kosmasp Reviews

Girls on Film (2023)

Make it ... Rain

[5/10 · 25 April 2024]

No pun intended - see the main character calls herself Rain, so ... well you understand I think without me having to tell you what I mean. As with another movie I saw recently, I was wondering where this was going - Cam girls, the profession and the person behind (the camera) are an interesting subject - they reveal quite a bit of themselves, but maybe not the really important things.

No puns intended here either - and if you worry one way or another: there is nudity - with a few scenes that could be described erotic. But this is more about human depths - emotional scars and connections ... and the lack thereof. Being connected - yet disconnected.

Being together yet far apart (metaphorically speaking and all that). I think you can tell where this is going early on - still interesting to watch it unfold. The actresses do their best - still not sure the script helps them that much (at least as I see it unfold in the movie, no offense) ... you decide if you have and can spare the time to ... watch!

Five Blind Dates (2024)

Finding Mr. Right

[5/10 · 25 April 2024]

They could have gone with that title I assume, but I'll say it for them this time: no pun intended. Because none of the dates involve anyone who is blind you see? This also is not a pun - but hopefully fun. Which is something the movie is supposed to be. And it does achieve that from time to time. The actors do try their best to get you there (laugh, chuckle and all that) ... the script has some funny ideas too.

That all said the movie is quite light and especially the lead actress is carrying it all the way. If you are into romantic comedies, I reckon this is something you might find interesting - knock yourself out (cliches included)

Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

Not so (a)lone

[8/10 · 25 April 2024]

No pun intended - the 80s ... a time where cops could almost do anything without having to face repercussions for their actions. And you had people be able to go off and do stuff alone - though Chuck does get a side kick here (not that Chuck Norris would ever need one - according to the billions of jokes that exist - which I assume you have read - if not seek them out).

Add to that the really great bad guy Carradine ... and you have a fine movie. With a fine shirt too - I wonder if his mom made it for him ... hey no mom jokes here please! All kidding aside, you may find some clothing and hair choices weird, but it's all part of the game! Like the bad guy leaving his opponent or witnesses alive (I know crazy, right?) ... so many cliches, so many fake bullets and some blood too.

A lot of mayhem - you'll either love it or be appalled by it ... just saying ... be aware and sure if this is what you want.

What Comes Around (2022)

Comes around again?

[6/10 · 25 April 2024]

No pun intended - and yes I know the saying (goes around) - and I understand what the title is suggesting. You will too, when you see the movie. I was trying to figure out which direction this would take. It didn't exactly go the route I thought it would go - still a warning sign - or maybe multiple warning signs.

Grace van Dien, daughter of Casper, got quite famous - not so much because of her father, but because of Stranger Things - which I have not seen yet. But it is on my list. This is not exploitative by the way if that is something you are looking for - it is quite obvious from a certain point forward ... when the twist comes to play. And the cliches keep ... coming up too (no pun intended) .... it tries hard to give us food for thought ... and the actors try their best ... but it never really gets there (in my book) ... still good effort.

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Accountability is a thing ... right?

[10/10 · 25 April 2024]

The movie makes a case about who is responsible for what and if you are supposed to know ... what happens! History is important . In the sense of not repeating the bad stuff! As in been there done that - or do not try this at home (no pun intended) - home being the country you live in of course.

This is filled with a lot of great actors, which translates (another pun I reckon) greatly on screen! Because they make great points - and being right and getting what you deserve from the law ... can be two different things! We really should never forget ... and this is a testament of accountability ... and it is still relevant today, when you see people still being able to avoid prosecution ... or a fair trial, just because of their (former) position ... and their money.

Will this be different though? If you know your history, you already know the answer to that. But no matter what the case is (this is not a pun - because I said so) ... the movie works in every regard ... and then some! Really well done.

Reversal of Fortune (1990)

Hate to love

[9/10 · 25 April 2024]

No pun intended - also not entirely clear I reckon. And this movie is based on a real case and real people/persons. I had no idea - well until the end credits where it was summed up and we get some background information (or news I guess you could call it - facts?).

And what great actors they chose to play in this ... not a question, but a statement! Irons is amazing as always - I almost did not recognize Ron Silver! I knew, that I knew him ... but yes a lot younger than the version I remember seeing later on. Of course also the women (lead by Close, but all the other ones too) - every part is cast greatly to say the least.

And the story is another example of truth being stranger than fiction ... not sure what wicked mind could come up with every twist and turn that you will encounter here. This will keep you guessing ... probably even after the movie is long over ...

Dark Windows (2023)

See through

[5/10 · 25 April 2024]

No pun intended - this is a little horror movie. So I reckon if you suspend your disbelief and cut this some slack .. well you may find this interesting. Especially the spin or twist or whatever you would call it. I think it kind of loses a lot of momentum once there is ... well the ending (resolution).

There are some interesting and good moments before. You have some nice jump scares (if you call them nice) and some character beats ... that may work in the context of the movie or not. The actors do their best, but you may find their characters annoying ... and you have not seen anything yet. Roll (or rather ride ... sorry not sorry) with it ... otherwise you will be bored I reckon.

Messiah (2020)

Better believe

[8/10 · 24 April 2024]

No pun intended - could it be? And does it make a difference if we believe or not? Like does it fuel his Energy (or is it His?) or does it not matter at all? There are quite a few questions - and many of those are not really answered. At least not entirely - maybe you see things, that point in one direction or the other ... and make you believe ... you know the answer.

Performances are really good - overall it is a bit predictable maybe, but it also has a lot of things that I don't think many will see coming. Like holding Americas foreign policy accountable ... or the feet to the fire? What is the saying again? I think I got it right, but just in case, I think you got it either way.

I think this could have been a bit shorter or tighter, but nevertheless this works like a charm. And it is quite inclusive ... no matter what you believe ... you will find yourself in this (likely) ...

Natty Knocks (2023)

Knock you out

[4/10 · 24 April 2024]

No pun intended - I really did not want to think too much about my summary line. Casting wise this really made some great choices (even in smaller roles like Englund). But even with Moseley in a bigger role (and he is giving it his all, no holding back punches then). The story is quite simple and I think quite predictable to say the least.

The movie also looks good and it has nice effects, but I am quite certain it will leave you cold - shame because there was something there, with a "new" story to tell. We have seen the revenge angle before - but you can twist and tweak things. Try to find something unique maybe .. or at least focus on one thing or another.

Add to that quite the convoluted and bad ending too ... well I may have been too nice again .. but it is Bill Moseley ... and he is really good, no matter what.

The Alamo (1960)

Last Stand

[8/10 · 24 April 2024]

No pun intended - this is American History ... this is a war they fought and maybe one of the biggest ones in their short history (the US we know that is, not the one the native Americans build before the Europeans and others came over). Having said that, I am not a history buff and I had no idea who the people (characters were) ... on either side. Though we mostly see the American side of things (would have been nice to see a bit more of the Mexican perspective).

A great cast round everything up - the fighting for Freedom and all that "Jazz" or whatever you would call it. It did age a bit (certain society stuff, you shouldn't be too sensitive about), but it will be up to you how you judge them. Like many movies back then, one shot one kill applies here too. Suspend your disbelief, this should not worry you too much.

John Wayne is a great actor - I reckon he really wanted to get behind the camera for this one. He did a good job, was around many great directors to pick a few things up. I can't attest to the historical accuracy (as stated before and above), but the suspense works quite fine for the movie ... I reckon even if you know how this will end ...

The Fall Guy (2024)

This is not a stunt

[10/10 · 24 April 2024]

It is multiple stunts - ha got you there, right? So no pun intended as always? Now if you think my jokes are weird, prepare yourself for weirder ... action in this one. I remember that I watched the tv show this is based on. But it's been a while - so I do not remember how this fares comedy and humor wise.

That said, Ryan and Emily have bombastic chemistry (sorry?) - the dialog is tight, the action/stunts are amazing .... and the story really works. Add to that a soundtrack that you should absolutely love (even more so if you like 80s music), references to the 80s and another show (including a musical cue ... added to the visuals that is) ... and a lot of fourth wall breaking ... you may even argue: the fourth wall is being evaporated! I reckon that about sums it up.

This is a love song - not just to love (again no pun intended), but to stunt men ... and women of course. A travesty that they have yet to get a section at the Academy Awards. I still can see the unicorn ... it was that good (you'll get it once you watch - also I am of course kidding - no I did not do that - again you'll get it after you've seen the movie).

Important note at the end ... when the credits start rolling, there are some behind the scenes footage you will see. I thought it would go the Jackie Chan route, but it is just showing what happened behind the cameras - and how they did the stunts and the action. Which come to think about it, was the better choice. But that is not all - so if you may not be too interested in that ... there is a bonus scene coming after that ... and it is quite the nice one! The movie itself has some ... interesting actors, I am sure you will find someone to your liking! And almost everyone is fighting ... (maybe not Kung Fu but still ... passionate and well enough) ... I was going to give it a 9, but then I was like ... come on, why not go the full point route?

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Great TV

[10/10 · 22 April 2024]

Well at least that is what one could say after watching this - so no pun intended. As this movie was introduced to us ... I fully agree that it is best to know as little as possible before watching this. And while this is standard modus operandi for me ... I hope you can and will heed by this words for this movie too.

This playing in the 70s: great costume design, really good sound design (including music) and superb cinematography. Actors do their best to say the least - they really are giving it their all. And the script? Just great taking us on a ride ... there is a character for everyone in this.

This also is a nice look behind the making of a late night show. Maybe our show host never talks to the higher ups (something that funnily never comes up - well once, but I mean after that) ... but this works anyway .. or even because of that ... there is mystery here for sure ... a deserving closing movie for the Fantasy Filmfest ... great 3,5 days I had - well we had! Everyone who came and watched a lot of good or great movies.

Oddity (2024)

Connected

[7/10 · 22 April 2024]

No pun intended - I reckon we all believe that twins have a special bond and connection. So if something happens to one, the other one knows. In this case it goes further than that. Even a blind person could see that - well you know what I mean. All kidding (and puns aside), the movie is quite predictable but has some very effective jump scares.

You may wonder why some things happen ... and some of the explanations are ... well not really satisfying to say the least. Sound is good, the cinematography is well done too. And the location was well chosen (once again, the director has some experience in that regard).

Maybe this will ring with (for) you - especially the way it ends (sorry for the pun) ... a fun little movie that could (predictability/cliches aside)

Concrete Utopia (2023)

Who's house?

[10/10 · 22 April 2024]

Not Runs house - we do have many other names that you could attach (obviously all Korean) .. so no pun intended. Utopia and Paradise ... not sure what your definition for those are, but I am quite certain the movie or the location probably are not fitting.

And talking of fitting, the same seems to be true for the place, space and ... well many other things that people could share. Now you have to suspend your disbelief - I think if this was set in the 70s or some time, when you did not have Internet and cell phones ... I would kind of understand the lack (at least during the duration of the movie) of outside help.

The acting is amazing - and the story or the implications (especially society wise) are really good. I may have to rewatch High Rise - but I feel that this movie does a far greater job when it comes to buildings (apartment complexes) ... even if the movies do not entirely have similar plots ... maybe you could even say they have a different topic - but there are some similarities.

What we do have are morally questionable decisions ... and I reckon you could side and judge ... but it is tough to actually say what one would do ... one would hope there would be more humanity ... more empathy ... I am not sure that this ideal (utopia way of thinking) would actually happen. The slate is clean from the start ... we do not know the people we see ... they all have a backstory, but we only get some glimpses during the movie from some of them ... and it makes the movie better.

Korean movies know how to engage and how to build up suspense ... there are so many great moments here ... and it is able to bring fresh things up ... when you think you know where it goes ... it sticks (or throws) something else at you ... Great effects (sound and visual wise) too.

The Funeral (2023)

Family business

[6/10 · 22 April 2024]

No pun intended - a horror movie from Turkey. Not the first one and quite a strange one. And not just because our main character seems estranged from his family - something almost unheard of, but makes sense in the context of the movie. No it is strange in the way it is told and moreover in the way it is resolved (or what is resolved).

A lot of questions, almost no answers. I reckon you can piece together the why (at least ... symbol wise - sorry for the pun) ... but there are a lot more questions ... and some have to do with our main character as well. And he is quite pale - again no pun intended.

He's a good looking Dude and I suppose he has charisma - but the role he portrays ... we do not get much from him. I understand that you are supposed to put your own feelings on and into him ... but that goes only so far. A lonely man - he even says that he is more afraid of the living ... so we kind of get his motivation ... but that doesn't make him or his character that much better.

That said, the colors, the soundtrack are really good. And if you don't mind the shaky cam, that is also very good. The pacing ... that's a tough one! I would argue it is way too slow ... some would call it moody I assume - for better or worse.

You really have to be in the mood for it - there are a lot of symbolisms here and the director knows what he wants - not sure it will be enough to get a larger crowd to enjoy this ... actually I would almost bet this is quite niche ... so you decide if this is something for you! It could have done with some editing/shortening.

Boy Kills World (2023)

Silent World

[9/10 · 21 April 2024]

As opposed to Silent Night - sorry John Woo! No pun intended too - I think I might have to change the rating for that other movie ... and rate it lower/weaker ... or come back to this and give it a 10 I reckon. We'll see - but as it is now and because I thought certain things are probably a bit too weird for some ... I decide to stick with a solid 9.

Bill is amazing in this and it is nice to see S. Copley in top form! Also the Mentor/Shaman .. you can tell someone did their homework! Great casting overall! Even the main bad woman - she is just perfect. Optically speaking but also character wise ... at least it feels like that.

The movie has a strange humor and many cool ideas! The director already showed with his previous (German) movie that he knows and loves weird ... I am happy for him and happy I was able to watch this! We also get a lot of violence ... it is predictable! I do believe that you can tell what the big twists are going to be ... but it does not deter from the fun you can have ... up until the last fight ... and even after the credits (one minor bonus scene is there for you to enjoy) ... dig in!

The Empire (2024)

No sense

[7/10 · 21 April 2024]

And no pun intended either - but on a serious note: this should be watched with an open mind - and with the knowledge of ... nothing! As in not questioning things that happen here. There are not many things that make sense here. Yes it is good vs. Evil - but shortcuts could have been made. Both sides are ... lacking certain qualities ... things are too on the nose (binary system with 0 and 1 that is being used) ... others are way too ... let's say it is not political correct.

Why Aliens would use buildings and furniture is beside me ... but back to my point of not trying to think anything ... it is tough as you can see. But why use entertainment in a form that is quite ... let's say discriminatory ... and I am being nice in calling it that. If you see how the evil "lord" amuses himself ... what or rather who is being summoned ... I would not blame you if you have issues with that.

But comedy is supposed to be mean ... has to have an edge ... these may be arguments you have ... fair enough! I am not telling you how to feel about things depicted here ... just trying to prepare you. Now bow down and accept this as your true Emperor ... I am just kidding ... or am I? Well don't trust the police to be of any help ...

Riddle of Fire (2023)

Perfect kids ...

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

... well maybe not that perfect, so no pun intended. Although they are quite something when it comes to the acting department! A friend said that the kid actors are getting better or they choose better than many decades ago. This movie would be further proof of that - even though a dance scene might suggest something else - that was really weird in not a good sense. At least in my opinion.

But even small flaws and moral issues aside: the movie is fun! Do not try this at home - or anywhere else! But the movie itself tells us, that it is not reality ... neo fairy tale is the term if I got it right. Just go with the flow, enjoy the kids and the adults ... but more the kids ... because this was made for and about them.

Just ignore some of the juvenile behavior ... which at times is being pointed out too ... surprised at the rating - because of the curse words! And kids saying them too ... maybe the theme is what gave them some slack ... anyway, really good and a throwback to childhood and friendship ...

The Soul Eater (2024)

After Inside comes ...

[9/10 · 21 April 2024]

... Insane! No pun intended - also soul Eater could be seen as a pun ... works in many ways. So we have two detectives here, both trying to solve a case of their own ... both not really welcomed in the village they arrive. Now if you have seen a few (crime) thrillers ... I reckon you will be able to see where some of the things the movie considers twists are going or when they will appear.

So there is a bit of predictability that comes into play. What you may not expect: how brutal it is. The two directors of this have done quite violent movies before - Inside being one of the most infamous one. Not sure if they did the US remake - I don't think I watched that ... yet! Will do at one point - but it was really good to watch this. Even if I had some hunches to say the least - still great ride.

Sting (2024)

Bite me

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

No pun intended - I wonder if the all the things in Australia are out of this world? Well the director did suggest that he knows that his home country has a lot of things that are trying to kill you - still want to go on vacation to Australia? Actually all kidding aside, the big cities will not be an issue - I reckon the things that Americans or Europeans are afraid of ... are in other areas of Australia.

But this is set in America - and maybe the "spider" flew over from Australia ... actually it seems to have a different origin ... not that we ever get to know the origin of this .. let's call it what it is: Alien.

And no pun intended with this either by the way. A great set of characters, some beautiful (read vicious) effects ... and a movie that seems to not take any prisoners ... it's feeding time!

The Invisible Fight (2023)

Better believe

[9/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - the movie is quite something. I have to admit the way it started I was expecting more a Shaw Brothers movie ... but that is just the intro ... it becomes a completely different beast after ... although I reckon you could see the Orthodox priests as a substitute Shaolin teacher/school kind of thing.

One thing is for sure: the humor is in the eye of the beholder ... or viewer ... and that is you. So if you like a movie to be silly ... like really silly, all the way through ... this is for you. There is some action, there is some tension and there is fighting ... but your reaction to the jokes will be way more important than anything else ... also if you had no idea who Black Sabbath is ... or was ... well you will know after watching this ... great song!

Pendant ce temps sur Terre (2024)

Brother(s) Keep her

[7/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - a few things I was struggling with before writing this review ... talking about the ending in a way that may give away certain things ... rating, because of the great ending (at least in my humble opinion) ... should I go at least 8? Well I may change my mind and it really is tough for me to make up my mind I reckon overall.

All that said, the lesser you know about the movie the better it probably works. One thing you should know for sure: it is a slow burn. It may get stuck in your head (sorry for the pun) ... and it is tough to imagine "what would I do?" ... because our main character is in a tough spot to say the least.

So to decide what to do ... and to "obey" because of love ... well you'll understand. What you may not understand ... or at least is not entirely clear I think: the ending. If what we know up to this point is true ... it would point to one thing ... but then again, maybe it wasn't all as it was said it is(?) ... the animation is well done and sparsely used (and that is a good thing) ... a movie for the thinking minds ... no right or wrong here ...

Cobweb (2023)

On fire

[9/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - this can be seen as a love letter. I would argue not just for Korean cinema (movie making that is), but any all over the world. But of course there are certain things that may be particular and just more on point there. It does play in the 70s, so I assume some things may have changed since then - one would hope so at least.

All that said, great acting - within acting - and movie within movie and all that. Though as is true with almost all movies that have a movie as central theme ... you have to suspend your disbelief ... as in making it non existent, if you catch my drift.

You could argue that we do not see the movie, but a spectator perspective ... fair point, but you mostly do not see the work that has to be done between shots. But that would kind of make the movie a drag ... this is about something else ... about a dream .. about showing critics that things are not as easy as they may think they are. Plus a lot of personal stories of course! May be a bit too long - and I was a bit surprised with the ... let's call it addition in the end ... but I reckon it was necessary ... to give us something back.

Well done to say the least - and realistic in a way (relationship wise), in a very unrealistic way - gotta love it. Also not to be confused with the American Cobweb ... renamed Knock Knock Knock in Germany ...

The Roundup: Punishment (2024)

Online crimes

[9/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - the movie takes a step into modern crime. Apparently the Round up series is going to have many more entries. And I will watch them all and I know if Don Lee is in them, I will enjoy them in different degrees .. but I will enjoy them. The second one still remains the best - I was thinking about giving this an 8 ... but decided to go with a 9 like with the rest of them.

There is less with side characters, but still more than enough! The mascot is back - well I am calling him that. A "small" time criminal, who has a love hate relationship with our main character here. And quite a few more return too. Of course Don Lee as the main character has to be back too. And we have a bit of a break(through) compared to the other 3 movies. Usually you had him entering and us seeing only his back in the very first scene. This time the very first shot is straight up his face. Though to be fair, we ... feel his presence way before that. A really good entry once again - just different than the other movies.

We also do not get the ... usual interrogation scene. We do get a mixture of things used before though (the making the criminal being afraid of his life and in another scene the .... "helmet" method - if you know, you know) ... and both things work.

The movie is quite violent, but also has quite the funny and chill moments. Don Lees character not being able to understand technical terms is just hilarious ... as are his attempts to use words of wisdom he has heard ... to pep up/talk others ... but that is why we love him.

Other good news: we get a really good bad guy. Was a bit of a problem (at least for me) in the third one. And still not as good as the one in the second movie ... but a step up as I said. If you liked Bud Spencer ... you will have fun with the antics that this movie is giving you! You can feel every punch ... you don't need 3D for this ... just a good sound system!

I Believe in Santa (2022)

Losing my ... religion/belief

[3/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - now maybe you are a Christmas ... I'll say addict without meaning it to be super negative. Enthusiast might be a better word I reckon. So let's go with that - and it would be fitting because one of the characters in this also loves Christmas .. like a lot! Way too much as some might say.

Suspend your disbelief you say? Better believe that! I am not a fan of the Hallmark movies - this has a similar vibe to say the least. It may be even more over the top come to think of it. Unrealistic is one thing, but not criticizing Christmas movies? Why not? They are not beyond approach and have to be held to a standard to - at least for most of us. If you feel differently: good for you! Especially if you had fun with this movie that I would consider boring (I would say no offense, but that would not sound too honest/earnest).