aiga Reviews

The English (2022)

Oh what a wonderful story well told!!!

[10/10 · 16 November 2022]

Oh what a wonderful story it is indeed! From the moment when I stumbled upon the trailer of this 6 episode TV film, I was sure I want to see it. And I was not disappointed!

What's not to like - a great lead pair Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer, a classic story about young woman seaking revenge in the wild, wild west. I really miss those kind of stories. It does seam that once great Hollywood has lost it really - most we get these days are recycled old ideas or superheroe movies. I like those as mush as the next person, but I miss a great story that is not made on a green screen.

And made well it is! The actor work is outstanding! But also other aspects such as directing, camera work etc do not leave you wanting. It's a great example that so much can be done with so little! I watched it on BBC iPlayer and I could not leave it till it was over! It's perfect length - not dragged out, but long enough to offer enough details to paint an exquisite picture of the two main characters, their relationship and the world they live in.

However there is no film without a story and strong writing behind it and this one has both. I don't want to give any details away here and I will if I keep on gushing more. You must see for yourself!

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

It had potential.

[6/10 · 5 October 2022]

With all the drama and controversy surrounding the film, also being a bit of a Harry Styles music fan, I thought that I should see it for myself what all the fuss is about. I like to make up my own mind about things.

So generally I though that the film was an ok watch. It is not amazing or mind blowing, but still it was entertaining enough. It had moments - sparks, if you will, that unfortunately never turned in to a fire. The story had a potential, but I feel that the execution was not the best. I am not the director or the screen writer to say how it should have been done, but I know I was left wanting.

Safe House (2012)

stylish & raw

[9/10 · 13 February 2012]

I saw this film today and I am very excited now. Several hours later I can still feel the adrenalin pumping in my veins. I dearly love spy films that tell stories from the CIA mythology. Also, I feel that lately there has been shortage of stylish, interesting and engaging thrillers. Well now, this is all that and more. What you get is two really good actors having an excellent interplay - an intense, tireless and all together enjoyable performance. Mr. D. Washington - with all do respect - is a genius on the screen and there is nothing to be added. What I am very happy about is that lately we have chance to see Reynolds playing some good parts. It turns out that he has not only good looks but talent as well. It was about time. Well done & well deserved! So, as you can see, I am very happy with it and I recommend it to all who love high speed car chases with lots of smashed metal, close up fights to the death, good (Or more like idealistic.) vs bad (But is it really?). And all this is wrapped up in a raw and stylish cinematography.

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

Excellent! Smart comedy for smart people!

[10/10 · 26 February 2010]

Now, don't be alarmed! Yes, it is a movie about gay love, which might make some people feel uncomfortable, but please do see past that! Open your mind and you will see that it is an amazing story about an amazing man told in the most funny and sincere manner. I mean, wow! If I would have a hat, I would take it off to honor these people who have been brave enough and daring enough to take up this story and created such an excellent movie. It is a some what sensitive topic. Well yeh, but in the movie it is merely a background against which all the action takes place.I believe that the world has grown and its views on homosexuality are not as strict as they used to be some years ago. I hope that people are not going to be hypocrites and, by saying that the subject of men-to-men love is not acceptable to them, ignore this movie.

The movie is about a man named Steven Russell - a man who has never figured out who he really is and what is his place in this world. He has seen it all and done it all, but everything has been merely a preamble to what's coming. He meets his true love. He meets Phillip Morris. From then on he lives for this man. All he does is for the soul purpose of making his other half happy and that is what gets him into trouble. It happens just because there are no limits to what he would do for the man he loves. Also, his imagination and creativity is endless. There are not as many people who would do the same for those who we love.

Though it is very funny, featuring fresh humor which is based more in the situations than actual jokes and funny one-liners, it is just as sad. It is even tragic. I guess that is the way with life: after flying high there comes a low fall. Since the movie is based on actual events, there is no alternative ending. But I want to say: let's not get sad! Let's look at this movie as a celebration of life and love. It is a wonderful, but in the end heart-breaking love story.

To conclude I want to point out the outstanding performance of the two main actors – Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey. I don't have a large enough vocabulary to describe how much I enjoyed it. For Carrey it is not a typical part, but he does wonders with it. I wish we would see him more often in movies like this (I mean smart and deep). His comedy experience brings new quality to the drama genre. However he is a first rate actor, who makes us laugh and cry, and that is why we love him no matter what movie he is in. McGregor is equally good. The fact is they both make us believe when we watch the movie and that is the testimony of how great they really are.

From Paris with Love (2010)

Fun Ride!!!

[7/10 · 24 February 2010]

Well! It was just as I had expected... hoped. The movie trailer promises and the movie delivers. It is fun filled with action. You will never get bored. If there is no action, a funny humor will fill the space, and so the time will fly by you.

I loved it! It has all that I like in a movie. Action, humor, good bad-guy or bad god-guy (which ever you like best!), spy games etc. It is quite out of touch with reality, but that is the reason we like this kind of movies where a tough dude comes in and saves the day. That is the reason we liked Die Hard and Lethal Weapon movies, that is the reason we enjoy Transporter. There are many movies of this genre, but there are few of those lately. There are even fewer decent end enjoyable ones.

Of course it has some flaws - some things that might be done differently. For example, some parts of the dialog were a bit clumsy, but the jokes were fresh and enjoyable. Rhyes-Meyers seemed a bit uncomfortable in his role, but Travolta was excellent as always. I dig his new look! The worst thing in the movie was the main story twist where Rhyes-Meyers's girlfriend turns out to be the main villain. I don't mind that (In fact I even liked it!), but her motives and objectives were kind of weak. May be these things needed more projection and underlining. In general, I must say, that it didn't bother me. That is what I would improve. I enjoyed the movie and I will probably see it once again.

Valentine's Day (I) (2010)

Just the thing!

[7/10 · 6 February 2010]

So, the Valentine's Day is just a week away and so is the release date for the movie of the same title. However, I had the opportunity to see it at a press release. I tell you! It was just the thing I was looking for. It might be a combination of several things that fell together on that day and made me feel about the movie the way I do. I love it! It is so funny and romantic! It is hilarious even. It is just the thing. If you have nothing spacial to do on the 14th of February do go see this movie. It will bring you the spirit of the Valentine's. It is perfect for everybody - lovers and haters, romantics and not so much. First of all, the movie has a bunch of well-known and really good actors staring. I say, there was hardly anyone that I couldn't name or point out a film he or she had been seen in. That is a real delight! Second thing is the really good humor. It is not just a cheesy, romantic movie. It has good quality jokes which combined with the sweet stories of people of different ages makes for a good entertainment. So, as I said before, it is perfect for this day of love. Even if you are alone and have no Valentine of your own, it will set the mood and you will feel the love that is in the air at this time of year.

So have a great Valentine's Day!!! :D

Up in the Air (I) (2009)

He's a sad and lonely man... but the movie is great!

[9/10 · 29 January 2010]

It is great! I could say that it is brilliant even. I just saw it recently, but lately (since "Avatar" :D) it is the best I've seen. George Clooney is a great actor. I do love him not just because I'm a girl (Let's face it! Women love him because he is what he is.), but because he gives great performances one after another. A movie with his name in the titles guarantees a good time. So, yeah! I'm a fan. But let's speak about the movie... I loved it. I loved its fresh humor, the sadness of the story and how it was blended to make a perfect, refreshing cocktail. This is a movie about a man who has lived all his life in a certain manner, is used to certain things and ways, is committed to a life of a bachelor (Even more than that! He doesn't even have an address that he would call his home, and basically lives out of a suitcase by choice.). He denies family and marriage. All the interaction he needs he gets from flight attendants (That's an overstatement, but it basically explains his level of need for other people.) One day this man realizes that the philosophy, he has been living by, might be flawed and he just might want to try out some of that regular stuff that all of us are dreaming off since we were 5 years old, or so. He just might commit to another person. And guess what!!! It all blows up in his face! It seams so unfair... so sad. He was ready to change his life for another person, but it turned out, nobody needed him different. I felt so sorry for this man. He has shut himself off from the world and now, that he wants to rejoin, it doesn't let him. Is it too late at some point to change your stars??? I guess that the lesson is: be careful what you wish for - you might just get it. SO, the actors were great. George of course! I love Vera Farmiga. She is great and charming as always. I must point out Anna Kendrick's performance. She has something. I must agree with the many comments out there who all claim that she has a great potential. I truly enjoyed her performance. It is nothing like the Twilight saga. Good luck to her! But all these wonderful actors were brought together to tell an interesting and fresh story. Not everyone will like it, but it's a smart movie. It's not for everyone.

Avatar (2009)

Amazing! Must-see movie!

[10/10 · 16 December 2009]

Today I saw the beginning of a new era – I had the opportunity to be one of the first to see Avatar. I tell you! It is amazing!!! It is a must-see movie. Every one should experience it at least once. I can honestly call it my movie of the year. It might be even more than that – the movie of a decade. I had been waiting to see it, and for once my expectations were rewarded.

It is a breath-taking almost three hour ride in the world you could not imagine existed. After the movie my colleagues were saying that they didn't want it to end. I felt the same. I didn't want to leave this dangerous yet amazingly beautiful place where everything is so bright and colorful, and exciting. It is amazing that there are people with imagination powerful and creative enough to bring such an experience for the rest of us.

There were several people at the screening who originally were not interested in sci-fi or this movie in particular. They all liked it very much though. I believe it is due to the storyline. The story may not be the most original one, but it is that which moves all people at all times. It is a tale of love and fighting for a cause. It is a tale of a charismatic hero finding his true identity and place in the world. It is a tale where good triumphs over bad. This is what attracts people at all times. No more, no less. Just as important is the fact that the story is well told. You won't miss any details. Everything is explained well and to the point. There are no long overwhelming scenes. The story just moves fluidly forward and takes you on a magical ride.

I must make a remark regarding the much-discussed technological achievements. CGI is incredible! You can't tell where the real thing ends and the CGI begins. Well, you can, but just because you know that it doesn't exist on our planet. It is so believable and therefore so fascinating. I despise those that claim that all of it looks just like a very expensive computer game. NO! It does not! Go see it! See it in 3D if possible. I feel that this new technology offers some great possibilities. It has been said that a new era in cinematography begins with Avatar. It so does and I cannot wait to see what it has to offer. So, I invite everyone to go and see this new world of Avatar. You won't be sorry!

Personal Effects (2009)

It's a treasure!

[9/10 · 13 November 2009]

I have just returned from the theater and I must share my thoughts. I was – still am – incredibly moved by this movie. It has been a while since I saw anything that touched me so deeply. This movie is a treasure that has found its way to the audience in the era of thrillers and romcoms. The story is about people left behind after their loved ones have been violently taken away from them. They are trying to find their way back into life, but it is not easy. Each one of them is looking for something that would give the support or direction for this new life that they have to make now. For one person it is a new love that gives sense back to her existence. For the other person it is a hope of justice. Yet another one finds peace in a self actualization.

The movie has an incredibly melancholy and soulful tone to it. It is very quiet in spite of the intense suffering that it depicts. There are no loud manifestations or long intense monologues. There are just these people. They look at you through the screen and you can feel their pain and sorrow. These people have lost something irreplaceable, something that, in a way, was a part of their being. How to cope with a loss like that? The world depicted in the movie is a reflection of the human emotions. It highlights the melancholy atmosphere of the movie. There are dark clouds and rain constantly present. The world is grey and joyless, just as the people in it. All in all, I feel that the movie is perfect in its sadness. Still, it shows that there is hope even when you don't see any.

The actors gave an excellent performance. Michelle Pfeiffer is wonderful and charming as usual. I must praise Ashton Kutcher. I like his comedies where he usually gets to play handsome romantic fellows, but guess what! There is more to him than meets the eye! Well, there have been movies, like The Butterfly Effect and The Guardian, where it was noticeable that he has a serious drama actor potential. Then there was Spread, which was something new and interesting. This movie, however, brings a whole new level out in him. There was no sign of the boisterous, self confident good-looking young man that he always plays. There was just this sad young man with these incredibly soulful eyes and no apparent aim in the future. Excellent performance!

There was, however, one minus. I believe there is a great deal of those who would agree with me on the point. The movie has all the makings of a real drama - in all the senses of the word. It depicts real people in the real world with just as real problems. There are no particular surprises or twists in the story, which in this case I don't consider to be a flaw. It is about the feeling that it brings. Usually I am a fan of happy endings, but in this case I felt a bit cheated. I could see the shooting approaching, but I was still shocked and desperate when it happened. The following scene softened this blow and ultimately spoiled the movie a bit. I suppose that changing the ending of the movie might have resulted in the change of its general message as well, but I feel that it would have suited better.

2012 (I) (2009)

It's all been done before... and better.

[4/10 · 10 November 2009]

I was very lucky to get to see this movie before its official airing at a press-release in Riga, Latvia. I was so excited! I had been waiting for this movie since I first heard about its being in production. It has been a while since there was a decent catastrophe-movie. Well, at least not since The Day After Tomorrow (I so loved that one!). So, that was the idea I had bouncing in my head when I trotted down to the theater to see the end of the world in 2012. I got comfortable in my seat as I waited impatiently for the show to start. After all, it is more than two hours long. And finally it started! So, for me this was the peak moment of the movie. From that point on my excitement got deflated. Well, I admit, I might have been over-excited about it. I might have been too caught up in The Day After Tomorrow. It is one of my favorite catastrophe-movies. I was expecting an equally good story. Something new, maybe. I don't know much about making movies - I haven't made one, but I can recognize a good story. That is the key element I am looking for, but didn't find in 2012. In fact, it was a bad reproduction of The Day After Tomorrow. It's greatest problem is the incredibly week storyline. Come on! If you are going to spend millions of dollars on CGI, you might as well come up with a good-enough story to go with that. Something new, maybe… This one is so predictable. It does not have a shred of originality and it is filled with clichés, and it is out of balance. I felt like there was the idea of the end of the world, which was not the background situation against which the story took place, but, in fact, the main character itself. I guess, I could say that it was overwhelming. Then there was this whole bunch of other stuff going on which didn't really made me care. It was like… Yeah! So? I have seen it before. It was exactly the same. As you might have understood, I was disappointed in it. 2012 had some good actors playing the parts, but the story was all empty and cheesy, and the characters were not developed enough.

However, I must admit that the CGI was awesome. If nothing else, you can enjoy that. And if you sit close enough to the screen (like I usually do), you might almost get to experience the feeling that you are witnessing the destruction of the world right there on the spot and get the sensation of general closure. That is the way it might happen. Any way, don't expect any more of it than the special effects – there isn't. In spite of my disappointment, I strongly believe that people differ and so do their tastes in films. No objective opinion is possible. I'm just expressing my own. If you feel that you might like this movie, go right ahead, and see for your self. Then write your own comment.

The Box (I) (2009)

disappointing

[5/10 · 6 November 2009]

So, what was the movie about? I have absolutely no idea. I have seen it once and I struggle to find the message it should be carrying. Isn't that the way with all the artworks? I haven't read the book, but I suspect it had a message. Well, it might have been too sophisticated for me. I don't mind a movie that makes you think, but this thinking should be more like contemplation or reflection. I can't say that it was all bad. It had its moments. For example, I enjoyed the style of the movie. It reminded me of the bygone times. It had a feel of the '80s to it. It was interesting that the ending of the movie didn't have conventional "happily ever after" (I guess that would have killed it completely, and therefore no other option was possible). The selection of the actors was pleasing. Frank Langella and James Marsden – I love them, though Cameron Diaz should probably stick to comedies. I liked the mystery of the box, which to me was solved much too fast. I think I would have liked it better if the whole story would be about "to push or not to push". The downside of the story started from the point that it was. It had too many unclear points. Like, for example, who was this "employer". I kept waiting for that to be revealed, but it never came. As I mentioned before, there were many things that were never explained. I kind of wish they would be. The theatrical trailer was suggesting a sort of mystery/horror thriller. Well, there was a mystery. There was some suspense, but it was not nearly as thrilling as I had hoped. More like confusing

The Last House on the Left (2009)

Not scary but attention grabbing.

[8/10 · 2 November 2009]

So, apparently this movie is a remake. I didn't know that. I do watch a lot of movies – different kind. I know some things about the movies, but I don't know everything. This is one of the cases when my knowledge failed me. I am intrigued though. I would like to see the original as well. I hear it is more horrifying than this one. I must admit, I didn't find this movie scary at all, but don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean that the movie is bad. Though to me it does not qualify as a horror movie, it has its moments of great suspense. It is more like a thriller when you just find yourself holding your breath and grabbing the holds of your seat in anticipation. If you want something that will hold your attention for about two hours, this is the way to go! I must point out the most exciting part of the story. It is the fact that there is no black or white in this movie. It is just grey. I am referring to the moral side of it. Well, of course, there are the bad guys and the good guys, but in the course of the movie their places as good or bad sort of get swapped. At the end I almost felt sorry for the villains… Well, almost. I found myself cheering for the dad / good doctor on a killing spree to avenge his daughter, but at the same time I wandered about this wild side that is there in each of us. How would you react if it was your family? Would it be your worst nightmare? I bet it would! So is this.

The Hangover (2009)

Funniest movie of the year.

[10/10 · 12 October 2009]

Well, it might be that everything there is to say has already been said, but today I feel like sharing my opinion. I am one of those people who put their DVD players on repeat. Especially, if I like what I see. I saw this movie for the first time already long time ago, but I do watch it over and over again. Today was one of those days. I must say that even though I've seen it many times, it is still funny. I guess it is not that easy to come up with jokes that would be funny when repeated over and over. This team has done it. I am so impatient for the sequel. I do wish those guys most of luck and success in making the second film just as good and funny. I love the fact that this movie has a reality feel to it. No matter how ridiculous and impossible the situations are, it still seems plausible. Maybe it is because those guys could be anyone and everyone. Like who hasn't been to a wild party?! Well, maybe not as crazy as that… Any way, it is something new and fresh in the vast sea of American-Pie-type movies and all those romantic comedies. Don't get me wrong! I liked the first American Pie. May be the second, but all those sequels and alike… no, not really. And what's up with all those romantic comedies!? Girl meets boy, boy meets girl, and so on. Most of them are all the same. You can see them once and forget just as you exit the theater. Sometimes I catch myself guessing the turns of the plot and ruining the movie for my friends by telling them exactly how it is going to end. I don't like to be able to do that after the first twenty minutes. I like surprises. It is really rare nowadays that one gets that in a movie. There are so many things made that I can understand that it is hard to find an original subject and, even more, to surprise the viewer. Well, I would like to conclude this short account of my impressions by citing a friend of mine who said that this movie is the best thing that has happened in cinema this year.

Pandorum (2009)

I'm no horror fan but, man, I had a great time!

[9/10 · 11 October 2009]

Yeh! As I said, I'm no horror fan or expert for that matter. Particularly I don't like the slashers and, if you are looking for that, this is not the way to go. This movie has a quality to it. I believe in the saying 'it is all in your head'. So, this is the sort of horror that messes with your head. I think it is the best kind. You get the most thrill out of it. I had a great time watching this film. I bit my nails, I jumped in my seat, but I couldn't tear myself away from the screen even though at times I was terrified to my core. I disagree with those who say that the story is boring. It had twists and turns and you can never guess the ending. To me it is one of the key elements in movies. I want a surprise. And Pandorum has a surprise!