Katiousha Reviews

Coup de Chance (2023)

Not great but well made and entertaining

[6/10 · 7 October 2023]

The new Woody film is neither a masterpiece nor is it bad - as some reviews here seem to claim. It is actually better than some of his recent films (i.e "Autumn in NY"). Parts of it reminded me of "Scoop" or even of the masterpiece that is "Manhattan Murder Mystery". Unfortunately without the humour and star actors of his older films. Although acting is decent and photography, script and directing are even better- it misses the quality and sparks that great stars have brought to Allen's films in the past turning a small-talk scene into something brilliant and funny or a personal impasse into tragedy.

For Allen fans it is very pleasant entertainment with some Hitchcockian touches and a nice Paris-in-the-autumn atmosphere.

The underlying "philosophical" motif of beleiving or not in the power of chance in life is rather superficially dealt with, rehashing the ideas of "Matchpoint". The ending could be more developed while the whole film seems at places to work on auto-pilot following similar plots of his previous films. However, as the "captain" here happens to be one of the greatest living directors who - despite his old age and the witch hunt against him- continues to offer us one film per year I can only say, thanks again Woody!

Should the Wind Drop (2020)

Kiarostami in Nagorno Karabakh

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

A beautiful and very interesting fiction film, the first one I have seen about or from Nagorno Karabakh. The narrative gradually acquires an immersive, poetic quality allowing the viewer to calmly observe a western engineer's efforts in trying to assess the possibility of opening the airport on the one hand and a young boy's daily wanderings trying to survive in a dry and unhospitable nearby area on the other.

War is recent and still not really over, one senses and violence can erupt at any time. But there is also tranquility as people and animals are getting on with their lives. And above all there is hope.

We need more of this kind of cinema and the West should listen to such diverse voices.

On the Rocks (2020)

Light and highly enjoyable. Ignore the bad reviews

[7/10 · 15 November 2020]

I couldn't disagree more with the bad reviews.This is a quiet film about a woman losing herself in her various roles as mother, wife, daughter, writer. It is also about communication (much like Lost in translation) and misunderstanding, about growing up and finding the confidence to define oneself as a woman apart from your father's shadow. In the end it is about love and relationships (also New York looks great). This is not a shallow film as some would have it, it is just not pretentious or full of pseudo-intellectual dialogue like most Baumbach or Ethan Hawke films. It's light -weight, real, tender and feminine and we need more of these. You can always rely on Bill Murray's charisma but Rashida Jones' sensitive performance is still the focus here.

Rhoda (1974–1978)

Brings back my childhood. Rare gem.

[9/10 · 20 January 2020]

I haven't seen Rhoda again since I was devotedly watching it in our tiny black and white tv in post dictatorship Greece. Although I was barely out of childhood, I absolutely adored it. It was an oasis in a sad tv landscape offering a glimpse of another fascinating world with strong and funny women friends. I had to write something about this forgotten series when I heard that Valerie Harper died this year. Well, she' s still alive in our hearts.

Motherland (I) (2016–2022)

Very very funny and real

[9/10 · 5 July 2017]

I don't know why I never heard about this series. It is certainly the funniest pilot I have seen in a long time. Absolutely hilarious and fresh and real unlike clichéd Hollywood motherhood depictions. At least most mothers I know would surely identify. Really disappointing that there is only this one episode --looking forward to more.

Divorce (2016–2019)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 24 October 2016]

The only reason to watch this series would be Sarah Jessica Parker, that is if you're a big fan (and like most Hollywood actors she could not resist some unfortunate face changing Botox). Otherwise the male lead (T.S. Church) is quite unbearable: really mediocre acting, miscast, boring and unlikeable character. The script is slow and tedious at least after the third episode. The husband's never ending angry comments are not only exaggerated and tasteless but delivered in a totally unconvincing manner. There is definitely no chemistry between the two and no hint of humour -which is too bad because SJP's kind of acting is generally better suited for romcoms. The story is in desperate need of something: a better rhythm, a different male protagonist, a better dialogue or at least a decent subplot but even that wouldn't be enough to save it. I don't think the series will last long.