Mother (2017)

O relație se deteriorează treptat odată ce străini sunt invitați sa împartă căminul cuplului.

Un film metafora de la un cap la celalalt. Folosește simboluri religioase pline de însemnătate atat pentru oameni religioși cât și pentru atei. E păcat ca filmul a fost respins întocmai pentru acest conținut de oameni ce nu pot sa discearnă adevărul de doctrina.
Chiar și lăsând religia la o parte, filmul este o exagerare poetica a trăirilor unor anume tipuri de femei ca urmare a nașterii unui copil sau deteriorării treptate a ceea ce considera drag.
Sentimentele de sufocare psihologica și panica și teama de o soarta de Cassandra sunt atât de palpabile ca filmul este dificil de urmărit dar cu cinematografia sa atât de impecabila și cu măiestria lui Jennifer Lawrence , cu greu te poți abține sa nu continui.

Scenariu/regie: Darren Aronofsky
Cu: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brian Gleeson, Domhnall Gleeson

Rating: 10/10

Also read in English

Mother (2017)

A relationship gradually deteriorates once strangers are invited to share the couple's home.

A metaphorical film from one end to the other. It uses religious symbols full of significance for both religious people and atheists. It is a shame that the film was rejected precisely for this content by people who cannot discern the truth from the doctrine.

Even with leaving religion aside, the film is a poetic exaggeration of the experiences of certain types of women as a result of the birth of a child or the gradual deterioration of what they consider dear.

The feelings of psychological suffocation and panic and fear of a Cassandra-typed fate are so palpable that the film is difficult to watch but with its impeccable cinematography and direction and with Jennifer Lawrence's mastery, you can hardly refrain from continuing.

Screenplay / Direction: Darren Aronofsky

Featuring: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brian Gleeson, Domhnall Gleeson

Lady Chatterley's Lover (2015)

Lady Chaterley falls in love with a man from a lower social class after her husband returns paralysed from war.

The well-known story of written origin is adapted as accurately as possible in a more contemporary screenplay.

A bit rushed in order to fit in an hour, it lost much of the important details of the novel. Nothing factual really, only some personality traits for some the characters, with Mellors (the above mentioned lover) particularly affected. 

Portrayed with great passion by Richard Madden, it seems to me that many elements of Mellors' personality, such as his conversational wit and rough on the edges talent (i.e. quick, harsh and clever lines), do not translate almost at all into the film. The film manages to keep some of the word exchanges of a more childish nature, which, in the absence of their whole context, do not seem to be anything more than just that. Love is blind but not really that blind, and that is not properly explained in this version of the film. It is not the fault of any of the actors, all of this comes from the script, probably written by someone who did not understand the book. 

Connie, on the other hand, is transposed to the screen by such a delicate Holliday Graingier that I actually forgot that in the book she wasn't quite so perfect.

Even Clifford's character suffers from the lack of detail, but the talented and very versatile James Norton manages to do a lot with very little.

Screenplay: Jed Mercurio (after D.H. Lawrence)

Directed by: Jed Mercury

With: Holliday Grainger, Richard Madden, James Norton, Jodie Comer

You know Richard Madden from Game of Thrones (Rob Stark), Holliday from Borgia (Lucrezia).

Rating: 6/10

Luther (2010-)

A jaded but brilliant detective cannot help but help the victims of injustice, sometimes through less orthodox methods, and often with serious consequences that directly affect him in a dramatic way.

A police series like no other. With an imperfect main character but with good intentions, with an asymmetrical structure (none of the seasons has the same number of episodes, some even have only 2 episodes) and with very different types of interests that vary from homicides and their standard investigations, to vendettas, to fascination over brilliant sociopaths and even to hiding from the law, it is a great TV addiction. 

Unmissable for genre fans and especially for Idris Elba fans!

Production: BBC

Featuring: Idris Elba, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown, Ruth Wilson, Paul McGann, Indira Varma, Sienna Guillory, Patrick Malahide, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Dermot Crowley

Luther (2010-)

Un detectiv blazat dar genial nu se poate abține din a ajuta pe cei nedreptățiți, câteodată prin metode mai puțin ortodoxe, și adesea cu consecințe serioase ce-l afectează direct în mod dramatic.

Un serial polițist ca nici un altul. Cu un personaj principal imperfect dar cu intenții bune, cu o structura asimetrica (nici unul din sezoane nu are un număr de episoade la fel, unele au chiar și doar 2 episoade) și cu tipuri de interes foarte diferite ce variază de la omucideri și investigațiile standard, la vendete, la fascinați provocate de sociopati geniali și chiar și fuga de lege, e un candidat perfect pentru o noua dependenta TV. 

De neratat pentru amatorii genului și mai ales pentru fanii lui Idris Elba!

Productie: BBC

Cu: Idris Elba, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown, Ruth Wilson, Paul McGann, Indira Varma, Sienna Guillory, Patrick Malahide, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Dermot Crowley

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

The Irishman (2019)

The personal story of a so-called Mafia assassin, as told by the actual person to the author of the source book. 

Of big proportions, with multiple narrative threads intersected at different points in time, The Irishman is a mammoth of a movie that only Scorsese could control. It presents the story of a real person - as told in the winter of his life - just as such, without showing any resistance or doubts about its veridicity. In reality, there are doubts due to the content being a bit sensational, especially around the details about the links with Jimmy Hoffa and his disappearance. 

A great effort and a very interesting story that brings together big names, some even returned after retiring from acting (Joe Pesci) or some without even one line of dialogue (Harvey Keitel). This is the third time that the two "giants" - Robert De Niro and Al Pacino - meet in the same scenes (the first time they were in the same film, in The Godfather, they did not actually share scenes at all, Heat is a recognised masterpiece and Righteous Kill did not rise to expectations), this time successfully and showcasing a beautiful friendship that really makes sense. 

Soaked in a lot of history and facts that can actually be verified, the film presents the Italian-mafia character as perceived and understood by Scorsese and also as he demonstrated it in other of his great successes. Less noisy (perhaps due to the slightly more historical character), less dramatic, much more subtle, the film suffers from the lack of an interesting main character. Everything is interesting around it, and all the other very colourful and well-written characters seem to have a natural respect as if born out of merit, but it never becomes obvious to the viewer why that is. And Scorsese, I think, was just as perplexed as he actually attempted to get his characters to explain in their own words the effect of this man as an irrefutable fact that everyone is aware of. 

Joe Pesci is wonderful, strong and fragile at the same time, Al Pacino is as bombastic as usual and very believable, and Robert De Niro worked hard to seem so boring, docile, humble and violent. 

The 3 hours are perfectly excusable. 

Screenplay: Steven Zaillian, Charles Brandt (book) 

Directed by: Martin Scorsese 

Featuring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Carnavale, Ana Paquin

The Irishman (2019)

Istoria personala a unui asa-zis asasin al Mafiei, asa cum i-a fost povestita de persoana reala autorului cartii sursa.

De mari proportii, cu multiple fire narative intercalate la diferite momente in timp, The Irishman e un mamut de film cum numai Scorsese poate tine sub control. Prezinta istoria unei persoane reale - asa cum a fost povestita in iarna vietii sale - ca atare, fara a arata rezistenta sau dubii legate de veridicitate. In realitate exista dubii datorita continutului un pic senzationalist, mai ales in ceea ce priveste detaliile despre legaturile cu Jimmy Hoffa si disparitia acestuia.

Un mare efort si o istorisire destul de interesanta ce aduce laolalta mari nume, unele chiar reintoarse dupa retragere din actorie (Joe Pesci) sau unele chiar fara nici o linie de dialog (Harvey Keitel). E a doua oara cand cei doi "mari" - Robert De Niro si Al Pacino - se intalnesc in aceleasi scene (prima oara in The Godfather nu au impartit scene deloc iar Righteous Kill nu s-a ridicat la nivelul asteptarilor), de data asta cu success si prezentand o frumoasa prietenie ce chiar are sens.

Imbibat cu multa istorie si fapte ce chiar pot fi verificate, filmul prezinta caracterul italiano-mafiot asa cum Scorsese l-a citit si inteles si prezentat in alte mari succese ale sale. Mai putin zgomotos (poate datorita caracterului ceva mai istoric), mai putin dramatic, mult mai subtil, filmul sufera de lipsa unui personaj principal interesant. Totul e interesant in jurul acestuia, si personajele foarte colorate si bine scrise par sa detina un respect subinteles si castigat pe merit pentru acesta, dar pentru privitor nu devine nicicand evident de ce acest lucru se intampla. Si Scorsese cred ca era la fel de perplex, deoarece incearca sa isi faca personajele sa explice in cuvintele lor efectul acestei personalitati ca un fapt de netagaduit de care toti ceilalti sunt constienti.

Joe Pesci e minunat, puternic si firav in acelasi timp, Al Pacino e bombastic ca de obicei si foarte credibil, si Robert De Niro a muncit mult sa arate atat de natural plictisitor, docil, umil si violent.

Cele 3 ore sunt perect scuzabile.

Scenariu: Steven Zaillian, Charles Brandt (carte)

Regie: Martin Scorsese

Cu: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Ana Paquin

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

The Sinner (2017-)

Investigations of crimes that have mysterious circumstances as seen through the eyes of detective Harry Ambrose.

An intelligent police series of two seasons so far, with each season entirely dedicated to a single crime. Of an almost incredible complexity, it actually does require an entire season in order to fit each reveal of the multi-layers of the enigmatic killings. The main character is endowed with an above average emotional intelligence and an excellent human reader, with a trivial and more or less average personal story. Like it often happens to any "genius", he is often hindered by obstacles created by people with less ... understanding, who refuse to look beyond the most obvious explanation.

Season 3 should air in February.

Featuring: Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Carrie Coon, Hannah Gross, Elisha Henig, Natalie Paul, Dohn Norwood

The Sinner (2017-)

Investigatii de crime in circumstante misterioase prin ochii detectivului Harry Ambrose.

Un serial politist inteligent de doua sezoane pana acum, cu fiecare sezon in intregime dedicat unei singure crime. De o complexitate aproape incredibila, chiar necesita un sezon intreg pentru fiecare dezvaluire a multistraturilor enigmaticelor omoruri. Personajul principal e dotat cu o inteligenta emotionala peste medie si un excelent cititor de oameni, cu o poveste personala banala si plina de probleme mai mult sau mai putin uzuale. Ca orice "geniu" se loveste des de obstacole create de oameni cu mai putina... intelegere, ce refuza sa proveasca mai departe de cea mai simpla explicatie.

Sezonul 3 ar trebui sa apara prin februarie.

Cu: Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Carrie Coon, Hannah Gross, Elisha Henig, Natalie Paul, Dohn Norwood

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Rough Night (2017)

A bachelorette party takes an unexpected turn.

Somewhat undecided about what genre it belongs to: is it a comedy or a thriller, with none of the options accomplished in any appreciative way.

One positive thing about it though: feminist ideas emerge by proving that intelligent women are capable of being (big) idiots as well.

I can confirm, however, that Scarlet Johansen is not made for comedy, nor for political intrigue.

Kate McKinnon carries the whole comedy almost by herself beautifully (again), sometimes helped by the giggly Jillian Bell as Alice (whenever she's not extremely irritating). But it's too little to save this.

Everything is a little pushed too far, boring at times, stupid other times, so that you tend to forget any of the positives.

Only to watch if you get bored or are big fans of the actors involved.

Directed by: Lucia Aniello

With: Scarlet Johansen, Kate McKinnon, Zoe Kravitz, Jillian Bell

Rating: 6/10

Winchester (2018)

A jaded doctor is in charge of diagnosing the head of the company that produces the Winchester weapon, a necessary act to make it possible for her associates to take over. The pretext they use is the strange custom of the said lady of building new rooms in her house, rooms that do not follow the architecture rules of the times.

Interesting up to a point, and that's because Sarah Winchester really existed, and she seems to have been passionate about architecture in such a way that she used her own home for architectural experiments, experiments she abandoned without demolishing as soon as a new idea obsessed her and  a new change was needed.

In the meantime, her heirs have changed the narrative in order to make money of her story by transforming the resulting house into a so-called haunted house. It was a ridiculous an idea as this movie is.

Helen Mirren appears in a weak and unbecoming role, something that's very uncharacteristic to her. The only person who feels at home is Sarah Snook, already a veteran of the genre, here in the role of the frail (or not?) mother-niece.

It's weak, unconvincing, and it tries to scare through many horror clichés.

It may be suitable for horror marathons with a group of friends who love to laugh together.
Sarah Snook has been in Jesabelle, Predestination and Black Mirror.

You might have seen Sarah Snook in Jesabelle, Predestination and Black Mirror.

Directed by: Michael and Peter Spierig

With: Helen Mirren, Sarah Snook, Jason Clarke

Rating: 5/10

Salem (2014-2017)

Redare fictionalizata a binecunoscutelor evenimente din Salem in secolul al 17-lea, intr-o versiune in care vrajitoria e ceva real.

O imbinare interesanta a evenimentelor reale cu povestea fictiva a vrajitoarelor ce s-au jucat cu sortile puritanilor din Salem. Povestea e complexa, bine scrisa iar supranaturalul si elementele horror sunt inventive, dese si in concordanta perfecta cu contextul povestii. Fanii genului se vor delecta.

Un bonus binevenit este tema muzicala compusa de Tyler Bates (Californication, Sucker Punch) si Marilyn Manson.

Shane West e cunoscut din A Walk To Remember, Seth Gabel din Fringe, Iddo Goldberg a fost pentru scurt timp in Peaky Blinders, Xander Berkeley a fost in multe dar mai recent The Walking Dead, Stuart Townsend era mai cunoscut in urma cu 10 ani, ca protagonist al The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen si The Queen Of The Damned iar Lucy Lawless a nimeni alta decat Xena.

Creatori: Brannon Braga, Adam Simon

Cu: Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Tamzin Merchant, Iddo Goldberg, Lucy Lawless, Ashley Madekwe, Elise Eberle, Xander Berkeley, Stephen Lang,  Stuart Townsend

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Salem (2014-2017)

Fictional retelling of the well known events from Salem in the 17th century, in a version in which witchcraft is something real.

An interesting combination of the real events with the fictional story of actual witches that play with the fates of Salem's puritans. The story is complex, well written and the supernatural and horror elements are inventive, frequent and in perfect agreement with the context of the story. Fans of the genre will be delighted.

A welcome bonus is the musical theme composed by Tyler Bates (Californication, Sucker Punch) and Marilyn Manson.

Shane West is known for A Walk To Remember, Seth Gabel for Fringe, Iddo Goldberg was briefly on Peaky Blinders, Xander Berkeley was in many things but more recently The Walking Dead, Stuart Townsend was better known 10 years ago, as the protagonist of The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen and The Queen Of The Damned and Lucy Lawless is none other than Xena.

Creators: Brannon Braga, Adam Simon

Featuring: Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Tamzin Merchant, Iddo Goldberg, Lucy Lawless, Ashley Madekwe, Elise Eberle, Xander Berkeley, Stephen Lang, Stuart Townsend

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)

A former alcoholic doctor is faced with a difficult choice: which of his wife and two children will have to die to save the others?

A sort of a very clinical and void Sophie's Choice. Yorgos Lanthimos seems to use the same template he used for The Lobster to represent a world where human behaviour is to say the least bizarre. It made sense for The Lobster but for this movie it just seems to be a partial and failed metaphor. In a logical and rational world, feelings and their externalisation seem out of place, but the actions of the characters say a lot. It may be a criticism of today's flat society, but the intrigue worthy of the First Testament is inappropriate and unexplained. Not even the belief in a higher power can explain it simply because of the injustice that accompanies it.

Nicole Kidman has to be praised for how much she manages to express when she says nothing and Barry Keoghan deserved to win all the nominations he received for portraying the sinister Martin.

Screenplay / direction: Yorgos Lanthimos

Featuring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, Barry Keoghan, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)

Un doctor fost alcoolic este pus in fata unei alegeri dificile: cine dintre sotia sa si cei doi copii va trebui sa moara pentru a-i salva pe ceilalti?

Un fel de Sophie's Choice foarte clinic si vid. Yorgos Lanthimos pare sa foloseasca acelasi sablon din The Lobster pentru o lume unde comportamentul uman e cel putin bizar. Avea rost si sens pentru The Lobster dar pentru filmul de fata pare doar o metafora partiala si nereusita. Intr-o lume logica si rationala, sentimentele si exteriorizarea lor par nelalocul lor, dar actiunile personajelor spun multe. Poate fi o critica la adresa societatii plate de azi, dar intriga demna de Primul Testament este nepotrivita si fara explicatie. Nici macar credinta intr-o putere superioara nu o poate explica prin simpla nedreptate ce o insoteste.

Nicole Kidman trebuie laudata pentru cat de mult reuseste sa exprime cand nu spune nimic iar Barry Keoghan merita sa castige toate nominalizarile primite pentru portretizarea sinistrului Martin.

Scenariu/regia: Yorgos Lanthimos

Cu: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, Barry Keoghan, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone

Also read in English

The Boys (2019-)

In an alternate universe in which superpowered people are commonplace, a group of rebels fight to reveal the evil acts of the most popular superhero group.

A little satirical, very bloody, at times comical, The Boys manages to be something original in a sea of superhero productions. It shows them in a new light, which finally actually makes sense: they are people with unusual abilities that have developed and adapted in a particular way precisely because of these powers and because of the scientific context in which they might have been raised and things are no longer only in black and white. They're a wonderful grey, entertaining and devoid of even the shortest moment of boredom.

For those surprised that Simon Pegg has a small and insignificant role: he is happy to appear in any role because it was his long-standing desire to get The Boys adapted.

And fun fact: Jack Quaid (the pseudo main character) is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan.

And even more: Eric Kripke is the one who gave us Supernatural.

Creator: Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen

Featuring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Antony Starr, Chace Crawford, Elisabeth Shue, Jennifer Esposito, Simon Pegg

The Boys (2019-)

Intr-un univers alternativ in care oamenii cu superputeri sunt ceva obisnuit, un grup de rebeli lupta sa demasce actele nefaste ale celui mai popular grup de superoameni.

Un pic satiric, foarte sangeros, pe alocuri comic, The Boys reuseste sa fie ceva original intr-o mare de productii cu supereroi. Ii arata pe acestia intr-o lumina diferita, care in sfarsit chiar are sens: sunt oameni cu abilitati neobisnuite care s-au dezvoltat si adaptat intr-un mod aparte tocmai datorita acestor puteri si datorita contextului stiintific in care poate au crescut si lucrurile nu mai sunt doar in negru si alb. Sunt un gri minunat, antrenant si lipsit de si cel mai scurt moment de plictiseala.

Pentru cei mirati ca Simon Pegg are un rol mic si neinsemnat: este fericit ca apare in orice rol deoarece era dorinta lui de mult timp sa se ecranizeze The Boys.

Si fun fact: Jack Quaid (personajul pseudo principal) este fiul lui Dennis Quaid si al lui Meg Ryan.

Si mai mult: Eric Kripke este cel ce ne-a dat Supernatural.

Creator: Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen

Cu: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Antony Starr, Chace Crawford, Elisabeth Shue, Jennifer Esposito, Simon Pegg

Also read in English

The House That Jack Built (2018)

Un psihopat cu idei intense de grandomanie prezinta istoria crimelor sale alegand 5 evenimente precise cu importanta pentru evolutia sa.

Inca un film al lui Lars von Trier care a facut publicul de la Cannes unde a fost aratat in premiera sa paraseasca sala de cinema devreme. 

Clar de la inceput, nu este pentru oricine. 

Este si lungut, dar nu asta e problema. 

Problema vine de la scenele greu de urmarit din cauza violentei nefiltrate si socului alegerilor ce nu sunt oprite de nici un tabu. Acestea sunt elementele ce apar in mod frecvent si pot opri audienta din a avea rabdare sa discearna frumosul din dialog sau dinspre finalul peliculei, si nu este ceva de condamnat deoarece regizorul a creat intentionat aceasta situatie in detrimentul propriei sale arte. Si asta probabil din cauza ca realismul si lipsa de filtre fac parte din arta pentru care este cunoscut si artistul nu a vrut sa se contrazica singur... Probabil.

Ma balansez intre consideratia ca regizorul este doar foarte narcisist si grandoman el insusi ori ne arata foarte istet si elaborat cat de usor poate cineva manipula idei despre arta, frumos si umanitate pentru a inteti importanta unor idei gresite, folosite in scopuri contrare ideologiilor initiale. A doua optiune de fapt nu o anuleaza pe prima, deoarece regizorul este cel ce controleaza acea manipulare...

Matt Dillon este extrem de credibil si oribil, probabil a fost si va fi uitat la toate premiile din cauza renumelui negativ al filmului. Portretizarea unui suferind de tulburare obsesiv-compulsiva este extrem de realista si as spune chiar comica. Un pic de umor vine si de la situatiile in care protagonistul pare norocos in situatii foarte riscante.

Nu e un film prost sau urat, va cauza multe ganduri si analize, dar va avea efecte negative in prima instanta, probabil chiar si dupa finalul semi-eliberator. Doar pentru curajosi care stiu la ce sa se astepte!

P.S.: Scenele ce implica animale au aprobarea PETA, deci nu sunt reale.

Scenariu/Regia: Lars von Trier
Cu: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Riley Keough, Sofie Gråbøl, Jeremy Davies

Also read in English

The House That Jack Built (2018)

A psychopath with intense illusions of grandeur presents the history of his crimes by choosing 5 precise events with importance for his evolution.

Another film by Lars von Trier that made the Cannes public where it premiered leave the theatre early.

Clearly from the start, this is not for just anyone.

It's a tad long too, but that's not the problem.

The problem comes from the difficult to watch scenes due to their unfiltered violence and the shock of some of the choices which are not stopped by any taboo. These are the elements that most frequently show up and can stop the audience from having the patience to discern the beautiful in the dialogue or in the scenes towards the end of the movie, and it's not something to condemn because the director intentionally created this situation to the detriment of his own art. And this is probably because the realism and lack of filters are part of the art for which he is well known and the artist did not want to contradict himself ... Probably.

I am torn between the consideration that the director is just very narcissistic and a megalomaniac himself or the idea that he's just showing us very cleverly and elaborately how easily one can manipulate ideas about art, beauty and humanity to enhance the importance of misconceived ideas, used for purposes that are contrary to their initial ideologies. However, the second option doesn't actually cancel the first one, because it is the director who controls the said manipulation ...

Matt Dillon is extremely believable and horrible, he will be and probably has been omitted from all the awards because of the film's negative reputation. On top of that, his portrayal of an obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferer is extremely realistic and I would say even comical. A bit of humour also comes from the situations where the protagonist seems lucky in very risky situations.

It isn't a bad or ugly movie per se, it will cause a lot of thoughts and analysis, but it will have negative effects in the first instance, probably even after the semi-liberating ending. This one is just for the brave who know what to expect!

P.S.: The scenes involving animals have PETA approval, so they are not real.

Screenplay / Direction: Lars von Trier
Featuring: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Riley Keough, Sofie Gråbøl, Jeremy Davies

Orphan (2009)

A family adopt a little girl which starts behaving strangely and is hiding unexpected secrets.

Expecting yet another boring horror on The Omen&Co theme, I watched this movie without much hope in the resulting entertainment, and instead I found myself experiencing a tense by-the-book thriller, built in the classic pattern and efficiency. It's a production that switches really easily between ridiculous and terrifying, also giving light ironic and funny vibes and at the same time it is an extremely serious film in its story with a very well-constructed plot (which is only obvious towards the end) and it overall keeps a natural course. Despite several predictable elements, and other more or less common mishaps, the film effectively maintains the tension at a low fire, never leaving it die out, helped by the strong cast, most notably the children - Isabelle Fuhrman is impressive in the role of the evil Esther, but without stealing little Aryana Engineer's thunder as the impressionable deaf-mute Max.

Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Screenplay: David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Featuring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, Aryana Engineer, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett

This is a translation of an older post, see it here

1922 (2017)

A farmer organises the murder of his wife for financial benefits and convinces his son to help.

A well-made and very well-acted movie. The film shows the adverse consequences of such an action, including the pressure of the perpetrator's guilty conscience. Something doesn't fully add up though, and I think it is related to the main character having contradictory traits. The simplicity of the farmer is emphasized on various occasions and I do not think that any doubts can arise about that fact but instead the struggles of his consciousness seem unexpectedly complex, like a wisdom that you just cannot associate with the same individual.

The horror element is almost non existent so don't watch it for that.

Still a good watch.

Directed / Screenplay: Zak Hildich
Following a novel by: Stephen King
With: Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, Neal McDonough

1922 (2017)

Un fermier pune la cale omorul sotiei sale pentru avantaje financiare si isi convinge fiul sa il ajute.

Un film bine facut si bine jucat. Filmul arata consecintele nefaste ale unei asemenea actiuni inclusiv apasarea constiintei faptasului. Ceva ceva nu se leaga cum trebuie, si cred ca este legat de personajul principal ce detine trasaturi de caracter contradictorii. Simplitatea fermierului este evidentiata in diverse ocazii si nu cred ca poat aparea indoieli asupra acestui fapt dar in schimb luptele constiintei sale par neasteptat de complexe, ca o intelepciune pe care nu poti sa i-o atribui aceluiasi individ.
Nu este aproape in nici o masura horror asa ca nu trebuie urmarit ca unul.
Merita vazut totusi.

Regia/Scenariu: Zak Hildich
Dupa un roman de: Stephen King
Cu: Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, Neal McDonough

Also read in English

Los Cronocrímenes (2009)

A man accidentally enters a time machine and that triggers unexpected events for him.

Somewhat awkwardly, this little movie makes great use of Doctor Who-worthy material. Without the scientific babble of that one, and much darker and tragic, it puts completely unextraordinary characters in an extraordinary situation and manages to fulfil a whole and almost (multi-) circular puzzle.

Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo
Screenplay: Nacho Vigalondo
With: Karra Elejalde, Nacho Vigalondo

Rating: 8/10

This is a translation of an older post, see it here

This Is Where I Leave You (2014)

Four very different siblings are required to spend a week together under the guise of a religious ritual triggered by the death of their father.

A family movie but a dysfunctional family one. Pleasant to watch and well written, it may seem a little slower for those who are not fans of the genre. With the typical topic of a life lesson learned at a rather late adult stage, this film contains enough elements and currently popular actors to appeal to various types of audience.

Jason Bateman and Tina Fey are already veterans of the comedy with meaning genre and Adam Driver is best known to current audiences from the latest Star Wars series, although he does a really good job in many less commercial films. Jane Fonda needs no introduction.

Corey Stoll and the gorgeous Connie Britton will look familiar from The Strain and from American Horror Story respectively.

Directed by: Shawn Levy
Screenplay: Jonathan Tropper
With: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hann, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Dax Shepard

This Is Where I Leave You (2014)

Patru frati foarte diferiti sunt nevoiti sa petreaca o saptamana impreuna sub pretextul unui ritual religios declansat de moartea tatalui lor.

Un film din categoria de-familie-dar-de-familie-disfunctionala. Placut de vizionat si bine scris, poate parea ceva mai incet pentru cei ce nu sunt fani ai genului. Cu tipicul subiect al lectiei de viata invatata la o varsta adulta tarzioara, contine destule elemente si actori ai momentului ce ar trebui sa atraga varii tipologii de public.

Jason Bateman si Tina Fey sunt deja veterani ai genului comic cu mesaj iar Adam Driver este cunoscut publicului curent cel mai bine din ultima serie de Star Wars desi face treaba foarte buna si in multe filme mult mai putin comerciale. Jane Fonda nu are nevoie de introducere.

Corey Stoll si superba Connie Britton vor parea familiari din The Strain si din American Horror Story respectiv.

Regia: Shawn Levy

Scenariu: Jonathan Tropper

Cu: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hann, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Dax Shepard

Also read in English

Colossal (2016)

A party girl always in trouble discovers that she can control the movements of a giant monster that is ravaging South Korea.

Mostly entertaining and clever, the film gives cause for deep thoughts about cause and effect particularly towards the end. Anne Hathaway is pleasant and well suited for a role that's quite similar to others in her repertoire. What is more unusual is the subject of the film, an apparently implausible and childish one. Through the two characters who have the power to destroy, one can draw parallels with several levels of negative realities, either regarding people who affect those close to them through their seemingly benign but selfish actions, or about people with influence in international events who are capable of destructive decisions only because they cannot see the immediate effect or the affected parties.

The director is the same one who gave us Les Cronocrimenes.

Directed/written by: Nacho Vigalondo
Cu: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, Tim Blake Nelson

Colossal (2016)

O petrecareata mereu in incurcaturi descopera ca poate controla miscarile unui monstru gigant ce face ravagii in Coreea de Sud.

In mare parte comedie filmul este antrenant si istet si spre final cauzeaza ganduri adanci despre cauza si efect. Anne Hathaway e simpatica si potrivita intr-un rol similar cu altele din repertoarul ei. Ce e mai neobisnuit este subiectul filmului, aparent neverosimil si neserios. Prin cele doua personaje cu puterea de a distruge se pot face paralele cu mai multe nivele de realitati negative, fie cu privire la persoane care afecteaza pe cei aproape prin actiunile lor aparent benigne dar egoiste, fie cu privire la persoane cu influenta in evenimente internationale care sunt capabili de decizii destructive doar pentru ca nu pot vedea efectele imediat sau pe cei afectati.

Regizorul este cel ce ne-a adus Les Cronocrimenes.

Regia/Scenariul: Nacho Vigalondo

Cu: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, Tim Blake Nelson

Also read in English

Swamp Thing (2019)

The complicated stories of the inhabitants of the city of Marais in the marshes of Louisiana, with a fantastic character as the main focus.

A new adaptation of a superhero story from the DC universe, namely Swamp Thing. With Len Wiseman involved (Underworld) as both producer and a director of 2 episodes, it raised expectations of a fantastic surreal imagined world quite believable in its individuality. The expectations are partially fulfilled because its quality and creativity were limited by too many precocious ambitions and the sudden cancellation of the series as early as episode two. So the story is interesting but too complicated with its multiple story lines and the ending fails to tie all the loose ends in a satisfying way. It feels like a real end with somewhat of a closure but one made in a rush. A shame.

Interestingly some famous names appear in it either as a comeback (Virginia Madsen - Candyman, Highlander II - or Ian Ziering! - from Beverly Hills and Sharkanado) or as an unexpected cameo (Adrienne Barbeau who was in the original Swamp Thing movie from 1982).

Creator: Gary Dauberman, Mark Verheiden
Featuring: Crystal Reed, Andy Bean, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Beals, Will Patton, Kevin Durand, Derek Mears, Ian Ziering

Swamp Thing (2019)

Povestile complicate ale locuitorilor orasului Marais din mlastinile Louisianei, cu un personaj fantastic in centrul atentiei.

O noua ecranizare a povestii unui supererou din universul DC si anume Swamp Thing. Cu Len Wiseman implicat (Underworld) si ca productie si ca regizor a 2 episoade, promitea un mediu fantastic suprareal si credibil in individualitatea lui. Asteptarile sunt partial realizate deoarece calitatea si creativitatea au fost limitate de ambitii precoce prea mari si anularea brusca a seriei inca de pe vremea episodului doi. Asadar povestea este interesanta dar prea complicata cu itele sale multiple si finalul nu reuseste sa descalceasca diferitele paralele intr-un mod satisfacator. Se simte ca un final intr-adevar dar unul facut in graba. Pacat.
Interesant de adaugat ca isi fac aparitia unele nume celebre fie ca un comeback (Virginia Madsen - Candyman, Highlander II - sau Ian Ziering! - din Beverly Hills si Sharkanado) ori ca un cameo neasteptat (Adrienne Barbeau ce a fost in filmul original Swamp Thing din 1982).

Creator: Gary Dauberman, Mark Verheiden
Cu: Crystal Reed, Andy Bean, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Beals, Will Patton, Kevin Durand, Derek Mears, Ian Ziering

Also read in English

Peaky Blinders (2013-)

The story of a Birmingham gangster family, as led by Tommy Shelby who's guided by his ideal of turning the family's mini empire into a fully legal business.

We saw the Italian-American, Irish, Russian ones and it was time for the English gangsters to be represented. In an era parallel to that of Downton Abbey, their representatives are more stylish, more dual and more subtle. With five seasons so far, each counting 6 episodes representing a certain fragment of the family history, each with its own plot and unfolding, the series manages to maintain interest through the complete lack of monotony and the passionate and flawless interpretations of the main actors. The historical period's representation feels genuine, with all the expected embellishments, and we can forgive the writers for confusing the Rroma people language with Romanian for the first two seasons. Also worth mentioning is the soundtrack of mostly modern rock music, generally British (Radiohead appear very often), which makes an interesting contrast to the vintage vibe from the screen.

During all of the 5 seasons, one will notice some very well known faces in guest roles such as Sam Neill, Sam Claflin, Tom Hardy and even Adrien Brody, who give life to some very interesting and well written figures.

Creator: Steven Knight
Featuring: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McRory, Sophie Rundle, Annabelle Wallis, Natasha O'Keeffe, Joe Cole, Finn Cole, Ned Dennehy, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Tom Hardy, Sam Neill, Adrien Brody, Aidan Gillen, Sam Claflin

Peaky Blinders (2013-)

Istoria unei familii de gangsteri din Birmingham, asa cum a fost condusa in viziunea lui Tommy Shelby ghidat de idealul sau de a converti mini imperiul familiei in afaceri complet legale.

Am vazut italo-americani, irlandezi, rusi, a venit si vremea gangsterilor englezi sa fie reprezentati. Intr-o era paralela cu cea din Downton Abbey, reprezentantii acestora sunt mai stilati, mai duali si mai subtili. Cu cinci sezoane pana acum, fiecare a cate 6 episoade reprezentand un anume fragment din istoria familiei, fiecare cu propria intriga si desfasurare, reuseste sa mentina interesul prin lipsa de monotonie si interpretarile pasionale si fara pata ale actorilor principali. Reprezentarea perioadei istorice este veridica, cu toate infloririle de rigoare, si pot fi iertati ca in primele doua sezoane au confundat limba populatiei Rroma cu limba romana. Demna de mentionat este coloana sonora ce foloseste muzica rock moderna, in general britanica (Radiohead apar foarte des), si care face un contrast interesant cu impresia de clasic de pe ecran.
Pe parcursul celor 5 sezoane vor fi observate cateva fete foarte cunoscute in roluri temporare ca Sam Neill, Sam Claflin, Tom Hardy si chiar Adrien Brody, ce dau viata unor figuri foarte interesante si bine scrise.

Creator: Steven Knight
Cu: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McRory, Sophie Rundle, Annabelle Wallis, Natasha O'Keeffe, Joe Cole, Finn Cole, Ned Dennehy, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Tom Hardy, Sam Neill, Adrien Brody, Aidan Gillen, Sam Claflin

Also read in English

In The Shadow Of The Moon (2019)

A passionate policeman becomes obsessed with a  female serial killer who seems to return every 9 years.

An almost police movie that uses popular elements to maintain interest, which it mostly manages. The plot is somewhat more complicated than necessary and many elements are very predictable, probably because similar ideas have been screened before.

More suitable for those who are missing variations on the time travel theme (no worries - this is not a spoiler as that suggestion first pops up within the first 10 minutes), although it is probably better to re-watch a vastly superior 12 Monkeys.

Directed by: Jim Mickle
With: Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, Michael C. Hall, Bokeem Woodbine

In The Shadow Of The Moon (2019)

Un politist pasionat devine obsedat de o criminala in serie ce pare sa revina la fiecare 9 ani.

Un film aproape politist ce foloseste elemente populare pentru a mentine interesul, ceea ce reuseste in mare parte. Intriga este mai complicata decat era necesar si multe elemente sunt foarte predictibile, probabil pentru ca idei asemenatoare au mai fost ecranizate. 

Mai potrivit pentru cei carora le era dor de variatiuni pe tema calatoriilor in timp (fara grija - asta nu e spoiler deoarece sugestia apare in primele 10 minute), desi e probabil mai bine de recomandat o revizionare a unui 12 Monkeys mult superior.

Regia: Jim Mickle

Cu: Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, Michael C. Hall, Bokeem Woodbine

Also read in English

Absentia (2017-)

An FBI agent is kidnapped for 6 years and then released. Without any memory of the 6 years, her life is completely rewritten and she has to personally investigate the disappearance and apparent conspiracy behind it.

An entertaining series, a bit uneven in the two seasons so far, but interesting enough to keep the attention to the end. With some plot holes, it manages to progress its first season slowly and sometimes frustratingly, but then that patience is rewarded with an exceptional second season, as if written by a completely different team. If in the first season things go in a difficult to believe way and the heroine's wrongdoers plan goes a bit too perfectly, in the second season things are more credible and more intense, the heroine being finally caught up by the effects of her trauma and her post-traumatic stress which she experiences fully at the same time as showing incredible efficiency and facing new events and facts.

It was just renewed for a third season.

Created by: Matthew Cirulnick, Gaia Violo
Featuring: Stana Katic, Matthew Le Nevez, Patrick Heusinger, Cara Theobold, Angel Bonnani, Richard Brake, Neil Jackson

Absentia (2017-)

O agenta FBI este rapita timp de 6 ani si apoi eliberata. Fara vreo amintire a celor 6 ani, viata ei este complet rescrisa si este nevoita sa investigheze personal disparitia si aparenta conspiratie din spatele ei.

Un serial antrenant, un pic inegal in cele doua sezoane de pana acum, dar destul de interesant pentru a mentine atentia pana la capat. Cu ceva gauri in intriga, reuseste sa progreseze primul sezon incet si uneori exasperant, dar rabdarea este rasplatita cu un al doilea sezon de exceptie, parca scris de o alta echipa. Daca in primul lucrurile se desfasoara un pic incredibil si planul rauvoitorilor eroinei merge un pic prea perfect, in al doilea sezon lucrurile sunt mai credibile si mai intense, eroina fiind ajunsa din urma de efectele traumei sale si de stressul post traumatic, pe care le traieste din plin in paralel cu o eficienta incredibila si evenimente si fapte noi.

Tocmai a fost reinnoit pentru un al treilea sezon

Creat de: Matthew Cirulnick, Gaia Violo

Cu: Stana Katic, Matthew Le Nevez, Patrick Heusinger, Cara Theobold, Angel Bonnani, Richard Brake, Neil Jackson

A Simple Favor (2018)

A widowed homemaker mother reports the progress of her own investigation into the disappearance of her best friend on her vlog.

A clever film that highlights two very different female typologies, both strong but with their own shortcomings. Partially satirical-comic, it manages to build the interest / intrigue like  a rolling snowball, forcing the viewer to have lots of delectable fun and to look forward to the outcome of each new mini situation. Both actresses fulfil their part with great talent but Anna Kendrick is particularly wonderful in a role full of contradictions which will not instantly win any popularity contest. A perfect movie!

Directed by: Paul Feig
Cu: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding

A Simple Favor (2018)

O mamă văduvă și casnică relatează online progresul investigației sale personale asupra dispariției prietenei sale celei mai bune.

Un film isteț ce pune în valoare două tipare feminine foarte diferite dar ambele puternice și cu propriile neajunsuri. Parțial satiro-comic, reușește să construiască interesul/intriga ca rostogolirea unui bulgăre de zăpadă, forțând privitorul să se distreze copios și să aștepte cu nerăbdare deznodământul fiecărei mini situații noi. Ambele actrițe își susțin rolul cu talent dar Anna Kendrick este minunată într-un rol plin de contradicții ce nu va câștiga voturile de popularitate instantaneu. Un film perfect!

Regia: Paul Feig
Cu: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding

Also read in English

Down A Dark Hall (2018)

A rebellious teenage girl is sent to a girls boarding school by her family as a last resort to straighten her out. But the new school seems to mysteriously uncover unexpected talents in its students.

A horror movie made for those who don't enjoy horror movies very much. It has a somewhat original idea but it's not really executed to its full potential. It has a few interesting characters (Uma Thurman is adorable as the strict and very French Madame Duret) with more or less suitable fates and a bit of excess in negativity. I could easily imagine the same plot in a much more optimistic context where everyone collaborates willingly in a disciplined manner.

Isabelle Fuhrman has an interesting appearance as one of the affected students. She is the girl from Orphan, now a teenager.

Directed by: Rodrigo Cortés

With: AnnaSophia Robb, Uma Thurman, Isabelle Fuhrman, Rosie Day, Pip Torrens

Down A Dark Hall (2018)

O adolescentă rebelă este trimisă de familie la un internat de fete ca ultimă soluție în a o îndrepta. Dar școala nouă reușește în mod foarte misterios să descopere talente nebănuite în elevele sale.

Un film horror făcut pentru cei care nu prea digeră filme horror. Are o idee cât de cât originală dar nu e pusă în valoare suficient. Are câteva personaje interesante (Uma Thurman e adorabilă ca stricta Madame Duret) cu sorți mai mult sau mai puțin potrivite și cu un pic de exces în porția de negativitate. Îmi pot ușor închipui aceeași intrigă într-un context mult mai optimist unde toată lumea colaborează disciplinat.

Isabelle Fuhrman are o apariție interesantă ca una din elevele afectate. Este fetița acum adolescentă din Orphan.

Regia: Rodrigo Cortés

Cu: AnnaSophia Robb, Uma Thurman, Isabelle Fuhrman, Rosie Day, Pip Torrens

Also read in English

Polar (2019)

A professional assassin retires but he soon becomes the target of a group of younger assassins hired by his ex employer .

Entertaining and violent, sometimes funny, often cartoonish, this shows Mads Mikkelsen only a little bit different to how we know him. With a style mix of Léon: Le Professionel meets Smokin' Aces, it states indirectly - quite early - that this film is not John Wick (there are a few scenes involving a dog). It's not boring at all - despite its duration - , it has a most probably unexpected ending but it does not bring anything new to the genre, contrary to its aforementioned muses.

Directed by: Jonas Åkerlund
With: Mads Mikkelsen, Katheryn Winnick, Vanessa Hudgens, Matt Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss

Polar (2019)

Un asasin de profesie se retrage dar se trezește ținta unui grup de asasini mai tineri contractați de fostul său angajator.

Antrenant și violent, uneori amuzant, foarte des caricatural, îl arată pe Mads Mikkelsen numai un pic diferit de cum îl știm. Într-un amestec de stiluri gen Léon: Le Professionel meets Smokin' Aces, declară indirect, destul de devreme că nu este John Wick (sunt cateva scene implicând un cățel). Nu este deloc plictisitor - în ciuda duratei; are un final cel mai probabil neașteptat dar totuși nu aduce nimic nou genului, contrar muzelor sale mai sus menționate.

Regia: Jonas Åkerlund

Cu: Mads Mikkelsen, Katheryn Winnick, Vanessa Hudgens, Matt Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss

Also read in English

I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House (2016)

A nurse is hired to care for an elderly horror author, but she begins to have strange experiences in the house that seems haunted.

An atmospheric, gothic film. It's labelled horror but it's more like poetry. Full of contradictions and slow at a first impression, it is a particular class of film that will not have many fans, to the same extent that for example rhyme-less poetry  doesn't. It presents ghosts in the only way that really makes sense, reminiscent of another film that divided opinions, namely A Ghost Story (2017). Still, a delight for those patient enough.

Director / Screenplay: Oz Perkins
With: Ruth Wilson

I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House (2016)

O asistentă este angajată să aibă grijă permanent de o autoare în vârstă, dar începe să aibă experiențe ciudate în casa ce pare bântuită.

Un film atmosferic, gothic. Se vrea horror dar e mai mult poetic. Plin de contradicții și încet ca primă impresie, este un tip aparte de film ce nu va avea prea mulți fani, în aceeași măsură în care de exemplu poezia fără rimă nu are prea mulți fani. Descrie fantomele în singurul mod care are cu adevărat sens, amintind uneori de un alt film ce a împărțit părerile în tabere foarte diferite și anume A Ghost Story (2017). Un deliciu pentru cei cu răbdare de ajuns.

Regie/Scenariu: Oz Perkins

Cu: Ruth Wilson

Also read in English

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot (2018)

Fragments from the life of illustrator John Callahan in which we are presented with the history of his alcoholism, the context in which he became a paraplegic, the discovery of his artistic talent and the relationship with those closest to him.

A bit different from other biographies and less dramatic than you would expect given the subject, this film manages to attract and keep the audience's attention through sincerity, bluntness and more or less black humour. It's not trying to inspire mercy, guilt or regret, but only acceptance and objective empathy, managing to bluntly highlight the negative effects of self-pity and the importance of trying to help ourselves before counting on others.

With a great team of actors lead by the multi-talented Joaquin Phoenix, the one who actually steals the show is Jonah Hill, unrecognisable in an atypical role of a Jesus-like figure, a romantic but rational wise-man, full of profound truths about life.

Interesting to see Beth Ditto in an unusual role; I didn't even know she ever acts in movies.

Screenplay: John Callahan
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
With: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Beth Ditto

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot (2018)

Fragmente din viața ilustratorului John Callahan în care ni se prezintă istoria alcoolismului său, contextul în care a devenit paraplegic, descoperirea talentului său artistic și relația cu cei mai apropiați din viața sa.

Un pic diferit de alte biografii și mai puțin dramatic decât te-ai aștepta având în vedere subiectul, filmul de față reușește să atragă  și să mențină atenția audienței prin sinceritate, lipsă de perdea și umor mai mult sau mai puțin negru. Nu încearcă să inspire milă, vinovăție sau regret, ci doar acceptare și empatie obiectivă, reușind să evidențieze foarte direct efectele negative ale auto-victimizării și importanța încercării de a ne ajuta singuri înainte de a conta pe alții. 

În frunte cu multi-talentatul Joaquin Phoenix, cel ce fură atenția este de fapt Jonah Hill, de nerecunoscut într-un rol atipic de figură mesiatică, romantic și rațional în același timp, plin de adevăruri profunde despre viață.

Interesant să o văd pe Beth Ditto într-un rol neobișnuit; nici nu știam că joacă în filme vreodată.

Scenariu: John Callahan

Regia: Gus Van Sant

Cu: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Beth Ditto

Also read in English