Not every film is a masterpiece, but that is not necessary. It is sometimes wonderful to just watch a stupid comedy or simple action movie. When those kind of movies can entertain you, they have achieved their goal. I did not know in advance what I could expect from this action film, in which Dave Bautista and Brittany Snow play the main roles, but I was able to have a great time with it. Continue reading
Last year Netflix was involved in a fierce battle around Bright’s rights. They eventually managed to offer more than big studios like Warner Brothers and MGM and payed 90 million dollars for this title. The film is directed by David Ayer, who seems to specialize in police dramas (End of Watch, Training Day, Street Kings) and also major films such as Fury and Suicide Squad, is a title for which expectations were high. With famous actors in the main roles, Will Smith, Joel Edgerton and Noomi Rapace, this is the type of blockbuster for which you would normally head to the cinema. Now you can see it at home after a few clicks on your remote control.
It’s something not everyone is happy about (last year there was a heated discussion at the Cannes Film Festival about what services such as Netflix mean for film in general. Of course the convenience of watching it at home is very nice, but is Bright a title that is worth watching? Continue reading
Strange, unpredictable and bizarre. Just a few random words that come to mind when I hear the name of director Yorgos Lanthimos. And even though I have not seen Dogtooth, his previous film, The Lobster certainly had all those properties. But in addition, he also manages to attract you as a viewer into that bizarre world and to hypnotize you, as it were. You want to know more, find out what is going on, even if you have no idea where that will eventually lead. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is his latest film and the question is whether it is just as hypnotic again. Continue reading
The story of the underdog, who continues reaching for the top despite all kinds of obstacles, is one that I have seen a lot over the years. A lot of sports films take it as a starting point (Eddie the Eagle or Creed), but also in the field of music, specifically rap, you can think of films like 8 Mile or Hustle & Flow. Patti Cake$ can be added to this category and is about Patti (Danielle Macdonald), who wants to make it as a rapper Continue reading
Although the big action heroes from the eighties and nineties are slowly starting to get old, some continue to make films in the genre as if they were still young. That sometimes produces even more entertaining films, but sometimes an actor has to face reality and adjust the type of roles they play. This may be especially true for Jackie Chan. He is of course well-known for his extreme stunts and fights, but when you get older, things like that aren’t as easy to pull off anymore. You can also see that in the type of roles he has been playing. He has done more voice work and also in his physical roles he does less (think of The Karate Kid or Chinese Zodiac). You can also see this in The Foreigner. A serious role, without his typical humor Continue reading
When you hear the name Ferrari you’ll probably think of expensive red cars, speed and Italy. It is a brand which, thanks to Enzo Ferrari and his success in motor sports, is recognised by almost anyone and which means prestige. This documentary, Ferrari: Race to Immortality, look at an important period for the Formula 1 racing team Scuderia Ferrari, during the fifties. One of the most dangerous periods when it came to racing. Continue reading
Another year is behind us, so it’s time to look back, also at my own movie year. Have I achieved the goals I’ve set for myself? Which titles received a perfect score? What were the worst ones? And of course…what were my top 10 movies of 2017? Continue reading
While Marvel fans are treated time and time again to entertaining superhero films and the company is not afraid to dive into different genres (eg the spy thriller in Captain America: The Winter Soldier or the comedy with Thor: Ragnarok), DC still seems to be looking for what they want to bring their audience. Do they want their heroes to be darker or is it better to have lighter tone and add more humor? Batman vs. Superman was an example of the first, Wonder Woman an example of the second. How have they approached Justice League? Continue reading
Recently I listened to an interview with actor Elijah Wood, who was talking about how he made sure that he did not let his happiness depend on the success of his work, something that, of course, is different in Hollywood. He said that he had learned at home to look for his “success” in himself, to look at the relationships he has and how he contributes in his way to the happiness of others. It was nice to hear. When seeing Brad’s Status I had to think about that interview, because that attitude makes life so much easier and would also help the main character in this film, Brad (Ben Stiller). Continue reading
Some events can have a lasting impact on a family and change the way individual family members look at life forever. The documentary Kingdom of Us shows that in a impactful way. Continue reading