MattDevivre Reviews

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

As a fan of Cameron's work I can't say I enjoyed it...

[5/10 · 3 February 2023]

When it comes to James Cameron, the bar is definitely high which makes it easy to disappoint in some way. And I'm not saying Avatar 2 is a terrible movie. However, for me it was a mediocre experience.

To sum it all up: A terribly boring villain who has nothing better to do, a story that overall kinda feels like it has been recycled a few times to often. Nothing made me interested in part three. Even the great water visuals didn't change that for me.

And yes, I enjoyed the first 'Avatar'. I wouldn't say it had a mindblowing story, but it worked well. And the new 3D at that time was amazing and probably still holds up very well.

The sequel on the other hand seemed to me as if Cameron was only interested in depicting live under water. Everything around that kind of felt like he was mixing together various story and character ideas from his previous movies...

Also, I'm not a fan of mixing 24fps and 48fps in a movie and a lot of the computer animations feel a lot like video games these days who visually improved a lot during the past 12 years. Don't get me wrong, the under water segments of the movie are visually amazing (aside from the 48fps, which is a matter of taste of course). That alone just wasn't enough for me to enjoy a movie that long. I would have preferred a shorter, more compact movie in that case

So yeah, it's difficult for me to recommend this movie. For a younger audience it might work better. Or if you are able to fully enjoy the experience and don't get hung up on the storytelling. But still, I think it's one of Cameron's weakest movies on a narrative level.

Atlantis (2013–2015)

Wow... that is bad...

[3/10 · 30 September 2013]

I like British shows like Doctor Who, Torchwood, Misfits, Merlin and so on but this one doesn't work for me at all! I don't understand why BBC would give this show green light. Judging from the first episode it's a horrible script and a weird mix of mythology that just doesn't add up! That they all speak British English in Atlantis makes it even worse. And though the FX are OK, the visual style looks like it's been made in the 90s. There are mostly close-ups. Also there are cheesy references to Matrix and stuff like that. If "Atlantis" wants to survive the first season, it probably needs to get more trashy, like Hercules with Kevin Sorbo. Due to the weird setup it's never going to be a good show, but it could have a certain trash-appeal that might work. However for now IMO it's a huge FAIL and terrible to watch.

Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (2010–2012)

Getting better and better...

[10/10 · 30 January 2012]

From my point of view since its beginning "Todd and the book of pure evil" has improved a lot! A bit like the first season of the new "Doctor Who" series 2005, which also started cheap with cheesy effects. Especially the second season looks good and although Season 1 may not look that great, I think that most episodes are written in a funny, not too conventional way. I liked almost every episode. Besides I'd say that there's not enough metal on TV and it's time we have a show with this type of music. If you look beyond technical flaws, you can have a great time! It's crazy, it's wild and the cast is pretty likable!

Now at the end of season 2 all narrative options seem open. The show could go so many ways. However I think it needs a fresh start. Why? The low technical quality of season 1 could make it hard to sell it to international TV-stations. If the show started with the quality of season 2, it should be a lot easier. That's why I think it would be wise to conceptualize a third season like the start of a whole new series. And although I like the standalone episodes concept, I think the whole setting has grown so much, it's about time to focus more on a more complex season arc (so it's not necessary to pack so much info in only 2 episodes, like happened at the end of season 2).

Unfortunately SPACE didn't renew the show, so we can only hope that this show will manage to survey on a different network!!! Let's hope for the best and I'm pretty sure that this is going to be epic!

Torchwood (2006–2011)

not the doctor... but who cares :)

[8/10 · 12 February 2010]

I got addicted to "Doctor Who" a few weeks ago and so I gave "Torchwood" a try. It was worth it. Darker than I expected, heading more for action and thrill. It's different than Doc Who and that's a good thing. Who'd want more of the same :)? And still there are several things here also happening with Doc Who.

"Torchwood" doesn't make a big deal about sexual orientation: The main characters simply are who they are and they don't try to define themselves in terms of sexual orientation. In this world everything is possible – not only considering the visual imagination of the creator of this TV-universe. I find that interesting because so far I have never seen something like it before.

R.T. Davis does a good job - though I strongly doubt it the utter necessity of everyone having sex with everyone. I don't think that really helps to improve the plot and at some moments I think it's just not very credible. I have one core problem with Davies mail main-characters, Captain Jack and The Doctor: to me both seem like a mixture of "head of the family" and (especially "The Doctor") "God". They are just too great for my personal taste. Besides Captain Jack at several points feels like a leader of a cult (which sometimes makes it a little weird). I think that Davies some time projects too much into his characters, but that is only my interpretation of his stories.

Apart from those (for me negative) aspects IMO the biggest plus of "Torchwood" (especially in comparison to "Doc Who") is the strong character development. And the other main characters next to Captain Jack (fascinating but as I said: sometimes too much) are complex and very individual. The cast is great and very likable. While season 1 missed the all episodes connecting plot line (one more thing that reminded me of "Doctor Who"), the character development kept the show thrilling. Right now I'm in the middle of season 2 and here it seems like also a bigger story line is more present and I really enjoy watching it!

Overall: Several things I'm not entirely happy with, but nevertheless a great and entertaining show. R.T. Davies and the BBC made a wise choice doing this spin-off which luckily doesn't feel like a spin-off. Hope it will last for several more seasons. Totally recommendable!

Avatar (2009)

A fantastic voyage !

[9/10 · 21 December 2009]

Although "Avatar" may not be James Cameron's greatest story I consider it a great popcorn movie. It is a film, that should work fine even without IMAX cinema - however with 3D for me it was fantastic! Already once Cameron took a lot of risk with "Titanic". Back then his success was nothing you could have expected back then! His newest creation is no less risky but it seems it will work out perfectly fine.

What has always impressed me considering this director and writer (especially when thinking of his movies "The Abyss", "Terminator 2", "Aliens"...): nothing in Camerons script seems to be coincidence. Everything seems to have a profound reason. Every picture is thoroughly thought. Same holds true for "Avatar". Its plot provides several typical Cameron elements: the clash of different worlds, technology versus nature, progress versus tradition, human species crossing a crucial line and so on. I heard it reminded several viewers of films like "The Last Samurai" but I'd say the meaning of this story goes deeper. It's not just about how we deal with other cultures and traditions, it's about how blind we deal with nature.

During this picture, you can almost feel how its 3D technology is evolving. The director and his crew were painting an image of colossal size, merging tons of impressive ideas from all directions (movies, nature...). So far I have never seen anything as detailed. It's like seeing (feeling in some way) a different world - which from my point of view is "Avatar"'s greatest strength. This time the very archetypal plot is no more than a fancy (though not less moving) accessory.

Easy to see I'm very positive about this movie. On the other hand - without 3D and especially on a TV screen - I could imagine that "Avatar" might have some lengthy moments. I assume that probably 3D needs more "lengthy" moments to relax than 2D. In my point of view Cameron chose the right pace and you'll have enough time to become familiar with this new world. There are several moments, when "Avatar" is like a "prototype", where not everything is perfect. And yes, the quality of 3D varies and some images seem to have little space, whereas others look totally overwhelming. But from my point of view the story is strong enough overcome little flaws.

Summing up: "Avatar" is offering a truly wonderful impression of what is possible, how cinema can/will be plus even more and also a very moving story which hopefully will create a more positive spirit towards nature. A film which already is one important brick in the wall of film history !

Drop Dead Diva (2009–2014)

DDD has its charm !

[7/10 · 30 October 2009]

Even though I'm not among the typical target group of this show I like "Drop Dead Diva" season one. From my perspective this show did a lot right, starting with a more than just likable, talented cast and nicely written often touching stories.

"DDD" is a show trying to prove that there's always more than meets the eye. For example on the one hand we got Jane. She's not the type of woman who meets typical TV beauty ideals. Her body in combination with the personality of Deb - at first sight the "typical" young blonde woman - two stereotype extreme's meet. But when you learn to know her better, I'd say it's hard not to like her(especially during the second half of season one, when she's becoming emotionally more stable). Then there's Stacy. At the first glance I didn't like her. Turns out this is a truly wonderfully written character, getting funnier with every episode. In my opinion the best character of the show. I can't imagine "DDD" without her.

As for now female characters are definitely leading the show. I think that male characters could use a little more space to develop beyond their surface. Another aspect bothering me: "Drop Dead Diva" starts with this angel/heaven/return button plot. A Setup where anything seems possible. Unfortunately most of the time the show doesn't make use of these possibilities. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed many of them very very much but if it goes on like that it might risk to become like other lawyer TV-shows or remind of films like "Legally Blonde".

In short: "Drop Dead Diva" is lovely, positive and life-affirming. Good people doing the right thing, while confronting prejudices, stereotypes and other social injustices. Sometimes it reminded me of "Ally McBeal" - probably not as great and funny as Ally during it's best times, but it's doing quiet a fine job!

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

style over content...

[5/10 · 10 October 2009]

The combination Scott/Helgeland worked great during "Man on Fire" not long ago. Therefore I'd expected something good considering. Sadly this time from my point of view both, writer and director, fail to make this project work.

Tony Scott has been known as a very style oriented director for some time now. Considering "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" I think he overdid it. His stylish impulses are more distracting than helpful, overpowering the story. Helgeland on the other hand kept the story very much mainstream. So we got a simple storyline packed with IMHO too many style-elements (so it doesn't have much air to breathe). After all I do not see any point in doing this film. There already is a decent adaption of the book. Why waste the money with a hollow one?!

In short: Seen from my perspective an uninspired 08/15 Hollywood mainstream adaption. Not terrible but it doesn't seem necessary (that's why my rating is one point lower than it would be if there wasn't any other adaption) and Scott and Helgeland can do much better !!

Dexter (2006–2013)

hell yeah ;) !!

[8/10 · 6 June 2009]

It's hard to stop watching this show: Dark, mean, cynic, funny... yes, "Dexter" is not the usual stuff. If someone like Dexter could be for real ? I doubt it... but it doesn't matter, as long as you can accept this setup there's a good chance you won't get disappointed !

Season one started with a "brighter" side of Dexter, who needs to find out about his past... or let's say the past finds him. The second edition went on with the dark side of Dexter (I liked it even better), who needs to find himself. So everything I've enjoyed the most about this show holds true to these two perfect seasons. So what I love about "Dexter" are the carefully written characters, which change and evolve slowly during the seasons. It is not a 08/15 set of characters and you can expect interesting social constellations. After all Dexter is not the only great character here !

And considering the third installment: I'm not happy with it. Decent it is... but not as great. A slow ticking story development (far from being as deep going and personal as before), missing the dynamic evolvement of it's antecessors. Except for Dexter most characters feel static, not as fascinating. In my point of view it would had been better to cut this season down to let's say four episodes. Take it as inciting incident to get something bigger started. Probably what comes next will be more interesting - after all I'm pretty sure season three will have strong consequences for the next one !

In short: If you don't know "Dexter" yet, start at the beginning. It's a terrific show with great potential for further great seasons. Only season three doesn't show the same qualities as before !

The Orphanage (2007)

seeing is believing... or just the opposite...

[8/10 · 31 May 2009]

Many movies inhere some kind of "duality" of meaning. There's what you see... and there's also what lies beyond. "El orfanato" (2007) is a picture successfully playing with this matter, putting it into focus.

While watching it you'll start to wonder... will there be some real explanation... or something else. Is the protagonist losing her mind... or is she right. What happened... and why ! Are you willing to believe in ghosts ? Or are you seeking for the real ? Either way you'll be able to experience this interesting Spanish/Mexican picture by J.A. Bayona in a different way !

The second fascinating thing to strike me in a positive way was the terrific interplay of sound, music and images. A frightening fusion. Music suddenly stops...voices appear...sounds... after a while I wasn't all too sure any more whether the sound was coming from the movie... or from outside... not a nice experience during a movie like this one ;).

So after all I clearly recommend "El orfanato". It's a wonderfully written, acted, visualized and directed deeply frightening horror drama. Perhaps one of the best of its kind and if you enjoyed "The Others" I'm guessing you'll enjoy that one too !

Crank: High Voltage (2009)

crossing the line...

[5/10 · 30 April 2009]

"Crank" part one was walking on thin ice... balancing between idiotic stupidity and high speed fun. So it's either you like it or you don't. I enjoyed it very much though and had high hopes for this sequel!

I got disappointed. The story is - I don't know how else to put it - a mess! In my point of view "High Voltage" made one crucial mistake by trying to be more crazy, more insane and faster than the first one (I don't understand why this was necessary). It looks like the question HOW to shoot this "movie" (or let's better say this "trip") is more significant than the PLOT itself. And technique being in the center of attention isn't quiet a good sign. Besides at many points the creators tried too hard to be funny and super cool. They seem to be wanting so much, that its often getting a compulsive, arduous experience. Well and about the cheaper cameras they used this time...no... it just doesn't look great on the big screen.

In short: "High Voltage" provides funny moments but on the whole it's a mess. It tries to conceal flaws by fast editing and other gimmickry... it simply doesn't come naturally...

Antares (2004)

authentic !

[8/10 · 27 April 2009]

With little budget (as the Austrian movie "industry" unfortunately has) obviously a director has to walk with different shoes than Hollywood. "Antares" is a good example of how to make the best of it.

In my point of view very often certain narrative concepts become so much in the thick of things, that characters turn secondary (I don't mean to say I don't like pictures which walk that way). IMO it is refreshing to see movies which succeed not to abstract too much, movies which do not take away too much from their characters because for example various storytelling concepts are requiring it.

With "Antares" for ~115minutes you get insight into various living conditions in Austria before something crucial happens. You see how people are, what their main problem is. And yes of course there is a clear idea behind this picture, but as I said before this idea is not imposed on the viewers. Solitude and isolation are crucial topics in "Antares". The entanglement of life's is another.

No doubt in a way several directors in this world have dealt with these very human aspects already. Only I haven't seen any other dealing with it in such genuineness like Spielmann - especially I haven't seen many other films from my country which managed to do that !

In a short: Authentic and real characters. Terrific writing and terrific acting. I especially enjoy the cynicism.All adds up to a real good austrian movie.

Caprica: Pilot (2009) Season 1, Episode 1

what a start !

[9/10 · 23 April 2009]

In a dark and mysterious way the "Caprica" pilot gives you a first impression of the futuristic world of this upcoming new sci-fi show and obviously once again there's far more than meets the eyes. Though fans of "Battlestar Galactica" of course will know many of the facts given but I'd say it still is fascinating to see this scenario of the past and there seems to be more to it than just telling fictive history.

Until the events of BSG will take place a few years are left. Therefore a lot is different to the known BSG setting and consequently a lot will change. It could become very interesting to watch this transition ! Though I consider "Battlestar Galactica", a good show I've never gotten into it. Still I've always thought it provided a fine pre-story. Therefore it sounds like a clever move finally doing "Caprica" ! Well and after all this pilot made a great first impression. One thing I especially enjoyed: "Caprica" seems more focused on narration and less on action than BSG. It provides terrific storytelling skills and it makes excellent use of the 90min TV-format. Slow but steady build-up, never wasting too much time and after all not too hasty on the exposition of characters.

In a short: "Caprica" has great potential for at least one fantastic season. Probably the best pilot I've seen in a long long time. Keeps you watching and the plot isn't all too obvious right from the start. I hope the creators are able to keep this high narrative level !

Roommates (2009)

no great start, but getting better :) !

[6/10 · 8 April 2009]

The "Roommates" pilot wasn't convincing. Yet I'd say it showed potential. Episode two and three were a significant improvement. Nonetheless one thing for sure: it's not a must see and it clearly doesn't play in a league with "Friends", "How I met your Mother", "The It-Crowd" and co. This sitcom lacks originality. The characters seem likable but ordinary and it's too obvious where the narration is heading. Besides the whole thing is somewhat too nice and round, if you know what I mean. As far as I can see writers and cast appear willing to make this machine work. So among the shades of these serious problem areas "Roommates" smells like solid, nice entertainment - and yes, I know it's a little early to draw any conclusions.

In a short: Several fun jokes, likable actors but some problem areas. It could become a decent first season...

Let the Right One In (2008)

Beautiful and Amazing !

[10/10 · 20 November 2008]

Didn't expect this movie to be that good but... well... for me it was. "Låt den rätte komma in" has overwhelming cinematography (probably the strongest I've seen this year...), extraordinary acting (not only considering the age of both protagonists it's outstanding) and a wonderfully dark love-story with horror elements. Though it's a vampire story it stays natural. After all it's a very human story about two outsiders that find and accept each other despite all differences.

As far as I can see it doesn't happen often these days, that a film is told in such a fine and sensitive manner like this work by director Tomas Alfredson. There never is too much talking and often what you experience is just an image which tells more than 1000 words and gives the whole movie even more depth. The director did perfect work and his writer and novelist Lindqvist succeeded to do something not many can do: he wrote the original novel AND the screenplay. I think the screenplay has the right focus on his book. Perfect work.

My conclusion: If you love beautifully dark vampire stories, I'd recommend "Låt den rätte komma in". I'm sure this picture has excellent chances to get at least nominated for an Oscar. Let's only hope no one in Hollywood will get the stupid idea to remake this movie.

Quantum of Solace (2008)

I didn't care...

[5/10 · 9 November 2008]

Considering action sequences "Quantum of Solace" isn't innovative which is not ideal for something that completely relies on action. The plot is... well let's say "minimalistic". The story definitely lost quality since "Casino Royale" (which wasn't my favourite Bond, but more enjoyable than most Brosnan Bonds) and another revenge flick is something... something I simply can't stand any longer.

Especially regarding its editing "Quantum of Solace" seems inspired by the latest "Bourne" but it turns pale in comparison. It seems like the ambitious director and his editor couldn't handle fast editing and action sequences. I believe that Forster (who proved talent within a different genre - think about "Monster's Ball" or "Finding Neverland") doesn't have enough experience with the action genre. Perhaps Bond came too early for him.

After all "Quantum of Solace" is no horrible film but it doesn't meet the higher expectations. If suddenly it disappeared I wouldn't miss it. It's even hard to write anything about it: It didn't annoy me, I didn't enjoy it... I simply didn't care (especially due to the story which didn't interest me). You might say it was quiet an unemotional experience.

Summing up: an interesting cast but the writers and the director did not leave much space for acting. The action is solid but nothing special. There are worse pictures these days and there are worse Bonds. Besides if you're not sick of revenge films and action with little story perhaps you can even enjoy it.

Topaz (1969)

Hitchcock didn't change it for the better !

[6/10 · 7 November 2008]

First of all I'd love to see the original 150 minutes version of Hitchcock's spy flick "Topaz". By original version I mean the one version before the disastrous test screenings which let to several crucial changes. While watching I just couldn't stop but feeling something was missing. Then I saw a documentary about this picture and it came clear to me. Here glimpses of deleted material provided hints that "Topaz" used to be stronger and more congruent than it is now. Nevertheless I have to add it doesn't look like this original version had the greatness to become a classic.

It seems to me like Hitchcock at several moments lost his movie on his quest for compromise between his idea and the preferences of the audience. The result leaves many question-marks. "Topaz" doesn't run as smooth as former Hitchcocks. Referring to the documentation for "Topaz" the audience wanted it shorter. Possibly it was too long, but I'd say it's difficult to leave scenes out without losing too important info... as happened here ! Further more from what I've seen from the deleted material I can understand why the audience didn't enjoy the original ending but it was still way better and clearer than the current one.

Summing up "Topaz" (1969) based on a novel was meant to be different. I doubt it could have been a classic but it could have become a far better film. This official version is no complete let-down but considering that it was directed by Hitchcock it is disappointing. In my opinion all too important pieces are missing and the changed ending doesn't work. It could have been so much more !

The Wrestler (2008)

Another great job by Aronofsky !

[9/10 · 6 November 2008]

Since "Requiem for a Dream" I am a fan of Aronofskys work. He could be one of very few US directors people will continue to talk about in many years from now. His pictures always touch essential parts of life and the use of metaphors is remarkable.

I saw "The Wrestler" at the Viennale Film Festival in Vienna. In some way it might be Aronofskys clearest and less metaphoric work up to this date. However considering this kind of theme it won't be easy to attract a large audience. Right now Wrestling isn't very popular and I think it has always had the image of a somewhat typical brainless "men sport". I fear that this image won't help selling an art-film. In fact this picture is a very existentialist and thoughtful piece of cinema. It affects more than just a business.

While on the first impression "The Wrestler" may seem "clearer", you still can't cut it down to a few words. It can be seen various ways, like a story about an ageing wrestler and showgirl who try to get back into life or as a film about show-business using those who are part of it, without really caring about them as person and so on. In any respect I think everyone should draw their own conclusions.

Comparing to former Aronofsky creations the picture language of "The Wrestler" is rougher. It is a much cheaper production. This style fits the theme of this film and makes it even more realistic. The visual style is not as dominant as for example during "The Fountain". A further plus of "The Wrestler" is the casting. I can't think of any better choice for "The Ram" than Mickey Rourke. Tomei is a wonderful choice.

Summing up: "The Wrestler" felt deep and moving. For me it was not as moving as "Requiem for a Dream" or "The Fountain" but nonetheless I think it's an excellent original drama. The best movie I've seen so far this year.

Heroes: Chapter One 'The Second Coming' (2008) Season 3, Episode 1

far away from season one...

[5/10 · 23 September 2008]

Though season two looked pale, I had hopes for the third "Heroes" volume. These hopes crashed during the first two episodes.

One point I'd criticize is the missing build up. You may expect one action sequence following the other - without substance and content. Character development (which in my opinion is one strength of season one) almost fully disappeared. While during season two the characters already turned more and more black and white this trend seems to find continuation. The story at several moments gets bloodcurdling stupid (soap opera style). Not that "Heroes" is known for realism. Only it can be too much none-sense and this show deserves better.

In a short: Pointless and very confused start of the new "Heroes" season. Perhaps some writers were still striking. Eventually if you prefer action that lacks content you might enjoy it but for your own sake do not try to think about it.

I'm Through with White Girls (2007)

Sweet fun !

[8/10 · 9 August 2008]

"I'm through with..." is a pleasantly surprising comedy about a black guy who had only had too many relationships with white girls that always ended with him leaving in a clandestine rush. He thinks it's not his fault and that probably the reason why it didn't work out is they're white. So he decides to try something with a black woman and so the story of this "black" comedy really starts going...

What makes this film good is perhaps not so much the plot itself but the way some scenes are dealing with life. The main characters seem authentic (good casting. L. Johnson is magnificent) and the screenplay is well written: situations feel right, it's funny and you don't get this "seen before" feeling again and again. Besides "I'm through..." doesn't focus too much on the typical comedy structure too intensively - only during the last act it is turning more and more to this typical way of storytelling. This part may not be as creative as the rest though still nice.

Summing up "I'm through with..." would have many basic ingredients it would take for a hit but I guess due to the story and the more than risky title it will be tough to find the audience. Perhaps that is why the producers didn't spend much money to promote it. However if you're in the mood for comedy, give it a shot...

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Not as weak as it could be - but far away from being as good as it should be !

[4/10 · 16 June 2008]

As huge Indy fan I - like many others - was curious about this fourth installation of Indiana Jones. Curious and worried.

It's safe to say that Indy is one of the most successful fictional characters ever created for cinema. Back then George Lucas had excellent ideas. Without him there would be no Skywalker, no Yoda... and no Indiana Jones. But the new "Star Wars" episodes have shown one thing: he lacks ideas and what he needed to tell he had told long ago. What's left for now feels to me more like a bunch of self-references and the same seems true for "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".

This Spielberg-Lucas co-production disappointed me for several reasons: first of all Indy had always been about very archetypal and religious stories and mostly about the Nazis. In comparison "Crystal Skull" chose an atypical way. Yes, I do understand that for Indy has aged significantly and therefore his opponents have changed... but why Aliens ? Aliens are a topic close to conspiracy theories. It doesn't feel ancient and historical or adventurous at all.

The next thing is that the action is too uncreative while there's too little story. After all it's hard to become acquainted to any of the characters. Indy had always had fascinating bad guys... not this time. It might be the weakest performance Cate Blanchett so far, probably also due to the screenplay which doesn't leave much space for each characte. I think that writer Koepp can do better.

Conclusion: I could name further more critics but those were the main reasons, why "Crystal Skull" isn't as good as any piece of the old trilogy - though it may seem close to the second (weakest) one. It doesn't have the fascination "Raiders" or "Crusade" has !

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

Outstanding !

[8/10 · 28 April 2008]

As for me "How I met..." from the first moment on filled the breach "Friends" left open. Of course it's not just some substitute, it also shows its own qualities. Biggest plus perhaps is that its a very natural. Many episodes deal with certain aspects of daily live. Aspects most of us are familiar with. Often it's something you haven't seen too often during other shows. For those who don't know "How I met..." yet, I recommend to start with season 1 - which was the best season so far and a great way to get into this show. The other seasons so far are good but probably you'll find them not as outstanding.

In a short: One of the best comedy shows these days.

Secret Window (2004)

solid flick...

[6/10 · 5 January 2008]

The director and writer of this movie - David Koepp - has done good jobs (Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Stir of Echoes...) and bad ones (like Lost World and Trigger Effect..). With him everything - from good entertainment to boredom - is possible, but you should never have too high expectations.

His mystery thriller "Secret Window" (novel: Stephen King) starts promising. Only a good start isn't everything and after all the rest of this picture didn't convince me. I was disappointed especially for one particular reason: it's too easy to anticipate and I'd say that if you've seen enough movies, you've seen these things too often.

In a short: I'd say "Secret Window" is solid but lacks surprising moments and the story isn't quiet original. Not even Johnny Depp can change that !

Shrek the Third (2007)

Lacks Shrekness...

[6/10 · 5 January 2008]

The first two movies proved to be excellent family entertainment (outstanding first one - good sequel). "Shrek" has always been a very clever crossover cuisine cinema of fables.

One could expect a lot for the new sequel, but high expectations are easy to disappoint. While watching "Shrek 3" I had to think of those Disney TV Sequels: it feels like a reunion of friends... far more than like a good story. After all I was wondering what sense (besides making money) it makes to release sequel after sequel, year after year... why the hell did they spent that much money on a movie thats so far away from having the quality fans deserve and got used to !?

In a short: only routine Shrek sequel that fails to meet the high quality standards of the series... perhaps kids will like it.

Persepolis (2007)

very good adaption !

[9/10 · 20 December 2007]

Adapting "Persepolis" in my opinion was a very important project. Especially (but not only) during times of fear and extreme distrust regarding other ethnicities it's necessary to communicate better understanding for these cultures. Films are capable reach millions of people all around the world. Therefore this medium is a very effective way to do this (unfortunately it can also get misused in the opposite direction).

Seen from this cultural perspective "Persepolis" is an entertaining feature which also meets a certain social responsibility. To me it is the right picture at the right time. In a individually visualized way this animation picture shows Marjane Satrapis personal biography and gives you an idea about the historical background of the Iran and the way of living in this part of the world. Besides several tragic moments "Persepolis" never loses it's humour.

In a short: "Persepolis" is a very true and affectionate adaption of the original comic also drawn by Satrapi who directed the film. An important issue and not only for this reason I truly recommend it !

The Legend of Hell House (1973)

horror you don't see often these days !

[8/10 · 15 December 2007]

I was happy to see this movie. Personally I think that these days we are confronted by a very physical direction within the horror-genre and from this perspective "Legend of Hell House" is a terrific example for a different, a more psychological kind of horror ! Supposedly decades ago producers, directors and writers were more interested in creating fear than showing it in every detail. I won't say one way is better. Both - physical and the psychological horror - have their justification. However too much of the same will never be the key.

As far as I'm concerned this psychological horror is something you can experience different every time you see it. On the other side the more physical kind is triggering very basic emotions, very strong emotions but therefore less differentiated, less complex and less subtle (revenge, hate...). One reason for a change within the genre could be that some of its representatives tend to move towards extremes. And the more extreme something gets the less space is left for complexity.

Director John Hough did a good job and he did not refrain from visual experiments while adapting Matheson's novel. Some work excellent, a few others don't but on the whole he created a very unique, frightening atmosphere (since many newer productions prefer a more conservative way of visualization this could offer an interesting source for inspiration to any film-maker). I highlight cinematography and the setting of light. These elements form a thrilling experience while showing the importance of shadow and darkness for this media !

In a short: Good story, excellent cinematography and interesting use of light make "the legend of hell house" a fine example for well done horror. Worth watching !