which instead of a young man stands the older saver, we realize she's imagining it all.
The average draws out a few exquisite scenes that are designed to simply draw a smile, even though they only last a few minutes.
The most striking (to me) was E. Hawke's monologue, which, with a very imaginative story, tries to get the girl he met outside the café to bed, who, after his entire five-minute performance, reveals to him that she's a prostitute 😁.
Or, for example, when C. Cooper as an accidental customer in a Chinese dry cleaner speaks fluent Cantonese (Chinese) language, to the surprise of those present.
What is left out of the concept (but often is the case in the titles of this type) - all these unrelated fates and characters that we follow during the action, eventually cross paths and get some common sense and connection.
Here, the only connection is derived from the character of a girl, who wanders around the city as a hobby and shoots on camera. At the very end, she publishes these brief moments in people's lives, as a reference to only 10 different examples of love couples in a megalopolis such as NY.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
Cocktail (1988)
After 33 years, still very enjoyable movie
Oh, that '88. When T. Cruise and E. Shue kissed passionately at the beginning of their careers (only on screen, though). This is their first and last joint title...
Trusting the 'expert' critics and their assessments, we could easily conclude that it was a complete failure from the film. But incidentally, we have our own brains and tastes, to see for ourselves...
This title is a cult art from the late '80s, and as such it should be respected. Maybe it's not at the level of Cruise's 'Top Gun' from two years ago, or 'Rain Man' from the same year... Maybe he's less popular than the Karate Kid where we could see an even younger E. Shue...
But what it is - a real 'cocktail' of youthful love, a desire for success, discovering life's values, betrayal, forgiveness...
Looking simplified : a young man on his return from the army aims for more serious employment, but without a college degree, no one wants to hire him. What's left for him is the tavern... Luckily, he finds the place where the bartender's vacancy is available, and completely unplanned he start a lavish lifestyle, full of ups and downs.
Looking it today, as a 30-year-old, we can only enjoy the simplicity of the action, by no means attributing it to him as a flaw (as many do). We can enjoy 100 minutes of stunts with bottles, shakers, glasses... Enjoy a great soundtrack ('Kokomo' and 'Don't Worry Be Happy' were shot targeted for this film).
Sweet November (2001)
Nothing is what it seems
I interrupted my first watching of this movie after ~ 30 min. It's a common case with decent number of movies when I find myself bored within first half. When that happens, I'm leaving it for some time till patience serves me better.
After a long period of time, I turned it back on, with the intention of 'stymiing' him as an example that Reeves could also take part in a scenario where his acting could practically be described as boring. Plus C. Theron next to him, whose movies I can count on very few, that I really liked them.
Rarely, but still can happen to get completely surprised (positively) by second warching.
The story is still relatively unconvincing - a wacky girl chooses boys to spend a month in a relationship with them, thereby changing their lives for the better.
The month of November happens to get a young workaholic, 24/7 dedicated and extremely successful in his work, but emotionally 'dead'.
This deficiency was noted by our 'fairy godmother' and after an accidental encounter decided to dedicate the current month to him. She succeeds in persuading him to move in with her, and to give her a chance to prove her positive impact on unhappy people.
A perfectly logical outcome - expectations equal to zero, shutting down the film, looking for something more interesting?
In the second half, however, the plot gains a different genre and weight. I'm not going to write about the same thing, so as not to spoil the experience to someone who after a relatively dull first half doesn't turn off the movie (like me). I'll just leave a comment- worth a look.
The other thing was interesting to me, so I'm going to take this opportunity to briefly compare it to another Reeves drama, which very likely won't get its own review.
'The Lake House' that I looked at right after this headline, from which I had certain expectations by reading a number of positive comments, as well as with very likeable (to me) Sandra Bullock next to K. Reeves...
But the truth is, it left me completely indifferent. And when we look at the facts - much more charisma, especially from female protagonists; As crazy as the character that interprets C. Theron seems, there is much more energy, unusual (interesting) situations, as well as 'chemistry' between the main characters.
Conclusion (better to say advice) : expectations to set aside (my chronic error no.1), because apparently the movie trailer and short descriptions of the film often create the wrong picture.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
A Knight's Tale (2001)
Best commercial for Nike 🙂
Although the legendary H. Ledger is in the lead role, it's actually Paul Bettany who has caught my attention with theatrical monologues in this title. In a supporting role, though, but he won an award for it. Guaranteed he enjoyed the role of spokesman himself.
Certainly not the first, nor the best role in the relatively short career of a talented Ledger. But interestingly and convincingly, he played the character of Sir Ulrich Von Lichtenstein. It's actually William - an ordinary peasant with a desire to become something more. So he changes his name, falsifies his origins so that as a nobleman he could participate in a knighthood contest.
The entire cast actually contributed to goal where cliché in the script fell into a second plan, and the characters brought our attention instead.
Excellent elements of romance were helped by the lovable S. Sossamon (in hers debut role), while the action alongside Ledger was complemented by the brilliant Rufus Sewell as the inevitable rival to the protagonist, in the role of knight of the villain.
There are also elements of the parody, starting with the opening scene that begins with the number 'We Will Rock You'. Then the 'Nike' logo engraved on the armor; I thought for a moment that I had a bad view, I had to bring the scene back 😁.
Several touching scenes are also beautifully blended in. I would single out the return of Sir Ulrich/William to his native country, where after so many years (now as a famous knight) he has reunited with his blind father...
As a final judgment, I'd compare it to Mr. Ritchy's 'King Arthur'. Who liked that title, this one will also entertain him. And who expected the Brave Heart script, the criticism will be overwhelming.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
Cocktail (1988)
After 33 years, still very enjoyable movie
Oh, that '88. When T. Cruise and E. Shue kissed passionately at the beginning of their careers (only on screen, though). This is their first and last joint title...
Trusting the 'expert' critics and their assessments, we could easily conclude that it was a complete failure from the film. But incidentally, we have our own brains and tastes, to see for ourselves...
This title is a cult art from the late '80s, and as such it should be respected. Maybe it's not at the level of Cruise's 'Top Gun' from two years ago, or 'Rain Man' from the same year... Maybe he's less popular than the Karate Kid where we could see an even younger E. Shue...
But what it is - a real 'cocktail' of youthful love, a desire for success, discovering life's values, betrayal, forgiveness...
Looking simplified : a young man on his return from the army aims for more serious employment, but without a college degree, no one wants to hire him. What's left for him is the tavern... Luckily, he finds the place where the bartender's vacancy is available, and completely unplanned he start a lavish lifestyle, full of ups and downs.
Looking it today, as a 30-year-old, we can only enjoy the simplicity of the action, by no means attributing it to him as a flaw (as many do). We can enjoy 100 minutes of stunts with bottles, shakers, glasses... Enjoy a great soundtrack ('Kokomo' and 'Don't Worry Be Happy' were shot targeted for this film).
Holidate (2020)
One of the best rom-coms in last few years
Without looking back on whether another movie has processed a similar story before, I'll say this one really cheered up my evening. For a genre that serves to cheer up and entertain, a assessment of me - immodest 10.
Last year's classic rom-comedy, with two young actors in lead roles who already have enough famous titles behind them.
Perhaps the biggest impression on me left the much better performance of the lovable E. Roberts, compared to 'Little Italy', which in a sea of these sweet films didn't quite excel.
... and which I looked at just before this title, so the direct comparison made sense to me somehow.
In '...Italy' story we watched H. Christensen who got a chance to try out for the lead role of a more casual genre like this. I don't think that worked out very well.
About the movie? Boy and girl, both in avoiding serious relationships, accidentally get to know each other and very quickly make a deal (for mutual benefit) to be each other's 'holidate' - casual partner during the holidays. Of course, over time, that friendship turns into a story expected in romantic comedies.
It is a common case in this genre that at the beginning of the film we are briefly shown male-female friendship from childhood, and then the action takes us 10-15 years later when these characters are already adults.
In such titles, the actor/actress in the 'adult version' should be striking, not only by acting but by appearance. Christensen doesn't have that necessary attractiveness, whereas with L. Bracey it's a different story.
I'll mention just a few examples of where it was done right - 'The Best of Me' (J. Marsden, with L. Bracey as a male character from childhood), 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' (McConaughey)...
... And this title is just as good an example. Although the accompanying story of childhood is missing, the point is clear. Compared to '... Italy' - romance is more mature, the action more fun, the acting more convincing, and Bracey and Emma a visibly more attractive couple.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
S1m0ne (2002)
Pacino in casual edition :)
Interesting idea, mediocre realization, Pacino's (standard) top acting... According to me, that would be a brief description of this title.
About the movie? Everyone is crazy about the mysterious, beautiful and talented Simon, the new lead actress of the almost-failed director Victor, who gained incredible popularity among the audience shortly after her appearance.
But none of the fans or colleagues can see her, meet her in person... Everyone is convinced that the director is deliberately hiding it from the public for some selfish reason, and that's somewhat true. After all, he is personally responsible for her popularity.
He's actually forced to hide it! Reason? Simone is a computer program that Victor just happened to get as a gift from a deceased programmer - a fan of his films. The gift was literally a 'salvation straw' that would save his career from ruin.
Bloopers? Simone's voice sounds very strange and unreal, digital... So is it realistic that whole world follow her interviews without paying attention to that obviousness.
And a terrible detail in the second half of the film, when Victor's ex-wife sneaks around the beach house, and he surprises her with a greeting. Anyone normal would at least swung backwards, and most jumped from an unexpected voice behind their backs. Surprise factor played at the dead horse level.
But that's all accompanying deficiencies that aren't in focus. The focus is on Al Pacino in a more casual edition, with the glossy details of his obsession with virtual heroine, whose character shapes by his imagination.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
Cocktail (1988)
After 33 years, still very enjoyable movie
Oh, that '88. When T. Cruise and E. Shue kissed passionately at the beginning of their careers (only on screen, though). This is their first and last joint title...
Trusting the 'expert' critics and their assessments, we could easily conclude that it was a complete failure from the film. But incidentally, we have our own brains and tastes, to see for ourselves...
This title is a cult art from the late '80s, and as such it should be respected. Maybe it's not at the level of Cruise's 'Top Gun' from two years ago, or 'Rain Man' from the same year... Maybe he's less popular than the Karate Kid where we could see an even younger E. Shue...
But what it is - a real 'cocktail' of youthful love, a desire for success, discovering life's values, betrayal, forgiveness...
Looking simplified : a young man on his return from the army aims for more serious employment, but without a college degree, no one wants to hire him. What's left for him is the tavern... Luckily, he finds the place where the bartender's vacancy is available, and completely unplanned he start a lavish lifestyle, full of ups and downs.
Looking it today, as a 30-year-old, we can only enjoy the simplicity of the action, by no means attributing it to him as a flaw (as many do). We can enjoy 100 minutes of stunts with bottles, shakers, glasses... Enjoy a great soundtrack ('Kokomo' and 'Don't Worry Be Happy' were shot targeted for this film).
The Proposal (2009)
Sweet and funny, with lot of good acting
To me honestly - one of the better rom-comedies... Reynolds moderately sarcastic, Sandra Bullock standard genius... In tandem they are briliant.
In the first 10 minutes we have a lot to reveal...
1. Andrew (R. Reynolds) is secretary/assistant/errand boy
2. Margaret (S. Bullock) is his arrogant boss
3. Andrew can't stand Margaret
4. Margaret can't stand any of the employees (not even Andrew)
5. Margaret suddenly loses her residence permit
That few facts are enough for us to be the foundation for a very entertaining development. Namely, the immigration problem the boss decided to solve with a radical idea - by married to her submissive assistant.
In doing so, she will retain a leadership position at the publishing house, and he will keep his job in the big city, eventually advance his career, and avoid a return to Alaska... So the deal is on !
To make the whole picture look as convincing as possible, they travel to a small town called Sitka (in Alaska) to celebrate grandma's birthday with his family.
What the boss found there, she didn't expected at all. Andrew's actually very aiging. Half the city is owned by his family, who immediately accepted her as their own.
In this situation we'll find the film's most fun moments, bearing in mind that Margaret is deprived of a sense of insequest, community and family surroundings. Trying to fit in and get used to such a welcome, their relationship gradually changes (for better of course).
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.
Rebecca (2020)
Modern vs. Original version ?
Who cares about Rebecca next to Lily alive ! 'You don't look like any other...' says one song. It's guaranteed Armie thought the same thing when he saw her 😉.
Joking aside, we've got an 80 year newer version than Hitchcock's. His movie took two Oscars, this one didn't pick up any of the prizes. She had one BAFTA nomination, and the women's society gave nomination for a 'remake that shouldn't have been recorded'. Are you kidding me...
So, chronologically : First I looked at the modern version (it was just fine, I'm not going to say I was thrilled). Then I read a bunch of negative comments, mostly on the subject of a bad remake, etc. After that, it made sense to look at the title from 1940.
I sincerely wanted to be pleasantly surprised, so that I can also put the classic (which I don't normally watch) in front of the modern version with very dear actors to me. But that just didn't happen. The dialogues are more subtle, and the costumes are more visually striking in the color version.
After all, how could ever be a better looking guy that dude in a black-and-white combination in comparison to Armie who walks around in an Oker suit. Also, the hostile attitude towards the new Mrs. De Winter has been played much more intensely by K. S. Thomas in the role of Mrs. Danvers.
With all due respect to fans of black-and-white movies and older cinema, these two titles are simply incomparable. Their only touchpoint is the script, since they were made by the same book.
After a visually less attractive older title, I looked again at the color version, this time with pleasure. Because now I've looked at it side by side, and the details in the scenes that I didn't pay attention to at first look, now were much more noticeable.
L. James interprets the role of a lower-social girl whose charm could not be resisted by the wealthy Mr. De Winter (similar to 'Cinderella' in which we also had the chance to see her).
After a brief romance, he takes her to his lavish estate as a wife, where a romantic fairy tale slowly loses its intensity and moves into drama/mystery...
The aforementioned Rebecca is actually the late Mrs. De Winter whose 'ghost' is still present in the house. At the very mention of her name, there is sense of authority she had for her employees. Its chambers are still a 'sacred place' where nobody goes...
New Mrs. De Winter now has a difficult 'task' of taking her place that is not yet 'vacated', as well as uncovering the mystery behind Rebecca's death.
For more movie reviews, visit my blog :
onceuponatimeincinema.movie.blog.