Austin Butler is amazing, Hanks is fine. The lavish, showy Baz Luhrman overproduction of the opening is intentionally scaled down as the film progresses and the story becomes sadder. While a cool thematic trick, it does nonetheless make the third act a bit of a slog. It just kind of gets stuck in the mud. Caught in a trap, even. Appropriate, but dull.
Heartbreaking and vivid! The backdrop of fascist Italy is an interesting choice, but doesn’t really mesh with the rest of the story’s themes. There’s an odd element of “not obeying” that kinda works and kinda doesn’t. The animation is gorgeous and the story is sweet. It’s still a bit all over the place, but it’s still very good.
A solid idea and lovely acting that is largely let down by some lacklustre cinematography/editing. Moreover, the story sort of splits its focus in terms of who it wants as a main character. As such, it feels a bit directionless. I’m glad this movie was made, but I’m disappointed it’s not better made. I think without Viola Davis’ name attached, this film would be hardly looked at.
Such a great script and brilliantly delivered. This film is a celebration of one-liners that would be a famous quote in any other film. Some of the excuses to keep putting the cast in the same room tend to be a bit thin, but who cares? It’s great. Highly recommended if you listen closely to the dialogue. So much going on beneath the surface in every scene.
Long, untraditional in pacing, but amazing performances and a really unusual structure. Fascinating throughout, but I can’t say I loved it. Nonetheless, there’s so much being said and discussed here and the parallels between art and life are at the heart of it.
A charming film that doesn't really deserve to be charming. The love story is super weird and creepy. I have no idea why this film exists, but it was well made as a tribute to the early 70s L.A. scene told through a series of vignettes -- none of which are particularly interesting or form a cohesive plot. It's a thing that exists and is well made. I have no interest in seeing this film again, but I hope Hoffman keeps making films.
Overflowing with Spielberg's stylistic panache and vivacious visuals, the West Side Story remake also manages to look decidedly retro in its film quality. The only problem is that Spielberg doesn't seem to have the flair for musical theatre choreography's blocking requirements on screen. So many times the musical flourishes paired with choreographed visuals were only half seen or underwhelming.
Is the movie enjoyable? Yes. Is it better than the original? No.
Interesting use of animation to cover the personal nature of the story, and an unflinching look at the journey of a refugee. I still felt there was a little bit missing though.
Shockingly good, watchable and entertaining. Sure there’s lots of fan service, but this is essentially Ghostbusters III. I loved how the music was thrown back to the original. It’s not perfect though, the third act stumbles over the details and consequences, but it’s still entertaining. The ending is perfect.
A fantastic tale of the value of relationships in our fleeting reality we call life. Cage is stupendous and powerful. The script seems intentionally staged in a three-act hero’s tale to emphasize the comfort of the form while also developing thematic material around family, small pleasures, and the simplicity of what we really need in life. I loved this film.
A somewhat, slow and intimate portrait of an uncle and nephew getting to know each other a bit better. Phoenix’s character is filled with potential, but I felt that the learning that the nephew gains isn’t truly matched in emotional depth for Johnny. It’s filled with thematic potential too, but there’s no real emotional payoff - or that potential payoff doesn’t work. The black and white photography doesn’t add to it. Overall, it’s a lot of wasted potential. Great performances from all though.
Dreadfully slow, but poignantly illuminating. I can see this being very popular with film students and those in the industry. As a piece of entertainment, it’s not much, however. Artistic statement, yes, though. Lovely lead turn by Tessa Thompson. Captured the era very well. Like a more realistic Great Gatsby.
Watchable, unlike Spectre. Some solid bits and pieces and it looks and sounds great (how often do you notice how good the sound is?), but it’s a bit long, a bit routine, and a bit aimless. It’s better than just okay, but it’s not the best 2.5 hours spent.
Lovely, lively and life-like with great music and a confident and massive performance from Garfield. Wondeful supporting cast and smart cameos. Loved it. Could maybe shorten or cut one song.
Comments 1 - 25 of 568
Movie comment on Im Westen nichts Neues
frankqb
Excellent costumes, FX, cinematography, acting and an important story. It can drag ever so slightly, but it’s great.5 stars
Movie comment on The Banshees of Inisherin
frankqb
A lovely parable for how human connection is eroded until uncivil deeds make civil hands unclean.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Elvis
frankqb
Austin Butler is amazing, Hanks is fine. The lavish, showy Baz Luhrman overproduction of the opening is intentionally scaled down as the film progresses and the story becomes sadder. While a cool thematic trick, it does nonetheless make the third act a bit of a slog. It just kind of gets stuck in the mud. Caught in a trap, even. Appropriate, but dull.3 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
frankqb
Heartbreaking and vivid! The backdrop of fascist Italy is an interesting choice, but doesn’t really mesh with the rest of the story’s themes. There’s an odd element of “not obeying” that kinda works and kinda doesn’t. The animation is gorgeous and the story is sweet. It’s still a bit all over the place, but it’s still very good.Three stars out of 4
Movie comment on The Woman King
frankqb
A solid idea and lovely acting that is largely let down by some lacklustre cinematography/editing. Moreover, the story sort of splits its focus in terms of who it wants as a main character. As such, it feels a bit directionless. I’m glad this movie was made, but I’m disappointed it’s not better made. I think without Viola Davis’ name attached, this film would be hardly looked at.3.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Glass Onion
frankqb
Entertaining but lacking the subtle social commentary of the original.Movie comment on RRR (Rise Roar Revolt)
frankqb
Just astounding from start to finish.5 stars
Movie comment on Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
frankqb
Decently funny, but not gut-bustingly so. Still very clever, just like the person it’s about.3 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Judgment at Nuremberg
frankqb
Fascinating and a vital portrait of what it is to be human and to live justly.Movie comment on The Lion in Winter
frankqb
Such a great script and brilliantly delivered. This film is a celebration of one-liners that would be a famous quote in any other film. Some of the excuses to keep putting the cast in the same room tend to be a bit thin, but who cares? It’s great. Highly recommended if you listen closely to the dialogue. So much going on beneath the surface in every scene.5 stars
Movie comment on Hellboy II: The Golden Army
frankqb
Great fun and great visuals. Recommended!Movie comment on Doraibu mai kâ
frankqb
Long, untraditional in pacing, but amazing performances and a really unusual structure. Fascinating throughout, but I can’t say I loved it. Nonetheless, there’s so much being said and discussed here and the parallels between art and life are at the heart of it.3 stars out of 4
Movie comment on Licorice Pizza
frankqb
A charming film that doesn't really deserve to be charming. The love story is super weird and creepy. I have no idea why this film exists, but it was well made as a tribute to the early 70s L.A. scene told through a series of vignettes -- none of which are particularly interesting or form a cohesive plot. It's a thing that exists and is well made. I have no interest in seeing this film again, but I hope Hoffman keeps making films.3.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on West Side Story
frankqb
Overflowing with Spielberg's stylistic panache and vivacious visuals, the West Side Story remake also manages to look decidedly retro in its film quality. The only problem is that Spielberg doesn't seem to have the flair for musical theatre choreography's blocking requirements on screen. So many times the musical flourishes paired with choreographed visuals were only half seen or underwhelming.Is the movie enjoyable? Yes. Is it better than the original? No.
4 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Flugt
frankqb
Interesting use of animation to cover the personal nature of the story, and an unflinching look at the journey of a refugee. I still felt there was a little bit missing though.4.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on The First Wave
frankqb
Gripping personal drama and real history in the making. Riveting and personal to the core.5 stars
Movie comment on Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
frankqb
Fascinating, moving and important. Summer of Soul’s Harlem Cultural Festival carries the political importance that Woodstock could only aspire to.Part history, part celebration, and all awesome.
5 stars
Movie comment on Ghostbusters: Afterlife
frankqb
Shockingly good, watchable and entertaining. Sure there’s lots of fan service, but this is essentially Ghostbusters III. I loved how the music was thrown back to the original. It’s not perfect though, the third act stumbles over the details and consequences, but it’s still entertaining. The ending is perfect.3 stars
Movie comment on Pig
frankqb
A fantastic tale of the value of relationships in our fleeting reality we call life. Cage is stupendous and powerful. The script seems intentionally staged in a three-act hero’s tale to emphasize the comfort of the form while also developing thematic material around family, small pleasures, and the simplicity of what we really need in life. I loved this film.5 stars
Movie comment on C'mon C'mon
frankqb
A somewhat, slow and intimate portrait of an uncle and nephew getting to know each other a bit better. Phoenix’s character is filled with potential, but I felt that the learning that the nephew gains isn’t truly matched in emotional depth for Johnny. It’s filled with thematic potential too, but there’s no real emotional payoff - or that potential payoff doesn’t work. The black and white photography doesn’t add to it. Overall, it’s a lot of wasted potential. Great performances from all though.3.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on Passing
frankqb
Dreadfully slow, but poignantly illuminating. I can see this being very popular with film students and those in the industry. As a piece of entertainment, it’s not much, however. Artistic statement, yes, though. Lovely lead turn by Tessa Thompson. Captured the era very well. Like a more realistic Great Gatsby.3.5 stars out of 5
Movie comment on The Card Counter
frankqb
Partly stylish, partly political, partly odd. Either the ending didn’t make sense or something is off. Great performances though.4 stars
Movie comment on The Lost Daughter
frankqb
Kinda tense-ish, but mostly interesting. Very well done.4.5 stars
Movie comment on No Time to Die
frankqb
Watchable, unlike Spectre. Some solid bits and pieces and it looks and sounds great (how often do you notice how good the sound is?), but it’s a bit long, a bit routine, and a bit aimless. It’s better than just okay, but it’s not the best 2.5 hours spent.3 stars out of 5
Movie comment on tick, tick...BOOM!
frankqb
Lovely, lively and life-like with great music and a confident and massive performance from Garfield. Wondeful supporting cast and smart cameos. Loved it. Could maybe shorten or cut one song.5 stars
Showing items 1 – 25 of 568