Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Genre

Action | Adventure

Director

Steven Spielberg

Country

USA

Cast

Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, Michael Byrne, Kevork Malikyan, River Phoenix, Alex Hyde-White, Robert Eddison, Vernon Dobtcheff, Alexei Sayle, Michael Sheard

Storyline

When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, an art collector (Julian Glover) approaches Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) with a proposition to continue his father's search. Once accepted, Jones must find his father and stop the Nazis.

Opinion

Definitely the best Indiana Jones film yet, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is more comedic, emotional, and spiritual than its predecessors, still plenty of superb action and thrills.

The great story, written by George Lucas and Menno Meyjes, begins with an introduction to a younger Indy, that finally gives the audience something about his background, such as the roots of his taste for adventure, the determination to put artifacts into museums, his fear of snakes, and, less important, how he got the chin scar. Back in 1938, the story is related to God in a beautiful way, without disrespecting religion - thing that happened in The Temple of Doom. 

The introduction of Indy's eccentric father, played by Sean Connery - couldn't really get any better than that -, is one of the highlights of the film. Most of the fun is delivered by him, and along with Ford, he also provides a great father-son dynamic.

Having most of the action of the film, Harrison Ford is amazing and charismatic as Indy. New entry Sean Connery does a wonderful job in portraying Indy's father, making a perfect duo with Ford. John Rhys-Davies is back as Sallah, and he is wonderful as ever, so is Denholm Elliott, returned as Marcus Brody. Alison Doody does a good job with her interesting character. Julian Glover is probably the best of Indy's villains so far. 

Quotes

Fedora: You lost today, kid. But that doesn't mean you have to like it.

Far from Heaven (2002)

Genre

Drama

Director

Todd Haynes

Country

USA | France

Cast

Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, Viola Davis, James Rebhorn, Michael Gaston, Celia Weston, Barbara Garrick, Bette Henritze, June Squibb, Ryan Ward, Lindsay Andretta, Jordan Puryear, J.B. Adams, Olivia Birkelund

Storyline

Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) is the perfect 50s housewife, living the perfect 50s life: healthy kids, successful husband, social prominence. Then one night she surprises her husband Frank (Dennis Quaid) kissing another man, and her tidy world starts spinning out of control. In her confusion and grief, she finds consolation in the friendship of their African-American gardener, Raymond Deagan (Dennis Haysbert).

Opinion

I really had high hopes for this film based on the plot, on the cast, and on the Oscar nominations received. Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment.

While the photography, the set decoration, and the colour are excellent, and the musical score by Elmer Bernstein is outstanding, the film turned out to be a waste of time.

Dull at some points, Far from Heaven not only doesn't have an original idea, but it also deals with two major issues - homosexuality and interracial relationship - in a very shallow way. And God, so much could have been made with those two.

Living in a world full of prejudice, both Cathy and Frank go against the mainstream, the first having a colour-blind heart in a white world, the second being homosexual in a bigot society. Still, instead of supporting each other - they are wife and husband after all - they are disgusted from each other.

Fortunately, the acting is great. Julianne Moore gives a stunning, and touching performance as Cathy Whitaker, and really deserves the acclaim she's received for this role. Dennis Quaid gives a fantastic performance as Cathy's husband - definitely his best performance. Dennis Haysbert is also fantastic as Cathy's gardener. Patricia Clarkson gives a delightful performance as Cathy's friend.

That was the day I stopped believing in the wild ardor of things. Perhaps in love, as well. That kind of love. The love in books and films. The love that tells us to abandon our lives and plans, all for one brief touch of Venus. So often we fail at that kind of love. The world just seems too fragile a place for it. And of every other kind, life remains full. Perhaps it's just we who are too fragile. - Cathy Whitaker

Shutter Island (2010)

Genre

Mystery | Thriller

Director

Martin Scorsese

Country

USA

Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Jackie Earle Haley, Ted Levine, John Carroll Lynch, Elias Koteas, Jill Larson, Ken Cheeseman, Ruby Jerins, Robin Bartlett, Christopher Denham, Matthew Cowles

Storyline

In 1954, Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck (Mark Ruffalo), travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient, Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer). As Teddy quizzes Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), the head of the institution, he begins to suspect that the authorities in charge might not be giving him the whole truth, and that a terrible fate may befall all the patients in the spooky Ward C, a unit devoted to the most heinous of the hospital's inmates.

Opinion

Based on Dennis Lehane's fantastic novel, Shutter Island is a great psychological thriller - indeed one of the best after "The Silence of Lambs" - that finally manages to scare you, not because it has some sadistic person, but because it really messes with you.

The brilliant story gathers memories, visions, and paranoia, to arrive at the final twist, though not very unpredictable if you have seen films such as "The Sixth Sense" or "The Others".

Director Martin Scorsese perfectly recreates the dark atmosphere of the island, relying also on the stunning, and gloomy cinematography by Robert Richardson, on the high tension that keeps you company throughout the film - clearly influenced by Alfred Hitchcock -, and on the music perfectly chosen to increase the sense of mystery.

Unfortunately, while on one hand, Scorsese puts the audience in the position of accepting reality for what it is, as brutal it may be, on the other hand, among the detailed memories, there are also the corpses in the snow, in the Dachau concentration camp. Now the problem is that somebody may think - some people actually think that already - that the horrors of World War II never happened, and that they are the result of mental insanity.

However, the acting is excellent. Leonardo DiCaprio gives a spectacular performance - once again not recognized in an appropriate way. The supporting cast is also terrific. Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Jackie Earle Haley, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Ted Levine, they all are.

Mention-Worthy Quotes

Teddy Daniels: Which would be worse - to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?

Dr. Jeremiah Naehring: Did you know that the word 'trauma' comes from the Greek for 'wound'? Hm? And what is the German word for 'dream'? Traum. Ein Traum. Wounds can create monsters, and you, you are wounded, Marshal.

Homefront (2013)

Genre

Action | Crime | Drama

Director

Gary Fleder

Country

USA

Cast

Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Chuck Zito, Frank Grillo, Rachelle Lefevre, Clancy Brown, Christa Campbell, Stuart Green, Omar Benson Miller, Izabela Vidovic, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Marcus Hester, Austin Craig

Storyline

Former DEA agent Phil Broker (Jason Statham) moves to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter Maddy (Izabela Vidovic). The is only one problem: he picked the wrong town.

Opinion

Based on Chuck Logan's novel, and with a quite good cast - I'm not talking about Statham of course -, the film was promising. Then I read Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay, and the house of cards fell apart.

As mentioned before Jason Statham is in it, and his films are pretty much the same thing. This time, he is a quiet guy in need to use his exceptional fighting skills against the bad guys, and he also happens to be the fastest in the west, as usual. 

Having said that, Homefront is an action film Statham's style - his fans are gonna love it -, with no climax, still the action and violence keep you entertained, and it gets a little bit thrilling at the end. Kind of.

Agreeing on the fact that Statham is good at fighting, he is not good at acting. His performance is substanceless, just a smile here, and a smile there. Izabela Vidovic very well plays Statham's daughter. James Franco does a great job as the main bad guy - finally a role that suits him. Winona Ryder does good with his small screen time. Kate Bosworth is pretty good too. I would have like to see more Frank Grillo in here. 

Quotes

Phil Broker: Whatever you're thinking, rethink it.

The Mafia Kills Only in Summer (2013)

Original Title

La mafia uccide solo d'estate

Genre

Comedy | Drama

Director

Pif

Country

Italy

Cast

Pif, Cristiana Capotondi, Claudio Gioè, Ninni Bruschetta, Alex Bisconti, Ginevra Antona, Maurizio Marchetti, Rosario Lisma, Barbara Tabita, Antonio Alveario, Totò Borgese

Storyline

Inspired by real events, the story is focused on Arturo (Alex Bisconti as a child, Pif as an adult), a young journalist whose life has been influenced by the Mafia since his childhood.

Opinion

Brilliantly written, The Mafia Kills Only in Summer is an original, and unusual approach to Mafia, that manages to balance in an exceptional way humour and drama.

First work of Pierfrancesco Diliberto aka Pif, this film is surely a masterpiece, and it has a bigger impact not due the story itself, but by the way the story is told and shown, putting aside any celebration addressed to Cosa Nostra - thing that happens very often.
Narrated by Pif himself, the documentary look brings the audience into the story - which in my case is also my story - and makes them more involved.

The godfathers, always portrayed as powerful and strong men, are this time portrayed in a comical way. In his everyday life, Totò Riina looks like a simpleton, and as such makes us laugh. But then, when he orders the death of politicians, and magistrates, we are brought back to reality, and we realize that there wasn't much to laugh about.

The actors are all great. I am actually very impressed by Alex Bisconti who plays Arturo as a child, and mostly by Pif as adult Arturo, since he is not even an actor. 

Quotes

Arturo: When I became a father, I understood that parents have two basic tasks. The first one is defending their sons from the evil of the world. The second is to help them recognise it.

The Godfather: Part III (1990)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Al Pacino, Andy García, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Sofia Coppola, Eli Wallach, George Hamilton, Joe Mantegna, Richard Bright, Bridget Fonda, Raf Vallone, Franc D'Ambrosio, Donal Donnelly, Helmut Berger, Don Novello, John Savage, Mario Donatone, Vittorio Duse, Enzo Robutti, Al Martino, Jessica DiCiccio

Storyline

In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in New York and Italy in 1979, aging mafia don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) seeks to vow for his sins while taking a young protégé (Andy García) under his wing.

Opinion

Many years - and films - later, Francis Ford Coppola returns with the third, final, and not needed chapter of the saga featuring the Corleone family. 

Notwithstanding doesn't achieve the greatness of its two predecessors, The Godfather: Part III works quite good as a standalone film, and is still a quite respectable sequel, though a little slow and not much involving in some parts.

Still written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, the story is way too detached from the first two films. The religious background, and the business with the Vatican are way out of place, as the disjointed scene of the death of Michael Corleone, or the romance between Michael's daughter Mary, and Michael's nephew Vincent Mancini - Sonny's illegitimate son. Still it has a certain moral improvement, violence is no longer celebrated, and there is even the repentance of Michael, that confesses his sins nearly in tears.

Following the "Never change a winning team" proverb, Coppola recollaborates with cinematographer Gordon Willis, and the result is an outstanding photography.

The acting is so-so. On the one hand we have a still brilliant Al Pacino - though I didn't really like Michael's new personality -, and a great support given by Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy García and an outstanding Eli Wallach, who plays Don Altobello. On the other hand we have the director's real-life-daughter Sofia Coppola. She has the same strange expression for most of the film, she acts like a spoil girl, and she constantly speaks in the same tone.

Quotes

Michael Corleone: Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.

Michael Corleone: Never let anyone know what you are thinking.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Genre

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

Marc Webb

Country

USA

Cast

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, Chris Zylka, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Leif Gantvoort, Hannah Marks, Kelsey Chow, C. Thomas Howell, Stan Lee, Michael Massee, Michael Papajohn, Max Charles, Jake Keiffer

Storyline

Like most teenagers, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance, leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Opinion

The Sam Raimi's trilogy, though the awful ending chapter, will always stand out among the superhero films, and definitely did not need to be rebooted. Still Marc Webb succeeded in making a quite amazing interpretation of Spider-Man's origins - and a more loyal film towards the comic books.

The Amazing Spider-Man is surprisingly engaging, plenty of action, thrill, and genuine emotions, with a more effective drama than ever.

Marc Webb faithfully manages to bring to the screen Peter Parker's humanity, creating a more credible superhero, that must defeat a villain, and on the other hand take care of his worried aunt.
In this new film, Parker isn't accidentally bitten by the spider but he is kinda looking forward to, and there's a new way his powers work. He now needs a device to shoot a web perfectly, and still causing lot of damage, he looks more credible. Some parts - like when Peter is working on his costume - are way too rushed though. The villain is good, but Connors becoming evil because he became Lizard is a little forced.

Andrew Garfield is indeed the best choice to play Peter Parker, giving him that humour - and better look - Maguire's didn't have. Emma Stone is amazing as Gwen Stacy, way better than Dunst, and her character as well is better than MJ, being more than just a love interest. The chemistry between Garfield and Stone is amazing.

Quotes

Ben Parker: Peter? I know things have been difficult lately and I'm sorry about that. I think I know what you're feeling. Ever since you were a little boy, you've been living with so many unresolved things. Well, take it from an old man. Those things send us down a road... they make us who we are. And if anyone's destined for greatness, it's you, son. You owe the world your gifts. You just have to figure out how to use them and know that wherever they take you, we'll always be here. So, come on home, Peter. You're my hero... and I love you!

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Genre

Action | Adventure

Director

Steven Spielberg

Country

USA

Cast

Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip Stone, Roy Chiao, David Yip, Raj Singh, D. R. Nanayakkara, Pat Roach

Storyline

After arriving in India, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace.

Opinion

As a prequel, it should have some coherence with the Raiders of the Lost Ark, but I'm not quite sure that happened. I understand the absence of Willie, as is common practise to change the hero's woman in each film, but what happened to Short Round? Wasn't he Indiana's sidekick in this one? Is he dead in 1936?

Having said that, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a great, entertaining, too dark for some, adventure film, filled with thrilling scenes, nonstop action, and some fun.

Written by George Lucas, the story is good, but it also provides a negative portrayal of India and Hinduism. At least, this time, Indy has a point in the film as he manages to fulfill his mission. The character of Willie, though a little annoying, was hilarious, and you have to love Short Round.

Harrison Ford is amazing and charismatic as Jones, and gives a better performance than earlier since the character requires more humanity. Kate Capshaw struggles to get close to Allen's Marion. Jonathan Ke Quan is good as Short Round and adds something to the story. The villain, though not very interesting, is well-played by Amrish Puri.

Quotes

Short Round: I keep telling you, you listen to me more, you live longer!

The Prestige (2006)

Genre

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Director

Christopher Nolan

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis, Ricky Jay, Roger Rees, W. Morgan Sheppard, Daniel Davis

Storyline

In 1878, two young stage magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), clash in a darkened salon during the course of a fraudulent seance. From this moment on, their lives become webs of deceit and exposure, secrets and revelations, as they feud to outwit and destroy one another. Their rivalry takes them both to the peak of their careers, but with terrible consequences.

Opinion

Besides this, I've only seen other two Nolan's films - Memento and Inception -, and the thing that amazed me the most is their ability to hypnotize the audience.

Although at first I wasn't much into it, The Prestige turned out to be a complex, engaging, thrilling mind-blowing film, as well as an excellent portrait of obsession and competition of magicians. 

Though adapted from Christopher Priest's novel 'The Prestige', the story is a perfect fit for Nolan's direction, as the increasing engagement and twists keeps you wondering like Memento did. Also, he succeeded in having a dream cast.

The narrative structure of the film is very interesting. Nonlinear, the film starts from the end, and builds the story through flashbacks and flashforwards, showing the same episodes from the point of view of both the main characters.

Also, part of the story has a historical confirmation. In fact, besides the invention of a machine capable of teleporting or duplicate matter, the several references to the studies of Nikola Tesla and his rivalry with Thomas Edison are accurate.

The cinematography by Wally Pfister and the scenography by Nathan Crowley and Julie Ochipinti are outstanding, giving the film a magical and mysterious setting.

Hugh Jackman as Robert Angier, Christian Bale as Alfred Borden, and Michael Caine as stage engineer John Cutter all give charismatic, emotional, stunning performances. Rebecca Hall, who plays Borden's wife, provides a great performance. Scarlett Johansson, once again in the mistress's shoes, performs badly. Mention worthy is David Bowie's performance as Nikola Tesla, which despite the small screen time, proves to be a better actor than most of Hollywood's people.

Quotes

Cutter: Every great magic trick consists of three parts or acts. The first part is called "The Pledge". The magician shows you something ordinary: a deck of cards, a bird or a man. He shows you this object. Perhaps he asks you to inspect it to see if it is indeed real, unaltered, normal. But of course... it probably isn't. The second act is called "The Turn". The magician takes the ordinary something and makes it do something extraordinary. Now you're looking for the secret... but you won't find it, because of course you're not really looking. You don't really want to know. You want to be fooled. But you wouldn't clap yet. Because making something disappear isn't enough; you have to bring it back. That's why every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call "The Prestige".

Cutter: Now you're looking for the secret. But you won't find it because of course, you're not really looking. You don't really want to work it out. You want to be fooled.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Genre

Comedy | Drama

Director

Craig Gillespie

Country

USA | Canada

Cast

Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, R.D. Reid, Kelli Garner, Nancy Beatty, Doug Lennox, Joe Bostick, Liz Gordon, Nicky Guadagni, Patricia Clarkson, Karen Robinson, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, Billy Parrott, Sally Cahill, Angela Vint, Liisa Repo-Martell, Boyd Banks, Darren Hynes, Víctor Gómez, Tommy Chang, Arnold Pinnock, Joshua Peace, Aurora Browne, Alec McClure, Tannis Burnett, Lauren Ash, Lindsay, Connell

Storyline

After years of what is almost solitude, Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) invites Bianca to his brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and his wife Karen (Emily Mortimer). The only problem is that she is not real, she is a sex doll Lars ordered off the Internet.

Opinion

There is no way to explain the plot of this film and not make it sound stupid, and meaningless, but don't let the storyline fool you, because the film is anything but silly.

Lars and the Real Girl is a sweet, sensible, touching, and original film, that goes to the heart, by evoking compassion and tenderness at the same time. Dealing with issues such as loneliness and alienation, the film has a powerful message about the ability of a community to help and heal a troubled soul, even if it means treating a doll as a human being. 

There are some hilarious moments - I found it impossible not to laugh during the dinner -, and some unbelievably emotional moments that brought me to tears.

The main character is spectacular and it is impossible not to love him. Lars is a shy, insecure, sweet, guy with a sensibility like few others, that pours out his fears and insecurities on Bianca, the doll. On the way of his healing, Lars is not only accompanied by the community, but by the audience as well. And that handshake with the sweet girl, on which the camera focuses, is not just a handshake, but the transition from child to adult.

I am not a fan of Ryan Gosling, but he is unarguably an outstanding actor, and as such he gives a spectacular performance as Lars, and he proves to get along both comedic and dramatic acting. The supporting cast provides a strong support, with a marvellous Patricia Clarkson as a psychiatrist, and a wonderful Emily Mortimer as Lars's sister-in-law.

Quotes

Reverend Bock: Lars asked us not to wear black today. He did so to remind us that this is no ordinary funeral. We are here to celebrate Bianca's extraordinary life. From her wheelchair, Bianca reached out and touched us all, in ways we could never have imagined. She was a teacher. She was a lesson in courage. And Bianca loved us all. Especially Lars. Especially him.

Lars Lindstrom: Those are nice, huh? And they're not real, so they'll last forever.

Neighbors (2014)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Nicholas Stoller

Country

USA

Cast

Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Dave Franco, Ike Barinholtz, Carla Gallo, Craig Roberts, Jerrod Carmichael, Lisa Kudrow, Hannibal Buress, Halston Sage, Ali Cobrin, Jason Mantzoukas, Brian Huskey, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Adam DeVine, Blake Anderson, Anders Holm, Kyle Newacheck, Keith Cashin, Jake Johnson

Storyline

Forced to live next to a fraternity house lead by Teddy (Zac Efron), Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne), a couple with a newborn baby, do whatever they can to take them down. 

Opinion

I was in the mood for a comedy, and I was sure a film starring Seth Rogen wouldn't disappoint me. I couldn't be more wrong.

Besides the funny moments seen in the trailer - not even that funny in the film itself, and the only laughable moments in the whole film -, Neighbors is a truly tedious - neither worse nor better - version of American Pie, whose sexual humour is a hundred percent unfunny. Of course, if you think a man trying to milk his wife or a frat boy winning over a fight using his erection are funny, you will definetly enjoy the film and laugh the whole time. 

Back to reality, the script is so unbelievably stupid and full of cliques that makes you cringe. For the most part, the dialogue doesn't go beyond the words fu*k, sh*t, and d*ck. The characters are awful, starting from the old couple, for which is hard to feel any empathy, to the frat boys, which don't look bonded to each other. Seth Rogen's character seems way too obsessed with Zac Efron's body, and it would have been fine if it wasn't for the fact that he is neither a gay nor a woman. 

The performances are just awful. Seth Rogen, usually a very likable guy, in here is annoying from the beginning, and, along with Rose Byrne, does an awful job. Also, the chemistry between Rogen and Byrne is not much believable. Zac Efron, quite talented and handsome, is not that bad, but there is still nothing he can do with the horrible film and awful direction.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Country

USA

Cast

Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Quentin Tarantino, Kirk Baltz, Randy Brooks, Edward Bunker

Storyline

Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney), a small-time crime boss, assembles six strangers with reputations as good thieves to steal a lot diamonds. When the police arrive at the scene before the burglars can even make their getaway, it becomes apparent that one of them is an undercover police officer.

Opinion

Reservoir Dogs is a disturbing, sadistic, violent, yet brilliant film destined to become a cult, and a unique directorial debut from a unique and outstanding director. The film, more about the consequences of the heist rather than the heist itself, tests the trust between the criminals. 

28-year-old Quentin Tarantino already proves to be a master of cinema, brilliantly writing and masterfully directing this outstanding piece of art. The beauty of Tarantino's direction is that the perspective is of someone who knows - and loves - cinema, not having studied it, but having seen it.

Some people said that the violence was unnecessary and didn't add anything to the plot, but it has an important role on the character development. It is because of the violence that we can learn more about the characters' personalities - not all of them, though.

The soundtrack couldn't be anything but spectacular, including Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling"  that won't get out of my head easily now. 

With a top-actors cast, there is no surprise the acting is superb. Harvey Keitel is wonderful as Mr. White. Steve Buscemi freaks out for much of the film, still gives a great performance as Mr. Pink. Tim Roth, passed out and dying on the floor for most of the time, does a great job as Mr. Orange, carrying the emotional weight of the film. Lawrence Tierney as Joe, Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde, and Chris Penn as Nice Guy Eddie are great as well. The problem in the acting is Quentin Tarantino, his character, Mr. Brown, is not great, and he is not a great actor.

Quotes

Mr. Pink: I don't wanna kill anybody. But if I gotta get out that door, and you're standing in my way, one way or the other, you're gettin' outta my way.

Mr. Pink: I can say I definitely didn't do it because I know what I did or didn't do. But I cannot definitely say that about anybody else, 'cause I don't definitely know.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, Morgana King, G.D. Spradlin, Richard Bright, Marianna Hill, Gastone Moschin, Troy Donahue, Dominic Chianese, Amerigo Tot, Joe Spinell, Bruno Kirby, Frank Sivero, Maria Carta, Francesca De Sapio, Giuseppe Sillato, Roman Coppola, John Megna, Julian Voloshin, Larry Guardino, Danny Aiello, John Aprea, Leopoldo Trieste, Salvatore Po, Harry DEan Stanton, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, Gianni Russo

Storyline

The early life and career of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1920s New York is portrayed while his son, Michael (Al Pacino), expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-revolution 1958 Cuba.

Opinion

Perfectly working both as a sequel - and prequel as well - and as a stand alone film, The Godfather: Part II is a magnificent, exciting, deep, emotional film that not only portrays a Mafioso family, but also a man whose legacy is too heavy to be carried by himself only.

Still fantastically written by Mario Puzo, one of the strengths of the film is the comparison between younger Vito, played by Robert De Niro, and Michael. While Vito is both a peaceful family man, and a ruthless man when it comes to business, Michael is an insecure man that hides himself behind a mask of ruthlessness.

The direction by Francis Ford Coppola is flawless. Moreover he recollaborated with many of the crew members of the first time, and the result is, again, an outstanding photography by Gordon Willis and an Oscar worthy set design by Dean Tavoularis, and co.

The acting is superb. Al Pacino is mesmerising as Michael Corleone. Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and John Cazale provide top performances, although three people stand out among the supporting cast: Robert De Niro, flawless portraying young Vito Corleone, Lee Strasberg, portraying Hyman Roth, and Michael Gazzo, portraying Frank Pentangeli.

Quotes

Michael Corleone: There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Genre

Action | Adventure

Director

Sam Raimi

Country

USA

Cast

Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Cromwell, Theresa Russell, Dylan Baker, Bill Nunn, Elizabeth Banks, Ted Raimi, Perla Haney-Jardine, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, Elya Baskin, Mageina Tovah, Michael Papajohn, Joe Manganiello, Stan Lee

Storyline

Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) has finally managed to balance life as both Spider-Man and as Mary-Jane's (Kirsten Dunst) boyfriend. But when a strange black entity from another world bonds with him and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, and revenge.

Opinion

Your friendly neighborhood web-slinger is back, only this time he is shineless. As happened - and will keep on happening - with other trilogies, Spider-Man 3 is a disappointing closing chapter. It is way too ambitious and doesn't accomplish anything.

First of all, the writing: there are way too many characters and even if the film was four hours long, there wouldn't be enough time for all of them. There is definitely too much going on for one sitting.

The New Goblin's aka Harry Osborn conflict with Spider-Man might be interesting, but it's just thrown into the story, and Harry's continuous attitude changes are pretty annoying. He seeks revenge for his father's 'murder' by Spider-Man, then he is Peter's best friend, then again he wants to kill him, and at the end they are friends again. 

The same problem occurs with Sandman. Firstly he is made to look like a good guy, then bad, and then good again. And at the end, we don't even know what to think about him. Should we fear him, or feel sorry for him?

Let's move to Venom. He is one of Spider-Man's main enemies and my favourite villain. Also everybody loves him, and that's how he got a part in the film. Unfortunately, he has just a tiny amount of screen time, and that incredibly let me down.

Lastly, Gwen Stacy. She doesn't contribute much in the film, she only serves as a mean to separate MJ and Peter.

The musical score isn't that brilliant. Some parts are ok, but some parts are so bad to ruin the scene. Also, there is too much dancing and singing going on. 

Luckily, there are still some good aspects. The action sequences are brilliantly done and visually beautiful. The CGI is fantastically used, particularly in the creation of Sandman and Venom.

The acting is quite shocking. Despite the extraordinary and hilarious performance by J.K. Simmons, which steals every scene he is in, and the quite good portrayal of Sandman by Thomas Haden Church, the rest of the cast isn't good at all. 

Tobey Maguire is very disappointing. He should have worked better on the black Spider-Man, because he wasn't very good at being bad. And he did look like the retarded version of John Travolta while dancing. 

I didn't think it was possible, but James Franco's performance is even worse that in the previous films. Kirsten Dunst is apparently very good at screaming, and very bad at singing. Topher Grace was just not the right person to portrait Venom.

Quotes

Peter Parker: Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. My friend Harry taught me that. He chose to be the best of himself. It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Genre

Action | Adventure

Director

Steven Spielberg

Country

USA

Cast

Harrison Ford, Paul Freeman, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Ronald Lacey, Denholm Elliott, Wolf Kahler, George Harris, Anthony Higgins, Vic Tablian, Don Fellows, William Hootkins

Storyline

Archaeologist Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford) is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Hit the Road: India (2013)

Genre

Adventure | Documentary

Directors

Gor Baghdasaryan | Mushegh Baghdasaryan

Country

Armenia | India

Cast

Richard Gazarian, Keith King

Storyline

Hit The Road: India is a travel adventure documentary about two friends participating in a 12-day rickshaw rally across India, from Mumbai to Chennai, recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the top-10 greatest adventures of 2012.

Play It Again, Sam (1972)

Genre

Comedy | Romance

Director

Herbert Ross

Country

USA

Cast

Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Susan Anspach, Jerry Lacy, Jennifer Salt, Joy Bang, Viva, Susanne Zenor, Diana Davila, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman

Plot

In San Francisco, neurotic, and awkward film critic Allan Felix (Woody Allen) tries to get over his wife leaving him by dating again, much by the help of a married couple and the fantasy ghost of his film idol, Humphrey Bogart (Jerry Lacy).

Opinion

If you haven't seen Casablanca yet, but you are planning on watching it, I highly recommend to watch that one first, because this film not only contains footage from the classic, and numerous references which would be lost on someone who hasn't seen the film, but also reveals the ending of Casablanca in the very first scene.

Having said that, Play It Again, Sam is one of the best romantic comedies by Allen, probably second only to Annie Hall.

Brilliantly written by Woody Allen, the film is so hilarious, at some points it is difficult to breath, and definitely contains Woody Allen's humour. The plot is essentially a comical version of Casablanca, and the continuous parallels with the 1942 classic are masterful. Also, it is a fantastic character study with annoying still likable characters.

To be honest, I would have loved a Woody Allen direction in this one, but Herbert Ross did a good job in with Allen's fantastic screenplay.

The acting is great. Woody Allen well portrays clumsy Allan Felix, Diane Keaton gives a great performance and her character is quite believable, and the chemistry between the two of them is outstanding. Tony Roberts is very underrated, and Jerry Lacy is very funny as Bogart.

Quotes

Allan: That's quite a lovely Jackson Pollock, isn't it?
Museum Girl: Yes, it is.
Allan: What does it say to you?
Museum Girl: It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness. The predicament of Man forced to live in a barren, Godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror and degradation, forming a useless bleak straitjacket in a black absurd cosmos.
Allan: What are you doing Saturday night?
Museum Girl: Committing suicide.
Allan: What about Friday night?

Allan: I love the rain - it washes memories off the sidewalk of life.

Cake (2014)

Genre

Drama

Director

Daniel Barnz

Country

USA

Cast

Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza, Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington, Mamie Gummer, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Chris Messina, Lucy Punch, Britt Robertson, Paula Cole, Ashley Crow, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Camille Guaty, Allen Maldonado, Camille Mana, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Evan O'Toole, Pepe Serna, Misty Upham, Rose Abdoo, Alma Martinez

Plot

Claire Bennett (Jennifer Aniston) becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group while grappling with her own, very raw personal tragedy.

Rain Man (1988)

Genre

Drama

Director

Barry Levinson

Country

USA

Cast

Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Ralph Seymour, Lucinda Jenney, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Grant, Ray Baker, Barry Levinson

Plot

As his father dies, self-centered Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) learns that a $3 million estate is going to his savant brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) that Charlie didn't know he had.

The Godfather (1972)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda, Al Lettieri, Gianni Russo, Sterling Hayden, Lenny Montana, Richard Conte, Al Martino, John Marley, Alex Rocco, Morgana King, Salvatore Corsitto, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Angelo Infanti, Johnny Martino, Victor Rendina, Tony Giorgio, Simonetta Stefanelli, Louis Guss, Tom Rosqui, Joe Spinell, Richard Bright, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero

Plot

When the aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of a famous crime family decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns, a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families.

Opinion

I've been trying hard to find some flaw, but the truth is it's literally impossible since there isn't even a moment in the film that isn't great.

The Godfather is a superb, exciting, entertaining, captivating film filled with grand emotions and, as well as a magnificent portrayal of power, betrayal and family - or of organized crime, if you prefer. Maybe the greatest film of all time, it should be a synonymous of the word masterpiece.

Beautifully written by Mario Puzo, the long running time - almost three hours - flies by, without the need of explosions, magic tricks, 3D, car chases, or whatever else nowadays directors believe makes a great film.

Francis Ford Coppola doesn't miss a beat, and the result is a flawless direction. The cinematography by Gordon Willis is outstanding, and some of the scenes can be considered the best in history of cinema. The musical score is simply amazing and memorable.

The acting couldn't be nothing but superb, and there is nothing more pleasing than watching a film starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Marlon Brando delivers an extraordinary performance as Don Vito Corleone. Al Pacino is perfect as Michael Corleone. Top performances also from the rest of the cast.

Quotes

Don Corleone: I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.

Don Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.

Michael: Only don't tell me you're innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry.