One of the most ridiculous movies I've ever seen. Totally unconvincing plot in every turn, too many over the top characters who talk or behave in the most senseless way possible. I can handle or even enjoy one or two of those in a movie if you establish them well and keep the balance, but not this many like they are all from freakland or something. The only working one for me here was Minnie Driver who at least barely stayed in the believable zone. I had a few chuckles yes but other than that I stared at the screen thinking "why do that?" or "come ooon, was this really necessary?" or "you had to go that far?" most of the time. It contains one of the most annoying scenes in movie history
where Simon Baker tries to woo Rose Byrne in the hotel conference room
which summarizes what a failure of a movie this is. However, to be honest the last two scenes were surprisingly good despite their impact as a finale being underwhelmed by the previous 80 mins or so. I think those two scenes were probably the main idea behind making the whole movie as the effort put in there was obvious but I wish they made the same effort to compose a better screenplay with more relatable characters to get there. By the way, I agree with the social commentary they're trying to imply
which is basically that divorces sometimes can be not only necessary but also the right/happiest thing to do
but the characters are so weird caricatures that it doesn't feel like it's capable of remotely touching any serious matter. I don't know when comedy got reduced to "ridiculous people doing ridicolous things and then things become even more ridiculous" level but somebody should bring back some clever ideas other than overly exaggerated characters, totally irrational choices/actions/mood changes or endless deliberately stupid lines of dialogue, etc... 4/10 (for the sake of final two scenes, Minnie Driver and Rose Byrne's -not her character's- undeniable screen charm)
Although it's very crazy and hard to evaluate seriously; "a quite original, fairly well-thought and somewhat surprising fantasy/thriller/drama which has a pretty funny first half" could be a confusing but accurate enough description for this one. It's not a very exciting and memorable movie but on the long run, it could become one of those little "weird" cult sci-fi/fantasy flicks that you remember once in a few years. Be advised to watch without any real expectations. 7/10.
Although at least 50% of the buzz comes from Hollywood musical nostalgia and really beautiful LA porn, it's a nice movie with an overly-simplified but still working
and partially heartbreaking
love story which is crafted with some great visual and audial props including the songs, very good acting and a few inspired screenplay moments. I didn't think the singing/dancing of the main duo was great (not bad at all either) but I believe it's supposed to be that way. Because of the over-simplification, the story arc didn't make just enough sense to me at times but there's nothing much to complain about. I must say the movie is inspirational for young (maybe even older) people who has dreams about any branch of fine arts, and it's also touching for people who had experienced love with a similar fate; which are I believe two main reasons for many people to love it. 7,5/10
It's a strangely working black comedy. After the actionfull beginning, it started to slightly get boring to me, not because action stopped but I thought it wasn't funny or intelligent enough and felt a little bit weird. But at the half-way or so it slowly started to grow back to me and the finale was the best part. Moreover, after the credits roll, I took my time for a minute of thinking and I realized the movie as a whole is meant to be funnier than the total humour inside. I mean well saying this, cause I think the whole situation and the whole story are the main point here. I am not saying the jokes inside are rubbish or it's not funny to watch but the big picture is way better and I felt good about it. It's unfair to compare but it has a little taste of "True Romance" atmosphere towards the end, at least I felt that way. One thing the bugs me, although it's quite satisfactory, the screenplay felt like it could be better in minor details such as those two government agents' (or whatever they are) storyline. The acting is pleasing except some very few moments that felt unconvincing to me from Minnie Driver (whose performance is in fact good in general) and other minor characters. The soundtrack is another plus, at least for 80s fans. Overall, it's not the easiest comedy movie to watch and laugh, it requires an open-mind and takes some time to grip you in. But if you can get there, you won't regret it. 7/10.
It's a good example of how cliches sometimes work just fine. But I must say just fine, not more. A little bit too much fairy tale stuff even for a cliche rom-com but still I'd say watchable and relatable. The romance ark which in fact doesn't work as better as the rest, is the most cheesiest part imo. It feels unnecessary and maybe it could be altered with some other kind of relationship with the guy. It's good that it doesn't have many over the top jokes, so it keeps being sweet and doesn't make serious movie buffs feel too guilty. The cast is perfect for the roles so acting feels really good too. Don't expect much and you'll enjoy. 6,5/10
First of all about the age thing; as far as i remember nobody said Libby (Charlize Theron) is 30 "today" in the movie. She, herself as the narrator, says she was 8 when the murders happened, and she herself says the 30th anniversary of the murders is aproaching while speaking to her manager (or whatever he is) in the restaurant. So why would they make a mistake about her age? She should be around 36 today and Charlize, although 41 in real life, looks around that age, nothing's wrong. About Ben's daughter; her age today was never mentioned in the movie; yes, she's supposed to be around 27 and the actress playing the part looks a little bit younger (around 23-24 imo) but that's all, it's not like she's a child or teenager, people look younger sometimes. Maybe the actress is really around 27. So, nothing's wrong there either. Did i miss anything?
About the movie; it's a solid but really slow paced crime drama with a little pinch of thriller elements. So, if you are looking for some action or serious excitement it's definetely not your thing. But if you happen to like really slow, moody, psychological and long-ish crime dramas, then give it a try, you could like it. The script is good but nothing too shocking or revolutionary. Although figuring out what really happened that night is driving the plot, the movie is mainly about how it affected the characters, which it satisfies to deliver. So, the mystery is the sauce, not the main dish. The acting is totally accomplished from a good cast except one or two minor roles. The atmosphere is fairly gripping with a dark-oriented cinematography, consistent with the title. The two-way editing using 30 years apart timelines work well enough but could be better with better connections. The one flaw is; especially at the beginning, it sometimes gets a little bit confusing as there are many names, and a bunch of characters that you see in different timelines but nothing you can't settle if you keep going focused. It's generally far from being a masterpiece but definetely worth seeing for the admirers of the spesific type of movie. 7/10
I think this is mostly waste of a great idea. The main premise and the obvious message are somewhat clever and really promissing, but the script almost totally consists of needless and meaningless encounters that the main character experience, which don't build on anything on the solid base. It's content with only showing similar exaggerated examples of today's dumbness projected to that future society over and over again through an uninspired survival plot and unfortunately doesn't move on to any deeper level. As a result, it's just a fool adventure-ish comedy that gets less and less interesting, in which the protagonist runs from getting arrested, put into jail or being killed along with a totally repetetive shallow social commentary. Some limited bright humourous moments or lines here and there, but after the initial introduction part, the movie felt just slightly better than that nuts kicking show aired on future tv. This would be much much better if only they took the idea seriously, but obviously they didn't. 5/10
A fairly good, mysterious and complex sci-fi thriller with a little bit predictable plot
(including the twists)
and ending but still works fine. Although minor-ish plot-holes are possible here and there, they don't really disturb much. Good acting and editing makes it more flowing and believable. Nothing really extraordinary in general but just recommendable. 7/10
The beginning half an hour which is supposed to establish the characters and their relationship feels awkward, unconvincing and rushed due to lazy and/or sloppy writing which results in a vague setting with the mindsets, emotions and/or history of the characters and relations between them; and presents a dullish feeling love story with a pretty questionable chemistry between the two women. I can't blame the actors for the arid acting in that part because they don't have much to work with. However, the rest of the movie, which deals with the main subject,
(the deadly disease and gay equality battle related to the pension)
is significantly better written and acted, also feels more moving as things get more clear, and as the characters/relationships get more relatable. However the poor first half an hour still partly shadows and hunts the better remaining part that would probably feel much more gripping with a stronger introduction. 6,5/10.
A little bit too absurd and awkward, at least for my taste. Not awful and someway underlines points related to social obligations about relationships or marriage, but disturbingly disconnects the audience from its setting which makes them mostly not feel or care much about the events or characters. Also, i didn't laugh at all, which is not a problem for me but some people might care. In my opinion, i don't know if there's such a thing but this movie is an absurd drama, not a comedy. 6,5/10
Nice storytelling, atmosphere, cinematography, decent acting and rather predictable but working screenplay/ending. The only thing that bothered me was the already extremely obvious social commentary even further explained by the characters through dialog. However, we're probably living in a world full of people who needs that message spoonfed. The decision is yours. 7,5/10
Somehow a little touching and has its a few short moments which make you feel it's going somewhere better but it's actually not. Nothing much special other than acting and that likable fiancee guy's moments. It's also almost totally predictable. However, it's not a completely waste and it's still watchable, especially if you are interested in the genre or older couple divorce stories for some reason, 6/10 imo.
Really good movie. It's succeeds in being positively and effectively simple, a lot more than recent examples of the genre. Nothing pushie, nothing too unrealistic, it's pure unfair life with a little humour souce. I believe that's why it's such a touching story. The acting is top noch including not only the leads Murray the Great and the kid, but also the supporting Naomi Watts and Melissa McCarthy. Only the Russian accent of Watts is questionably too strong imo but I am not an expert. Not recommended if you only expect many many loud laughs though. 7,5/10
Nothing very much special but has its not-so-high peek moments. Worth seeing especially if you like the indie comedy/drama genre which this movie is a very typical example of. 6,5/10
Not exactly satisfying but still a decent thriller. The storytelling is a little confusing because of some minor editing flaws and the plot is slightly unconvincing but still has its moments, especially through the end. 6,5/10
Very good movie! Creative and funny. Keep in mind that it's intentionally very unrealistic though. It's more than ok for me but I know many will have problems with that. 8/10
Comments 1 - 20 of 20
Movie comment on I Give It a Year
Astragalus
One of the most ridiculous movies I've ever seen. Totally unconvincing plot in every turn, too many over the top characters who talk or behave in the most senseless way possible. I can handle or even enjoy one or two of those in a movie if you establish them well and keep the balance, but not this many like they are all from freakland or something. The only working one for me here was Minnie Driver who at least barely stayed in the believable zone. I had a few chuckles yes but other than that I stared at the screen thinking "why do that?" or "come ooon, was this really necessary?" or "you had to go that far?" most of the time. It contains one of the most annoying scenes in movie historyMovie comment on Colossal
Astragalus
Although it's very crazy and hard to evaluate seriously; "a quite original, fairly well-thought and somewhat surprising fantasy/thriller/drama which has a pretty funny first half" could be a confusing but accurate enough description for this one. It's not a very exciting and memorable movie but on the long run, it could become one of those little "weird" cult sci-fi/fantasy flicks that you remember once in a few years. Be advised to watch without any real expectations. 7/10.Movie comment on La La Land
Astragalus
Although at least 50% of the buzz comes from Hollywood musical nostalgia and really beautiful LA porn, it's a nice movie with an overly-simplified but still workingMovie comment on Mr. Right
Astragalus
A fancy, lighter and aestheticized rom-commy version of the 90s classic; True Romance (1993). 6,5/10Movie comment on Grosse Pointe Blank
Astragalus
It's a strangely working black comedy. After the actionfull beginning, it started to slightly get boring to me, not because action stopped but I thought it wasn't funny or intelligent enough and felt a little bit weird. But at the half-way or so it slowly started to grow back to me and the finale was the best part. Moreover, after the credits roll, I took my time for a minute of thinking and I realized the movie as a whole is meant to be funnier than the total humour inside. I mean well saying this, cause I think the whole situation and the whole story are the main point here. I am not saying the jokes inside are rubbish or it's not funny to watch but the big picture is way better and I felt good about it. It's unfair to compare but it has a little taste of "True Romance" atmosphere towards the end, at least I felt that way. One thing the bugs me, although it's quite satisfactory, the screenplay felt like it could be better in minor details such as those two government agents' (or whatever they are) storyline. The acting is pleasing except some very few moments that felt unconvincing to me from Minnie Driver (whose performance is in fact good in general) and other minor characters. The soundtrack is another plus, at least for 80s fans. Overall, it's not the easiest comedy movie to watch and laugh, it requires an open-mind and takes some time to grip you in. But if you can get there, you won't regret it. 7/10.Movie comment on Chalet Girl
Astragalus
It's a good example of how cliches sometimes work just fine. But I must say just fine, not more. A little bit too much fairy tale stuff even for a cliche rom-com but still I'd say watchable and relatable. The romance ark which in fact doesn't work as better as the rest, is the most cheesiest part imo. It feels unnecessary and maybe it could be altered with some other kind of relationship with the guy. It's good that it doesn't have many over the top jokes, so it keeps being sweet and doesn't make serious movie buffs feel too guilty. The cast is perfect for the roles so acting feels really good too. Don't expect much and you'll enjoy. 6,5/10Movie comment on Dark Places
Astragalus
First of all about the age thing; as far as i remember nobody said Libby (Charlize Theron) is 30 "today" in the movie. She, herself as the narrator, says she was 8 when the murders happened, and she herself says the 30th anniversary of the murders is aproaching while speaking to her manager (or whatever he is) in the restaurant. So why would they make a mistake about her age? She should be around 36 today and Charlize, although 41 in real life, looks around that age, nothing's wrong. About Ben's daughter; her age today was never mentioned in the movie; yes, she's supposed to be around 27 and the actress playing the part looks a little bit younger (around 23-24 imo) but that's all, it's not like she's a child or teenager, people look younger sometimes. Maybe the actress is really around 27. So, nothing's wrong there either. Did i miss anything?About the movie; it's a solid but really slow paced crime drama with a little pinch of thriller elements. So, if you are looking for some action or serious excitement it's definetely not your thing. But if you happen to like really slow, moody, psychological and long-ish crime dramas, then give it a try, you could like it. The script is good but nothing too shocking or revolutionary. Although figuring out what really happened that night is driving the plot, the movie is mainly about how it affected the characters, which it satisfies to deliver. So, the mystery is the sauce, not the main dish. The acting is totally accomplished from a good cast except one or two minor roles. The atmosphere is fairly gripping with a dark-oriented cinematography, consistent with the title. The two-way editing using 30 years apart timelines work well enough but could be better with better connections. The one flaw is; especially at the beginning, it sometimes gets a little bit confusing as there are many names, and a bunch of characters that you see in different timelines but nothing you can't settle if you keep going focused. It's generally far from being a masterpiece but definetely worth seeing for the admirers of the spesific type of movie. 7/10
Movie comment on Idiocracy
Astragalus
I think this is mostly waste of a great idea. The main premise and the obvious message are somewhat clever and really promissing, but the script almost totally consists of needless and meaningless encounters that the main character experience, which don't build on anything on the solid base. It's content with only showing similar exaggerated examples of today's dumbness projected to that future society over and over again through an uninspired survival plot and unfortunately doesn't move on to any deeper level. As a result, it's just a fool adventure-ish comedy that gets less and less interesting, in which the protagonist runs from getting arrested, put into jail or being killed along with a totally repetetive shallow social commentary. Some limited bright humourous moments or lines here and there, but after the initial introduction part, the movie felt just slightly better than that nuts kicking show aired on future tv. This would be much much better if only they took the idea seriously, but obviously they didn't. 5/10Movie comment on Anna
Astragalus
A fairly good, mysterious and complex sci-fi thriller with a little bit predictable plotMovie comment on Freeheld
Astragalus
The beginning half an hour which is supposed to establish the characters and their relationship feels awkward, unconvincing and rushed due to lazy and/or sloppy writing which results in a vague setting with the mindsets, emotions and/or history of the characters and relations between them; and presents a dullish feeling love story with a pretty questionable chemistry between the two women. I can't blame the actors for the arid acting in that part because they don't have much to work with. However, the rest of the movie, which deals with the main subject,Movie comment on The Lobster
Astragalus
A little bit too absurd and awkward, at least for my taste. Not awful and someway underlines points related to social obligations about relationships or marriage, but disturbingly disconnects the audience from its setting which makes them mostly not feel or care much about the events or characters. Also, i didn't laugh at all, which is not a problem for me but some people might care. In my opinion, i don't know if there's such a thing but this movie is an absurd drama, not a comedy. 6,5/10Movie comment on An Inspector Calls
Astragalus
Nice storytelling, atmosphere, cinematography, decent acting and rather predictable but working screenplay/ending. The only thing that bothered me was the already extremely obvious social commentary even further explained by the characters through dialog. However, we're probably living in a world full of people who needs that message spoonfed. The decision is yours. 7,5/10Movie comment on It's Complicated
Astragalus
Somehow a little touching and has its a few short moments which make you feel it's going somewhere better but it's actually not. Nothing much special other than acting and that likable fiancee guy's moments. It's also almost totally predictable. However, it's not a completely waste and it's still watchable, especially if you are interested in the genre or older couple divorce stories for some reason, 6/10 imo.Movie comment on Olympus Has Fallen
Astragalus
So, I guess all the Die Hard jokes have been made after almost 2 years, I'll have to live with that. The movie didn't deserve it anyway! 4,5/10Movie comment on Flipped
Astragalus
A sweeter children version of "When Harry Met Sally" with quite functional "opposite points of view" add-on that you'll love! And it's also brilliant!A.k.a "When Bryce Met Juli" :) 8/10
Movie comment on St. Vincent
Astragalus
Really good movie. It's succeeds in being positively and effectively simple, a lot more than recent examples of the genre. Nothing pushie, nothing too unrealistic, it's pure unfair life with a little humour souce. I believe that's why it's such a touching story. The acting is top noch including not only the leads Murray the Great and the kid, but also the supporting Naomi Watts and Melissa McCarthy. Only the Russian accent of Watts is questionably too strong imo but I am not an expert. Not recommended if you only expect many many loud laughs though. 7,5/10Movie comment on What We Did on Our Holiday
Astragalus
Nothing very much special but has its not-so-high peek moments. Worth seeing especially if you like the indie comedy/drama genre which this movie is a very typical example of. 6,5/10Movie comment on Before I Go to Sleep
Astragalus
Not exactly satisfying but still a decent thriller. The storytelling is a little confusing because of some minor editing flaws and the plot is slightly unconvincing but still has its moments, especially through the end. 6,5/10Movie comment on The Equalizer
Astragalus
Decent very typical invincible hero movie, unless you consider this symbolism:McCall (D.Washington) = Obama (USA)
Vladimir Pushkin = Vladimir Putin (Russia)
Teri (The Prostitute) = Ukraine
and so on...
Movie comment on The Family
Astragalus
Very good movie! Creative and funny. Keep in mind that it's intentionally very unrealistic though. It's more than ok for me but I know many will have problems with that. 8/10