heholmi Reviews

Vienna Blood (2019– )

Very similar to "Freud"

[7/10 · 20 September 2021]

Reminds me of a recent Austrian series on young Freud, the settings and atmosphere/time period are identical. I wonder if this was why this cancelled?

The Matrix (1999)

Empty but stylish

[5/10 · 12 September 2021]

I failed to see any message or discernible plot here. Visually impressive but nothing else whatsoever.

Ad Astra (2019)

A sort of Terrence Malickian take on middle age and space

[8/10 · 29 August 2021]

Brad pitt has never before been allowed to looks this old and lonely in a struggle not against space but middle age an the loneliness it brings when your parent ages or dies.

Everything this movie is metaphysical and metaphorical rather than about the space adventure per se.

I didn't like the ending, though.

Journey's End (I) (2017)

Heroic stories, stellar acting

[9/10 · 4 April 2021]

The storyline is what it is since this is based on a novel, but marvellous directing and excellent acting from Claflin, Bettany and a fresh-faced newcomer, plus others. The agonies of a war front during WW1 have never been better portrayed!

War is not beautiful, but the actions of humans forced to deal with it are.

I Give It a Year (2013)

Both funny and realistic

[7/10 · 2 April 2021]

Great deadpan comedy about a mismatched couple, without the recorded audience laughing.

Many of the characters are caricatures, but overall a very entertaining watch. I was however disappointed by the ending, but it doesn't mean somebody else cannot enjoy it.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Not just weird but disturbing

[2/10 · 8 February 2021]

Myself, I can put up with "weird" films very easily, but this one's just an abomination.

For instance, the dialogue is very unnatural, the family doesn't feel a family at all, Kidman looks pale and frumpy (good for her! if just this once). The summer outside is in strange contrast to the events. The only actor who's making any effort is Colin Farrell. If all the characters died I wouldn't have cared one bit.

The Last Emperor (1987)

Slowly-moving but brilliant epic

[9/10 · 1 February 2021]

From the detailed depiction of China's ancient court traditions to the personal development of a young royal boy to the political turmoil in Asia and the world. Poignant and moving beyond words. So well done it's barely dated an inch in 30 years.

John Lone should be a bigger star.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

A tolerable middle-brow comedy

[28 December 2020]

Charlie Day and Jennifer Aniston are hilarious/creepy in this comedy. However, the story loses much of its credibility after 40 mins or so. Buddy comedies always have a degree of chauvinism in them, why?

Tove (2020)

Interesting topic, superficial approach

[4/10 · 17 November 2020]

I feel that the story line ought to have begun in the 1930s and discussed Tove's arguments with her father much more deeply, among others. Also, I feel that Tove must have been more intelligent than the film lets on; in reality, she was very politically-oriented, for example. Now it's a very shallow flick.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Good actors, but a ridiculous plot

[1/10 · 30 April 2020]

The work of the actors and a good dialogue are completely destroyed by ruthless and graphic violence. On top of everything, the storyline ought to have taken place in Papua New Guinea, so they've got the continent completely wrong. Prepare for a rude awakening.