Street Kings (2008)

Viata unui politist blazat ce adesea ia justitia in propriile maini este data peste cap dupa ce este implicat in moartea unui coleg in circumstante dubioase.

Un film politist ce nu a primit prea multe vorbe de lauda. Cu anti-eroi mai credibili decat personajele din filmele de gen de duzina, Street Kings e mai bine facut decat reputatia sa sustine. Keanu Reeves reuseste sa impresioneze dand viata unui personaj mai putin scrupulos decat ne-a obisnuit. Gauri in intriga s-au mai vazut, dar filmul are un aer proaspat si original in ciuda neajunsurilor si ofera o portie sanatoasa de entertainment. 

Regia:  David Ayer  

Cu: Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Jay Mohr,  Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, Naomie Harris, John Corbett, Amaury Nolasco

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Street Kings (2008)

The life of a jaded policeman who often takes justice into his own hands is turned upside down after he is involved in the death of a colleague in dubious circumstances.

A crime action film that did not receive much praise at the time. With anti-heroes that are more believable than your usual characters in the many run-of-the-mill films of this genre, Street Kings is better done than advertised. Keanu Reeves manages to impress in his portraying of a less scrupulous character than we are used to. Plot holes have been seen many times before, but the film has a fresh and original air despite its shortcomings and offers a healthy portion of entertainment. 

Director:  David Ayer  

With: Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Jay Mohr,  Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, Naomie Harris, John Corbett, Amaury Nolasco

Rating: 8/10

Marcella (2016– )

Marcella renunta la statul acasa pentru familie pentru a reveni la ceea ce stie sa faca cel mai bine si anume a fi detectiv.

Un serial politist un pic diferit, dar in mare similar cu altele de gen. Un pic prea melodramatic pe alocuri, actiunea politista este interesanta de ajuns, poate cam prea amestecata cu vietile personale ale personajelor, intr-un mod care nu functioneaza la fel de bine ca in alte exemple (Luther este mai credibil pe acest front).

Regia:  Charles Martin, Ashley Pearce, Charles Sturridge si altii   

Productie:  ITV

Creator:  Hans Rosenfeldt, Nicola Larder   

Durata:  3 sezoane a cate 8 episoade (45 minute fiecare)   

Cu: Anna Friel, Ray Panthaki, Jack Doolan, Jamie Bamber

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Marcella (2016– )

Marcella gives up staying at home for her family to return to what she knows how to do best, and that is being a detective.

A crime series that's a little different, but largely similar to others of the genre. A little too melodramatic at times, the crime stories are interesting enough, maybe a little too intermingled with the personal lives of the characters, and in a way that does not work as well as with other examples (Luther is more believable on that front).

Director:  Charles Martin, Ashley Pearce, Charles Sturridge and others   

Production:  ITV

Creator:  Hans Rosenfeldt, Nicola Larder   

Duration:  3 seasons of 8 episodes (45 minutes each)   

With: Anna Friel, Ray Panthaki, Jack Doolan, Jamie Bamber

Rating: 8/10

Color Out of Space (2019)

Viata unei familii ce traieste la o ferma izolata trece prin schimbari apocaliptice dupa aterizarea unui meteorit intrigant.

Un film SF netraditional, cu elemente comune cu un alt clasic ca The Thing, Colour Out Of Space se bazeaza pe o povestire scrisa de H.P. Lovecraft. Foloseste efecte vizuale foarte bogate si impresionante ce adancesc efectul artistic asupra privitorului, cu o simbolistica interesanta asociata culorii preponderente si anume movul, obtinut din rosu si albastru in anumite circumstante, cele doua culori fiind asociate in general cu binele si raul, movul sugerand lipsa de substrat malefic sau chiar opus, concepte necunoscute fortei extraterestre din film. Lipsit de logica in anumite momente, filmul este totusi impresionant, jocul actorilor este de prima mana (Nicolas Cage aminteste de rolul sau din Vampire's Kiss) si este placut de vizionat.

Regia:  Richard Stanley     

Cu: Nicolas Cage, Joely Richardson, Madeleine Arthur, Elliot Knight

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Color Out of Space (2019)

The life of a family living on an isolated farm is going through apocalyptic changes after the landing of an intriguing meteorite.

A non-traditional Sci-Fi film, with common elements to another classic like The Thing, Color Out Of Space is based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft. It uses very rich and impressive visual effects that deepen the artistic effect on the viewer, with an interesting symbolism associated with the predominant color, namely magenta, obtained from red and blue in certain circumstances, two colors that are generally associated with good and evil, magenta suggesting in this case the lack of such driving motives, these being concepts that are completely foreign to the extraterrestrial force in the film. Lacking logic at times, the film is still impressive, the acting is top notch (Nicolas Cage is reminiscent of his role in Vampire's Kiss) and is very enjoyable to watch.

Director:  Richard Stanley     

With: Nicolas Cage, Joely Richardson, Madeleine Arthur, Elliot Knight

Rating: 8/10

The Wrong Missy (2020)

Tim este un tip dependent de sluba sa si invita tipa gresita la un weekend organizat de firma la care lucreaza.

Uhm..de evitat. Neverosimil si retardat cu un umor ce te face sa scrasnesti din dinti. Nu reuseste si probabil nici nu incearca sa faca publicul sa se recunoasca in nici unul dintre personaje si nici sa tina cu personajul principal sau chiar si cu asa-zisa Missy, deoarece aceste personaje sunt create sa evidentieze trasaturi foarte neatragatoare si putinele trasaturi pozitive pe care le au sunt pur si simplu incompatibile cu restul naratiunii si fara credibilitate.

Regia:  Tyler Spindel   

Cu: David Spade, Lauren Lapkus, Nick Swardson, Geoff Pierson

Rating: 4/10

Also read in English

The Wrong Missy (2020)

Tim is a workaholic and invites the wrong girl to a getaway weekend organized by the company he works for.

Uhm..to be avoided. Unconvincing and retarded, it uses humor that makes you grit your teeth. It fails and probably doesn't even try to make the audience relate to any of the characters or even root for the main character or even the so-called Missy, because these characters are created to highlight very unattractive human features and the very few positive traits that they display are simply incompatible with the rest of the narrative and lack in credibility.

Director:  Tyler Spindel   

With: David Spade, Lauren Lapkus, Nick Swardson, Geoff Pierson

Rating: 4/10

L'avventura (1960)

Disparitia prietenei celei mai bune ale lui Claudia declanseaza apropierea romantica de logodnicul acesteia.

O drama marca Antonioni, in care ideea principala pare sa planeze in zona superficialitatii si frivolitatii umane. Filmul este frumos facut, plasarea in spatiu este fara cusur, peisajistica fiecarei scene este impecabil aranjata, si totusi filmul dezamageste. Publicul ce nu a trait anii '60 in Italia prezentata de Antionioni nu va recunoaste trasaturi umane familiare decat in anumite cazuri. Sentimentele sunt declarate adanci si de nerezistat dar actiunile le demasca in lipsa lor de continut, descoperind o superficialitate si lipsa de fond demna de tristetea si frustrarea prezenta intr-un mod evident numai la foarte putine personaje. Totul frumos si viu dar problema zace in lipsa de credibilitate.

Regia:  Michelangelo Antonioni   

Cu: Gabriele Ferzetti, Monica Vitti, Lea Massari, Dominique Blanchar

Rating: 7/10

Also read in English

L'avventura (1960)

The disappearance of Claudia's best friend triggers her romantic closeness to her fiancé.

An Antonioni drama, in which the main idea seems to hover in the area of ​​human superficiality and frivolity. The film is beautifully made, the spatial placement is flawless, the landscape of each scene is impeccably arranged, and yet the film disappoints. The audience who didn't live in the 1960s' Italy as presented by Antionioni will only recognize familiar human traits in a few certain cases. The characters' feelings are declared deep and impossible to resist but their actions expose these in their lack of content, uncovering a superficiality and lack of substance worthy of the sadness and frustration that only very few of the characters display in an obvious manner. That's all nice and good but the problem is in the lack of relatable-ness.

Director:  Michelangelo Antonioni   

With: Gabriele Ferzetti, Monica Vitti, Lea Massari, Dominique Blanchar

Rating: 7/10

Legion (2017-2019)

David e diagnosticat schizofrenic dar descopera treptat ca ascunde puteri supranaturale, fapt ce ii schimba lumea complet.

Un serial extrem de original desi este bazat pe seria de benzi desenate a universului X-Men (Marvel) ce il au pe Legion ca protagonist. Fantastic si la propriu si la figurat, serialul amesteca genuri, stiluri, SciFi, slasher horror, comedie si musical, intr-un mix inteligent si foarte eficient ce mentine un echilibru stilistic si narativ dificil de obtinut. Magnetismul personajelor este de netagaduit iar evolutia povestii este atragatoare pana la final, in ciuda unei subtile scaderi calitative datorate tocmai obsesiei pentru stil si artificii ce rezulta in cateva episoade de umplutura.

Regia:  John Cameron si multi altii   

Productie:  FX   

Creator:  Noah Hawley   

Durata:  3 sezoane a cate 8/11 episoade (50 minute fiecare)   

Cu: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza

Rating: 9/10 (s1-10, s2-9, s3-8)

Also read in English

Legion (2017-2019)

David is diagnosed with schizophrenia but gradually discovers that he has supernatural powers, which changes his world completely.

An extremely original series, although it is based on the X-Men (Marvel) comic book series starring Legion. Fantastic both literally and figuratively, the series mixes genres, styles, Sci-Fi, slasher horror, comedy and musical, in an intelligent and very effective mix that maintains a stylistic and narrative balance quite difficult to obtain. The magnetism of the characters is undeniable and the evolution of the story is attractive until the end, despite a subtle quality decline due to the obsession with style over substance that results in a couple of filler episodes.

Directors:  John Cameron and many more   

Production:  FX   

Creator:  Noah Hawley   

Duration:  3 seasons of 8/11 episodes (50 minutes each)   

With: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart

Rating: 9/10 (s1-10, s2-9, s3-8)

Chance (2002)

Chance trece prin evenimente personale ce declanseaza subtile schimbari in propria filosofie de viata.

Un film usor despre provocarile vietii, despre lectii ale vietii mai mult sau mai putin familiare. Inteligent scris, jucat si regizat de simpatica Amber Benson, Chance se vrea provocator si inteligent fara snobism si condescendenta, oferind destule laturi ale aceluiasi adevar pentru a fi auzit de amatorii a oricare atitudini de viata. Plin de umor, sinceritate, stangacie nemascata si chiar intentionata, filmul e adanc, simpatic si memorabil.

Regia si scenariul:  Amber Benson       

Cu: Amber Benson, James Marsters, Tressa DiFiglia, Andy Hallett

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Chance (2002)

Chance goes through a series of personal events that trigger subtle changes in her own life philosophy.

A lighter film about the challenges of life, about more or less familiar life lessons. Cleverly written, performed and directed by the very likeable Amber Benson, Chance wants to be provocative and intelligent without being snobbish or condescending, offering enough sides of the same truth to allow it to be heard by the amateurs of any kind of attitude towards life. Full of humor, honesty, unmasked and even intentional production clumsiness, the film is deep, pleasant and memorable.

Direction and script:  Amber Benson       

With: Amber Benson, James Marsters, Tressa DiFiglia, Andy Hallett

Rating: 9/10

Ju-on: Origins (2020– )

O serie de evenimente pe o durata de 15 de ani ce precede intamplarile din filmul Grudge.

Un serial horror ce adanceste misterul casei din filmele din seria The Grudge - varianta originala  Japoneza sau Americana. Experimenteaza destul de satisfacator cu diverse genuri horror, inclusiv body horror in stilul extrem neo-francez, oferind o varianta detaliata a povestilor intercalate ce genereaza interes de ajuns in privitor. Stilul este amestecat si totusi consistent. Un pic frustrant spre final, cand in loc de o concluzie ne dam seama ca totul va fi continuat in sezonul doi.

Regia:  Shô Miyake   

Productie:  Netflix     

Durata:  1 sezon de 6 episoade (25-30 de minute fiecare)   

Cu: Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Yuina Kuroshima, Seiko Iwaidô 

Rating: 7/10

Also read in English

Ju-on: Origins (2020– )

A series of events over a period of 15 years that precede the events of the film The Grudge.

A horror series that deepens the mystery of the house from the movies in The Grudge series - the original Japanese ones or their American version. It experiments quite satisfactorily with various horror genres, including body horror in the neo-French extreme style, offering a detailed version of the linked stories that generate enough interest in the viewer. The style is mixed and yet consistent. It gets a little frustrating towards the end, when instead of a conclusion we realize that everything will be continued in season two.

Director:  Shô Miyake   

Production:  Netflix     

Duration:  1 season of 6 episodes(25-30 minutes each)   

With: Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Yuina Kuroshima, Seiko Iwaidô 

Rating: 7/10

The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (2020)

Sara Howard si-a gasit menirea si 1 an mai tarziu dupa primul sezon, conduce o investigatie a unor crime si rapiri socante.

Sezonul doi al lui The Alienist, in care echipa nu isi schimba membrii, dar isi schimba felul in care lucreaza, acum Sara, candva secretara pentru politie, fiind investigatoarea principala dupa ce si-a deschis agentia proprie. Stilul ei este meticulos si foarte analitic, consistent cu caracterul ei din primul sezon, si cere ajutorul celorlalti membrii exact cand si cum trebuie. Serialul isi pastreaza farmecul si misterul, intriga este imbogatita de o paralela romantica, poate un pic prea romantata, dar pastreaza privitorul interesat pana in ultima clipa. Naratiunea investigatiei este originala si ofera o fascinanta analiza a realitatii medicale si sociale a sectiunii istorice prezentate aici. Finalul este bogat, cel putin din punctul de vedere al intrigii ciminalistice.

Regia:  David Caffrey,  Clare Kilner  

Productie:  TNT    

Durata:  cel de-al doilea sezon a cate 8 episoade (45-50 minute fiecare)   

Cu: Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans, Dakota Fanning, Ted Levine, Rosy McEwen, Alice Krige, Michael McElhatton, Matt Letscher

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (2020)

Sara Howard found her calling and 1 year later after the first season, she leads an investigation of some shocking kidnappings and crimes.

The second season of The Alienist, in which the team does not change its members, but changes the way it works, now Sara, once a secretary for the police, being the main investigator after starting her own agency. Her style is meticulous and very analytical, consistent with her character from the first season, and she asks for the help of other members exactly appropriately. The series keeps its charm and mystery, the plot is enriched by a romantic parallel, one that's maybe a little too romanticized, but it keeps the viewer interested until the last moment. The narrative of the investigation is original and offers a fascinating analysis of the medical and social reality of the historical section presented here. The ending is rich, at least with regards to the criminalistic intrigue.

Director:  David Caffrey,  Clare Kilner  

Production:  TNT    

Duration:  the second season of 8 episodes(45-50 minutes each)   

With: Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans, Dakota Fanning, Ted Levine, Rosy McEwen, Alice Krige, Michael McElhatton, Matt Letscher

Rating: 9/10

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Jojo este un baiat dedicat doctrinei naziste ce afla ca mama sa ascunde o fata evreica in peretii casei.

O drama-comedie-tragedie mascata de multe aparente voit superficiale ce face uz de ridiculizarea realitatii urate. Intr-un mod foarte placut vizual, complet nou pentru subiectul de fata, unii ar spune chiat foarte usor digerabil,  Jojo Rabbit prezinta mai multe fatete ale aceleiasi foarte familiare probleme, de nenumarate ori prezentata publicului in foarte multe medii. Istoria unei intolerante vast studiate este folosita pentru a predica toleranta. Nazistii sunt explorati placut si prezentati in varietatea lor de multe culori: tinerii indoctrinati prin scoala de mici, prin idealuri false si minciuni imbracate in povesti de speriat copiii, patriotii care au devenit nazisti involuntar, printr-o evolutie nenaturala a conceptului, falsii nazisti care trebuie sa se prefaca zi de zi ca si-au pierdut umanitatea, nerozii care nu stiu mai bine si nazistii veridici. Placut si trist exact cat trebuie.

Regia:  Taika Waititi   

Cu: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen, Stephen Merchant

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Jojo is a boy that's very dedicated to the Nazi doctrine who finds out that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in the walls of the house.

A drama-comedy-tragedy masked by many seemingly superficial appearances that makes good use of ridiculing the ugly truth. In a very visually pleasing way, wholly new to this subject, some would say very easily digestible, Jojo Rabbit presents several facets of the same very familiar problem, countlessly presented to the public in many forms before. The history of a widely studied intolerance is thus used to preach tolerance. The Nazis are pleasantly explored and presented in their very colorful variety: the young adepts who get indoctrinated when very young through school, using false ideals and lies dressed as scary fantasy stories, patriots who became Nazis involuntarily, through an unnatural evolution of the concept, pseudo Nazis who have to pretend and act every day as if they have lost their humanity, airheads who truly just don't know better and the genuine Nazis. Pleasant and sad to watch in perfect balance.

Director:  Taika Waititi   

With: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen, Stephen Merchant

Rating: 8/10

The Monster (2016)

O mama si fiica cu o relatie tumultuoasa sunt fortate de imprejurari sa petrece noaptea pe un drum parasit in mijlocul padurii, incercand sa se apere de un monstru misterios.

Un film de groaza ce pune accent pe drama si relatiile interumane prezentate. Drama este credibila si palpabila, personajele actioneaza in genere intr-un mod ce are sens si e consistent cu mintea umana, chiar si in greseli. Singurul punct slab e finalul, dramatizat peste masura pe baza unei idei ce de fapt nu e chiar logica, dar nu strica complet impresia unui film bun construita pana atunci.

Regia:  Bryan Bertino     

Cu: Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, Aaron Douglas, Christine Ebadi

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

The Monster (2016)

A mother and daughter with a tumultuous relationship are forced by circumstances to spend the night on an abandoned road in the middle of the forest, trying to defend themselves from a mysterious monster.

A horror film that emphasizes the drama and interpersonal relationships it builds up. The drama is believable and palpable, the characters generally act in a way that makes sense and is consistent with the way the human mind works, even in mistakes. The only weak point is the ending, dramatized excessively and based on an idea that is not entirely logical, but does not completely spoil the impression of a good movie built up to that point.

Director:  Bryan Bertino     

With: Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, Aaron Douglas, Christine Ebadi

Rating: 8/10

Watchmen (2019)

Intr-o realitate alternativa, politistii poarta masti pentru a evita crime de ura, iar justitiarii mascati sunt scosi in afara legii.

Un serial de scurta durata (doar 1 sezon) bazat pe romanul grafic original Watchmen, ce prezinta o alternativa la realitatea curenta, cu o creanga a istoriei determinata de evenimente intense cauzate de rasism si intoleranta, in care personajele cunoscute din Watchmen sunt gradual adaugate si conectate de povestea principala desfasurata pe ecran, ce o implica in primul rand pe Angela Abar, o politista fortata sa poarte masca pentru a-si continua munca pentru care a fost nascuta. Intriga este prezentata in primul episod dar conexiunile cu restul personajelor nu sunt evidente pana spre final, cand de fapt publicul afla si telul neasteptat al fortelor inamice. Inteligent, bine scris, concentrat pe portretizari de personaje interesante, Watchmen este usor de vizionat fara frustrare cu atentia satisfacuta cu usurinta de distractiile momentului curent.

Regia:  Nicole Kassell, Stephen Williams si altii

Productie:  The WB   

Creator:  Damon Lindelof   

Durata: 1 sezon de 9 episoade (>60 minute fiecare)   

Cu: Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Jeremy Irons, Jean Smart, Louis Gossett Jr., Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Watchmen (2019)

In an alternative history universe, the police wear masks to avoid hate crimes, and the masked vigilantes are outlawed.

A short series (only 1 season) based on the original Watchmen graphic novel, which presents an alternative to the current reality, with a branch of history triggered by intense events caused by racism and intolerance, in which the known characters from Watchmen are gradually mixed in and connected to the main story that's unfolding on the screen, which primarily involves Angela Abar, a policewoman forced to wear a mask to continue doing the work she was made for. The plot is dutifully presented in the first episode but the connections with the rest of the characters are not obvious until far towards the end, when in fact the audience also finds out what the unexpected purpose of the enemy forces is. Intelligent, well written, focused on portraying interesting characters, Watchmen is easy to watch without any frustration with the viewer's attention easily satisfied by the fun of whatever the current scene involves.

Directors:  Nicole Kassell, Stephen Williams and others

Production:  The WB   

Creator:  Damon Lindelof   

Duration: 1 season of 9 episodes(>60 minutes each)   

With: Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Jeremy Irons, Jean Smart, Louis Gossett Jr., Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson

Rating: 8/10

Una (2016)

Una decide sa caute si sa infrunte pe fostul vecin  mult mai in varsta cu care a avut o relatie cand avea 13 ani.

O drama neobisnuita despre o situatie neobisnuita. Decide in a folosi un subiect tabu pe care reuseste sa il exploateze fara a emite pareri sau judecati legate de vina sau condamnare a vreunui fapt, reusind sa prinda privitorul prin drama autentica si sentimentele contradictorii si demne de mila pe care ambii protagonisti le genereaza. Bine jucat si intens, subiectul ramane tabu dar oroarea ideii devine usor atenuata prin imbinarea cu o compatimire fara totusi, iertare. 

Regia:  Benedict Andrews     

Cu: Ruby Stokes, Rooney Mara, David Shields, Ben Mendelsohn

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Una (2016)

Una decides to find and confront her much older ex-neighbor with whom she had a relationship when she was 13 years old.

An unusual drama about an unusual situation. The makers decide to use a taboo subject that they then manage to exploit without issuing any clear opinions or passing judgments related to any sort of guilt or condemnation of any of the described facts, managing to capture the viewer's full attention through authentic and gripping drama and contrasting and pity-filled feelings that both protagonists generate. Showcasing great and intense performances, the film's subject remains taboo but the outrage provoked by it becomes ever so slightly attenuated by being combined with an unforgiving pity. 

Director:  Benedict Andrews     

With: Ruby Stokes, Rooney Mara, David Shields, Ben Mendelsohn

Rating: 9/10

Slender Man (2018)

Slender Man e un mit urban ce a inceput sa circule in comunitatea online si un grup de prietene decid sa se implice ca o distractie.

Un film de groaza bazat pe o isterie adolescentina online reala, ce a avut deja victime reale (foarte similar povestii din Mercy Black, copii au ranit alti copii in numele lui Slender Man). Filmul sufera in popularitate tocmai datorita acestei legaturi reale, fiind acuzat ca incearca sa profite material de pe urma unor suferinte reale ce inca erau elucidate la data filmului. Ca film functioneaza ok, banal si intrigant indeajuns pentru a servi drept distractie de la cotidian, cu siguranta nu atat de slab cum ar sugera-o ratingul global.

Regia:  Sylvain White   

Cu: Joey King, Julia Goldani Telles, Jaz Sinclair, Annalise Basso

Rating: 6/10

Also read in English

Slender Man (2018)

Slender Man is an urban myth that has started circulating in the online community and a group of girlfriends decide to get involved just for fun.

A horror film based on a real online teen hysteria, which already has had real victims (very similar to the story in Mercy Black, children injured other children in the name of Slender Man). The film suffers in popularity precisely because of this real connection, being accused of trying to make profits from real sufferings that were still being clarified at the time of the film. As a film, it works ok, with a sufficient balance of banal and intriguing in order to still distract the viewer's mind from everyday worry, certainly not as bad as its general rating would suggest.

Director:  Sylvain White   

With: Joey King, Julia Goldani Telles, Jaz Sinclair, Annalise Basso

Rating: 6/10

Look Away (2018)

O adolescenta introvertita schimba locul cu opusul sau din oglinda.

Un film horror mai mult sau mai putin filozofic. Sub pretextul ideii cum ca fiecare om ascunde o varianta negativa a sa, Look Away se leaga de si de alti factori negativi si anume influenta parintilor si a relatiei dintre ei, asteptarile inalte  ale acestora in detrimentul elementului afectiv precum si contextul scolii si prezenta unor insi neplacuti. Frumos filmat, Look Away contine cateva scene puternice, dar ca intreg sufera de un ritm incet nenecesar si o proportie de stil peste continut nesanatoasa.

Regia:  Assaf Bernstein     

Cu: India Eisley, Jason Isaacs, Mira Sorvino, Penelope Mitchell

Rating: 6/10

Also read in English

Look Away (2018)

An introverted teenager changes places with her mirror opposite.

A more or less philosophical horror film. Using the idea that each person hides a negative version/side of themselves, Look Away also links to other negative factors, namely the influence of one's parents and their own relationship and interaction with each other, their high expectations that overrules the emotional element and the school context and the effect of bullies. Beautifully filmed, Look Away contains some powerful scenes, but as a whole it suffers from an unnecessarily slow rhythm and an unhealthy proportion of style over content.

Director:  Assaf Bernstein     

With: India Eisley, Jason Isaacs, Mira Sorvino, Penelope Mitchell

Rating: 6/10

Misfits (2009–2013)

Un grup de tineri certati cu legea descopera ca au puteri noi dupa ce au fost fulgerati in timpul unei furtuni misterioase.

Un serial ce refoloseste tema mutantilor sub forma unor tineri adolescenti ce se trezesc cu supraputeri peste noapte si gasesc moduri inedite de a se gasi in situatii periculoase sau cel putin ciudate. Serialul reuseste sa fie foarte original, punand accent pe umor si interactiunea personajelor si gaseste mereu moduri noi de a surprinde publicul. 

Regia:  mai multi   

Productie:  E4 

Creator:  Howard Overman   

Durata:  5 sezoane a cate 6-8 episoade (in jur de 50 de minute fiecare)   

Cu: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Joseph Gilgun, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Misfits (2009–2013)

A group of in-and-out-of-trouble-with-the-law youths discover they have new powers after being struck by lightning during a mysterious storm.

A series that reuses the mutant theme in the shape of young teenagers who wake up with superpowers overnight and keep finding unique ways of getting themselves in dangerous or at least weird situations. The series manages to be very original, with emphasis on humor and character interaction and always finds new ways to surprise the audience. 

Director:  several   

Production:  E4 

Creator:  Howard Overman   

Duration:  5 seasons of 6-8 episodes (of around 50 de minutes each)   

With: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Joseph Gilgun, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha

Rating: 9/10

Clouds of Sils Maria (2014)

O actrița de filme de arta e convinsa de asistenta ei sa preia rolul opus rolului ce a lansat-o în tinerețe într-o re-ecranizare în cinstea autorului piesei, recent decedat.

Un film artistic ce reda realist si totusi induiosator relatia semi-conflictuala intre generatii diferite. Juliette Binoche intruchipeaza minunat incapatanarea experientei si snobismul intelepciunii ce nu vede complet si obiectiv calitatile noutatii si modernismului pe cand Kristen Stewart si Chloë Grace Moretz reprezinta generatia noua, cu fatetele ei multiple, fie inteligenta si intelegerea/respectul fata de prezent si trecut pe care o arata prima sau lipsa completa a acestui respect cu o megalomanie exagerata si incredere in propria persoana a lui Moretz. Interesant si placut de vizionat.

Regia:  Olivier Assayas    

Cu: Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

Clouds of Sils Maria (2014)

An art film actress is convinced by her assistant to take on the role opposite the one that launched her career as a young actress, this time in a new adaptation to honor the play's author, who has recently passed away.

An artistic film that portrays realistically and yet very touchingly the semi-conflicting relationship between different generations. Juliette Binoche wonderfully embodies the stubbornness of experience and the snobbery of wisdom that does not manage to fully and objectively see the qualities of the new and modern while Kristen Stewart and Chloë Grace Moretz represent the new generation, with its many facets, either intelligence and understanding/respect for the present and for the past which the first one displays or the complete lack of said respect with a touch of megalomania and exaggerated confidence in their own person that Moretz definitely shows. Interesting and pleasant to watch.

Director:  Olivier Assayas    

With: Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 9/10

Criminal: UK (2019– )

A police investigation drama series that focuses on a single stage and scene of the policing process, namely that of the interrogation room.

A series based on a very interesting idea that gave birth to sister series, similar to what happened with C.S.I. This series is the UK version, but there are also ones for Germany, Spain and France. The emphasis is wonderfully placed on staging, dialogue and facial expressions and well-placed silences. Each episode is built around an individual case, with a different offender, often played by well-known actors (such as David Tennant, Hayley Atwell or Kunal Nayyar), with the team of detectives remaining constant but without allowing the viewer to become too attached. The atmosphere is well built and harsh and intense exactly when and how it should be.

Director:  Jim Field Smith  

Production:  Netflix   

Creator:  Jim Field Smith, George Kay    

Duration:  2 seasons of 3 and 4 episodes respectively (40-50 minutes each);  

With: Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Rochenda Sandall, Shubham Saraf, Nicholas Pinnock, David Tennant, Kit Harington, Sharon Horgan, Sophie Okonedo, Hayley Atwell, Kunal Nayyar

Rating: 9/10

Criminal: UK (2019– )

Serial drama de investigatii politiste care se concentreaza pe o singura etapa si scena a procesului politienesc si anume ce se intampla in camera de interogare.

Un serial bazat pe o idee foarte interesanta ce a dat nastere unor seriale surori, similar procesului prin care a trecut C.S.I. Serialul de fata este varianta UK, dar mai exista variantele pentru Germania, Spania si Franta. Accentul este minunat pus pe punere in scena, dialog si expresii faciale si taceri bine plasate. Fiecare episod este construit in jurul unui caz individual, cu un inculpat diferit, adesea jucat de actori bine consacrati (ca David Tennant, Hayley Atwell sau Kunal Nayyar), cu echipa detectivilor ramanand constanta dar fara a permite spectatorului a deveni prea atasat. Atmosfera este bine construita si apasatoare si intensa exact cand si cum trebuie.

Regia:  Jim Field Smith  

Productie:  Netflix   

Creator:  Jim Field Smith, George Kay    

Durata:  2 sezoane a cate 3 si respectiv 4 episoade (40-50 de minute fiecare);  

Cu: Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Rochenda Sandall, Shubham Saraf, Nicholas Pinnock, David Tennant, Kit Harington, Sharon Horgan, Sophie Okonedo, Hayley Atwell, Kunal Nayyar

Rating: 9/10

Also read in English

The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)

O noua conspiratie descoperita de Lisbeth Salander, de aceasta data implicand un om de stiinta si fiul acestuia si creatia sa ce pune in pericol siguranta pacii mondiale.

Ecranizarea celui de-al patrulea roman din seria lui Lisbeth Salander, primul care nu este scris de autorul original Stieg Larsson. Preluat de David Lagercrantz  dupa moartea acestuia, zvonurile semi-oficiale macar spun ca se bazeaza pe notitele acestuia si planurile pe care nu a ajuns sa le solidifice. Prima ecranizare americana dupa The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo al lui David Fincher, filmul de fata sare doua romane si devine o poveste independenta ce nu necesita neaparat cunostiinte din actiunile precedente. Fapt dezamagitor pentru fanii cartilor dar si pentru fanii versiunii lui David Fincher, chipurile prea scumpa in mod nenecesar. Eh chestiunea banilor mai putini se simte, deoarece filmul de fata e slabut, nu acorda importanta logicii si verosimilitatii si nu acorda timp privitorului sa ii pese. Pentru actiune simpla si fara stil, The Girl In The Spider's Web e suficient.

Regia:  Fede Alvarez   

Cu:  Claire Foy, Beau Gadsdon, Sverrir Gudnason, LaKeith Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Claes Bang, Cameron Britton

Rating: 6/10

Also read in English

The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)

A new conspiracy discovered by Lisbeth Salander, this time involving a scientist and his son and his creation that endangers the security of world peace.

An adaptation of the fourth novel in the series starring Lisbeth Salander, the first that isn't written by the original author. Taken over by David Lagercrantz after Stieg Larsson's death, the semi-official rumors say that at least the novel is based on his notes and the plans that he did not get a chance to see fulfilled. The first American adaptation after David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, this film skips two novels and becomes an independent story that does not necessarily require knowledge from previous actions. That's disappointing for the fans of the books but also for the fans of David Fincher's version, which apparently was too unnecessarily expensive. Eh the question of less money is quite significant, because the current film is weak, does not give enough importance to logic and plausibility and does not allow enough time to the viewer to care about the characters. For simple but style lacking action, The Girl In The Spider's Web is sufficient.

Director:  Fede Alvarez   

With:  Claire Foy, Beau Gadsdon, Sverrir Gudnason, LaKeith Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Claes Bang, Cameron Britton

Rating: 6/10

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Susan este o femeie de succes nefericita ce incepe sa isi analizeze faptele din trecut dupa ce primeste un roman dramatic scris de fostul ei sot.

Un film drama, analitic aproape fara a spune nimic. Toate tacerile sunt bine plasate si cronometrate si pline de subinteles. Romanul mai sus-mentionat constituie un pretext pentru a avea un film in film. Asta ajuta in a evidentia starea mentala a tuturor celor implicati printr-o paralela foarte interesanta a doua traume psihologice foarte diferite dar e si o miscare de marketing, deoarece face posibila tranzitia de la film artistic cu ceva de spus la un film cu atractie comerciala fara a anula nici una din trasaturile de admirat. Apasator dar inteligent si foarte stilizat, Nocturnal Animals e un film fara cusur.

Regia:  Tom Ford     

Cu: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Michael Sheen

Rating: 10/10

Also read in English

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Susan is a successful but unhappy woman who begins to analyze her past actions after she starts reading a dramatic novel written by her ex-husband.

A drama film, analytical almost without saying anything. All silences are well placed and timed and extremely meaningful. The above-mentioned novel is a pretext to have a movie within a movie. This helps to highlight the mental state of all those involved through a very interesting parallel of two very different psychological traumas but it is also a marketing gimmick, because it makes possible the transition from an artsy feature film that has something to say to a film with commercial attraction without having to cancel any of the meaningful traits of the picture. Overwhelmingly dark but intelligent and very stylized, Nocturnal Animals is a flawless film.

Director:  Tom Ford     

With: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Michael Sheen

Rating: 10/10

Verónica (2017)

Verónica e o adolescenta in Madrid in anii '90 ce este urmarita de un spirit malefic dupa o incercare de a-si contacta tatal decedat folosind o placa Quija cu prietenele sale.

Un film de groaza de atmosfera ce reuseste minunat sa redea stilistic lumea anilor '90, intr-un context spaniol ce arata cat de bine sincronizata global era miscarea culturala, mai ales muzicala atunci. Actrita principala este minunata in rolul lui Verónica si reda simplitatea si inocenta varstei intr-un mod foarte natural, generand o compatimire irezistibila in privitorul ce este fascinat dar neputincios. Povestea este bazata pe un misterios caz cu multe elemente reale dar si reimaginari cu licenta poetica. Partea de groaza a peliculei functioneaza suficient pentru a justifica genul filmului dar elementele acesteia nu ar putea exista separat si de sine statator fara contextul temporal special si trairile personajului foarte eficient evidentiate.

Regia:  Paco Plaza 

Cu: Sandra Escacena, Bruna González, Claudia Placer, Iván Chavero

Rating: 8/10

Also read in English

Verónica (2017)

Verónica is a teenager in Madrid in the '90s and she's being haunted by an evil spirit after an attempt to contact her deceased father with her friends using a Quija board.

An atmospheric horror film that manages wonderfully to stylistically reproduce the world of the '90s, in a Spanish context that shows how well synchronized globally was the cultural movement of the time. The lead actress is wonderful in the role of Verónica and renders the simplicity and innocence of her age in a very natural way, generating irresistible compassion in the viewer who is fascinated but powerless. The story is based on a real case and uses a combination of true elements but also reimaginations with a poetic license. The horror part of the film works well enough to justify the genre label of the film but its elements could not stand their own without the special time context and the character's interesting interactions and their inside struggle which are are all very effectively brought to life for our viewing pleasure.

Director:  Paco Plaza 

With: Sandra Escacena, Bruna González, Claudia Placer, Iván Chavero

Rating: 8/10