vlad-leu-506-625642 Reviews

L.A. Confidential (1997)

2022... So tired of corrupt good/bad cop stories...

[7/10 · 16 September 2022]

I had purchased it on VHS & DVD 10-20 years ago, but never got to see the full flick until two days ago, on cable... However, not to MY loss... Let's see the plot: good/bad/lazy/corrupt cops + a very corrupt local administration... How is that going to "shake" or inspire the 2022 local/national administrations ???... Is it by promoting films of real good/bad cop stories & propaganda ?... To sum it up: This is an awfully pathetic 'deja-vu'... E.g. Several Endeavour episodes got 'inspired' by this flick's ending plot... There's nothing new about corrupt police & administrations. They never serve the State or its citizens; just the ruling elites... Nation/local wide... no difference.

Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)

A Movie and Music Gift For The Eternity Of Humans...

[10/10 · 25 January 2021]

Probably, one of the most underrated movies in history... One of my all-time favourites, including its 'younger' bro. I accidentally ran over a re-run on cable TV, this evening, and it has simply blown out my mind & my emotions with its beautiful music (you may disregard the script...) and those incredible musicians & artists brought together. I simply cannot imagine a similar event today... It also reminded me of what the US used to be and meant to us, i.e. to the rest of this Planet, 20+ to 30 years ago. No longer today, I'm so sorry... and so angry... I would firstly recommend it to those of you, irrespective of age, who've already seen it, possibly 10-20+ years ago. You will certainly discover new notes, new facets of life, new meanings to whatever this movie tells you. And a whole lot of exquisite music & huge musicians you and your children should never forget... Please remember that aging is not the issue. Secondly. I would recommend it to all those who. in these times of pandemics, feel lost and let down in their spiritual beliefs. It does have a positive effect ! Thirdly... R.I.P. all those incredibly beautiful and Heavenly gifted artists, musicians who are no longer with us today. Aretha, James B etc... Plus tens others, so gifted !. Those of you who loved this movie, YOU KNEW THEM AND LOVED THEIR ART... They did give a true meaning to our lives. 4thly, the car stunts in these two movies are absolutely incredible... So sorry to tell U this, Hollywood & Disney, but your 'magical' computer wand effects will never match the car stunts of this movie... Because WE KNOW that these were real, while yours are... just computer-made illusion.

Gordon, Gino & Fred's Road Trip (2018– )

How about adding Asian chefs to the show ? And a Culinary Battle ?...

[9/10 · 12 December 2020]

I love Gordon, Gino & Fred's all delightfully entertaining TV Series so far. And their upside-down hilarious chemistry, which makes every one of their shows so tasteful. Now, imagine a culinary battle between these 3 Amigos and some other 3 or more top-rated Asian chefs representing (in absolutely no particular order) a mix of the Chinese, Coreean, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and other South-East Asian exquisite cuisines... I imagine it would be rather expensive and not that easy to produce... However... it would probably become the top culinary/travel TV show for several decades on...

Friends (1994–2004)

Most shallow show ever...

[4/10 · 14 September 2020]

Apparently, there are two totally different kinds of human beings... Those who love 'Friends' and those who love 'Seinfeld'... As for me, I've never ever laughed or chuckled or even smiled at any of Friends' 'genial' jokes. And I've tried hard, trust me... On the other hand, watching the Seinfeld show is like tasting a good old wine - it gets better and better with every experience. Indeed, two totally different experiences: on one side 'Friends', a rather shallow and superficial social and sex addictive show; and on the other side 'Seinfeld', an immortal (and so funny !!!...) testimony of our human true self. Irrespective of how many 'smart' gadgets our pockets or homes can bear or hold, just watch Seinfeld and dare acknowledge (sadly or comically, whatever...) what we, humans, really are... PS: Yes, I was a college nerd (some 40+ years ago...) and I totally resent those comparing meaningless "Friends" with Chuck Lorre's Big Bang Theory. No relation at all, NONE.

Veep (2012–2019)

Best Political Satire Ever

[10/10 · 5 June 2020]

By far... By light years, really... Even when compared to other jewels such as 'Yes, Minister' or 'Yes, Prime Minister'... People should watch it beyond the mere satire and realize what causes US's so deeply troubled internal social, economic issues and relations with the outside world. A word of caution: watch it from the very 1st episode, sequentially hence. Every one character appearing on-screen and eventually being fired is a jewel of psychological analysis into today's nightmare of our not-a-normal world. So sorry it was cancelled after just 7 seasons...

I'll Have What Phil's Having (2015)

A delightfully entertaining series, much more than just about food...

[10/10 · 27 October 2017]

Recently aired in my part of the world, it has since become my favorite culinary show. However, it's far from being just about food or on how to cook fancy dishes. Firstly, Phil has a delightfully refreshing sense of humour, so naturally alternating ingenuity, goofy or greedy looks with witty remarks, all with a very deep human touch. Secondly, the show shines through the excellent choice of travel settings, locations, their variety, elegance, traditionalism and the way in which they appeal to our very inner dreams and aspirations of how our world should look like. An alternative title could have been "A Bite In Dreamland With Phil"... My personal favorite is the Italy episode, however the other five are also exceptional. Throughout the show, Phil's guests and hosts are warm and funny, yet very knowledgeable as regards local traditions, cuisine and food produce, hence highly inspiring and entertaining. I also loved Phil's conversations with his Mom and Dad in each episode, so simple yet humorous and heartwarming. I wasn't around when the "Raymond" series were being regularly aired, I was too busy with my own work. Now, having finally had a very eloquent introduction to Phil's excellent entertaining talents, I would gladly give it a try...

Begin Again (II) (2013)

Delightfully easygoing, awesome music

[9/10 · 4 June 2017]

A lovely, warming tribute to all those (hundreds of thousands?... millions ?...) of artists, musicians & composers, blessed with that wonderful God-given true gift of deep understanding and sensing of music... and who, however, don't quite 'make it' in this business... Firstly, the music score is awesome, you just have to listen and you're hooked forever... The growing chemistry between Ruffalo & Knightley characters is sweet and helps the plot to overcome some inevitable, typical clichés. I'm not at all a fan of movies about musicians and bands, but this one is absolutely nonesuch thing. It simply is a movie about friendship, trust and what human inter-relationship should be about. Setting is also excellent. Dear Scarlet J, sorry but... opportunity missed...

Zootopia (2016)

Lovely !

[10/10 · 10 November 2016]

Lovely indeed and highly recommendable for all teenage & adult Disney animation fans on any rainy weekend morning... Though not really for kids, some scenes might give them nightmares ! I particularly loved the nearly perfect graphics (Nick & Judy, in particular, are incredibly adorable); some very inspired contrasts such as Mr. Big's size in comparison to his bodyguards & mafia organization; Nick & nephew's funny schemes to make money; the very interesting organization of Zootropolis town catering for all of its inhabitants' environment and climate needs (Judy's journey from the countryside to the metropolis is particularly inspirational); the local police (awfully hilarious !); and lots of other very well- inspired, funny and perfectly rendered scenes & details. The prime idea promoted by this movie, i.e. that we can all live together in peace, in a non-divisive, non-discriminative and balanced social environment within the rule of law is super... and highly to-date given some more recent events in our real world... Not giving it a full 10 because I would have loved my 4-YO grand daughter to be able to see it too, from beginning to end... I guess she'll have to wait some 4-6 years more until this may happen... Nonetheless, the rest of my family sends a huge Thank You and wishes for more from the makers of Zootropolis !!! (P.S. Kisses to Nick & Judy !!!).

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Reason why I've just upgraded my rating from a 5 to 9

[9/10 · 9 November 2016]

Sci-Fi fans should easily understand why... As an advice to the others: try to watch this movie at least a 2nd time... (possibly a 3rd, 4th etc...) You will explore it deeper and, hopefully, discover that it is not at all just another simple and dumb repetition of a superhero Marvel-type Hollywood transposition of another forgettable cartoon... It carries a lot of deeper embedded symbols. Absolutely no coincidence that I'm posting this commentary exactly on the same day that DonJ Trump become your next president and most "potent" being of this planet... Possibly, the hate for this movie could be linked to the Wachowski siblings's origins... @Hollywood: You really need a major RESET... Back to our movie: Plot: excellent; Actors: excellent act; I'm actually considering why the heck not give it a full 10...

The Goodbye Girl (1977)

True love does not lie & will never fool you...

[10/10 · 21 September 2016]

I've sworn to only post comments & reviews of movies that I've truly loved, enjoyed or at least have been positively inspiring... This '70s one, reloaded from the WB vaults, is simply extraordinary... I've just seen it again today (probably for the 4th or 5th time since the '70s...), 21st Sep 2016, aired by HBO in my very remote & rather boring eastern-EU regional area... Almost four decades have passed since its release... Nonetheless, what a beautiful display of art & professionalism in every aspect... This one could easily be re-named as the very earliest & genuine "Two & a Half Men" very- very initial pilot !!! Dreyfuss & Marsha Mason are clearly the leaders, however the "kid" almost steals the show (she hates being called a 'kid'... but she will eventually accept it from the right person...). Please, all of you who have completely erased your memories of how incredibly funny & witty the Two & a Half Men series were, just bear with me for a few more seconds... Both Dreyfuss' & Mason's characters are highly strong-willed, just as two men or two women of character would be, very much determined to achieve their life objectives. The witted, beautiful kid draws them closer and gently, childlishly lets them realise that their love requires them to resolve all trust issues... Last time I saw this movie, some ten years ago, it had seemed to me a bit obsolete and boring. Today (thank U HBO for reviving it...), I've really loved it... Blame it on my age, if not anything else! (60+) ...

Interstellar (2014)

A wonderful blend of best human values, Sci-Fi & breathtaking music score

[10/10 · 23 February 2016]

I've just upgraded my vote from a 9 to a full 10. Each time I view Interstellar, whether in all or just parts of it, the more it stirs new & exciting emotions such as I've seldom experienced with other recent movies. I'm fully aware that my comments are just a 'drop in the ocean', considering the nearly 3000 people who've already done so... But I still feel I need to tell you this: I find Interstellar a wonderful movie rendition of everything that humanity has best to offer & give nowadays. Intelligence, intuitive innovation, family values, resilience vs. adversity, hope vs. despair and, last but not least, love. A film which looks better & better every time you see it, irrespective whether a 3rd, 4th... 10th time, is certainly bound to remain valuable at the very least for the next 30-50 years. Hans Zimmer's musical score is wonderful, breathtaking and blends in magnificently with the plot. A word of advice: whenever you view this movie, make sure you're supported by a Hi-Fi, hopefully surround, AV system with subwoofer capability. The difference... is staggering.

Bello onesto emigrato Australia sposerebbe compaesana illibata (1971)

A beautifully realistic and touching story for all immigrants worldwide, irrespective of age

[10/10 · 29 December 2015]

I'm not an immigrant, never wanted to be one. Neither am I sure that I sympathize with the idea, although I've worked abroad for more than 6 years... However, you need to see this movie to understand what these people may go through... This is a genial movie, I've never seen it or even known of it until today, viewed on Cinemax. I've been a big fan of Alberto Sordi's movies since high school; during late '60s and '70s we could still see new Italian movies in our cinemas... I remember that just 2-3 years ago I tried to find Alberto's filmography on IMDb and I just got a blank... I'm really happy and thankful that this huge lack has been corrected... Alberto Sordi was an impressive actor. And the roles he plays are always so full of warmest human value, to the extreme. Also, Claudia Cardinale, his 'sidekick' in this particular movie, is much more than just a lovely physical appearance. For those millions of fans of Italian movies, Claudia is a well-deserved legend. Lovers of Italian (... European) '60-'80s cult movies, irrespective of where they are, will be delighted to view this one !!!

Parade's End (2012)

Huge rendition of WWI British society

[10/10 · 20 December 2015]

I personally doubt that keywords such as 'love triangle' or 'suffragette' do any justice to this excellent rendition of Ford's novel. Christopher Tietjens' so very noble, honorable and occasionally heroic behaviour in every aspect of his intentions and actions, as well as the overall background of WWI petty intrigues, the so vivid rendition of the atrocious human suffering & desperation on the front line are the true show stealer. Excellent performances by all cast, in particular Benedict Cumberbatch (huge in his role !!!), Rebecca Hall and Adelaide Clemens... Oops ! This is the very 'love triangle' I was arguing against just a few seconds ago... One more actor who's absolutely perfect in his role is Roger Allam, as General Campion. Drawing the line: viewers of all ages and every level of education should find this series to match every bit of their expectations... Irrespective whether these rather look towards the 'love triangle'... or they go much deeper into psychoanalysis of intimate family, friendship, love relations or the noblesse of human behaviour under deeply stressful conditions. Today's human society is in serious need of individuals such as Christopher Tietjens... (not really the 'last' parade... I hope...). Highly recommended, absolutely nothing is obsolete or worthless in this movie rendition of British society during the WWI years !