House of the Dragon (2022– )

The succession war in the Targaryen house, 172 years before Daenerys came along.

"House of the Dragon" is a series based on another set of George RR Martin's books, which presents the history of the Targaryen house, at a time when dragons were still in considerable numbers. Full of intrigue, more or less moderate shock (GOT forever changed the bar), captivating characters, and yet the lack of typologies like those of the Starks is felt.

Director:  Clare Kilner and others   

Production:  HBO   

Creator:  Ryan J. Condal   

Duration:  1 season of 10 episodes (1 hour each)   

With: Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Graham McTavish, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Rhys Ifans, Milly Alcock

Rating: 8/10

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Razboiul de succesiune in casa Targaryen, 172 de ani inainte de Daenerys.

'House of the Dragon' e un serial bazat pe cartile lui George RR Martin in care prezinta istoria casei Targaryen, pe vremea cand dragonii inca erau in numar considerabil. Plin de intriga, soc mai mult sau mai putin moderat (GOT a schimbat limitele), personaje captivante, si totusi lipsa unor tipologii gen Stark se face simtita.

Regia:  Clare Kilner si altii   

Productie:  HBO   

Creator:  Ryan J. Condal   

Durata:  1 sezon de 10 episoade (1 ora fiecare)   

Cu: Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Graham McTavish, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Rhys Ifans, Milly Alcock

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Hugo (2011)

Hugo este un orfan ce traieste in tavanul unei statii de tren din Paris si are grija de ceasurile mecanice.

'Hugo' e un film de aventuri, pentru familie, dar este trait ca un film de fantezie. Martin Scorsese a ales un subiect neobisnuit si a construit o poveste magica. Asa Butterfield este minunat in rolul tacutului Hugo, iar Ben Kingsley imbogateste orice distributie.

Regia:  Martin Scorsese       

Cu: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley

Rating: 9/10

Also available in English

Hugo (2011)

Hugo is an orphan who lives in the ceiling of a train station in Paris and takes care of the mechanical clocks.

"Hugo" is an adventure film for the family, but it is experienced as a fantasy film. Martin Scorsese chose an unusual subject and built a magical story. Asa Butterfield is wonderful in the role of the silent Hugo, and Ben Kingsley enriches any cast.

Director:  Martin Scorsese       

With: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Helen McCrory, Emily Mortimer, Richard Griffiths

Rating: 9/10

Just Go with It (2011)

Un chirurg plastician isi convinge asistenta sa se prefaca a fi fosta nevasta pentru a ascunde adevarul timpului pierdut de iubita curenta.

'Just Go with It' este o comedie marca Adam Sandler. Un pic mai matura ca idei si dezvoltare dara fara adancimea unor alte exemple din materialul sau ca 50 First Dates sau Big Daddy.

Regia:  Dennis Dugan      

Cu: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Griffin Gluck, Kevin Nealon, Dave Matthews, Jackie Sandler

Rating: 6/10

Also available in English

Just Go with It (2011)

A plastic surgeon convinces his assistant to pretend to be his ex-wife in order to hide the truth of his wasted youth from his current girlfriend.

'Just Go with It' is a comedy by Adam Sandler. A bit more mature in terms of ideas and development but without the depth of other examples from his past like 50 First Dates or Big Daddy.

Director:  Dennis Dugan      

With: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Griffin Gluck, Kevin Nealon, Dave Matthews, Jackie Sandler

Rating: 6/10

Separation (2021)

The experience of the parents' divorce becomes a different kind of experience after the mother dies and returns as a ghost.

'Separation' is a horror film with an interesting idea. With an execution inspired by the Gothic but also modern style, the film manages to capture and keep one's attention, even if it is full of imperfections. The direction of the story is not what beginning of the story suggested it would be.

Director:  William Brent Bell     

With: Rupert Friend, Violet McGraw, Madeline Brewer, Mamie Gummer

Rating: 7/10

Jigsaw (2017)

Victims who died in a similar way to Jigsaw's MO appear 10 years after he is believed to have died.

"Jigsaw" is the latest film in the franchise, repeating the recipe for success that gave it a long life. With a somewhat fresher idea, the current film is more memorable than others in the series that preceded it.

Director:  Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig    

With: Matt Passmore, Tobin Bell, Callum Keith Rennie, Hannah Emily Anderson

Rating: 7/10

Separation (2021)

Experienta divortului parintilor devine un altfel de experienta dupa ce mama sa moare si se intoarce ca fantoma.

'Separation' e un film de groaza cu o idee interesanta. Cu o executie ce se inspira din stilul gotic dar si modern, filmul reuseste sa capteze atentia, chiar daca este si plin de imperfectiuni. Directia povestii nu e ce parea sa fie de asteptat la inceputul povestii.

Regia:  William Brent Bell     

Cu: Rupert Friend, Violet McGraw, Madeline Brewer, Mamie Gummer

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

Jigsaw (2017)

Victime ce au pierit in mod similar pedepselor lui Jigsaw apar la 10 ani dupa ce se crede ca el ar fi murit.

'Jigsaw' e cel mai recent film din franciza, repetand reteta de success ce i-a dat viata indelungata. Cu o idee ceva mai fresh, filmul de fata este mai meorabil decat altele din serie ce l-au precedat.

Regia:  Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig    

Cu: Matt Passmore, Tobin Bell, Callum Keith Rennie, Hannah Emily Anderson

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

Black Adam (2022)

Black Adam is released almost by accident after 5000 years of imprisonment for old sins.

'Black Adam' is an action film from the DC universe. The mythology is more interesting than other attempts, and the film should be praised for a bit of variety in the subject, even if it was not received with the most open arms. The film is satisfactory and does not deserve the many complaints of those who watched it.

Director:  Jaume Collet-Serra    

With: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi

Rating: 8/10

Amour (2012)

The love of Georges and Anne is tested when, at the age of 80, Anne has a stroke, after which she remains completely physically dependent on her husband.

'Amour' is a realistic, and very emotionally rough drama, which demonstrates the unforgiving flip side even in the case of a suitable, cultured couple who love each other deeply and sincerely. The two protagonists are wonderful in their role, another big role added to a career that can only be described as impressive, almost right before leaving this world (Emmanuelle Riva died 5 years later and Jean-Louis Trintignant in 2022).

Director: Michael Haneke 

With: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud

Rating: 9/10

The Master Cleanse (2016)

A person disappointed in love volunteers to participate in a procedure, in a retreat, which should solve all his problems.

'The Master Cleanse' is a horror comedy rooted in ideas about human nature and the need to be understood, loved, accepted. With some rather strange ideas about sacrifice, the film is an interesting experiment, which also has its acceptable comic moments.

Director:   Bobby Miller     

With: Johnny Galecki, Anna Friel, Kyle Gallner, Anjelica Huston

Rating: 7/10

Black Adam (2022)

Black Adam este eliberat aproape accidental dupa 5000 de ani de inchisoare pentru pacate vechi.

'Black Adam' este un film de actiune din universul DC. Mitologia este mai interesanta decat alte incercari, si filmul trebuie laudat pentru un pic de varietate in subiect, chiar daca nu a fost primit cu cele mai deschise brate. Filmul e satisfacator si nu merita plangerile celor ce l-au vizionat.

Regia:  Jaume Collet-Serra    

Cu: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Amour (2012)

Dragostea lui Georges si Anne este testata cand, la 80 de ani, Anne are un atac cerebral dupa care ramane total dependenta fizic de sotul ei.

'Amour' este o drama realista, foarte dura, ce demonstreaza reversul medaliei chiar si in cazul unui cuplu potrivit, cultivat, care se iubeste adanc si sincer. Cei doi protagonisti sunt minunati in rol, inca un rol mare adaugat la o cariera ce nu se poate numic decat impresionanta, chiar inainte de a parasi aceasta lume (Emmanuelle Riva a murit 5 ani mai tarziu iar Jean-Louis Trintignant in 2022).

Regia: Michael Haneke 

Cu: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud

Rating: 9/10

Also available in English

The Master Cleanse (2016)

Un dezamagit in dragoste se ofera voluntar pentru a participa la o procedura, intr-o locatie in natura, ce ar trebui sa ii rezolve toate problemele.

'The Master Cleanse' e o comedie de groaza cu radacini in idei despre natura umana si nevoia de a fi intelesi, iubiti, acceptati. Cu niste idei oarecum ciudate despre sacrificiu, filmul este un experiment interesant, ce are si momentele sale comice acceptabile.

Regia:   Bobby Miller     

Cu: Johnny Galecki, Anna Friel, Kyle Gallner, Anjelica Huston

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

Final Destination 2 (2003)

O tanara isi opreste masina, blocand traficul, dupa ce are o viziune a unui accident dezastru.

'Final Destination 2' e o urmare merituoasa a primului. Respectand mitologia aceluia, o extinde intr-un mod inventiv, cu un buget si o tehnologie mai impresionante, rezultand intr-un film ce a rezistat schimbarilor timpului.

Regia:  David R Ellis   

Cu: A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Tony Todd, Michael Landes, Lynda Boyd, Keegan Connor Tracy, Justina Machado

Rating: 8.4/10

Also available in English

Final Destination 2 (2003)

A young woman stops her car, blocking traffic, after having a vision of a catastrophic accident.

'Final Destination 2' is a worthy sequel to the first one. Respecting the mythology of that one, it expands it in an inventive way, with a more impressive budget and technology, resulting in a film that has resisted the changes of time.

Director:  David R Ellis   

With: A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Tony Todd, Michael Landes, Lynda Boyd, Keegan Connor Tracy, Justina Machado

Rating: 8.4/10

Umma (2022)

Amanda traieste izolata cu fiica ei, la o ferma unde creste albine, dar viata ei ia o turnura neasteptata dupa ce primeste ramasitele mamei sale.

'Umma' este un film horror cu origini coreene. Intriga are oarece merit si sens, dar executia filmului lasa de dorit si asteptarile sunt dezamagite, chiar si cu prezenta lui Sandra Oh ce de obicei imbunatateste orice.

Regia:  Iris K. Shim   

Cu: Sandra Oh, Fivel Stewart, Dermot Mulroney, Odeya Rush

Rating: 6/10

Also available in English

Umma (2022)

Amanda lives with her daughter, isolated on a farm where she breeds bees, but her life takes an unexpected turn after she receives her mother's remains.

'Umma' is a horror film with Korean origins. The plot has some merit and sense, but the execution of the film leaves much to be desired and expectations are disappointed, even with the presence of Sandra Oh, who usually improves anything.

Director:  Iris K. Shim   

With: Sandra Oh, Fivel Stewart, Dermot Mulroney, Odeya Rush

Rating: 6/10

Vacation (2015)

Rusty Griswold isi duce familia in vacanta la Walley World in acceeasi traditie ca tatal sau cu ani in urma.

'Vacation' e urmarea clasicului 'National Lampoon's Vacation' cu Chevy Chase. Rusty este fiul din familia originala si umorul este plasat in lumea moderna. Are ocazionalele glume de prost gust, dar in mare, este o sursa serioasa de umor si distractie.

Regia:  John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein    

Cu: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo, Steele Stebbins, Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Leslie Mann, Chris Hemsworth

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

Vacation (2015)

Rusty Griswold takes his family on vacation to Walley World in the same tradition as his father way way back.

'Vacation' is a sort of generational sequel to the classic 'National Lampoon's Vacation' with Chevy Chase. Rusty is the son of the original family and the humor is brought in the modern world. It has the occasional gross joke, but overall, it's a consistent source of humor and fun.

Director:  John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein    

With: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo, Steele Stebbins, Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Leslie Mann, Chris Hemsworth

Rating: 8/10

In Fabric (2018)

O rochie rosie si avantajoasa pe orice forma pare sa afecteze pe toti cei care o poarta.

'In Fabric' este clasificat ca film horror. Teoretic si practic chiar este, dar in esenta nu. Este axat pe arta si ciudat, sau mai bine zis pe arta ciudatului. Cu mai multa atentie pe stil decat continut, filmul intriga dar nu provoaca placere de vizionare.

Regia:  Peter Strickland    

Cu: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram, Gwendoline Christie, Fatma Mohamed

Rating: 7/10

Also available in English

In Fabric (2018)

A red and advantageous on any shape dress seems to affect everyone who wears it.

'In Fabric' is classified as a horror film. Theoretically and practically it is, but in essence it is not. It is focused on art and the weird, or rather the art of the weird. With more attention to style than content, the film intrigues but does not generate viewing pleasure.

Director:  Peter Strickland    

With: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram, Gwendoline Christie, Fatma Mohamed

Rating: 7/10

The White Princess (2017)

Povestea lui Elizabeth York, fiica Reginei Albe, ce s-a casatorit cu Henric al VII-lea.

'The White Princess' este ecranizarea celei de-a doua carti a lui Philipa Gregory, dupa successul ecranizarii primului: The White Queen. Interesant de sine statator dar si ca urmare a evenimentelor din primul, mai ales pentru fani. Bine jucat si plin de intriga, desi este povestea parintilor lui Henric al VIII-lea, cel mai intrigant dintre toti.

Regia:  Jamie Payne, Alex Kalymnios  

Productie:  Starz   

Creator:  Emma Frost, Philipa Gregory (roman)   

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

Cu: Jodie Comer, Rebecca Benson, Jacob Collins-Levy, Richard Dillane

Rating: 8/10

Also available in English

The White Princess (2017)

The story of Elizabeth of York, the daughter of the White Queen, who married Henry VII.

'The White Princess' is the adaptation of Philipa Gregory's second book, after the success of the adaptation of the first: The White Queen. Interesting in its own right but also as a folow up of the events of the first one, especially for the fans. Well acted and full of intrigue, even though we are talking about the story of the parents of Henry the VIII, the most intriguing of them all.

Director:  Jamie Payne, Alex Kalymnios   

Production:  Starz   

Creator:  Emma Frost, Philipa Gregory (novel)   

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

With: Jodie Comer, Rebecca Benson, Jacob Collins-Levy, Richard Dillane

Rating: 8/10

Persuasion (2022)

Anne Elliot este pusa in situatia de a-si revedea fostul respins in urma cu 8 ani in situatii sociale incomode.

'Persuasion' e cea mai recenta ecranizare dupa romanul lui Jane Austen. Incercarea de fata a celor de la Netflix de a-i insufla un aer nou, mai modern, pentru generatia TikTok nu este populara printre amatorii de clasic, dar efortul este de admirat, mai ales prin prisma faptului ca a si reusit, deoarece generatia noua de cititori nu gusta Austen, o ecranizare nu putea sa urmeze acelasi stil. 

Regia:  Carrie Cracknell   

Cu: Richard E. Grant, Dakota Johnson, Henry Golding, Ben Bailey Smith, Yolanda Kettle, Lydia Rose Bewley

Rating: 7.5/10

Also available in English

Persuasion (2022)

Anne Elliot is put in the situation of seeing her ex she rejected 8 years ago in awkward social situations.

'Persuasion' is the latest adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. Netflix's current attempt to give it a new, more modern air for the TikTok generation is not popular amongst fans of the classic , but the effort is admirable, especially in view of the fact that it succeeded, because the new generation of readers do not have a taste for Austen, a modern film adaptation could not have tried to follow the same style.

Director:  Carrie Cracknell   

With: Richard E. Grant, Dakota Johnson, Henry Golding, Ben Bailey Smith, Yolanda Kettle, Lydia Rose Bewley

Rating: 7.5/10

The Diplomat (2023-)

Pasionata de crize internationale, Kate Wyler este fortata intr-un rol decorativ, pe care si-l asuma si transforma in ce are nevoie.

'The Diplomat' este un serial politic, dramatic un pic soap-opera-ic, stiluri un pic contrare, combinate cu cel mai pozitiv efect posibil. Plin de dialog viu si bogat, amatorii de sarcasm si situatii incredibile vor avea parte de un festin. Keri Russell este excelenta in rolul principal iar Rufus Sewell (sotul) si David Gyasi (ministrul de externe britanic) nu sunt departe in urma.

Regia:  Andrew Bernstein si altii   

Productie:  Netflix   

Creator:  Debora Cahn   

Durata:  1 sezon de 8 episoade (50 minute fiecare)   

Cu: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Pearl Mackie, Celia Imrie, Nana Mensah, Michael McKean

Rating: 9/10

Also available in English

The Diplomat (2023-)

Passionate about international crises, Kate Wyler is forced into a decorative role, which she assumes and transforms into what she needs.

'The Diplomat' is a political series, dramatic, a bit soap-opera-ish, a bit of contrary styles, combined with the most positive effect possible. Full of lively and rich dialogue, lovers of sarcasm and incredible situations will have a field day. Keri Russell is excellent in the lead role and Rufus Sewell (the husband) and David Gyasi (the British foreign minister) are not far behind.

Director:  Andrew Bernstein and others   

Production:  Netflix   

Creator:  Debora Cahn   

Duration:  1 season of 8 episodes (50 minutes each)   

With: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Pearl Mackie, Celia Imrie, Nana Mensah, Michael McKean

Rating: 9/10