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alfred-verhoeven
Reviews
Tenet (2020)
Too complicated
It looks like an exciting movie, and an interesting concept. However, the writers got so entangled in their own storyline - and indeed in the visuals, that the whole 2 and a half hours are a big question mark. What are you seeing? What are they saying? Does it make sense? Who is that? How.....
It is a story in a story, a time frame in a time frame, and after two hours I just gave up. I am not dumb, but this whole project is too much to grasp.
Grace and Frankie (2015)
Increasingly disappointing
Although the first season started very promising, the stellar cast quicky grows disappointing. Only Jane Fonda keeps up the pace. I always felt that the two male leads were a very wrong choice for the roles, but throughout the series they even become irritating.
By the time we got to Season 4 we gave up. Only bickering, sneers, negative energy was left. Not funny, no fun.
Gewoon vrienden (2018)
Feel good, feel better
This is a lovely feelgood movie, with excellent acting by the two young male protagonists. They are very realistic and comfortable in their ways. Dynamic, believable (and handsome) in a strong storyline about a mixed-race relationship.
An even more epic performance is given by grandma Jenny Arean in her typical Amsterdam nonchalant style, and mother Tanja Jess, who perfectly embodies the rich widow, who is never satisfied.
This movie makes you long for more. Gewoon Vrienden 2 - The Next Generation?
Designated Survivor (2016)
Less than mediocre
The concept is intriguing, to say the least, and no matter how far-fetched it is, it would have made a great series. BUT....
The acting is not very convincing. Kiefer's MO is "desperate whisper", the only way he seems able to act (like he did in Touch, for instance). Agent Wells is in a constant frenzy, but not in a good way. Other actors act passably, but not more than that.
The script is horrendous. Half-finished story lines (about the son of the president, for instance), unnecessary killings, strange set ups and situations. How can a president be alone and pensive in the situation he is put it? Why does his wife sit alone in a hospital waiting room? Why are the kids not protected? How come the White House is so organized and quiet? Why does the FBI make an arrest via just one agent (who is overpowered) when a dozen are waiting in the sidelines? Who lets someone wait (alone) in the Oval Office? Why....
Enough already. Each and every episode gives you a WTF feeling because the story that is presented just does not make sense. Reactions, actions, it all is just too stupid to make for a good TV-series. If you expect a House of Cards here, or a Madam Secretary here, forget it. DS is not worthy to even be in the same (White) House!
Doctor Strange (2016)
A winner!
This flick combines adventure and science fiction with ancient mystic worlds, humour with a great story line, and tops it all off with spectacular special effects that have not seen the likes since Inception.
Cumberbatch gives another stellar performance, including strong lines and epic non-verbal communication. Another starring role is filled by Tilda Swanton as The Ancient One.
Not too much of a sappy love story (although it is included). Interesting locations, from London to New York, and Hong Kong to Kathmandu.
Marvel has continued their high standard of fantasy / super hero movies.
All in all: original story line, great acting, amazing special effects - a winner! There will most likely be a sequel... looking forwards already.
Suicide Squad (2016)
Plot? What plot?
Sure, I like a good superhero movie as much as the next guy, but this one sucked big time from start to finish. It was as if they had cut out half the movie, not looking at the story line. Strange twists (as in "unlikely", not as in funny or exciting), weird actions, no credible mission.
A very unlikely plot (& an Aussie burglar is a superhero??? In which universe?). Will Smith is OK, and so is Margot Robbie, but what is this movie about? The heart of ancient which from a cave? And her brother? I don't think any script writers were involved whatsoever.
Nope, some nice acting and special effects, but only 3 points for trying (out of 10). Next!