True Story (2015)

Genre

Drama | Thriller

Director

Rupert Goold

Country

USA

Cast

Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones, Connor Kikot, Gretchen Mol, Betty Gilpin, John Sharian, Robert Stanton, Maria Dizzia, Genevieve Angelson, Dana Eskelson, Joel Garland, Rebecca Henderson, Charlotte Driscoll

Storyline

When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco), who has taken on Finkel's identity, Mike's investigation morphs into an unforgettable game of cat-and-mouse.

Opinion

Jonah Hill and James Franco working together in a film that is not a comedy was against the odds, but happened, and the result, regardless of what critics said, is pretty good.

Beautifully shot, True Story is a slow, yet intriguing thriller, filled with twists and excellent performances.

For being his theatrical directorial debut, Rupert Goold did a quite good job. The film is well paced, and even though it feels like a feature-length episode of Law & Order and has its ups and downs, keeps the viewer interested.

The hardest part to review is the writing. When it comes to films based on real events, it's harder to say what has been done wrong, and could have been done better, or what has been done in a good way, due the fact that they story doesn't come from somebody's imagination, but is the outcome of someone's actions. Having said so, I think Goold and David Kajganich did a pretty good job with the script.

The film superficially examines the issue of journalistic integrity, but, through two different yet similar men - they are both frauds who have more in common with each other than it would seem -, shows how emotions can distort reasoning and blur the truth.

I'm not crazy about Jonah Hill but he does a great job portraying the journalist looking for his lifetime scoop. James Franco is just wonderful as the murdered. I was expecting the two of them pulling off a joke sooner or later, but I'm glad they didn't. Felicity Jones also gives a solid performance, her American accents is good, and that's a great scene the one with Franco.

Quotes

Christian Longo: Sometimes the truth isn't believable. But that doesn't mean that it's not true.

Christian Longo: Sometimes you have to accept looking one way in order to protect something more important.

Goodfellas (1990)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Martin Scorsese

Country

USA

Cast

Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Sivero, Frank Vincent, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Chuck Low, Frank DiLeo, Johnny Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Adonis, Catherine Scorsese, Gina Mastrogiacomo, Debi Mazar, Margo Winkler, Welker White, Julie Garfield, Paul Herman, Christopher Serrone, Charles Scorsese, Michael Vivalo, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Frank Pellegrino, Tony Ellis, Elizabeth Whitcraft, Illeana Douglas, Anthony Powers, Tony Lip, Joseph Bono, Kevin Corrigan, Tobin Bell, Vito Picone

Storyline

Based on a true story, the film revolves around Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his two unstable friends Jimmy (Robert De Niro) and Tommy (Joe Pesci) as they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.

Opinion

Here it is, the best mafia-themed film since The Godfather. Perfect direction, perfect cast, perfect editing, perfect writing: flawless. You don't even need to like gangsters to adore this film.

Flashy, captivating, engaging, brilliant, and witty, Goodfellas is a timeless masterpiece, with a Martin Scorsese at the top of his game, and more comedy than many films of that kind can claim. 

Let's start with the writing. Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi really did their best with the screenplay. As a matter of fact it is one of all time best. The dialogue is brilliant and sharp, and filled with memorable quotes.

Unlike other gangster movies, there are no families here. Everything revolves around the lives of three goodfellas, we learn about their impeccable style, what their principles are, and in which aspects they differ. Their lives are told through parties, wives, and lovers. What is really shown to us is an everyday Mafia story.

Scorsese shows violence without too much of a glorification - as usually happens in these kind of movies - and exempt himself from expressing any moral judgment. He does nothing but showing a reality. Period.

The pace is brilliant: the 146 minutes fly by, and there is none a single dull moment. That is because Martin Scorsese manages to make every single thing in the film important, and engaging, from the brutal cold blooded murders, to the details regarding the preparation of the sauce. 

The extraordinary editing by Thelma Schoonmaker and the delightful cinematography by Michael Ballhaus also contribute in the making of this masterpiece. The wonderful soundtrack perfectly emphasizes the passing years, and each piece is always at the right place at the right time.

Young-ish, handsome, and charismatic, Ray Liotta gives an excellent performance as Henry Hill. Robert De Niro does a great job as Jimmy, and well adapts to this secondary role. However, the real star of the film that really stands out is Joe Pesci, spectacular and terrifying as Tommy, genuinely deserving the Academy Award. Also, Lorraine Bracco does an excellent job as Karen, Henry's wife.

Quotes

Henry Hill: For as long as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster. To me that was better than being president of the United States. To be a gangster was to own the world.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Genre

Comedy | Drama

Director

Bruce Beresford

Country

USA

Cast

Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd, Patti LuPone, Esther Rolle, Joann Havrilla, William Hall Jr., Muriel Moore, Sylvia Kaler, Crystal R. Fox

Storyline

After a car crash, Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy), an elderly Jewish widow, can no longer drive. Her son (Dan Aykroyd) so decides to hire a driver, Hoke (Morgan Freeman). At first, she refuses to allow him to drive, but Hoke will slowly win her over.

Opinion

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, Driving Miss Daisy is not your regular film about civil rights struggles. Instead, it is a heartwarming story of a friendship, wonderfully portrayed by the strong performances of the leading actors.

The story covers a 25-year-period in just a hour and forty minutes, but it doesn't feel rushed at all. Actually, it's comfortably, and warmly paced, and extremely pleasing to be watched. Also it makes of the film the perfect example of why there is no need of action or sex scenes to make something captivating.

The viewer has the opportunity to witness something of rare beauty: the relationship that grows and the friendship that blooms between a racist Jewish lady and her black chauffeur. The most beautiful and striking thing about the film is the extraordinary tenderness the relationship and its slow, and deep evolution is treated with. From seeing two people forced to be together, we get to see Daisy aware of her need of Hoke, not only as a chauffeur, but as loved one. And on this way, the story becomes sentimental and manages to touch your heart.

The direction and the screenplay are well done, the cinematography is wonderful, and the score by Hans Zimmer is touching and fits perfectly. 

The acting is superb. Morgan Freeman gives a wonderful performance as Hoke that will make you love him. Jessica Tandy delivers an outstanding performance as Daisy, filled with dignity: the Academy Award is a hundred percent deserved. Dan Aykroyd also gives a wonderful performance as Tandy's son.

If you have the chance to watch it, please don't miss it. If you have already seen it and you didn't like it, for God's sake, give it another try.

Quotes

Daisy Werthan: Hoke?
Hoke Colburn: Yes'm.
Daisy Werthan: You're my best friend.

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Steve Oedekerk

Country

USA

Cast

Jim Carrey, Ian McNeice, Simon Callow, Maynard Eziashi, Bob Gunton, Damon Standifer, Sophie Okonedo, Arsenio 'Sonny' Trinidad, Danny D. Daniels, Andrew Steele, Bruce Spence, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Tommy Davidson, Frank Welker

Storyline

Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey), emerging from self-imposed exile in a remote Himalayan hideaway, travels to Africa with explorer Fulton Greenwall (Ian McNeice) to find a sacred bat which is told will avert a war between with Wachootoo and Wachati tribes.

Opinion

Guess who's back with a brand new case, and I don't mean case as in a new case of murder investigation. Jim's gotta a brand new bag of gags, what else could he possibly do to make laugh? Ok, I'll stop it with music references, and go straight to my thoughts about this film.

Alllllrighty then, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is an extremely silly comedy, that entertains thank to the brilliant Jim Carrey.

Let's face it, if Ace Ventura: Pet Detective's plot wasn't brilliant, this one's is even worst. However, it is not important at all to enjoy the film, because the comedy does all the work.

The bizarre Ace Ventura will have you laughing out loud the whole way through, from the monopoly guy scenes, to the mother rhino giving birth scene. It's kind of annoying the way he has suddenly turned into a pervert, much more of a pervert than he was before, but the twist at the end is quite good.

The acting also isn't a strong element in the film; however Jim Carrey will make everything and everybody else disappear. This is his show, another chance to be silly and to show off his talent and his unbelievable, and unlimited range of facial expressions - he deserves a standing ovation only for that.

If you love Jim Carrey, this film will fit you "Like a glove!" Take care now, bye bye then.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Genre

Drama

Director

Jim Jarmusch

Country

UK | Germany

Cast

Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Anton Yelchin, Jeffrey Wright, Slimane Dazi, Yasmine Hamdan, White Hills

Storyline

Adam (Tom Hiddleston), an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his lover for centuries Eve (Tilda Swinton). Their love is interrupted and tasted by Eve's wild and uncontrollable little sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska).

Opinion

After years and years of humiliation, thanks to Jim Jarmusch, the vampire genre finally reappropriates of its dignity.

With its quiet tempo, Only Lovers Left Alive is a stylish, philosophical, and deeply melancholic film that drags the viewer into the deepest solitude.

The story is simple, yet great, but it isn't that vital, as it comes second to the characters. Apart from being two eternal lovers of ethereal beauty, Adam and Eve are very interesting characters. 

Desolate streets, cities, all seen through the window of a car. There are only Adam and Eve, alone. Two lovers who have seen everything and have resigned themselves to the decadence of modern society. A decadence "performed" by humans/zombies, which destroy their fellowmen, nature, and the beauty inherited from the past - just think of the Michigan Theatre, once a glorious place and now a car park. 

They are wise, and mature, and their conversations are passionate and fascinating. Life tends to lose meaning when one has lived so long, but as long as we have somebody to share our life with, everything will make sense - and that's what happens when Adam and Eve reunite.

There is one particular scene that stuck with me: when Adam was captured by the singing of a Lebanese singer and was informed by Eve that she could become famous one day. It's right there when we see Adam's attitude towards the contemporary society at its best. He hopes that she won't become famous, so to stay true to her art, and not lose who she is in the blur of the stars. 

The beautifully romantic, gloomy and decadent atmosphere, the sublime photography, and the retro settings enrapture and envelop the viewer in a halo of melancholy. The music is flawless: carefully selected, always suitable, omnipresent yet never intrusive.

If nothing of what you have just read makes you want to watch this film, do it then for the stunning acting. Tom Hiddleston delivers a wonderful performance as Adam - if you think he was great as Loki, you should definitely see him in here. Tilda Swinton is superb as always. John Hurt well plays Christopher Marlowe. Mia Wasikowska is terrific as usual as Swinton's sister.

I read that Michael Fassbender was in talks to play Adam - and I bet you all know how much I love him - but it's really hard to imagine a pair of actors more perfect for these parts. And with such a great chemistry.

Quotes

Eve: How can you've live for so long and still not get it? This self obsession is a waste of living. It could be spend in surviving things, appreciating nature, nurturing kindness and friendship, and dancing. You have been pretty lucky in love though, if I may say so.

Eve: I'm sure she'll be very famous.
Adam: God, I hope not. She's way too good for that.

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Genre

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

Director

Steven Soderbergh

Country

USA

Cast

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Al Pacino, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Don Cheadle, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Andy García, Eddie Izzard, Ellen Barkin, Vincent Cassel, Bob Einstein, Olga Sosnovska, David Paymer, Julian Sands, Angel Oquendo, Jerry Weintraub, Scott L. Schwartz, Oprah Winfrey, Bernie Yuman, Noureen DeWulf

Storyline

When Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) is double-crossed in a luxury hotel business with business partner Willie Bank (Al Pacino), he has a heart attack. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) plot a heist with their friends to avenge Reuben by breaking Bank's casino.

Opinion

Danny Ocean and his lads are back in this unnecessary sequel. Thankfully this time they are in a good shape, and we can finally forget about that mess Ocean's Twelve is.

Well paced, and slightly thrilling, Ocean's Thirteen will keep you entertained without making you feel stupid, even though the surprise element is almost missing.

My biggest complaint here is the plot. It is just way too complicated. I found myself catapulted into the story, but most of the time I had no clue of what was happening. The characters spend way too much time talking about hacking computers, time that is taken from the heist itself. The final also is so obvious. At least the absence of Tess/Julia Roberts and Isabel/Catherine Zeta-Jones is decent, a bit too emphasized though. 

The performances are ok. George Clooney still gives a charismatic performance as Danny Ocean. Brad Pitt has less screen time and that actually turned out to be a good thing. The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt is still great. Matt Damon, the only one trying to act in the previous installment, never gets the chance to shine in here. Al Pacino is suitable as the villain. Unfortunately he hasn't enough screen time to make an effective, and great villain. Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Andy García, Eddie Jemison, Don Cheadle and Vincent Cassel haven't much to do, they are just pieces of the plot. Casey Affleck and Scott Caan have the best moments as the brothers. 

Final thoughts on the series: the gang should have sticked at robbing casinos, not trying to steal Russian's eggs in Europe because in competition with a famous thief.

Quotes

Reuben Tishkoff: The moment you become embarrassed of who you are, you lose yourself.

Mud (2012)

Genre

Drama

Director

Jeff Nichols

Country

USA

Cast

Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Joe Don Baker, Paul Sparks, Stuart Greer, Michael Abbott Jr., Bonnie Sturdivant

Storyline

14-year-old Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and his friend Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) find a motorboat stranded on the top of a tree in an island on the Mississippi River since a flood, and they plan to fix it for them. One day, they climb the tree and they find fresh meal inside the boat meaning that someone is living in "their" boat. That somebody is Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a man who killed the man that has beaten up his girlfriend Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) and is now hunted down by the father (Joe Don Baker) and the brother (Paul Sparks) of the dead man.

Opinion

As I've already pointed out, I am not a fan of Matthew McConaughey. Actually, I can't stand him. But here I am, reviewing another of his works, because lately he has really proved to be a great actor. And I don't regret spending more than two hours watching this. 

Well directed, and lead by strong performances, Mud is a compelling, moving, well-done Southern drama-coming of age, that digs deep in the meaning of love. 

I never read plots, so I had no idea of what this film was about. I immediately had a flashback to Stand By Me, but then the story turned out to be fresher than ever. The terrific story retraces the footsteps of other works, telling about the tipping point in the life of a teenager. There is a long going on in the story, and the several storylines perfectly fit together. 

I completely disagree with the complaints about the slow pacing and length. To me, it's just perfect. The extreme length gives you time to fully know the characters, and sympathize for them. After all, it's a film about people, real people, not explosions or car chases as somebody may expected.

The settings are magnificent, and the wonderful cinematography by ** captured the beauty of the Mississippi River exceptionally.

The acting is certainly the best part. Tye Sheridan gives an outstanding, and strong performance as Ellis. He manages to deliver all the pain of his character and the effort it costs to deal with the adult world. Jacob Lofland is also great as Neckbone. Matthew McConaughey delivers one of his best performances ever as Mud. The chemistry between Sheridan, Lofland and McConaughey is impressive. Great performances also from the supporting cast.

If you are looking for a Reese Witherspoon's chick flick, you'll probably be let down by this one. Otherwise, I highly recommend this film.

Quotes

Mud: There are fierce powers at work in the world, boys. Good, evil, poor luck, best luck. As men, we've got to take advantage where we can.

The Name of the Rose (1986)

Original Titles

Il nome della rosa, Der Name der Rose, Le nom de la rose

Genre

Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Director

Jean-Jacques Annaud

Country

Italy | West Germany | France

Cast

Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Christian Slater, Helmut Qualtinger, Elya Baskin, Michael Lonsdale, Volker Prechtel, Feodor Chaliapin Jr., William Hickey, Michael Habeck, Urs Althaus, Valentina Vargas, Ron Perlman, Leopoldo Trieste, Franco Valobra, Vernon Dobtcheff, Donal O'Brien, Andrew Birkin, Lucien Bodard, Peter Berling, Pete Lancaster, Dwight Weist

Storyline

When a murder occurs at a secluded Benedictine Abbey, monk William of Baskerville (Sean Connery) is called in to investigate. As he and his apprentice, Adso von Melk (Christian Slater), delve deeper and deeper into the case, more dead bodies begin to turn up.

Opinion

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Freely based on Umberto Eco's novel of the same name, The Name of the Rose is a dark and moody mystery film that may fail in keeping you interested if you have read the book.

Despite all the differences between the book and the film, the story is well told, and does not bore. However, I had some hard time processing some things. I'll start with the ending. I don't like the Hollywood fairytale, the "and they lived happily ever after" bullshit, because it's not how the story was supposed to end. In the book, there was a real hell on earth and that's was I was expecting. Another annoying thing is that the bad guys, or villains - I don't really know how to call them - are all portrayed like completely evil people. Eco blurred the line between good and evil, as evil can come from good, and  vice versa. And at last, the meaning of the title. The film makes you think it refers to the girl, if not for the Latin locution - stat rosa pristina nomine, nomina nuda tenemus, the ancient rose remains by its name, naked names are all that we have.

While the wonderful citations from the novel got lost in this cinematic adaptation, the gloomy atmosphere is spot on. First of all everything looks and sounds medieval - and being a lover of the Middle Ages, watching this has been a great pleasure and experience. Second, the cinematography by Tonino Delli Colli is wonderful. Despite the darkness, it finds the perfect glimmers of light to illuminate the faces.

The characters. Beside from the English monk with a Scottish accent and Sherlock Holmes's mind, the most impressive is Jorge. On one hand he is afraid of Aristotle's second book of poetics, and would like to destroy it; on the other hand he is sentimental about it, he realises that no matter how sinful the book is, it's just too precious to be destroyed.

Many strong performances make the film entertaining, and definitely worth watching, from Sean Connery's excellent portrayal of William of Baskerville, to Ron Perlman's outstanding portrayal of the heretical hunchback. However, F. Murray Abraham's talent is wasted.

Overall the film represents a good effort, but the book is way far more satisfying. 

Quotes

William of Baskerville: The only evidence I see of the antichrist here is everyone's desire to see him at work.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

Genre

Action | Adventure | Thriller

Director

Christopher McQuarrie

Country

USA

Cast

Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Alec Baldwin, Jean Hultén, Simon McBurney, Hermione Corfield, America Olivo, Rupert Wickham, Zhang Jingchu, Tom Hollander

Storyline

With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.

Opinion

Yet another episode of the series, that besides seeing its main character further aged, has the daunting task of surprising and avoiding to be boring or repetitive. I guess I have to congratulate Christopher McQuarrie then, because this is the best film of the series.

Visually stunning, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is a captivating, entertaining, and engaging film that mixes the thrills of spy films with some great action.

The plot is very simple - Eradicate the Syndicate - yet thrilling, it's well structured with some nice twists and helps with character developments. There is no introduction to the story or the characters, so it requires Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol to be seen - it's a sequel after all.

Now you may be wondering what makes of Rogue Nation better than the previous installments, and I'm here to tell you. First the characters. Previously mentioned in Ghost Protocol, the characters are no superheros. They are more humanized than ever, and even though Ethan Hunt runs and drives like no one, he will find himself in a situation where he really is in need. The villain, Solomon Lane, is intimidating and creepy, and even though he has more of a background role, he's great - I would have loved seeing Benedict Cumberbatch in this role. How about the side villain, the Bone Doctor? He will scare the shit out of you.

Also what makes this film so good is a. the almost complete lack of masks and explosions, the lack of weird gadgets able to do whatever you want, and b. down-to-heart action sequences paired with an outstanding musical score.

Tom Cruise keeps on amazing me. At his age of 52 not only never looks ridiculous as the IMF agent, but performs all, or most of, his stunts. And at the same time he manages to deliver a solid, fresh performance. Simon Pegg is a pleasure to watch. He is so hilarious, adds some comedy and helps into building some suspense as he really looks like he has no clue of what's going to happen next. Rebecca Ferguson is phenomenal, and the chemistry she has with Cruise is excellent. Jeremy Renner and Alec Baldwin do a good job. Sean Harris, who plays the villain, does a fantastic job.

Quotes

William Brandt: I can neither confirm nor deny any details about any operation without the permission of the Secretary.

Caramel (2007)

Original Title

سكر بنات Sukkar banat

Genre

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Director

Nadine Labaki

Country

Lebanon

Cast

Nadine Labaki, Adel Karam, Yasmine Al Masri, Joanna Moukarzel, Gisèle Aouad, Sihame Haddad, Aziza Semaan, Fatmeh Safa, Ismail Antar, Fadia Stella, Dimitri Staneofski

Storyline

While single Layale (Nadine Labaki) struggles with her growing attraction to a married man, Muslim bride-to-be Nisrine (Yasmine Al Masri) fears that her husband will find out that she has already lost her virginity, and Rima (Joanna Moukarzel) wages a futile war against her lesbian instincts. As with many women who frequent the salon, Jamale (Gisèle Aouad) does everything within her power to reverse the visible effects of aging. As Rose (Sihame Haddad) laments the fact that she has sacrificed her own happiness in order to care for her older sister Lili (Aziza Semaan), the intimate conversations shared over the course of a typical day reveal just how universal the lives, loves, and concerns of contemporary women truly are.

Opinion

When I was asked to watch and review this film I told myself, "Why not? How bad can a film called Caramel be?". Well, I'm so glad this one has been my first Lebanese film, because it is absolutely stunning. God bless Nadine Labaki!

Superbly shot, written, and acted, Caramel is a delightful, refined, genuine, and touching portrait of the life for women in Lebanon, filled with class and realism.

In the role both of director, co-writer and actress, Nadine Labaki perfectly managed to balance the emotions throughout the film. It will make you smile, laugh, and cry, and there are barely words to express the feelings I felt during the screening.

Set in modern-day Lebanon, the film mainly takes place at a salon, where it's prepared the caramel used for waxing. In addition to that, caramel is a comparison of the female protagonists. In fact, they are sweet like caramel, but at the same time their lives are filled with emotional pain intense such as that caused from hair removal. All the decisions are taken using firm strokes, from Layale's decision to end up her relationship with a married man, to the heartbreaking and touching choice Rose made of giving up on love to take care of his older and needy sister. 

The camera moves perfectly, and the simple shots of the characters are able to grasp the depths of the gaze. Yves Sehnaoui's wonderful cinematography deserves a mention, and so does the charming music of Khaled Mouzanar, which blends with the film stunningly. The performances are also stunning. And it's impressive considering it's Yasmine Al Masri, Joanna Moukarzel, Gisèle Aouad, and Siham Haddad's first time. 

Quotes
Jamale: Life is like a melon, you have to cut it to see if it's good.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Tom Shadyac

Country

USA

Cast

Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean young, Tone Lōc, John Capodice, Dan Marino, Uwe von Schamann, Noble Willingham, Troy Evans, Raynor Scheine, Udo Kier, Frank Adonis, Tiny Ron, David Margulies, Bill Zuckert, Alice Drummond, Rebecca Ferratti, Mark Margolis, Randall "Tex" Cobb

Storyline

When the Miami Dolphins' aquatic mascot goes missing just before the Superbowl, Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey), a goofy detective specializing in animals, is put on the case.

Opinion

1994, what a year. Besides from bringing me to the world, and giving us masterpieces such as Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, and The Shawshank Redemption, it gave us some of Jim Carrey's finest comedies.

Alllllrighty then... Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a silly, and entertaining comedy that had me laughing the whole way through. 

The plot isn't the best one out there, nor it's clever, yet it has a brilliant twist, and the pet detective concept is very interesting, and, most important, well portrayed. However, the story is quite compelling and worthy of a detective film.

Ace Ventura is one of the most odd and bizarre characters I've seen on screen, and I love him. His investigation does nothing but show us all this eccentricities and his extravagant investigative methods, and the way he proves others wrong making them look like idiots while he looked like an idiot in the whole process is just wonderful.

The acting isn't the best here, but you don't really need much when you have Jim Carrey: he brought such an enthusiasm to his hilarious character and to the film, he makes everything else disappear. If this film was just an excuse for him to be silly, I gotta be honest, well played! It's impossible not to laugh at his jokes, weird sense of humour and unnatural facial expressions. Comic genius hands down.

Quotes
Ace Ventura: If I'm not back in five minutes... just wait longer.

This Is the End (2013)

Genre

Comedy | Fantasy

Directors

Seth Rogen | Evan Goldberg

Country

USA

Cast

James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, David Krumholtz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rihanna, Martin Starr, Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Jason Segel, Jason Trost, Brandon Trost, Brian Huskey

Storyline

All Jay Baruchel expected coming to LA was a fun time with his old friend Seth Rogen., who invites him at James Franco's housewarming party. Suddenly, the Rapture hits and the Biblical Apocalypse has begun. Now, Jay, Seth, James, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride must band together to attempt to survive the end of the world.

Opinion

A group of actors I love and Jonah Hill teamed up to play themselves. How on earth haven't I seen it before?

Brilliant, hilarious, and self-deprecating, This Is the End is the best stupid/demential disaster film I've ever seen.

Based on Jason Stone's short comedy Jay and Seth versus the Apocalypse, the idea behind this film is just brilliant. All the actors play exaggerated and parodistic versions of themselves, based on the characters they play in their films. And here we have a snob, self-centered James Franco, an effeminate Jonah Hill, an almost hypnotized-by-Franco Seth Rogen, a hypocritical Jay Baruchel, an annoying Danny McBride, and a brawny Craig Robinson. Michael Cera, the only one who plays against type, is so sick it's impossible not to like him - too bad he dies at the beginning of the Apocalypse. The actors' self-irony is truly admirable.

This is not just a demential comedy, but a tribute to friendship as well. Also, it shows that actors, or celebrities, are just like everybody else, and like everybody else they are weak and sinners, and none of them has an assured place in heaven, even if they seem like gods to fans.

The hilarious and dirty dialogue is entertaining, and even though the storyline is a little bit too ridiculous from time to time, I really enjoyed the way the apocalypse is shown. The film is plenty of memorable scenes, just think of Jonah Hill's exorcism, or the wonderful closing scene in heaven where everybody - including you - dances and sings to the Backstreet Boys' Everybody. 

Jay Baruchel said, "I don't wanna die at James Franco's house". Well, if it's going to be this hilarious, I wanna die at his house. However, I wouldn't recommend the vision if very religious.

Mention-Worthy Quotes

Danny McBride: Hermione just stole all of our shit. And Jay suggested that we rape her. I think the only reason he did that is because he knows he's about two minutes away from becoming the house bitch himself.

James Franco: Your mom's pussy was the canvas. Your dad's dick was the paintbrush. Boom. You're the art.
Jay Baruchel: Thanks, James Franco.

Danny McBride: You got white shit all over your mouth, Franco. You probably sucked somebody's dick. Jonah over here probably watched and jerked off.

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Genre

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

Director

Steven Soderbergh

Country

USA

Cast

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Scott Caan, Casey Affleck, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, Vincent Cassel, Andy García, Albert Finney, Eddie Izzard, Bruce Willis, Jeroen Krabbé, Cherry Jones, Robbie Coltrane, Topher Grace, Candice Azzara, Jerry Weintraub, Mini Anden, Jared Harris, Adriano Giannini

Storyline

Three years after pulling an impossible heist at the Bellagio Hotel Casino, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his pals are tracked down by Terry Benedict (Andy García), owner of the casino, who offers them a proposal: repay the $160 million plus interest in two weeks, or die.

Opinion

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

After Ocean's Eleven I couldn't have anything but high hopes for this film. Needless to say I was completely let down. Starting slow, and proceeding even slower, Ocean's Twelve is a boring comedy heist without any comedy, heist, or thrills.

The idea of the Ocean's competing with another famous thief - played by Vincent Cassel - to return the loot to the victim of their first heist could have been interesting. Unfortunately this time the all-star cast didn't work out well. Putting the plot aside for a moment, the film fails in finding its center. For a moment you will think Julia Roberts will have an important role, and may be one of the leads. Then the buck is passed to George Clooney, then to Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and goes back to Clooney, or Pitt, or whoever.

But let's go back to the plot: it is terrible. It is too complex to be followed, and even if you have managed to keep track of who's stealing what from whom, you'll feel a little confused and you won't even care anymore.

The twists, what a mess! How much of a clever twist is Julia Robert's character infiltrating in a museum by disguising herself as Julia Roberts? I knew she would have done something like that the second after Matt Damon's character said, "Have you noticed she looks like...". Looks like some stupid twist of a parody film. How about Linus mom pretending to be a cop and bailing the whole crew out of jail after they all have been arrested?
The greatest thing about Ocean's Eleven, besides from the plot, was the heist scene: simply spectacular. And that's what I, and I suppose people, want to see when watching a film about a heist. I'm sorry to let you down but there is no heist scenes. There is actually one, but it is so bad, it's a crime calling it a heist. I mean, after a hour and plus spent watching the pals pulling of the heist, we find out the actual heist was made days earlier and took Matt Damon only 30 seconds to pull off. Absolutely ridiculous.

The soundtrack is bad, and the beautiful European scenery only served to trick people into watching this crap. There is no acting involved. Everyone's playing themselves. Matt Damon is the only one who's really trying hard to do a good thing.

Quotes

Danny Ocean: Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

Begin Again (2013)

Genre

Drama | Music

Director

John Carney

Country

USA

Cast

Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Catherine Keener, Hailee Steinfeld, James Corden, CeeLo Green, Yasiin Bey, James Corden

Storyline

Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent.

Opinion

"These pearls are just... becoming increasingly more and more rare to me. - More string than pearls? - Yeah. You've got to travel over a lot more string to get to the pearls.This moment film is a pearl, Gretta everybody."

After seeing the trailer, I was expecting a cheesy film, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sad, funny, and romantic, yet not falling into the clichéd sentimental genre, Begin Again is a wonderful, creative, quirky film about love for music.

John Carney wrote a really good script, that avoid most of the typical romantic comedy clichés. You genuinely don't know where it's going - I tried to guess, and I'm usually good at it, but this time I miserably failed. The story captured me from the start, and took me up and down, in a rollercoaster of emotions. What can I say about the ending? Just perfect. Not to mention the closing credits. The scenes that run in there complement the film. I wish all closing credits were this good.

The film shows how complicated it is to maintain a healthy relationship when one of the two is becoming a star. Also, shows how hard can be to an artist to stay faithful to his art.

The characters are all likeable and the leads are both relatable. It's a great relationship the one between Dan and Gretta, but the one that stuck with me is the reconnection of Dan to his daughter. 

Being a film about music, the main character is music herself. Feelings are not explicit but are the songs performed around New York City to deliver the emotions. The music used is just wonderful, from the soundtrack to the original performances. The greatest moment? When Dan listens to Gretta perform for the first time, and in his head the voice and guitar grow into something much bigger.

Mark Ruffalo gives a charming performance as Dan Mulligan, and he is a real pleasure to watch. Keira Knightley delivers a moving and subtle performance as Gretta, and who knew she could sing so well? She doesn't have a powerful voice, but it perfectly suits the film's songs. There's great chemistry between the leads. Catherine Keener is great as always as Miriam, Ruffalo's wife, and Hailee Steinfeld is surprisingly good as Violet, Ruffalo's estranged daughter. Also, who knew Adam Levin could act? That was quite a performance. 

Quotes

Dan: That's what I love about music.

Gretta: What?

Dan: One of the most banal scenes is suddenly invested with so much meaning! All these banalities - They're suddenly turned into these... these beautiful, effervescent pearls. From Music.

Dan: You can tell a lot about a person by what's on their playlist.

Gretta: I know you can. That's what's worrying me.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)

Genre

Action | Fantasy

Directors

Mark Neveldine | Brian Taylor

Country

USA | United Arab Emirates

Cast

Nicolas Cage, Johnny Whitworth, Fergus Riordan, Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Idris Elba, Christopher Lambert, Anthony Head, Jacek Koman, Vincent Regan, Spencer Wilding

Storyline

Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) is on the run trying to make sure no one is harmed by his alter ego, the Ghost Rider. When in Eastern Europe, he is approached by a monk named Moreau (Idris Elba) who tells him that he can help be him free of the Rider, but first, he needs Johnny's help to protect a boy (Fergus Riordan).

Opinion

While I'm still trying to figure out if this is a sequel or a reboot to the 2007 disaster starring Nicolas Cage, my mind is pervaded with a question: why on earth did Idris Elba accept to work in this mess? Why? The only reason why I watched the whole film is because I couldn't write a truthful review without seeing the whole thing - and there is always a slightly chance of it getting better, isn't there? Anyway, I should mention that I got lost several times: it's impossible to focus on something when the only emotion you feel is boredom. 

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance attempts at showing the dark side of the Rider, but instead delivers a dull story, poorly told, acted, and shot. 

Here's what gave me the doubt about the sequel/reboot matter. This film completely ignores the first one, showing Johnny signing the contract through a flashback, in a very different way compared to the one shown in the first film.

I'd like to say the writing is the worst thing about the film, but everything is so bad, it's hard to say what's worst. The plot is sadly stupid, and the cheesy dialogue will make you either laugh or cry for its awfulness. Not to mention the characters, the awful villain in particular, who doesn't even gets his superpowers until halfway through the film. 

Oh, the camera. It was awful. Shaky, with bad angles, it made me feel sick. The special effects don't get any better. However, what people look for in an action film is action itself, am I right? Too bad, it is awful like everything else. What's the point of using tons of slow motion in an action movie? Seriously Hollywood stop, because that's not cool. Nobody likes that. Also, the fights are so not believable. In real life, nobody is going to wait to be shot or punched.

Overall the acting is so poor, kids from middle school could win an Oscar if compared to this cast. Nicolas Cage is painful to watch. He still looks excited for playing a comic book character, but his facial expressions are so dumb. Ciarán Hinds did the best he could with his awful villain. Violante Placido is only eye-candy. The only good reason to watch this crap is Idris Elba. Even though his character has nothing to do, he steals every scene he is in, giving a great performance as alcoholic monk Monroe.