Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)

A scholar specializing in mythology encounters a Djinn when she chooses an object from a bazaar in Istanbul.

'Three Thousand Years of Longing' is a fantasy film inspired by Middle Eastern folklore. Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba are wonderful and convincing in the main roles, skillfully bringing to life characters with contrasting traits, strength of character and vulnerability. The history that unfolds on the screen is captivating like the nights of Scheherazade, the viewer being completely caught up in the historical and magical intrigues, unable to resist their curiosity and the visual fascination.

Director:  George Miller    

With: Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba, Erdil Yasaroglu, Sarah Houbolt

Rating: 9/10

The Invitation (2022)

A young American woman finds her blood relatives who then invite her to a family wedding in England.

'The Invitation' is a horror film in the style of the classic monsters, almost like Hammer ones. The story is romanticized in a believable way, visually modernized, and with a second half full of action and satisfaction.

Director:  Jessica M. Thompson  

With: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee, Hugh Skinner, Alana Boden, Stephanie Corneliussen

Rating: 7.8/10

Black Books (2000–2004)

Bernard Black owns a bookstore, but has no talent for customer service and hires Manny to help with that.

'Black Books' is a popular British sitcom. The humor is typically British, well written, original and in generous proportions, the characters are easy to appreciate and like and the situations are varied from very ridiculous to decently ridiculous.

Director:  Martin Dennis and others  

Production:  Channel 4  

Creator:  Dylan Moran   

Duration: 3 seasons of 6 episodes (25 minutes each)  

With: Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey, Tamsin Greig, Paul Beech

Rating: 8/10

We Summon the Darkness (2019)

Three close friends go on a road trip to a heavy metal festival where they gather new friends for a party at their parents' country home.

'We Summon the Darkness' is a horror film that thinks itself to be in the classic style of the '80s, but it doesn't manage to capture the aura very well. The story is not very unpredictable and not very well written, but the non-serious air gives it the chance to appear like a black comedy, with some measure of fun.

Director:  Marc Meyers    

With: Alexandra Daddario, Keean Johnson, Maddie Hasson, Amy Forsyth

Rating: 6/10

Interview with the Vampire (2022– )

Louis de Pointe du Lac recounts his life after meeting Lestat to Daniel Molloy, in a second interview.

'Interview with the Vampire' is the second adaptation of the book with the same name, this time in a TV series that wants to bring to life the rest of the novels from 'the Vampire Chronicles'. It manages to shine in its execution despite the major changes from the books (the race of the important characters, Louis is a pimp and not a slave owner, the relationship with Lestat is explicitly carnal, the meeting with Daniel is a second one and Daniel is old and sick and so on), because it intertwines the new aspects in an original and welcome way and stops the need for any comparisons with the original (which is perfect by the way). The choices for the 3 main roles are initially questionable, but the portrayal of the well-known figures is flawless and wonderful (although Bailey Bass will not return for the role of Claudia).

Director:  Levan Akin and others

Production:  AMC   

Creator:  Rolin Jones   

Duration:  1 season of 8 episodes (1+ hour each)   

With: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Bailey Bass, Chris Stack, Maura Grace Athari

Rating: 8.6/10

Free Guy (2021)

A bank employee discovers that he is just an NPC in a video game.

'Free Guy' is a sci-fi action comedy. The idea is as ridiculous as it is interesting (only through the context enriched by the presence of Jodie Comer and Joe Kerry's characters), and Ryan Reynolds must be praised for portraying a non-alpha individual in favor of the female character.

Director:  Shawn Levy  

With: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Channing Tatum

Rating: 8/10

Interview with the Vampire (2022– )

Louis de Pointe du Lac is povesteste viata dupa intalnirea lui Lestat lui Daniel Molloy, intr-un al doilea interviu.

'Interview with the Vampire' este a doua ecranizare a cartii cu acelasi nume, de data aceasta intr-o serie TV ce doreste a aduce la viata si restul romanelor din seria 'the Vampire Chronicles'. Reuseste sa straluceasca in executie in ciuda schimbarilor majore fata de carti (rasa personajelor importante, Louis este peste si nu proprietar de sclavi, relatia cu Lestat este vadit trupeasca, intalnirea cu Daniel este a doua si Daniel este batran si bolnav si tot asa), deoarece impleteste noile aspecte intr-un mod original si binevenit si opreste nevoia de comparatii cu originalul (perfect de altfel). Alegerile pentru cele 3 roluri principale sunt indoielnice initial, dar portretizarea figurilor bine cunoscute este fara gres si minunata (desi Bailey Bass nu se va reintoarce pentru rolul Claudiei).

Regia:  Levan Akin si altii  

Productie:  AMC   

Creator:  Rolin Jones   

Durata:  1 sezon de 8 episoade (1 ora si fiecare)   

Cu: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Bailey Bass, Chris Stack, Maura Grace Athari

Rating: 8.6/10

Also available in English

Free Guy (2021)

Un angajat la banca descopera ca este doar un personaj de umplutura intr-un joc video.

'Free Guy' este o comedie de actiune fantastica. Ideea e pe atat de ridicola cat interesanta (doar prin prisma contextului imbogatit de prezenta lui Jodie Comer si Joe Kerry), iar Ryan Reynolds trebuie laudat pentru portretizarea unui individ non-alpha in favoarea personajului feminin.

Regia:  Shawn Levy  

Cu: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Channing Tatum

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)

Harley Quinn, assisted by Black Canary, Huntress and the police officer who is tracking her, tries to save a little girl from an underworld boss.

'Birds of Prey' is a sequel/spinoff of Suicide Squad which was not necessary. Margot Robbie fans will be happy. The movie is cute but easy to forget.

Director:  Cathy Yan  

With: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Ewan McGregor, Chris Messina, Ali Wong

Rating: 7/10

Small Crimes (2017)

A former policeman finds himself stuck in the consequences of his past deeds after he gets out of prison.

'Small Crimes' is a police thriller that takes one by surprise. The main character is a proper morally gray individual, skilfully brought to life by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and the events unfolding on the screen are unexpected and surprising, giving the film an alert and satisfying rhythm.

Director:  E.L. Katz    

With: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Molly Parker

Rating: 8/10

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

A team of secret agents for hire participates in a mission in which they have to find out what was stolen, by whom and who is the buyer.

'Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre' is the latest Guy Ritchie made production. Fresh but uninteresting, the film manages to bring back to attention names that were once on everyone's lips (Josh Hartnett, Cary Elwes..) but unfortunately without a suitable script. It works ok as a run of the mill spy film, but it is far below expectations for a Guy Ritchie movie.

Director:  Guy Ritchie    

With: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett, Eddie Marsan, Peter Ferdinando

Rating: 6/10

Small Crimes (2017)

Un fost politist se vede blocat in consecintele faptelor trecute dupa ce iese din inchisoare.

'Small Crimes' e un thriller politist ce ia prin surprindere. Personajul principal e un mix de moralitate de nivele variate, abil adus la viata de Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, iar intamplarile ce se desfasoara pe ecran sunt neasteptate si suprinzatoare, dand filmului un ritm alert si satisfacator.

Regia:  E.L. Katz    

Cu: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Molly Parker

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Wonder Woman trebuie sa lupte importiva consecintelor puterii unui artefact antic ce indeplineste dorinte.

'Wonder Woman 1984' este probabil ultimul film din serie, un pic neserios si totusi entertaining. Kristen Wiig pare sa se joace pe sine insusi iar Pedro Pascal pare sa se distreze copios. Gal Gadot este evident foarte serioasa.

Regia:  Patty Jenkins     

Cu: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

In doliu dupa moartea lui T'Challa, Wakanda trebuie sa se apere impotriva unei forte similare, ascunsa in adancurile oceanului.

'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' e un film de actiune cu supereroi din familia Marvel. Urmeaza povestea lui Black Panther asa cum a fost scrisa dupa moartea actorului initial (Chadwick Boseman). Efecte interesante, o fantezie terestra si nu chiar monotona, avem nevoie si de filme de umplutura.

Regia:  Ryan Coogler   

Cu: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tenoch Huerta

Rating: 6.7/10

Also available in English

Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)

O savanta specializata in mitologie, da peste un Djin cand alege un obiect dintr-un bazar in Istanbul.

'Three Thousand Years of Longing' este un film fantezie ce se inspira din folclorul Orientului Mijlociu. Tilda Swinton si Idris Elba sunt minunati si convingatori in rolurile principale, aducand abil la viata personaje cu trasaturi contrastante, putere de caracter si vulnerabilitate. Istoria ce se perinda pe ecran este captivanta ca noptile Sheherezadei, privitorul fiind complet prins de intrigile istorice si magice, inabil a rezista curiozitatii si fascinatiei vizuale.

Regia:  George Miller    

Cu: Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba, Erdil Yasaroglu, Sarah Houbolt

Rating: 9/10

Also available in English

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor fights alongside his former partner Jane against the god-slayer Gorr.

'Thor: Love and Thunder' is the latest adventure in the Marvel franchise with Thor as the protagonist. Under the direction of Taika Waititi again, the current film fails to reuse the same recipe as Ragnarok with the same success, perhaps because instead of using a ridiculousness exaggerated in an artistic and humorous way, the final effect is just pure ridiculousness.

Director:  Taika Waititi      

With: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Russell Crowe

Rating: 6/10

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

O echipa de agenti de inchiriat participa intr-o misiune in care trebuie sa afle ce a fost furat, de catre cine si cine e cumparatorul.

'Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre' e ultima productie marca Guy Ritchie. Proaspat dar neinteresant, filmul reuseste sa readuca in prim plan nume ce candva erau pe buzele tuturor (Josh Hartnett, Cary Elwes) dar din pacate fara un scenariu pe masura. Functioneaza ok ca un film cu spioni de duzina, dar e mult sub asteptari pentru un film de Guy Ritchie.

Regia:  Guy Ritchie    

Cu: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett, Eddie Marsan, Peter Ferdinando

Rating: 6/10

Also available in English

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor lupta alaturi de fosta partenera Jane impotriva ucigasului de zei Gorr.

'Thor: Love and Thunder' e cea mai recenta aventura din franciza Marvel cu Thor ca protagonist. Iarasi sub bagheta lui Taika Waititi, filmul de fata nu reuseste sa reutilizeze aceeasi reteta ca Ragnarok in acelasi success, poate pentru ca in loc de a folosi un ridicol exagerat intr-un mod artistic si umoristic, efectul final este doar de ridicol pur.

Regia:  Taika Waititi      

Cu: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Russell Crowe

Rating: 6/10

Also available in English

Nocebo (2022)

O creatoare de moda pentru copii sufera de o boala misterioasa pana ce noua dadaca reuseste sa o imbunatateasca cu leacuri babesti asiatice.

'Nocebo' e un film horror cu multe elemente psihologice. Reuseste sa redea panica si suferinta personajului principal, dar circumstantele atenuante ce includ previzibilitatea suparatoare, lipsa de reactii naturale/credibile ale tuturor personajelor dupa orice interactiune dubioasa, toate fac privitorul sa nu ramana impresionat de suferinta prezentat (oricat de evidenta).

Regia:  Lorcan Finnegan   

Cu: Eva Green, Mark Strong, Chai Fonacier, Billie Gadsdon

Rating: 4/10

Also available in English

Nocebo (2022)

A children's fashion designer suffers from a mysterious illness until the new nanny manages to improve her state with traditional Asian remedies.

'Nocebo' is a horror film with many psychological elements. It manages to visually paint the panic and suffering of the main character, but the mitigating circumstances that include the disturbing predictability, the lack of natural/believable reactions of all the characters after any dubious interaction, all cause the viewer to not be impressed by the suffering presented (no matter how obvious).

Director:  Lorcan Finnegan   

With: Eva Green, Mark Strong, Chai Fonacier, Billie Gadsdon

Rating: 4/10

Werewolf by Night (2022 TV Special)

La inmormantarea unui mare vanator de monstri, urmasii si rivalii sai participa intr-o cursa de vanatoare, in care unii din invitati ascund secrete neasteptate.

'Werewolf By Night' e o surpriza neasteptata din partea celor de la Marvel. Ca durata e mai mult un teaser, probabil o varianta scurta a unui potential supererou; ca stil e construit ca un omagiu filmelor alb-negru de groaza, cu monstri, unde rolurile sunt inversate: monstrii sunt benevoli si personajele pozitive iar vanatorii sunt dusmanii. Omagiul este bine realizat, stilul alb-negru are un efect melancolic si eficient, iar efectele de scoala veche sunt impresionante (mai ales scena cu cadavrul animatronic).

Regia:  Michael Giacchino   

Cu: Gael García Bernal, Laura Donnelly, Harriet Sansom Harris, Kirk R. Thatcher, Eugenie Bordurant, Leonardo Nam

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Werewolf by Night (2022 TV Special)

At the funeral of a great monster hunter, his descendants and rivals participate in a hunting race, in which some of the guests hide unexpected secrets.

'Werewolf By Night' is an unexpected surprise from Marvel. In terms of duration, it's more like a teaser, probably a short version of a potential superhero story; in terms of style, it is built as a tribute to old black and white horror movies, where the roles are reversed: the monsters are benevolent and the positive characters and the hunters are the "bad guys". The homage is well done, the black and white style has a melancholic and effective impression, and the old school effects are memorable (especially the scene with the animatronic corpse).

Director:  Michael Giacchino   

With: Gael García Bernal, Laura Donnelly, Harriet Sansom Harris, Kirk R. Thatcher, Eugenie Bordurant, Leonardo Nam

Rating: 8/10

The Umbrella Academy (2019–2023)

O familie de frati cu superputeri se reintalnesc dupa moartea tatalui lor.

'The Umbrella Academy' e un serial fantasy, de aventuri, de actiune, amestecat cu ceva comedie si caricaturizari. Originile de roman grafic sunt simtite la tot pasul, iar farmecul intregului se bazeaza pe constructia caracterului personajelor si interactiunea lor. Cu un prim sezon mult mai interesant, cand misterul si necunoscutul pot fi folosite ca un atu ce promite, restul sezoanelor se mentin destul de intrigante pentru a continua vizionarea.

Regia:  Jeremy Webb si altii   

Productie:  Netflix   

Creator:  Steve Blackman, Jeremy Slater   

Durata:  4 (3 lansate) sezoane a cate 10 episoade (1 ora fiecare)   

Cu: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Kate Walsh, Yusuf Gatewood, Cameron Britton, Mary J. Blige, Jordan Claire Robbins

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

The Umbrella Academy (2019–2023)

A family of superpowered individuals reunite after the death of their father.

"The Umbrella Academy" is a fantasy, adventure, action series, mixed with some comedy and quirkiness. The graphic novel origins are felt at every step, and the charm of the whole is based on the character building and their interaction. With a much more interesting first season, when the mystery and the unknown can be used as a promising asset, the rest of the seasons remain intriguing enough to continue watching.

Director:  Jeremy Webb and others

Production:  Netflix   

Creator:  Steve Blackman, Jeremy Slater   

Duration:  4 (3 released so far, 1 to go this year) seasons of 10 episodes (1 hour each)   

With: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Kate Walsh, Yusuf Gatewood, Cameron Britton, Mary J. Blige, Jordan Claire Robbins

Rating: 8/10

Last Night in Soho (2021)

O studenta la scoala de moda patrunde in lumea anilor '60, vazuta prin prisma unei visatoare ce vrea sa fie o stea.

'Last Night in Soho' e un film horror, cu accente de fantezie si drama. Partea dramatica este frumos realizata, poate putin cam patetica, partea de horror este cam de duzina iar dezvaluirea finala este semi-previzibila. 

Regia:  Edgar Wright   

Cu: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

Last Night in Soho (2021)

A fashion school student enters the world of the 60s during her sleep, as seen through the eyes of a dreamer who wants to be a star.

'Last Night in Soho' is a horror film, with accents of fantasy and drama. The dramatic part is beautifully done, maybe a little melodramatic, the horror part is run of the mill and the final reveal is semi-predictable.

Director:  Edgar Wright   

With: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, Terence Stamp, Jessie Mei Li

Rating: 7/10

See How They Run (2022)

In Londra anilor 50, un regizor nesuferit ce planuieste o ecranizare dupa o piesa de teatru de Agatha Christie este gasit ucis.

'See How They Run' este o comedie cu detectivi. Situatiile interesante sunt multe, personajele colorate la fel, cumva incearca prea mult. Actorii principali sunt adorabili dar nu reusesc sa salveze un scenariu fara un dialog de ajuns de puternic. Si totusi e dragut si merita vazut.

Regia:  Tom George    

Cu: Adrien Brody, Saoirse Ronan, Sam Rockwell, David Oyelowo, Sian Clifford, Ruth Wilson

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

See How They Run (2022)

In 1950's London, a mostly hated director planning a screen adaptation of a play by Agatha Christie is found murdered.

'See How They Run' is a detective comedy. There are many interesting situations, colorful characters as well, but somehow it just tries too hard. The main actors are adorable but they fail to save a script lacking a strong enough dialogue. And yet it's cute and worth seeing.

Regia:  Tom George    

Cu: Adrien Brody, Saoirse Ronan, Sam Rockwell, David Oyelowo, Sian Clifford, Ruth Wilson

Rating: 7/10

Nightmare Alley (2021)

Un individ bun la citit oamenii, isi foloseste talentele pentru a-si imbunatati soarta.

'Nightmare Alley' este un film noir ce beneficiaza de unelte moderne (si culoare!). Cu o distributie impresionanta, filmul reuseste sa isi pastreze misterul si sa instige curiozitatea publicului, in ciuda unei usoare frustrari legata de alegerile personajului principal, ce sugereaza finalul sau tragic prin multe elemente presarate devreme.

Regia:  Guillermo del Toro      

Cu: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, David Strathairn, Mary Steenburgen, Holt McCallany, Paul Anderson, Clifton Collins Jr.

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Nightmare Alley (2021)

An individual who's good at reading people, uses his talents to improve his lot in life.

'Nightmare Alley' is a film noir that benefits from modern tools (and colour!). With an impressive cast, the film manages to keep its mystery and arouse the audience's curiosity, despite a slight *or not so slight) frustration related to the choices the main character makes all along, which suggests his miserable end through many foreboding elements sprinkled from early on.

Director:  Guillermo del Toro      

With: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, David Strathairn, Mary Steenburgen, Holt McCallany, Paul Anderson, Clifton Collins Jr.

Rating: 8/10