Dune: Part One (2021)

A family is given the task of governing the planet that produces the most important natural resource, but the movement has ulterior motives and forces the heir of the family to assume early responsibilities.

'Dune: Part One' is the first part of a new adaptation of the beloved sci-fi novel. More modern and unrushed than David Lynch's version (or the TV version from the beginning of the century), the current film benefits from the presence of one of the most talented current directors, who has the patience and ambition necessary to do the seriesjustice. The cast is full of great talent, the cinematography is superb and the mystery and intrigue of the world building and its mysticism are fully given their due.

Director:  Denis Villeneuve   

With: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Javier Bardem, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, Golda Rosheuvel

Rating: 9/10

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

A family on vacation is house invaded by 4 strangers who ask for a willing sacrifice in order to save the world from its own end.

'Knock at the Cabin' is a mystery/horror film by M. Night Shyamalan. With a few famous faces, and an announced mystery, the film manages to be vague and slow when it wasn't necessary, overly dramatic and yet consistent in its imperfections.

Director:  M. Night Shyamalan    

With: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rupert Grint

Rating: 6/10

Glass Onion (2022)

An eccentric rich man invites his closest friends and the best detective in the world (Benoit Blanc) to a party on his private island.

'Glass Onion' is the long-awaited follow-up to Knives Out, a whodunnit in a similar style, with well-emphasized comedic elements, very colorful and varied characters. The mystery is not as mysterious as in the first one, but the film is so well written, acted and choreographed that everything is allowed.

Director:  Rian Johnson     

With: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Noah Segan

Rating: 9/10

Army of the Dead (2021)

In the middle of a zombie apocalypse, a team of mercenaries ventures in the middle of a very affected Las Vegas for a mission of financial interest.

A blockbuster action film in the purest sense of the word, that is, it is visually impressive (lots of special effects and explosions), but does not give importance to logic or lack of predictability. Interesting and impressive is the seamless digital manipulation of the scenes with Tig Notaro due to them replacing Chris D'Elia post production (after allegations of sexual harassment). 

Director:  Zack Snyder     

With: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Ana de la Reguera, Omari Hardwick, Hiroyuki Sanada, Theo Rossi, Garret Dillahunt, Tig Notaro

Rating: 6/10

Hotel Artemis (2018)

Intr-un viitor apropiat, Nurse conduce un spital  ilegal cu drepturi speciale pentru membrii sai ce apartin exclusiv lumii interlope.

Un thriller de actiune cu accente SF si elemente caricaturistice. Bine facut, bine jucat, cu personaje detaliate indeajuns, Hotel Artemis intretine atmosfera eficient prin dialogul bine pus la punct si interactiunea interesanta a personajelor. Mai incet decat fanii genului ar dori, filmul nu este perfect si se pare nici prea bine primit, ceea ce este pacat, deoarece va fi uitat repede pe nedrept.

Jodie Foster revine dupa ani de absenta intr-un rol neasteptat in care interpreteaza un personaj mult mai in varsta decat ea insasi.

Regia:  Drew Pearce    

Cu: Jodie Foster, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista, Sterling K. Brown, Jenny Slate, Zachary Quinto,  Charlie Day, Kenneth Choi

Rating: 8/10

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