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HelenaHyde
Reviews
The Stand (2020)
An abomination
The book is wonderful, as most books by King are, yet this is undoubtedly the worst adaptation of any of his works. It's so bad it's somewhere between insulting to fans of the book and so ridiculous you don't even have the energy to hate it. Just turn it off and change the channel to something that won't suck the life out of you within its first ten minutes. About the cast? James Mardsen is the only actor worth your time. A complete waste of time.
The Professor (2018)
Funny but heartbreaking
I have to admit I was reluctant to watch this movie because I have a relative going through the last stages of a terminal cancer, so the synopsis didn't appeal to me at first. However, since I'm a fan of independent movies and the trailer seemed interesting enough, I decided to give it a go. I laughed, I cried, and I had an overall good time. The movie has its (many) silly moments, but it also has a strong emotional load that is, in my opinion, even better than the comedy. I enjoyed seeing Depp in a role a little more serious than his latest movies, without weird make up on his face. He gives a truly good performance that is a clear reminder that underneath his eccentric appearance, he is an amazing actor (Black Mass being the most recent example of this). His character, I feel, is not purposely made as unlikeable and loathsome, but you can't help but feel sorry for him and by the end of the movie his many seemingly annoying traits become his most endearing qualities. As for the supporting cast, I particularly enjoyed Zoey Deutch as Claire and Danny Huston as Peter; even though they're relegated to a secondary place, they live up to their roles and deliver good performances. The cinematography and various locations were beautiful. A heads up, though; the movie can be hard to watch at points because of his illness- it did heighten the emotional load for me. And there's a lot of swearing, drinking and sexual situations, so kids should probably skip it.
The Driftless Area (2015)
Great cast, remarkable photography... but very confusing story
Very unusual movie. I went to see this at the 2015's Tribeca Film Festival, because I really enjoyed the book and wanted to see how the movie adaption went. Even though it does follow the book, it has certain aspects that are different and parts of the movie become extremely confusing if you haven't been paying super close attention. It is beautifully shot, and the cast is especially remarkable. The main character, played by Yelchin, was in fact my least favorite one. His character is confusing, and you wonder what part is he actually playing within the plot. It's not a bad performance at all, but he does lack emotion in some of the scenes. Ms. Deschanel plays Stella, probably the most intriguing and haunting character in the story. She seems not to fit anywhere, and makes us wonder whether she's real or just an illusion. Her undeniable and almost ethereal beauty is especially highlighted in a scene where she is wearing a white dress - half the theatre gasped here, she was distressingly beautiful! And overall a great performance that shows her dramatic side is as good as her comedic, New Girl one. Probably my favorite performance in the film. Plaza has a short role in it, but she is really good. Very different from her Parks and Rec portrayal, but great nonetheless. I wish we'd gotten to see more of her, as I think she is in it for around two- three scenes. John Hawkes is wonderful as the "villain" of the story, and makes you hate him within ten minutes into the movie. I'd give it a 7/10- story is weak at some parts, but a great cast and beautiful photography makes up for those. I'm really hoping they release it soon so that I can give it another try. The ending was quick and open for interpretation- we are left wrecking our brains for the most likely outcome.