marydanza Reviews

Squid Game (2021– )

You would anything for money

[8/10 · 8 October 2021]

"Squid Game" is certainly a metaphor of our time: in order to achieve financial independence people are ready to sell their soul to get it.

The funny thing is that the winner is actually the only player who seems to have kept a system of human values. The meanness of each person looks concealed but as soon as the series picks up the pace it is irrefutably showed.

The acting was authentic and believable but the so called plot twist could have hit harder.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Revenge has never been juicier!

[9/10 · 16 July 2021]

'Prosming Young Woman' is a playful satire on the double standards that dictate our sexist society and comes across in its intent surprisingly well without falling into the ridiculous and the grotesque. Cassie, portrayed by a captivating Carey Mulligan, is a 30-years-old woman who never went forward her best friend's tragic past and every night conducts a second life: she pretends to be drunk to see if men try to sexually assault her. In each encounter, once dropped the mask, she assumes the role of the oppressor in order to vindicate her old friend who was brutally raped during a party and overturn the social norms.

This movie promotes a strong stigmatization of the patriarchal system and all its inane mechanisms without caring about how it can be perceived.

Its promise is to be unapologetically irreverent and the result is rather satisfying.

Vertigo (1958)

Too Slow...

[8/10 · 13 July 2021]

"Vertigo" is certainly aesthetically pleasing but it can't be said the same about the length. It is irrefutably too long and too slow. The whole story develops after more than half movie and the director doesn't seem to give us any kind of hint. The plot twist hits the viewer but not as much as he deserves since he had slept for an hour (if not more). This film is not a typical a thriller but deals with some interesting topics such as love, trauma and the split personality. The last one touches in particular the protagonists.

Stewart and Novak serve some acting content but I personally think Marilyn Monroe would have been a better choice for the role of Madeleine.

Not one of my favorite movies of Hitchcock but every cinephile must watch it for the psychology and the masterful direction behind it.

Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

I Wish It Was Better!

[7/10 · 1 July 2021]

This movie should have been called 'Those who wish Angelina Jolie has not chosen yet another wrong film'. Jolie is the definition of 'wasted potential'. She could rule Hollywood but still manages to choose movies that distinguish themselves for poor screenplay and storyline.

'Those Who Wish Me Dead' has not so much to offer except for the great performances of the cast and some thrilling and satisfying action scenes. This film has to deal with a lot of problems which include credibility and lack of elements that should explain why we watched this movie.

I give it a 7/10 only because Angelina Jolie is able to carry every kind of movie no matter how bad it is thanks to her innate talent and charisma that confirm her position as one of the greatest of all time.

Bad 25 (2012)

The King of Pop: One of a Kind

[10/10 · 25 June 2021]

"Bad 25" is an insightful outlook at the genius of Michael Jackson. Years have passed since his death but people won't stop worshipping him since he established himself as a real cult figure. This documentary emphasizes the immense creativity of Jackson and his timeless music. It's easy to understand how he has always had free access to the heart of billions of people including all his colleagues and employees. The truth of his greatness is palpable throughout the documentary, which is able to immerse the audience in the massive hysteria of the 80s that surrounded Michael Jackson. "Bad 25" was made by people who truly cared about Michael and his art and it shows.

The documentary also focuses on the work ethic of the superstar and how he set the unachievable standards of the music industry.

If you are looking for a great piece of the history of Michael Jackson 'Bad 25' is the answer.

The Swimming Pool (1969)

A Summer Movie

[7/10 · 20 June 2021]

'La piscine' is a movie that mainly offers the beautiful landscapes of France without having a real strong plot but it is still able to make some reflection about the recondite desires of the human condition. Jealousy is almost as present as the swimming pool where everything that counts happens. The movie is a bit slow and it starts to develope towards the end but it gives a great occasion to the audience to relax and enjoy the summer feeling.

Cruella (2021)

Best Live Action with Maleficent

[8/10 · 12 June 2021]

I have always thought that a live action had to do something more than just copying the original disney movie: it had do give a new perspective of the story and a better characterization of the psychology of the characters and 'Cruella' absolutely did it! This movie is witty, fresh and unpredictable. Disney finally seems to want to remove that hint of shallowness from villains and give an explanation to their behavior and personality as they previously did with 'Maleficent'. Emma Stone is the real thing and gave her soul to this role. In conclusion I highly recommend this movie!

Always (1989)

I honestly watched it only for Audrey Hepburn

[7/10 · 18 September 2020]

The movie isn't actually bad but I found it pretty boring in some parts. I have to admit I watched it only to see the magnificent Audrey Hepburn. If you are a true Audrey Hepburn fan like me you'll be disappointed beacause she appears for like 10 minutes but I think you should watch it anyway. It's incredible how even if she barely appears she is still able to bring some magic.

Maleficent (2014)

Pure Magic

[8/10 · 27 July 2020]

Angelina Jolie is the only one who could play Maleficent. No one has her presence and her charisma, and this movie is worthy in particularly for her great performance.