is24 Reviews

Kill the Messenger (2014)

" Reality is Classified"

[9/10 · 8 July 2015]

Based on a true story. Fantastic film. Well acted, well written and demanding attention for extremely compelling reasons. All star cast. Jeremy Renner's portrayal of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Gary Webb and his difficult pursuit of being true to his calling, is marvelous.

To quote one of the characters: "Attracted to the power, Addicted to the power, Devoured by the power". Somber reality of extreme corruption that majority of politicians represented throughout centuries, and sadly still today.

According to governments here and elsewhere " reality is classified". A must see.

The Longest Week (2014)

Witty

[8/10 · 8 July 2015]

The first thought that came to my mind watching this charming comedy was- this is a witty homage to the great Claude Lelouch and his 1966 classic " A Man and a Woman" ("Un homme et une femme" original title).

Jay Israelson's music is simply beautiful.

The repetitive critics on several portals of how this is a copy of Wes Anderson or Woody Allen, are incredibly narrow minded and surprisingly coming from big name news sources. Also, Django Reinhardt is fabulous on any occasion and does not need to be reduced to just association with specific filmmakers even if they are as brilliant as Mr. Allen. Those thoughts didn't even get to compete with the homage notion.

Loved the writing and directing of Peter Glanz.

Jason Bateman is just incredibly amusing in his quaint portrayal of Conrad Valmont, detached trust fund kid - man, or Billy Crudup's ever eccentric ways, both in dead on performances. All of the cast is just wonderful. Usually, the constant narration can be annoying, but in this case it is marvelously delivered by Mr. Bateman, in his unique matter of fact way.

I highly recommend this movie.

Rudderless (2014)

Surprising ...

[10/10 · 13 October 2014]

... and breathtaking. I had a pleasure of watching this movie tonight, including a director, William H. Macy's Q and A.

Writers and director did some great choices. Casting was perfect. Billy Crudup's performance is simply fantastic. Excellent music and lyrics. By far, the most emotional and moving film I saw this year.

Daring and dangerous, casualties all across the board and so well done in all aspects. Yet another proof that independent movies like this one bring out more feelings and passion than any blockbuster.

Everyone should see it!

Thought-provoking gem!

Chef (2014)

it is a great fun ...

[10/10 · 4 May 2014]

exactly what it was for me watching the movie "Chef" tonight. This movie is not about a plot. It is about authenticity and I got that away from it.

It is one of those small movies that connects you back to reality. Jon obviously made a passion project. It felt like he really enjoyed playing this down and out character since he is so believable as a chef.

Some expected scenes do not diminish the fact that this movie is upbeat and inspiring!

Well Jon, I did not wait for the selfie with you this evening, as the line was too long. I do hope, however, you come up with a cookbook! I would love to buy it.

Half the Sky (2012)

Quest to restore humanity!

[10/10 · 12 November 2013]

Everyone should see this documentary and do something about it.

It is a two part documentary that deserves all the attention and to be seen one story at the time. It shows six different stories, in different countries and the abuse that no human being should experience, much less a child. And all of that misery is man-made.

It breaks your heart while watching it and it is extremely emotional, but when you see these precious little girls talking, and their spirits still shining through after enduring so much evil, you are left speechless and humbled.

It clarifies the insignificance's of some of the things we stress about daily. No one in this day and age, especially a child anywhere on this planet should be mutilated, or a slave, much less a sex slave and to be told: there is no food for you today, and you cannot go to school.

Quartet (2012)

beauty in filmmaking!

[10/10 · 4 January 2013]

What a pleasure was to watch this movie tonight! Mr. Hoffman and the entire cast are just extraordinary. They brought this wondrous story of old age in a funny, yet elegant way.

A must see. For someone in your life that lingers in your memory and makes your heart skip a beat - Quartet, inspires a feeling of delight and heart's adventure. I loved every moment of this movie. This is a lush portrait of different people from the same world and their souls linked by destiny.

A romance later in life that makes the spirit flicker anew and made me in my young age leaving the theater with a big smile.

The Names of Love (2010)

Thrilling comedy!

[10/10 · 10 August 2012]

Hysterically funny! I was laughing out loud. Sara Forestier is a revelation. Her extroverted character ridicules the prejudice, history, culture and human personalities so smoothly, it makes it impossible to stay indifferent.

The free spirit is teaching the locked ones about the world and life. 10 stars for a fabulous script and acting. Intelligent and entertaining. With so much darkness and negativity in the world this casts a liberating candlelight against the cites of the political figures that have shaped the history.

I highly recommend this movie!

Last Night (I) (2010)

lovely!

[14 March 2012]

finally own the copy of this film.

It is one of those simple movies you can see now and again, as it is relatable and easy. The cast seems to be in perfect sync, and so are the technicalities of the film.

Even though the similar stories were dabbled in before on screen, I liked that all main characters had an ambiguity to them. Ambiguities are potentially dangerous and prolific subject for a filmmaker.

It was nice to see Guillaume Canet again, especially since the last film I liked so much, was the one he directed, a fabulous Ne le dis à person.

I look forward to see more work from Massy Tadjedin.

Engineering an Empire: Rome (2005) Season 1, Episode 1

The History Channel's best list

[10/10 · 8 March 2012]

I have seen this special back when it came out and today again. It was equally fascinating both times.

Engineering an Empire is the educational documentary for all ages. Although it is extremely difficult to fit such intricate historical facts in one project, people working on this project did a wonderful job.

The topic I knew from my Law School is the subject defining the ancient world's state-of-the art Empire never achieved again on such scale. This is an engrossing journey through the history of the largest and most powerful Empire known to us, showing virtues and vices that ultimately destroyed it.

Rome, the ever-inspiring realm has, to this day, many hidden secrets.

Ashes and Snow (2005)

Spectacular mind's eye

[10/10 · 6 March 2012]

Simply mesmerizing images and music. The closest to floating in a dream.

Ashes and Snow is like the moment Universe came into being. As if attempting to fathom the cosmos. It is my go to movie for meditation on being. Inspires the life within and ultimate freedom. For any human that needs to be reminded of how precious the moments we have on earth are, this is a must see. The way of coexisting portrayed, encourages the forward motion.

Be it in work or life, I see this as a hymn to uncomplicated. At least the way I like to see life unfolding on this planet.