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Reviews
Conan the Destroyer (1984)
Ahnuld can act, evidence from 1984
After 39 years, I've finally seen it. Conan the Destroyer. Being an Arnold fan, a fantasy fan, an eighties-fan, how is it possible that I've managed to avoid seeing it until now.
And the movie is fun! It really feels magnificent to see the man, the myth, the legend: Mr Schwarzenegger himself, in the legendary role that launched his career into mainstream stardom. And this film is actually the first proof of his acting skills: he is funny, believable and entertaining as hell. His physique at that time was out of this world.
Sure, the film is hugely uneven: some interiors look ridiculously plastic. And then you have really impressing sceneries that look gigantic. Score sounds funny: however you can hear some Robocop vibes emerging (which composer Mr Poledouris would so gorgeously use 3 years later) But all this, like occasionally bumpy acting, only adds to the charm. This is an 80s action flick, starring a legendary actor in a greater-than-life role. And great Grace Jones is there as well: I had already forgotten her animalistic energy.
This is a film from another, forgotten era, and it is to be enjoyed from that perspective. For example, female lead is 15 years old here and has a kissing scene with an adult. Don't panic about it: it really was another era. World has changed and old habits have been replaced by new ones, many times for the better.
This film has developed into a time machine. With it, you might reach 80s, you might reach a forgotten world and (if you are old enough) you even might get a glimpse to your own youth.
Let's end this review with wise words of Conan himself: Enough talk!
Fargo: Insolubilia (2023)
Pancakes!
A great episode if a great show. Emotional acting in dramatic moments which still succeed to play some comedic notes. Tension is slowly building before the inevitable, violent encountering of all seemingly unstoppable forces: sheriff, grandmother, Munch and mother Lyon (name is certainly a deserved one). Each of these forces of nature are played by skillful actors, giving their best to build over-the-top, almost caricaturist characters. It is not a surprise that established stars like Jon Hamm and Jennifer Jason Leigh are great in their all-in -roles. However, it is Juno Temple who manages to impress: there is a believable grit and determination in her. Side characters are enjoyable as well, and Munch is scary in true Fargo-style. Cinematography shines beautifully and really builds an atmosphere when needed. Let's see who remains in the end to ride off into the sunset.