ishtapaz Reviews

Les rivières pourpres (2018– )

Just ignore the first case. It gets better

[8/10 · 9 April 2021]

I think they made a mistake on the first case ( episodes 1 and 2 ). But what do you do when you have the beautiful Nora von Waldstätten on board as guest - show some skin. I still think it was a good episode. The next cases get much better. They already have season 2 up on Amazon PBS Masterpiece channel. Most of the stories center around north eastern and eastern France, on the border towns. I think they were filming in Belgium. Lot of Catholic references involved, more the occult and middle age myths. Erika Sainte is pretty good and so is Olivier Marchal. And no romantic trysts or eye candy like in the other French shows (Murder IN..) , it remains pretty dark and grey and gritty. I need to watch the John Reno version.

A bit of reading on the French police system helps to understand these shows. And a little bit of history study as well. I am glad that there is not so much Gendarmerie bashing that I see on other shows.

Yep the 2 detectives are not likable right away, maybe never. That's why I like it.

Gosford Park (2001)

Only the English can keep you captivated on 1 hour of foreplay

[9/10 · 11 February 2016]

I cannot believe how I was captivated, rewinding seconds I've missed 1 hr before the murder was committed. Normally I would have fast forwarded or Googled the synopsis. There was no useless actor. I mean if Clive Owen and Ryan Phillippe are reduced to valets, you know this is composed of heavy hitters.

The plot and hidden motives are so complicated. You need to watch this 2-3 times. Do not discount anyone and you may be lucky guessing whodunit before the detective arrived.

Also after watching it so many times, I still am confused where everything is. And I think being aware of the floor plan can help you guess early.

This is Downton Abbey meets Midsomer Murders. I have abandoned Agatha Christie type plots a while ago but I think i am making a comeback.

Hunky Dory (2011)

A Realistic Glee Club

[9/10 · 5 January 2016]

I actually do not like Glee. It's just impossible for any high school to achieve that sound. But this one is indeed believable and it involved everyone, the band not just the divas. Of course I am in love with Minnie Driver. What a unique face but man she can sing. I knew she sang and played guitar. She definitely carried the movie but the supporting cast specially the teenage actors.

The drama is definitely thick but again not over the top and again believable.

The music selection is also refreshing. I know this review is not so cerebral but sometime it does not have to be. In terms of filmography. I love the Fuji Velvia look of the 70's.

River (2015)

Nicola singing is the bomb

[9/10 · 23 November 2015]

Nicola Walker singing. Of course I would love this. She always had too serious roles (not that this one isn't ) but never smiling. I was surprised how she lifts the room when she smiles. Stellan of course is a heavy duty actor so hard to fault him here. As usual British police shows are stories that you have to focus on. And their actors are all top notch and schooled yet they really convey real life quite well. Plus the solution is found in humanity not in the supernatural.

I love the supporting cast. the new partner is not to be dismissed as well.

There is a reason that British show own this genre. Always had.

August: Osage County (2013)

Don't Blame the Messenger

[9/10 · 5 November 2015]

For the negative reviewers that got offended of the story, maybe develop thicker skin. This is very close to what happens in real life, in fact in real life the anger is palpable and a media like film will have a very hard time conveying. I love Meryl Streep but I can just imagine Sissy Spacek being the matriarch or Margo Martingale herself -- point is the story is even stronger than the acting itself.

The accidental incest just adds icing to the cake. That was unexpected. Julia Roberts is perfect and so was Julianne but Julie Wilson this is not quirky enough for what I expect her to be so maybe a bit of a waste . but both are talented they can switch roles easily and we don't have the redhead stereotype but hey I did not read the original play.

Really interested in the missing pieces from the original play.

Generation Um... (2012)

Keanu versatile Bojana and Clemens -What a Surprise

[9/10 · 16 September 2015]

You really have to appreciate Keanu's versatility and man what a role model for those 50 and over for keeping his health and not trying to look 30 but he is.

This movie describes a segment of the generation today and their struggles. I think it is relevant. of course I expected poor ratings in IMDb and Netflix.

There may be useless scenes but come to think of it they tie many thing together. Also the revelation of John, Violet and Mia occupations surprised me.

Also surprised that Sarita Choudhury aging so beautifully and gracefully and I was expecting her to be used more. She and Keanu I think have good screen chemistry

But I think Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens are to be commended here. The acting and emotions are palpable specially when you have the stoic Keanu to play against.

Give it a chance people. if you like movies like Prozac Nation, Girl Interrupted... you would like this.

And yes this movie is "Friends" the sitcom, but in a realistic, gritty and dark mood representative of a different NYC demographic.

Wallander (2005–2013)

Subtle, stoic but clever and heartfelt police drama. A cut above the already top notch BBC version

[9/10 · 25 December 2014]

I would do 10 but I heard IMDb would invalidate the lowest and highest rating. I lived in Sweden for almost a year so many of the Sweden landscape and atmosphere is coming back to me viscerally. I tried to watch the BBC version which is astounding but nothing like how Swedes do it.They have so much micro expressions and knowing how Scandinavians are, I really enjoy this series deeply. I understand some phrases and the translation is pretty good. Of course Swedes speak really good English so I think the subtitles captured it pretty well. The Swedish Wallander actor has a lot of depth and Kenneth Branagh in the BBC version is no slouch.

One thing about this series is that one episode is a complete story at least as far as the case is concerned. However the backdrop of the relationships will only be understood if you watch an entire season. Netflix does not have the 1st series so I will probably buy it on Amazon. I will also hunt for the book/s.

I love classic Swedish films but the new ones are also as classy. I am even surprised how good their television is as well. As long as you are willing to read the subtitles and research the Swedish culture a bit, you are in for a treat.

True Detective (2014– )

This is not for someone who reads books with pictures

[9/10 · 21 January 2014]

A lot of dialog plus micro expressions plus you need to know a bit about southern culture a bit. But it is realistic southern culture not stereotype. Matthew is not as over bearing like George Clooney doing voice overs. It is more liquid. Woody is one of my favorite actors and really a good complement to Matthew's brooding and darkness. Michelle is great here too and I am wondering what she will bring. Maybe an affair with Matthew's character.

This is going to be a good series. I really like how they use the color too. And the dialog is so infectious that you really have to tune into it. A DVR is a must. So many clues and back-story.I know that IMDb has these robots that will invalidate 10 out of 10 reviews , so I am giving it a nine so my vote counts. That's how good this one is.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Disappointing - Pair De

[4/10 · 5 July 2013]

I saw this movie last might and my 12 year old son and my wife. We are Depp fans even before Disney made him big and very rich. But in spite of our rose tinted glasses from Depp love this film is disappointing, very...

First of all what was the point of old Tonto and the boy dialogs, too much and lost its effect after the third scene. Also in the closing title scene, even though Armie may have been paid a pittance compared to Depp, credit him in the same line as Depp. Tonto means stupid in Spanish although Tonto in Potowami means wild one but the Potowamis are in Michigan/Wisconsin

Native American sensibilities. I have been reading a lot of blogs about this and first I though it was just bitterness from some very jealous people. Not really. The dead raven as a headgear is very insulting and the explanation came very much later. Comanches were mostly in Oklahoma, plains people not in Utah.

In this globalized market where many films use a non English dialogue sometimes even not subtitled, why not let Depp monologues be in Comanche? Instead of the insulting pidgin English or be representative of how Native Americans speak English today.

In the action and fantasy department this one even with a quarter billion budget fell short. If you are riding on the coattails of the Pirate franchise you need to deliver on that as well.

Comedy --- okay Depp made me laugh, but many times it is on the expense of Native American stereotyping. Only two women with a maybe 10 lines max and Ruth Wilson lips had so much botox it looked hideous. Really botox in the 1800's?

The Comanche back story really fell short. Either completely make something up or tell the truth. I think in this day and age, you cannot really tell of the native American Indian tragedies and whitewash the pain.

The Lone Ranger character build up was also half-done and the self realization of who he was came very late in the movie. I mean the movie should show some Lone Ranger bad-ass.

I think if you want to retell this then you have to do it beyond the confines of a summer blockbuster but maybe something in the R rating.

Furious 6 (2013)

It made money in a short time, quit whining

[4 July 2013]

As of July 4 this movie with a budget of 160 million already grossed 233 million representing 73 million in profit and counting (as per IMDb) This is not an Oscar or Golden Globe candidate. Quit whining about the script or lack of it. I don't think that was a priority in pre production.

Laws of physics and reality? Do you think they care? The more absurd the better.

Gibson was actually funny, they are selling this film globally so the humor has to be plain and simple, not intelligent or too steeped in Americana or British ness.

The goal is to keep ages 7-14 mostly boys entertained for the 2 hours or so. Have you hanged out with this demographic recently.

Quit whining about Johnson. He is not fat and works out unlike the rest of us. Ditto for the rest of the actors. I find them all humble actually.

The studios have to make money somewhere to support all the sappy Oscar candidate drama.

It is what it is. If you want "so called high art" go to a freaking film festival or a musical.

If Quentin directed this there would be more blood, more cuss words but probably won't have as fantastic car chases and would be R (I love Quentin BTW) If you want intelligence you need to appreciate the planning involved, to be on budget, to be safe and make a profit. An artsy director may not have those skills, this one and the production crew do.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Maybe if I knew Swedish then I won't say it is better than the original one

[10/10 · 5 February 2012]

I have watched the original one but have not read the book. I've also lived in Sweden. I was apprehensive that it will be an English-i-fied, the way that you expect when Hollywood tells stories of various European epics, stories etc. Well this was not, Daniel did not have to have an affected Scandinavian accent -- except for Rooney and Robin Wright maybe. Nevertheless, the story was really told well.

This rendition is more dramatic because Rooney evokes more vulnerability than the original actress Noomi and maybe because it is in English it is easy to internalize the plot. I think the opening montage is ridiculous. Totally out of context for the movie, very James Bond 007 like and stupid but of course does not take away from the performance of everyone in the film. personally - I'd rather have the original actor Michael Nyqvist than Daniel.

It is worth seeing even though it is not as stoic as a you'd expect in a typical Swedish movie but has the direct yet complex undertone of the Scandinavian psyche.

The Burning Plain (2008)

The writing is excellent

[9/10 · 11 April 2011]

I like the fact as other reviewers have written that "Kim Basinger's acting is flat". Any more exciting than what she did will spoil the somber almost stoic tone of the film. I think normal people cheating on their family will just act how she did it.

There is definitely a lot of skin here and sex scenes but it is really done to bring out emotion. Theron's Sylvia's apathy and guilt, Basinger's Gina's urgency and even more so Lawrence's Marianna's anger, guilt and true love.

The time/space chop is really effective and I did not think was overdone. I did not know initially that is what filmed in New Mexico until I recognized the familiar mountains around Las Cruces and the New Mexico "swamp" cooler air conditioning units.

Because of the constraints of the movie and budget, we are left with many questions about the back stories of the relationships with other characters.

All the actors are really great and I have to agree about Ia. Very talented. As expected the big awards institution did not even consider this. Their loss.

I have now more respect for Charlize Theron. She did carry more than half the film. It is a sad film but had a fulfilling resolution in the end.

Let Me In (I) (2010)

Beautifully filmed

[7 April 2011]

I cannot believe that this was filmed in New Mexico, but after visiting Los Alamos this winter, it made sense. I live in Albuquerque. Hollywood can alter reality as much as possible. This is beautiful work from Matt Reeves. It is also interesting what vampires really are and why there is so much fascination nowadays but that is another topic.

The actors are excellent specially the young actors and yes this is an excellent love story. Matt Reeves just changed the bar for Vampire-Romance movies.

On a technical sense, the filming is really excellent. I think in New Mexico even in the winter we get good light and I think this is really advantageous. It really adds warmth in a subtle way. I lived in Sweden for a year or so and it will be interesting to compare the tone of the film itself based on the cinematography. I also like that in some ways the film is almost monochromatic.

My only last comment is that own is in many ways effed even after the film, because he will be the next guardian and that is a very hard situation that he will be in for the rest of his life.

Machete (2010)

Rodriguez never ceases to amaze

[9/10 · 3 December 2010]

Hard to give a perfect 10 to any movie so I give it a nine. I really did Rodriguez's multiple talent and doing a lot of post production work in his own place even playing music. Maybe not in this movie totally. You are really sure that he has control and reach on the final outcome.

Machete is what it is a B-movie but it does have some political undertones which is not bad. We enjoy the hedonistic pleasure of our society because of the illegal immigrant, the Mexican illegal immigrant in particular, who by the way is equally exploited in his/her won country as well. I am glad that they are given a voice even in this medium.

Lindsay Lohan. I am really rooting for this girls in spite of the troubles, she's had. She' one of the better actors that Disney has manufactured and it is hard once Uncle Disney let's you go. I also think that they used a body double whenever there is a Lohan breast scene. The one where you see her face, it was covered by her hair. So sorry to disappoint if you are into Lindsay's front rack, because it's not there.

I really enjoy Tarantino and Rodriguez. If I have to do it all over again and someone asked what do you want to be when you grown up, I'll like to be Robert Rodriguez.

Danny Freyo is amazing. I have always liked him. And if you want to not fall in love. do not look into Jessica or Michelle. They are too much. Cheech, Don, Jeff. Robert DiNiro, Steven all equally good and they seem to be having a good time.

Yes you can find faults, but you watch this for what it is, not to do an Oscar nomination.

Jumong (2006–2007)

Just fantastic

[15 September 2009]

My kids go to a dual language program (Spanish English) plus we speak a third language at home. So naturally they are comfortable with movies that are in foreign language.

My son (8) developed his reading from this series (by being forced to reading the subtitles) no doubt and it is really nice to expose them to a different ethos and not the Hollywood formula crap. We are still on the 16th episode, so quite a few more to go.

The complex plot and the ambiguous morality at times is really challenging. The main actor a little weak I agree but maybe "he" will grow into it as well

Eastern Promises (2007)

On par with the Godfather

[10/10 · 5 January 2008]

Amazing Viggo -- Just great! This whole movie is moving and beautiful in-spite of the darkness of its premise. I can intellectualize the plot blah blah but it's just words, you have to experience this movie in a visceral sense. Once again Cronenberg owns. This story holds its candle against the Godfather even! In fact it's like apples to oranges -- however the grit on this movie almost gets stuck in your eye after you watch it. Yet in-spite of that there is so much subtlety... and precision in the theatrical aspect of the film itself.

Some people complained about Naomi's acting but I think she equally nailed it down as much as Stahl, Viggo and Vincent! One can overact and dramatize every line, it takes much skill to portray just ordinary people struggling to do extraordinary things and put yourself on the line. I wonder what Russians feel about the authenticity of this but I feel the director, production designers and writers as well as the actors did their best. I know Viggo worked his butt off to get it right, if he can do Elvin lingo, he can do Russian as well!

By the way -- I expected it to be dark and tragic in the end, the ending was a surprise but was a relief nonetheless