janberk-04706 Reviews

Far and Away (1992)

OK movie, even would be better without Hollywooding

[7/10 · 25 September 2019]

I really don't care about the storyline in this movie. If the script and acting could be stripped off Hollywoodisation, it could be a great movie. Nevertheless, if you can stand "now turn back here to the camera and look handsome" Tom Cruise, it is possible to enjoy it. As a history buff, I did. At the end of 1800s, two young people take the courage to go to the US from Ireland, for whatever silly reason. After a long journey (which took like 6 hour plane trip in the movie), they end up in Boston, broke. They try to meet ends among the working class of America, with the help of country ties. Finally they manage to join to the land rush in the west. I mean it is exciting to see these historical events in a movie, represented fairly okay in terms of costume, decor and extras. Just disregard Zoro-like horse riding or Rocky-style boxing shoots.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Is this an attempt for a blockbuster art movie?

[2/10 · 19 September 2019]

Coens previously attempted to produce thought provoking movies that might get closer to description of art movies, like Barton Fink. But they also enjoyed popular big success with titles like O Brother and Big Lebowski. I suspect the idea behind No Country is an attempt to merge these two genres. But to me, result fails badly as a movie.

Appearantly, with occasional philosophical rumbling and abrupt ending, writers/directors try hard to underline their message: violence and evil people just continue being while good people are unable to do anything about preventing that, neither young nor old, I think. However, in order to maintain this visibility, they don't fear sacrificing and crippling the story itself.

For the sake of first twenty minutes or so, until when Llewellyn discovers the gun fight scene and later grabs the money, I give two stars. Rest of the movie, although being a technical and stylistic accomplishment, does not deliver promised expectation neither as a blockbuster nor as an art movie.

Lord of the Flies (1990)

Two views in twenty years

[6/10 · 17 September 2019]

I remember the first time I saw the movie, when I was slightly older than the boys in the story, I was horrified with the violence and really impressed by the ending. Now twenty years later, I either got already accustomed to more horrifying examples of human nature, or developed a better taste for movies. Probably both.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Manipulative and unrealistic

[3/10 · 16 September 2019]

Ramanujan? Really? If Ramanujan is the closest person to describe the genius of Will, well, you need to take into account sleepless nights Ramanujan was suffering, his dedication to mathematics and his ambition to be recognized. He was studying like hell. And still, there were many mistakes in his initial letters to British mathematician Hardy. The only reason movie chooses to portray a methematical in such an unrealistic dimension is to manipulate your feelings. And this is why you are better off by not watching this movie.

My First Mister (2001)

Had to fast forward while watching

[4/10 · 8 March 2019]

The movie should have had more naturalistic portrayal of characters. LeeLee's for instance has been introduced as if ticking the checkboxes from "how to write a script 101" textbook: show bit of family, bit of school and bit of stream of consciousness and viola! But no man, this is so cartoon, same case with Brooks' character, I think this is one of the movies where actors and actresses really felt on the edge of stupidity and shame while performing the script.

Dunkirk (2017)

Mind the soundtrack

[9/10 · 26 January 2019]

This movie is a feast blending music and picture. I remember how excited I was after realizing how the rhythmic musical flow interacts with the suspense of the story. A true artwork and thought to the detail.

Roma (2018)

Such a wasted opportunity

[5/10 · 26 January 2019]

Yes, cinematography is excellent. Decor, atmosphere, costume are magnificent. Side characters are also kind of interesting, like boyfriends of the maids, smallest child of the estate, etc.

But why not try digging a bit more into their worlds instead of wasting the film roll on detailed description of usual daily activities? Besides, can anyone tell how 70s Mexico contributes to the story? And does this contribution justify the budget spent on decor and costume? The story could easily take place today with much cheaper needs.

I understand this is a very personal movie for Cuaron with many emotional memories connected to it. But man, with all this money and effort, he could easily achieve much more remarkable outcome for people beside himself.