Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Genre

Comedy | War

Director

Stanley Kubrick

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens, Peter Bull, James Earl Jones, Tracy Reed, Shane Rimmer

Storyline

U.S. Air Force General Jack Ripper (Sterling Hayden) goes completely and utterly mad, and believing that fluoridation of the American water is a Soviet plot to poison the U.S. populace, sends his bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. Now it's up to a room full of politicians, including General Turgidson (George C. Scott), President Merkin Muffley and Dr. Strangelove (both played by Peter Sellers), to stop the upcoming nuclear war.

Opinion

Taking a subject like the cold war, and telling it like a comedy is possible if you have of the one and only Stanley Kubrick.

Beside having a very long title, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a superb satire of man, his fears, and his delusions. In fact, on the one hand stands out the sarcasm towards the politicians and the military structure, but on the other hand is the irony towards the mankind, and their/our desire to a limitless science - that is only likely to make the mankind take a step backwards - that stands out.

The hilariousness and horror of this nuclear war is skillfully directed and written by mastermind Stanley Kubrick. The plot, loosely based on Peter George's Red Alert, is excellent, and it's very well pace. The characters are also well-written, memorable and interesting. And the dialogue is quite simply great. 

This film can claim numerous memorable sequences, ironic yet gruesome at the same time, such as the one-sided phone call between the U.S. President and the Russian Prime Minister, or the final sequences where the pilot rides the nuclear bomb.

Also, Kubrick's hand-held camera techniques, Gilbert Taylor's black and white wonderful cinematography, and the spectacular and memorable War Room only add more impact. 

The acting is top-notch. Words can't describe Peter Sellers's brilliant performances in his three roles. With a wonderful accents, he is hilarious as British Officer Mandrake, incredibly gloomy as President Merkin Muffley, - also has a great one-sided dialogue with the Russian Prime Minister -, and simply and fantastically insane as ex-Nazi Dr. Strangelove. The fact that he improvised most of his lines makes you realize what an actor he was, and what a chemistry he had with Kubrick. George C. Scott is also spectacular as warmonger General Turgidson, and Sterling Hayden does a wonderful job as Jack Ripper, the General that went a little funny in the head. 

Quotes

President Merkin Muffley: Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Genre

Comedy | Horror

Director

Edgar Wright

Country

UK | France | USA

Cast

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy, Jessica Stevenson, Peter Serafinowicz, Rafe Spall, Martin Freeman, Reece Shearsmith, Tamsin Greig, Julia Deakin, Matt Lucas

Storyline

Life isn't too good for Shaun (Simon Pegg). He lives with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), his temporary management job isn't going well, and his long-time girlfriend (Kate Ashfield) has dumped him due to their almost-daily expedition to Shaun's favourite pub, the Winchester. Unfortunately when he finally vows to get his life back on track, the dead decides to come back to life. Now with a cricket bat and Ed by his side, Shaun sets out rescue those he loves and those he doesn't love, and heads to the safest place he know, the Winchester.

Opinion

Are you looking for zombies and hilarious gags? You are in the right place then. Hilarious, thoughtful, and sometimes dramatic, Shaun of the Dead is an extraordinary demential film that became a cult. 

The intention of the film, which is to make a parody of Romero's Dawn of the Dead, is clear right from the opening credits, showing people already acting like non-dead, and following with Shaun waking up and walking like a zombie.

Written by Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, this film and its simple, quite granted but consistent plot, don't disappoint neither the horror fans, nor those of demential comedies, mixing the right amount of British humour with Romero's finest horror.

In addition to the already great film there is a fantastic soundtrack and hilarious gags and scenes - how to forget when Shaun and Ed try to kill two zombies with their LPs, or when they beat up a zombie to the tune of the Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

The cast also does its part. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a great duo, both hilarious and with a brilliant chemistry, fruit of their real life friendship. Kate Ashfield wonderfully plays Shaun's girlfriend. The other members of the cast are also great. 

Quotes

Shaun: As Bertrand Russell once said, "The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation." I think we can all appreciate the relevance of that now.
Liz: Was that on a beer mat?
Shaun: Yeah, it was Guinness Extra Cold.
Liz: I won't say anything.
Shaun: Thanks.

Shame (2011)

Genre

Drama

Director

Steve McQueen

Country

UK

Cast

Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie, Lucy Walters, Alex Manette, Hannah Ware, Elizabeth Masucci, Rachel Farrar, Loren Omer

Storyline

Brandon (Michael Fassbender) is a New Yorker who shuns intimacy with women but feeds his desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his wayward younger sister (Carey Mulligan) moves into his apartment stirring memories of their shared painful past, Brandon's insular life spirals out of control.

Opinion

After striking indelibly with his first masterpiece, Hunger, Steve McQueen rejoins with Michael Fassbender for Shame, a brilliant, marvelous, moving, and provocative film about addictions.

This film is deemed controversial because of its many sex scenes considered vulgar and excessive – apparently they are more shocking than violence the audience is used to see on a daily basis -, but because of the very simple plot those scenes are necessary to tell the story, especially in such a realistic way.

The imprisonment of Bobby Sand, stripped of everything, is contrasted with the freedom of Brandon, who can have everything at once, but that is locked up in a mental prison, constituted by his sexual addiction. Brandon is ashamed of it, of his inability to feel something or really be himself with someone, and seems like he does not enjoy the sex, but it's using it to punish himself for something. And that something might be related to his sister, considering their troubled relationship, and the allusion to a dark secret between them, enhanced by Sissy's last line. 

Steve McQueen has done a wonderful job both directing and writing this film. He decided to concentrate on the thoughts, and emotions of the characters, and that’s what keeps you involved, and gives you the chance to feel and like the characters.

The actors, mostly Fassbender and Mulligan, really have the chance to shine here, expressing sadness, fear, anger, and loneliness just with their faces. Michael Fassbender gives a wonderful performance as Brandon, and makes many of the scenes devastatingly real. Carey Mulligan gives a fantastic, heartbreaking performance as Brandon’s disturbed sister.

It’s a real shame this film didn’t receive much love from the Academy. 

Quotes

Sissy Sullivan: We’re not bad people. We just come from a bad place.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Genre

Animation | Adventure

Directors

Chris Sanders | Dean DeBlois

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, T J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, David Tennant, Robin Atkin Downes, Philip McGrade, Kieron Elliott, Ashley Jensen

Storyline

Long ago up North on the Island of Berk, young Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) wants to join his town's fight against the dragons that continually raid their town. However, his macho father and village leader (Gerard Butler), Stoick the Vast, will not allow his small, clumsy, but inventive son to do so. Regardless, Hiccup ventures out into battle and downs a mysterious Night Fury dragon with his invention, but can't bring himself to kill it. Instead, Hiccup and the dragon, whom he dubs Toothless, begin a friendship that would open up both their worlds as the observant boy learns that his people have misjudged the species.

Opinion

Impressed. This is how this film let me. I still can't believe DreamWorks Animation has managed to craft something this beautiful, visually and non speaking, that comes very close to the high standards set by Pixar.

Charming, funny, and moving, How to Train Your Dragon is a wonderful film about friendship, prejudices, courage and love.

The writing is amazing. I didn't read the book, so I don't know if huge changes have been made, but if I were the writer I would have been more than happy, because it's really impossible to wish for a better cinematic transposition. The story is witty, the dialogue is great, the characters are well developed, and the themes are developed in such a spectacular way everybody can enjoy it, both children and adults.

The animation is spectacular. Each character is so well made that almost seems realistic, and the gesture and the face expressions are extremely complex. Toothless, the black dragon, is definitely the one portrayed at its best.

Kudos to the people who worked at the photography section. It is sublime, and makes the scenery look even more realistic - if that's even possible -, and some sequences seem to be action sequences and not animations. Very well done.

Lastly, the voice cast really did a great job. Jay Baruchel did a wonderful job as Hiccup, giving a believable and three-dimensional as the visual portrait.

Now I really want a pet like Toothless.

This is Berk. It's twelve days north of Hopeless and a few degrees south of Freezing to Death. It's located solidly on the Meridian of Misery. My village. In a word, sturdy. It's been here for seven generations, but every single building is new. We've got hunting, fishing, and a charming view of the sunsets. The only problems are the pests. Most places have mice or mosquitoes. We have... dragons. - Hiccup

Little Pieces (2014)

Genre

Drama

Director

Adam Nelson

Country

UK

Cast

Finnian Nainby-Luxmoore, Matt Jones, Isabelle Glinn, Graham Cawte, Peter Oliver

Storyline

Little Pieces is the story of Michael (Finnian Nainby-Luxmoore) and Eric (Matt Jones), two young men on a collision course with the world around them. As they race violently towards each other their world comes crashing down, changing their lives forever.

Opinion

In a nutshell? I loved Little Pieces, and I'm very glad I had the chance to see this gem. If only all indies were this good!

Micro-budget first feature from director Adam Nelson, Little Pieces is a brilliant and emotional drama that deals with family, love, abuse and anger.

The story unfolds in a nonlinear way - the title should have rang a bell -, starting from the climax, then putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, and closing with a surprisingly emotional ending. It challenges your intellect, keeps you wondering for the whole time, and it does pay off well. I hope I won't cross the line by saying the result is very close to Iñárritu's. The script is well written, with characters that feel real, and makes you root for them.

The whole thing is laced up with a great direction, beautiful cinematography, and a musical score, composed by Imraan Husain, that fits the story and enhance the emotions.

The actors all do a great job. The young leading trio, Finnian Nainby-Luxmoore, Matt Jones, and Isabelle Glinn, all give solid performances. Nainby-Luxmoore and Glinn have a good chemistry, not one of those you usually see in movies, but a real-life chemistry. Peter Oliver does a good job as Jerry, but Graham Cawte is outstanding, and wonderfully portrays Michael and Eric's alcoholic father.

I highly recommend Little Pieces to anyone. You can find out more about the film on their Facebook and Twitter. 

Mirror Mirror (2012)

Genre

Adventure | Comedy | Drama

Director

Tarsem Singh

Country

USA | Czech Republic

Cast

Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean, Danny Woodburn, Martin Klebba, Sebastian Saraceno, Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Ronald Lee Clark, Lisa Roberts Gillan, Robert Emms, Alex Ivanovici, Frank Welker

Storyline

After a beloved King vanishes, his ruthless wife (Julia Roberts) seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter, Snow White (Lily Collins), hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince (Armie Hammer), the jealous Queen banishes the girl to a nearby forest. Taken in by a band of rebellious but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen.

Opinion

Magic mirror on the wall, which is the worst fairy tale movie in the world? Of course this one, Majesty.

Tedious, tedious, and tedious, Mirror Mirror doesn't work neither as a comedy nor as a drama, failing both in being funny and dramatic. It rather feels like a parody gone bad.

The beautiful fairy tale written by the Brothers Grimm that we all know and love brought to the screen for the first time by Walt Disney has been completely destroyed firstly by the writers and secondly by the director, who thought it was appropriate to make a film out of that crap.

If on one hand, the idea of repropose a story in a different way is not original, it still stimulates the audience's interest. Unfortunately, the story is really bad in here, and Snow White doesn't really help. The character is just so not sympathetic, you'll probably end up rooting for the Queen, and she is not that great either. For some unknown reasons, Armie Hammer is constantly shirtless. Not to mention the horrendous Bollywood musical scene that FINALLY ends the film. The dwarfs, which are now robbers because apparently being miners is too mainstream, easily steal the show, and you may find yourself smiling a few times thank to them. I said smile not laughing. Not even the extraordinary costumes by Eiko Ishioka can save the film from the abyss.

Having her carrier sinking like the Titanic, Julia Roberts fails in being an effective villain. She is not intimidating at all. Lily Collins, blasphemously compared by some critics to Audrey Hepburn, may be pretty and graceful, but she delivers a flat performance - the script surely didn't help there. Armie Hammer is nothing more than a man-object, annoying and ridiculous besides. 

Men in Black 3 (2012)

Genre

Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi

Director

Barry Sonnenfeld

Country

USA

Cast

Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement, Emma Thompson, Alice Eve, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mike Colter, Nicole Scherzinger, Michael Chernus, David Rasche, Will Arnett, Keone Young, Bill Hader, Lady Gaga, Tim Burton, Anthony J. Gallo, Lenny Venito, Rick Baker, David Pittu, Lanny Flaherty, Cayen Martin

Storyline

When Agent K's life (Tommy Lee Jones) and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J (Will Smith) will have to travel back in time to put things right.

Opinion

Fifthteen years later, with the help of Josh Brolin, they've finally managed to make a proper sequel to Men in Black. 

Funny and entertaining, Men in Black 3 is a great improvement over the disappointing and poor second installment.

Once again we'll find ourselves spending some time with Agent J and Agent K - and their younger selves -, but this time the story is more intelligent and well-designed. The writing is very good overall. 

The film deals with the spatiotemporal theme in a clean, and cheerful way, without becoming too heavy. The dialogue is mostly funny with sparks of deepness. The villain, Boris the Animal, is by far better than Serleena, the previous film's villain. And the introduction of Giffin, the clairvoyant alien, is just brilliant.

The acting is good. Will Smith does his job pretty good, he makes us laugh, and has a great chemistry both with Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin. Jones has a more marginal role this time but still does a good job. What can I say about Brolin, let me see... He does a perfect Tommy Lee Jones. If time travelling was an actual thing, I would think Jones and Brolin were the same person. Jemaine Clement does a really good job as Boris the Animal. Alice Even does not bear comparison with Emma Thompson, and Nicole Scherzinger does nothing more than looking like a cheap hooker. 

Quotes

Agent K: Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to.

Jumanji (1995)

Genre

Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Director

Joe Johnston

Country

USA

Cast

Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, David Alan Grier, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, Malcolm Stewart, Annabel Kershaw, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Hann-Byrd, Laura Bell Bundy

Storyline

After being trapped in a jungle board game for 26 years, Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) is finally freed by two children, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce), but so is a herd of creatures of the jungle. Now, Alan must try to save his hometown from destruction.

Opinion

When I was a kid, I never had a chance to watch this film properly. I've seen some scenes here and there while zapping, but nothing more. A few days ago I've finally got my hands on it and decided to watch it, but unfortunately, it let me down a little.

Jumanji is a fantasy comic adventure starring one of the greatest comedians ever born, yet it fails in being exhilarating. I had some laughs, but, to be honest, if I were a kid I think I would have found it a bit terrifying, certainly not funny. However, it is a good film.

The idea of the magical board game is very intriguing and ingenious, and that makes the story very engaging. Time flies by, and you just "jump" into this adventure and feel like one of the characters of the film. I have complained about the poorness of laughs, but the thrills kind of bring balance to the film, and the result is still entertaining.

Today, 20 years later, the computer-enhanced special effects are no big deal, but they were back at '95 - well I guess so, I was too little to remember. Anyway, as said before the story is the most important thing here, not the special effects.

The acting is quite good. Needless to say is that Robin Williams is perfect for the role of Alan Parrish.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Original Title

장화, 홍련 Janghwa, Hongryeon

Genre

Drama | Horror | Mystery

Director

Kim Jee-woon

Country

South Korea

Cast

Lim Soo-jung, Moon Geun-young, Yum Jung-ah, Kim Kap-soo, Lee Seung-bi, Lee Dae-yeon, Park Mi-hyun, Woo Ki-hong

Storyline

Two sisters, Soo-mi (Lim Soo-jung) and Soo-yeon (Moon Geun-young), after spending time in a mental institution, return to the home of their father (Kim Kap-soo) and cruel stepmother (Yum Jung-ah). Once there, in addition to dealing with their stepmother's obsessive and unbalanced ways, an interfering ghost also affects their recovery.

Opinion

I watched this film last night, and I gave myself some hours to think about it, to put together something good enough, something up to the level of this film, but instead I came to the conclusion that no matter what I'll write, this review will not do justice to the film. Not even saying it is one of the best horrors I've ever seen feels enough.

Confusing, creepy, and disturbing, A Tale of Two Sisters is a blend of drama, horror and psychological thriller, all three at the top of their game.

Brilliantly written, the film has a complex, intricate plot, a bit confused at times, definitely more layered than the average horror film, and it might lack of true horror, but it's scary as few other films of the genre.

This film requires the viewer's attention for all the 110 minutes, but pays off. Paying attention to the dialogue, especially the father's, you might also be able to figure out what is going on, but if you don't, it's even better so you will enjoy the twist at the end.

Kim Jee-woon's style and direction are fantastic. He took his time to set everything up, and what many called a slow and boring film, has been for me a spectacular experience.

Mention worthy are the stunning slow moving cinematography by Lee Mogae, and the magnificent sound that skillfully alternates moments of silence to suggestive music. Among the great cast Lim Soo-jung and Yum Jung-ah stand out.

I absolutely have to watch this at least one more time, because I don't feel like I get all this film has to offer.

Quotes

Eun-ju: Do know what's really scary? You want to forget something. Totally wipe it off your mind. But you never can. It can't go away, you see. And... and it follows you around like a ghost.

Almost Famous (2000)

Genre

Drama | Music | Romance

Director

Cameron Crowe

Country

USA

Cast

Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschanel, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Bijou Phillips, Noah Taylor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Terry Chen, Jay Baruchel, Jimmy Fallon, Rainn Wilson, Mark Kozelek, Liz Stauber, John Fedevich, Eric Stonestreet, Michael Angarano

Storyline

High-school boy William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour.

Opinion

I've been told to watch the director's cut if I had the time, and even though last night I was very tired, I decided to go for it. Best decision I've ever made.

Incredibly entertaining, funny and surprisingly heartwarming, Almost Famous is not just another film about music, but one of the finest films about music ever made.

Director and writer Cameron Crowe made precious his long experience as a rock music critic and journalist, and crafted a wonderful film that has so much to say about the music industry: band, fandom, and cynicism of journalism. Also he wonderfully balanced the comedy and drama elements. 

The writing is just fantastic. The plot is quite simple and a bit predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable, even if like me, you don't particularly like rock music. The dialogue is overall good, even though many of the great lines belong to McDormand's character. The characters are also great and you actually care about them. I appreciate what Crowe did with the mother character, because he went beyond creating just an anti-rock character but gave her enough space, and good development.

The soundtrack is spectacular. Everything from Simon & Garfunkel to The Chipmunks, from Led Zeppelin to Elton John is spot on. And I repeat, I am not a big fan of rock music.

The acting is top notch. Cameron Crowe did a wonderful job assembling this cast. Patrick Fugit steals the show as William Miller, the precocious rock 'n roll journalist. Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson both do a great job and have a tension filled chemistry that perfectly goes along with the story. Philip Seymour Hoffman is wonderful as Lester Bangs. Needless to say is that Frances McDormand is absolutely perfect as Elaine, William's mother. I don't think anyone else could have done so good with that character.

Quotes

Penny Lane: I always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriously, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

Inside Out (2015)

Genre

Animation | Adventure | Comedy

Directors

Pete Docter | Ronaldo Del Carmen

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Richard King, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paula Poundstone, Bobby Moynihan, Paula Pell, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Josh Cooley, Flea, John Ratzenberger, Carlos Alazraqui, Lori Alan, Rashida Jones

Storyline

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Opinion

After waiting for the entire summer for this film to be released in Italy - and having my expectations constantly increasing as I was reading both critics and audience's reviews - yesterday I finally got to watch this. And let me tell you, at Pixar's they do know how to do their job.

Wonderfully animated, colorful, funny and moving, Inside Out is another cinematic gem that will make you experience a full range of emotions. Also it suits everybody, delivering fun for kids, and food for thought for adults, although it feels more mature, and adult inclined than ever.

The writing is just brilliant. The film has two storytelling, joined by the fact of being focused on the same character, Riley, but set in two completely different worlds. One in real life, the other one inside the human mind. 

As previously mentioned, the kids will be fascinated by the animations, colours, and gags, while the adults will get the most complex meaning of the film. In short words, the film brilliantly shows the way things change growing up, but this time digging deeper is vital.

The film focuses both on memories and emotions. It shows that some memories will remain indelible and will define our personality, and some others are meant to be forgotten. Along with memories come emotions. These two go hand in hand. Growing up, we realize that those pure memories made up by one single emotion, whether is joy, sadness, disgust, anger, or fear, are set to become a mixture. And this is how we realize that also "negative" emotions such as sadness can be a great resource to us, allowing personal development and growth.

Needless to say is that the animations are spectacular. Everything is accurate in every detail. Actually nothing less could have been expected from Pixar. The soundtrack is also beautiful. Among the many gags, the cat's one is the most hilarious. Also Lava, the animated short movie that precedes the screening of Inside Out, is up to this film. 

"Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life's problems." - Sadness

Boulevard (2014)

Genre

Drama

Director

Dito Montiel

Country

USA

Cast

Robin Williams, Bob Odenkirk, Kathy Baker, Giles Matthey, Eleonore Hendricks, Roberto Aguire, J. Karen Thomas, Brandon Hirsch, Landon Marshall, Clay Jeffries, Yedveta, David Ditmore, Philip Trammel

Storyline

Nolan Mack (Robin Williams) has worked at the same bank for almost 26 years in a life of monotony. He and his wife Joy (Kathy Baker) have embraced their marriage as a convenient distraction from facing reality. However, one day, when he meets a troubled young man named Leo (Roberto Aguire) on his drive home, Nolan finds himself breaking from the confines of his old life and coming to terms with who he really is.

Opinion

I will not deny I sobbed after watching the trailer for the first time. I don't know if those emotions were driven by Robin Williams's recent disappearance, or by the way the scenes were put together, I only know that now that I've finally managed to watch this film, I didn't feel nothing but disappointment.

Dull and poorly executed, Boulevard isn't a great nor engaging drama, but showcases the dramatic talent of Robin Williams.

The idea of a 60-year-old gay man hiding his sexual orientation for his entire life and his inability to deal with his sexuality could have been the base for a solid film. Also the film's storyline extending past sexuality gives anyone who is not living the life they want the opportunity to relate to. Unfortunately it is all presented in a very boring way.

The believability of the characters is also questionable here. Let's start with Joy, Nolan's wife. Throughout the film several clues should have made her figure out he was gay - they even sleep in different beds for god's sake -, but when she does find out, she over-reacts and seems false. His boss. For one time in almost 26 years that Nolan is late to work, he threatens to revoke a promotion. Is Nolan supposed to be a perfect human being? I just don't know. Probably there are some other things I won't mention because I failed at being focused for the whole time.

But there he comes, Robin Williams, who kind of "lights up" the movie. With the vacant look of a man who seems tired of living, Williams gives a heartfelt performance and well portrays the anguish of those who don't know how to deal with their own nature. Noteworthy performances also from Kathy Baker as Joy, and Roberto Aguire as Leo.

I wonder if Robin Williams killed himself having realised he was trapped like Nolan. Just think about that line in the trailer when Odenkirk says "It's never too late to start living the life you really want". Maybe he realised he would never be able to do that.

Quotes

Winston: Maybe it's never too late to start living the life you really want.

Nolan Mack: I drove down a street one night. A street I didn't know. It's the way your life goes sometimes. You drive down this one... then another. And now... another.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Genre

Comedy | Romance

Director

Gil Junger

Country

USA

Cast

Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller, Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt, Gabrielle union, Daryl Mitchell, Allison Janney, David Leisure, Greg Jackson, Kyle Cease

Storyline

Popular, pretty Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) is in dilemma. A family rule forbids her from dating until her unpopular, rebellious, boy-hating older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) gets a suitor of her own. In an attempt to win Bianca, a potential boyfriend (Andrew Keegan) desperately attempts to set Kat up with Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), another rebel who may just be able to win Kat's heart.

Opinion

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Adapted from William Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You isn't really much more than just another teen romcom.

The film certainly does not teem with originality. The plot is always the same. The geek falls in love with the popular girl and eventually gets her. The good looking asshole with the beautiful car gets humiliated at the end. The stereotyped students and teachers are everywhere. 

Then, there is the badass and the rebellious girl. The evolving of their story is completely predictable. He asks her out for money, but eventually falls for her and he's returned, and when everything's going great she finds out about the money deal. I knew it would have ended like so since the thing started.

The writing isn't that good, I'm addressing this to the characters in particular. Kat's character is too cynical and harsh, especially to fall in love. The teacher rapping sonnets was definitely not cool, neither it is the way he treats his students. Cameron, Gordon-Levitt's character, only purpose seems to be putting together the plot. He isn't much of a character. Just an element in the movie.

However, the acting gives the film an extra point. Julia Stiles nails the feminist, anti-social role, and she is so authentic I feel like almost every girl can identify with her. Heath Ledger gives a charming performance, and he really is standing out. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is just adorable, and funny. Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller and Andrew Keegan all do a good job.

I'm really sad I didn't fall for this film because I just love the cast. Oh, I almost forgot, I really liked the quote, "What is popular is not always right; what is right is not always popular." on the class's wall, but I'm not really sure it has something to do with the film.

Quotes

Kat Stratford: I guess in this society, being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time.

Men in Black II (2002)

Genre

Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi

Director

Barry Sonnenfeld

Country

USA

Cast

Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Rip Torn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny Knoxville, Rosario Dawson, Tony Shalhoub, Patrick Warburton, Jack Kehler, David Cross, Colombe Jacobsen, John Alexander, Michael Jackson, Peter Graves, Tim Blaney, Nick Cannon

Storyline

Agent Jay (Will Smith) has become a high-ranking member of the Men in Black, while his former cohort, Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), had his memory wiped clean and now lives a simple but contented life as a mailman. However, they must reunite to protect the world from the scum of the universe.

Opinion

Something everyone knows is that originality and sequels don't get along. However, if smartly played, a sequel can live up to its predecessor, and be fresh. Unfortunately this is not the case. In fact, Men in Black II is another boring, bland sequel, with few moments and nothing more.

The story changes but nothing really changes. Aliens come to Earth threaten to destroy it, MIB pull out big guns and make aliens explode with abovementioned guns. End of the story. 

The authors, probably aware of unfreshness of the film, have focused on the villain, an evil alien who disguises herself as a sexy lingerie model in a leather outfit. They probably thought the audience would have been so caught up by her to never notice the flaws of the fim. The alien in brand-new Edgar suit was a better villain, by the way. 

Main focus of the film are still the special effects and the gags. While the special effects are quite good, the gags are a disaster. Seriously, watching an alien growing its head back after having it shot off might be funny the first time, but you gotta know when to stop it. Enough is enough.

Will Smith's Men In Black has been replaced by Smith's Black Suits Comin' which is not nearly as good as the first song. Also the acting got worse. 

Dumb and Dumber To (2014)

Genre

Comedy

Directors

Bobby Farrelly | Peter Farrelly

Country

USA

Cast

Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle, Laurie Holden, Kathleen Turner, Steve Tom, Rachel Melvin, Paul Blackthorne, Brady Bluhm, Dalton E Gray, Swizz Beatz, Bill Murray, Derek Holland, Mama June, Cam Neely

Storyline

Twenty years after the events surrounding their trip to Aspen, buddies Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) are back and go on a road trip to find Harry's newly discovered daughter (Rachel Melvin), who was given up for adoption.

Opinion

Perhaps my expectation were too high, I don't know, but I have been completely disappointed by this one, and the only thing I could think as the movie ended was, couldn't Lloyd keep on faking? It would have been so much better. 

So Dumb and Dumber To does have its moments, like a few moments, but it's bland most of the time, and the humour isn't good as seemed in the first installment.

If Dumb and Dumber was cleverly stupid, this one is just stupid. There is no direction. The story is awful, not to talk about the subplots. The poor script is stuffed with farts, jokes that are literally the same as the original's, and recycled gags that doesn't work at all.

The acting is probably the most disappointing part. While Jim Carrey is just a comedian, we know that, and we are fine with that, Jeff Daniels, who has been working on more serious roles recently that also got him an Emmy, is a real disappointment. And the chemistry between the two "buddies" is gone. 

In the beginning Lloyd says, "Comedy is all about timing.". I wonder if he was mocking the film.

Leviathan (2014)

Original Title

Левиафан Leviafan

Genre

Drama

Director

Andrey Zvyagintsev

Country

Russia

Cast

Aleksei Serebryakov, Elena Lyadova, Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Roman Madyanov, Anna Ukolova, Aleksey Rozin, Sergey Pokhodaev, Platon Kamenev, Sergey Bachurskiy

Storyline

In a small Russian coastal town, Kolya (Aleksei Serebryakov) is forced to fight the corrupt mayor (Roman Madyanov) when he is told that his house will be demolished. To save his home Kolya calls his old Army friend in Moscow, Dmitriy (Vladimir Vdovichenkov), who has now become an authoritative attorney. But the man's arrival brings further misfortune for Kolya and his family.

Opinion

Not a random title for Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev's latest film, which on the one hand refers to the biblical symbol, and on the other to the symbol of the negative political anthropology of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

Fairly slow paced, Leviathan is a bitter film, slightly depressing and with no happy ending that mixes with great ambition politics, religion, and judicial system.

Kolya, the protagonist of the film, as in the book of Job, loses everything in a brief time: wife, friends, son, and freedom. Yet this time is not God to test him, but a corrupt political power, and a sense of helplessness drowned in alcohol.

What makes this film interesting is the criticism to the Russian society. Alcohol and smoking are the hub of socialization: the bottle of Vodka always there, and the cigarette that marks conversations - the nightly meetings of the kids at the ruined church is the most prominent example. Equally severe is the criticism of the Orthodox Church. 

The best scene, in my opinion, is the court's one(s). Criticized by many because over long and also repeated at the end of the film, demonstrates the Kafkaesque character of the judicial system.

Even the cold Barents Sea, beautifully shot in the opening and closing sequences, and the sublime musical score by Philip Glass take part in the tragedy. The acting is very good, having Aleksei Serebryakov as Kolya standing out from the crowd. 

I know that this film was based on an event actually happened in the United States, but I still wonder how it has been received by the Russian government and the Orthodox Church. 

The Life of David Gale (2003)

Genre

Drama | Mystery

Director

Alan Parker

Country

USA | Germany | UK

Cast

Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Gabriel Mann, Rhona Mitra, Leon Rippy, Matt Craven, Jim Beaver, Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Gast, Noah Truesdale, Donald Braswell, Katina Potts, Julia Lashae

Storyline

When anti-death-penalty activist David Gale (Kevin Spacey) is convicted and condemned to death for the murder of a colleague, reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet) sets out to learn the story behind Gale's crime. What she finds challenges her belief in Gale's guilt and, finally, in the justice system.

Opinion

Having read many other reviews, I fail to understand how so many can view this as a bad film. I'm addressing this to critics in particular, who seem to have forgotten that beyond the philosophical aspect, the purpose of a movie is to entertain an audience.

Well written, but not well executed, The Life of David Gale is a good film and a deep indictment against death penalty.

Philosopher and screenwriter Charles Randolph is the author of a solid script with a good final twist, despite it spends too much time on Spacey's alcoholic problem. The best part in terms of writing is definitely the dialogue. Load of sap, it gives the film the strength to keep going.

This film goes far beyond the social criticism, and shows us that in drama there is also the awareness of someone who is willing to sacrifice everything for his ideal - and this can be seen in any context, religion being the most quoted nowadays.

Almost enigmatic as the times of The Usual Suspects, Kevin Spacey gives a great performance as David Gale, a man torn between his ideals, family and alcoholic dependence. Kate Winslet also gives a great performance as journo Bitsey Bloom. The supporting cast does a good job overall.

Wanna know my thoughts about death penalty? As Gandhi said, and Kevin Spacey quotes, "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."

Quotes

David Gale: Fantasies have to be unrealistic because the moment, the second that you get what you seek, you don't, you can't want it anymore. In order to continue to exist, desire must have its objects perpetually absent. It's not the "it" that you want, it's the fantasy of "it." So, desire supports crazy fantasies. This is what Pascal means when he says that we are only truly happy when daydreaming about future happiness. Or why we say the hunt is sweeter than the kill. Or be careful what you wish for. Not because you'll get it, but because you're doomed not to want it once you do. So the lesson of Lacan is, living by your wants will never make you happy. What it means to be fully human is to strive to live by ideas and ideals and not to measure your life by what you've attained in terms of your desires but those small moments of integrity, compassion, rationality, even self-sacrifice. Because in the end, the only way that we can measure the significance of our own lives is by valuing the lives of others.