blogurious Reviews

De Marathon (2012)

Victory is relative

[19 October 2012]

The are many things that can influence our lives but nothing seems to be more powerful than the certainty of our imminent death.

"De Marathon" is a beautiful portrait of friendship and determination, where important choices and decisions are simply necessary in order to move on. Our lives are full of surprises and keeping the spirit alive through thick and thin is not for the faint-hearted. We laugh and we cry, we fight to win and sometimes we lose. The road may be long and believing in who you are and what you can do if your strongest ally. But victory is very relative and if your efforts can somehow be used as a form of inspiration, than you have already succeeded. Nice movie.

Only Decent People (2012)

Culture clash

[6/10 · 12 October 2012]

The social struggle that people go through when living in a different country is never-ending. We can never please everyone and finding our place among a different culture is a continuous and sometime strenuous fight.

"Alleen Maar Nette Mensen: Only Decent People" is a very interesting Dutch movie about the differences in culture and acceptance of one's individual background. However, we as humans tend to have needs that, sometimes, do not comply with the environment where we live. And making the right choice in order to not be excluded completely is a very difficult task. Smartly critical and very actual.

Dredd (2012)

So...?

[4/10 · 12 October 2012]

Once again we are back in the middle of a chaotic future where the only means of survival is complying to either the criminal world or the power of a violent system.

"Dredd" reminds me a lot of "The Raid", except for the high technology available where violence is extremely present. I can't understand the need for a 3D approach, however, in a movie that simply deals with the world of drugs and doomed victims who depend on the powers that be. We are all part of a system that is crumbling little by little and we still have to realize that the futility of our actions are the only thing to blame. Nothing fresh and therefore disappointing.

Being Flynn (2012)

The art of being you

[8/10 · 6 October 2012]

How much we inherit from our parents doesn't necessary make us become who we really are. Some might take pride into extending the tradition while others might fight against any residue of similarity to prove otherwise.

"Being Flynn" is a beautiful drama based on a true story of survival and search for one's self. It is tragically positive as we grow with the character of Paul Dano, very nicely played, to discover new possibilities are always possible when you put your mind to it, navigating through your troubles and finding strength and determination within yourself. De Niro is absolutely amazing as an estranged father who thinks highly of himself, in spite of all his shortcomings. It's a rewarding experience that delivers a good message of the importance of finding out who you are and validating your existence.

Now Is Good (2012)

No way back

[6/10 · 5 October 2012]

We all know death is the only certain thing that will happen to us. But the thought of living everyday as it were our last is probably taken seriously only by those with an expiration date on their backs.

"Now Is Good" is a compelling drama that raises those questions about how you would plan your remaining days when all you can do is wait for the final curtain. Dakota Fanning is an amazing young actress who can light up the room and yet bring tears to your eyes on a story that moves and inspires. It is many times depressing but also full of life, where the main characters depict so well how everyone around the patient suffers from different angles, ironically making the terminally ill seem stronger than everybody else. Beautiful. *** Director: Ol Parker

Bellicher: Cel (2012)

Pawn in a game

[6/10 · 5 October 2012]

An almost perfect life can suddenly be transformed into a nightmare you might wish you could wake up from. But when everything leads to believe you are nothing but the culprit, problems can take a lot longer to fix.

"Bellicher: Cel" is a good Dutch thriller that deals with stolen identity and the numerous wrong situations that make the victim distrust anyone trying to help. Making justice with our own hands is sometimes the first thought after being denied assistance from the police, but that usually complicates the problem even further and the only way out is proving by one way of the other that you are nothing but innocent. And if in the end everything looks like a government misunderstanding, you realize you are nothing but a pawn in a game of political chess. Good entertainment.

Bachelorette (2012)

Avoid it if you can!

[2/10 · 4 October 2012]

Just because it's a comedy doesn't mean it needs to resort to name calling or poor attempts to make you laugh. There are still people who can enjoy an intelligent joke without being exposed to ridiculous and nonsensical situations.

"Bachelorette" is simply a waste of time. It's gross, tasteless and full of dead-end scenes that seemed to be shot just to fill a blank because the inspiration must have run out. But then you wonder: why try to revive something that is already dead from the very beginning? I still can't get over the fact that I sat through this painful experience. Avoid it if you can.

Love Is All You Need (2012)

Candid

[6/10 · 4 October 2012]

It doesn't matter how much you have, materialistic speaking. The one and only thing that makes sense in life and never fades away is the love we all feel inside, regardless of how many times it seems to let us down. Love is like an endless spring, always digging other ways to keep on flowing, if you'll let it.

"Love Is All You Need" doesn't need to say much. It's just a look into dysfunctional families and the many secrets we all hold, trying to avoid confrontation because it's much easier to pretend everything is okay. It's a very romantic and, yet, sad journey that takes you through the pain and determination of a character fighting to stay alive in every sense of the way. Sometimes love may seem to have abandoned you until it kisses you from behind, restoring the hope you thought was lost. Simply lovely.

Savages (I) (2012)

...and?

[4/10 · 30 September 2012]

It's always the same story: money for drugs and drugs for power. Lives are taken and many are confined to endless threatenings until no one is really safe.

"Savages" is a typical Stone movie. It has everything in it: romance, sex, violence, drugs and the endless fight between powerful men and their endless thirst for money and control. It is not a bad movie, but it takes its toll when you finally realize that you sitting through something you've seen before and any predictable ending could only struggle for something unexpected. Well, even that turn of events falls into the routine, confirming that anything that has to do with senseless violence can only wrap in a single way. Fun for some, tedious for others. I stay between neutral and disappointed. Take your pick. ** Director: Oliver Stone

Hope Springs (2012)

It takes two

[8/10 · 30 September 2012]

I believe there are no perfect roles: there are perfect actors who make a role perfect. And that is something Meryl Streep can easily do. She is simply an amazing actress.

"Hope Springs" is a delicious comedy-drama that has so much of our own lives in it that it is hard not to relate. Relationships are far from perfect and as much as it takes two to tango, it takes just one to set the wheels in motion. Whatever happens afterwards, it's the result of combined efforts that brings two people together to rekindle what they thought was lost. Not so fresh, but great to watch. I just loved this movie and I would definitely recommend it.

Ruby Sparks (2012)

Poetic fantasy

[6/10 · 24 September 2012]

The sky is the limit in the realms of imagination. We are free to think and create as we will. But some boundaries are still to be respected because life is as mysterious as it can be and any kind of control we may think we have over it is simply overrated.

"Ruby Sparks" is a comic fantasy that entertains by telling us the story of a writer who is able to manifest a female character just by using his imagination. Everything is really nicely done, bringing the audience slowly to an ecstasy of emotions and confused feelings where we realize that, simply by having control of what we want doesn't necessarily brings us the happiness we were hoping to have. It's ironic and yet romantic, with beautiful music and a not so surprising ending. Good fun with a bit of poetry.

Shadow Dancer (2012)

Endless war

[6/10 · 22 September 2012]

Lives are deprived of liberty while society moves on trying to understand the tribulations of an endless war.

"Shadow Dancer" is another thriller like so many others, not adding so much, but depicting very well the choices one has to make in life in order to save their loved ones. It's most of the time a no-win situation where some are lost and others lucky enough to go on living. The obsession of an ideology or whatever they may call proves that the bottom line is hardly any excuse that should be accepted in the name of certain beliefs. It is simply political as much as it is clear that we are all pawns in a chess game, never justifying the mindless violence. Good movie.

Detachment (2011)

An absolute watch!

[10/10 · 20 September 2012]

Few are the parents who understand that raising a child is not the teacher's responsibility but their own; that their failure as a person should never be taken out on their children, let alone on those who are simply trying hard to make a difference.

"Detachment" is an absolutely wonderful movie that navigates the incomprehensible world of dysfunctional lives, focusing on lost children and their inner struggles to survive. Brody is fantastic as a teacher who tries to understand his students through his own suffering. It's amazingly actual and depressing; an eye-opener that demands attention and careful thought as it puts us face to face with a reality that many ignore or underestimate, until the moment they become part of it. It's cruel and yet amazingly effective. An absolute watch.

The Renovation (2012)

Trust is not everything

[6/10 · 14 September 2012]

You don't have to resource to supernatural beliefs in order to make a pact with the devil. In fact, our everyday life is full of suggestions that, when not taken into consideration, might tie us up to a life threatening contract.

"De Verbowing" is a Dutch production that simply tackles the game of trust and how personal vulnerability can get you into irreversible traumas. It's a good thriller that not only entertains but also makes you wonder how much can you trust the people that come into your life. The acting is balanced and the action nicely measured. It's more about how things can get out of hand when decisions are made in a moment of desperation.

A Royal Affair (2012)

Love and its consequences

[6/10 · 14 September 2012]

Circumstances may change, but love is always the same, regardless of time and space. 

"Royal Affair" is a compelling story about the madness of a King and his inconsistent behavior during marriage and lack of leadership for his country. It's also a look at how the heart of a woman can be painfully divided between duty and an impossible chance for real happiness in a time when honor and religious views are strict enough to lead a wrongdoer to the gallows. It's quite a long movie, but the development is very well carried out, making it a historical pleasure to watch, for anyone who appreciates the genre.

The Possession (I) (2012)

Devil and its different ways

[6/10 · 14 September 2012]

Evil spirits are around us everywhere but when it comes to Hollywood, they usually come in a supernatural package, reviving the idea that what cannot be seen is harder to be fought.

"The Possession" is not as bad as it may seem. When I saw the original "The Exorcist" I still remember being unable to sleep for quite some time. However, things have changed quite a bit and the definition of true events took a different turn, distorting many attempts that messed up the effects created by such stories. However, "The Possession" refrains from throwing the ghost in front of you unexpectedly and instead focuses more on the relationship between the parents and the children involved. Yes, it is sometimes creepy, but not the type that you recommend to people looking for silly scares.

Take This Waltz (2011)

Happiness is fleeting

[6/10 · 9 September 2012]

The game of love is like a Russian Roulette: you bet everything hoping for the best. It doesn't always give you a pleasing result, but there is no other way to experience the emotion attached to it.

"Take This Waltz" is a romantic movie about relationships gone sour for the lack of enthusiasm and the difficult choices one has to make in order to keep the fire burning. Michelle Williams is adorable and Seth Rogen looks a bit strange playing a serious role. However, his charisma shines on and the movie picks up to deliver a soothing experience, slowly growing into you. It does contain some strong language and one particular scene delivers a powerful sexual effect, making the less timid blush for a while. I quite enjoyed it, although some may find it a bit too slow. It's worth the try.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Why oh why!

[2/10 · 9 September 2012]

Anything for a piece of action and a box office return. Studios seem to fret much more over what is not selling than the quality they are trying to offer.

"The Bourne Legacy" might have never have existed and viewers would have less garbage to dispose of. The story is extremely repetitive about how government controls everything while trying to never leave a trace of the mess they get themselves into. There is plenty of action on this installment but honestly nothing we haven't seen before. The movie is too long - over two hours of back and forth, parallel happenings that try to impress to deliver an open ending that certainly may inspire yet another sequel. Bourne may spend the whole movie trying to save himself, but it's the viewers who should be running away from the theater to save their pockets.

The Watch (I) (2012)

Protect your pocket!

[2/10 · 24 August 2012]

Alien invasion ideas are still far from over. But trying to mix comedy with science fiction doesn't seem like a good idea to me, so long the funny parts are taking the lead. It didn't work well with "Paul" and certainly didn't do the trick this time.

"The Watch" is an incredibly boring adventure. There were moments when I wished fervently it would turn away from the attempted failed jokes to a more serious take on the sci-fi direction as the special effects involving the creature are quite good. Unfortunately that does not happen and getting to the end is quite a painful wait. The aliens are okay and the only one needing protection in this case is your pocket. Bad choice.

To Rome with Love (2012)

Italian ride

[8/10 · 23 August 2012]

The genius is back for another spin around life's simple things. Woody Allen is, as I have mentioned before, one of my favorite directors for his smart way of tackling any subject and making it a pleasure to watch.

"To Rome With Love" offers not only a stroll through the wonderful city and it's amazingly beautiful spots, but also a very funny comedy of customs and delightful insights. Life itself is a spring of inspirational cues and Allen knows exactly where to step in and make the experience an intelligent ride. Fame and fortune, social concerns and the nonsensical effect of silly preoccupation about things that do not deserve the least of consideration are packed in this Italian adventure that entertains without any serious impact or damage. It's simply a lot of fun.

360 (2011)

Coming full circle

[8/10 · 17 August 2012]

As the beginning of the story goes, life will eventually present us with two possible directions: the one we choose to follow is for no one but us to decide.

"360" is the latest movie by Fernando Meirelles, a man with some good achievements under his belt. And taking life in its pure existence is a great source of inspiration for his work, where it is hard not to relate to. This time Meirelles brings us a beautiful concocted plan where some aspects of daily life are put into context, mixing different Nationalities and aspirations, dreams and sometimes tragedies that come together full circle, as the title itself states. It is moving, but never funny. Intelligent and simple, granting almost two hours of reflective observation that may teach us one thing or another. All stories are able to stand alone for themselves, but they are smartly interconnected, showing life never differentiates wherever it is at. Beautifully done.

The Expendables 2 (2012)

...and they're back.

[6/10 · 16 August 2012]

Expendable is the operative word so long it relates to anyone facing the famous gang of rescuers.There's no match strong enough to circumvent their death sentence.

"The Expendables 2" is a synonym for violence and fast track revenge, containing all the ingredients necessary to keep you awake, where action is at the heart of it. The great and funny cast is back to offer one and half hour of simple entertainment to anyone who appreciates the genre and not looking for a tedious or corny message. Get in, fasten your seat-belt and enjoy the ride. There's no thinking involved here and any reason is reason enough for great stunts and mindless explosions. Not as good as the first one, but not too shabby either.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

Where is the comedy?

[4/10 · 10 August 2012]

What would you do if the world were to end tomorrow? There may be many answers to such a single question, but for the characters on the film, finding the one to fall in love with is the best choice.

"Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" is supposed to be a comedy with an open message, where some jokes are hilarious and others fall quite short. Keira Knightley is not the best comical pick as she never seems to get out of her own skin: every single role that she plays always look and feel the same. As for Steve Carrel, he is surprisingly good at playing thoughtful parts that, sometimes, manage to get your attention and make you wonder how versatile he can be. This movie has its good moments, especially when dealing with situations where finding the best solution or closure is the main goal, but it could have been better if the comical idea were replaced by a more earnest approach.

Total Recall (I) (2012)

Different take

[6/10 · 9 August 2012]

Recalling is long overrated and in Quaid's position, incredibly dangerous. The remake of a sci-fi classic is turned upside down, literally.

"Total Recall" has at first sight a beautiful chaotic look that resembles a cross between "Blade Runner" and "I Robot" with an amazing amount of action for the audience's patience and delight. If one thing, it is definitely not boring. There is no time for questioning the direction of the story, even though it has a completely different take on the original.

I still love the 90's version by the great Paul Verhoeven, staring Schwarzenegger when he was still at the height of his stardom, but Colin Farrel is not so bad as a hero trying to save the world or at least what is left of it. Great entertainment.

Lockout (2012)

Moving on

[4/10 · 4 August 2012]

Compassion is a powerful feeling and those with the ability and means to extend their assistance may be willing to go as far as they are needed.

"Lockout" is a sci-fi thriller that revives the idea that, just because criminals are cast away from society, that doesn't mean they are completely lost and there is still hope of getting them back on track. Well, that sounds like a promising script if they would at least stick to the most meaningful subject. However, the story direction is more focused in getting chills from the audience by using lots of violence and fast moves. Guy Pearce plays an adorable and petulant agent, sometimes even funny, but the whole ride is way too commercial. What is the use of getting inspired by ideas if you're not going to use them anyway?