johnharapa Reviews

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Cinematic Masterpiece is "Oppenheimer"

[9/10 · 19 August 2023]

Breathtaking masterpiece that skillfully combines the elements of action, audio, acting, direction, and scene design into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Directed by the visionary filmmaker, Christopher Nolan, the movie takes audiences on an electrifying journey that weaves together heart-pounding action sequences, immersive audio design, exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and meticulous direction. This review delves into the movie's prowess in each of these crucial areas, showcasing how it harmoniously creates a symphony of emotions and adrenaline.

"Oppenheimer" excels in its action sequences, delivering a pulse-pounding experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Atom bomb explosion was captured too good and viewed super in the film.

The audio design of "Oppenheimer" deserves special accolades for its immersive and evocative quality. The symphonic score, composed by Ludwig Göransson, elevates the movie to a whole new level. It blends perfectly with the on-screen action, accentuating emotional beats and intensifying the adrenaline-pumping moments. Additionally, the sound effects are expertly crafted, creating a dynamic soundscape that draws the audience deeper into the film's world. The combination of the powerful score and well-balanced sound effects makes the audio aspect of the movie a standout.

"Oppenheimer" are nothing short of exceptional. Led by a talented ensemble cast, each actor brings depth and authenticity to their characters. Cillian Murphy shines in the lead role, delivering a captivating portrayal of a conflicted hero torn between duty and personal struggles. The supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr. And Emily Blunt and Matt Damon and others, deliver standout performances that contribute to the emotional resonance of the narrative. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, adding further layers to the film's storytelling.

The movie's scene design is a visual treat that transports the audience to diverse and imaginative worlds. From sprawling urban landscapes to otherworldly realms, each setting is meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling. The attention to detail in both practical and digital sets is awe-inspiring, creating a rich tapestry of visual splendor. The scene transitions are seamless and contribute to the overall flow of the film, making it an immersive and cohesive cinematic experience.

Christopher Nolan masterful direction, "Oppenheimer" achieves a harmonious blend of action and emotion. The director's vision is evident in every frame, showcasing a keen eye for detail and storytelling finesse. The film's pacing is skillfully managed, allowing both the action-packed moments and the character-driven scenes to breathe.

Christopher Nolan demonstrates a strong ability to elicit powerful performances from the cast and brings together all the technical elements to create a cohesive and emotionally resonant cinematic journey.

THE END (phew)

Tár (2022)

Underwhelming!!

[3/10 · 30 July 2023]

I went to this film expecting a great things as promised by the deluge of 100/100 from so many professional critics at esteemed publications. It would be Cate Blanchett's career defining performance. And indeed all the end credits came first in what seemed like an eternity. So even the unsung heroes who made even a small contribution to this greatness could not be overlooked.

I think in time Cate's technically accomplished performance will be subsumed by an overrated film that looks great and produces plenty of talking points for the journey home but fails to engage the emotions.

I watched 'Carol' recently where Cate Blanchett was tremendous. I think the the film is the problem not Cate who was trying too hard at times. Maybe she was inspired by the subject matter being oh so in the moment and thought that would translate into her career defining moment. That is still to come I am afraid.

What music there was in the film was good. And the politics of classical music and orchestras seemed unpleasantly authentic. However no conductor conducts so self indulgently, at times like a bad interpretive dancer. I think it would just confuse the orchestra.

As film it it failed to say something meaningful about subject of sexual abuse and bullying with very serious consequences for her victim. Or about the motivation of the perpetrator. Or the media or identity politics or cancel culture anything else it touched. Other than possibly the director has an axe to grind and not on behalf of the victim(s).

It seems to be saying Tar may be a bully and abuser but also her victims have an agenda and this great troubled artist is to be brought down by these jealous second rate victims and social media Trolls. Does great art become less great because of the artists abusive behaviour? Should we be sympathetic to the abuser who has herself experienced trauma? That would be a a powerful narrative-had the film had cared enough to develop the ideas.

I didn't see the point of Mark Strong in a bad wig. His character didn't have depth or develop or add significantly to the plot in terms of the power politics. He was useful as Tar's punch bag I suppose.

There are moments when it seems the character is hallucinating or haunted by the past misdeeds. This would explain a lot of the incoherence and weird incidents and of course Tar may have a psychotic condition caused by her own past trauma. But that is left to our imagination and in I didn't care about the characters or story enough to invest my emotions and imagination in that possibility. However Psychosis may explain the horrible stereotypes in the presentation of the anonymous South Asia country that Tar seeks artistic 'asylum'. Oh so different from sophisticated 'first world' Berlin. I think it is that abuse of an entire culture will be remembered.

Unfortunately the film is disjointed and a series of polished and superficially cultured scenes is no more no more than the central character who dominates every scene : Pretentious, patronising, vindictive, incoherent. And was at the end trite, condescending and prejudiced. No Ta.

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Emancipation (2022)

I've Seen Worse Films

[6/10 · 14 December 2022]

"Emancipation" tells the triumphant story of Peter (Will Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.

The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of "Whipped Peter," taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper's Weekly. One image, known as "The Scourged Back," which shows Peter's bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

That said, It's a remarkable movie. Well worth watching.

Ancient Apocalypse (2022)

He's his books, of course he wants

[2/10 · 15 November 2022]

'ANCIENT APOCALYPSE' is a reality series that questions what we know and believe about ancient civilizations.

Graham Hancock travels around the world investigating archaeological sites that suggest that advanced civilizations may have lived on Earth thousands of years earlier than what mainstream scholars assert. From examining prehistoric pyramids in Mexico and the megalithic temples of Malta, to reinterpreting traditional stories about what ended certain people's time on Earth, Hancock challenges the assumptions that characterize prehistoric humans as primitive beings who eventually evolved.

Excerpts from talk shows and podcasts featuring the author defending his positions are featured in some episodes.

But aside from the show's impressive visuals, Ancient Apocalypse doesn't go beyond offering suggestions and pseudo-scientific bunkum theories.

Cherry (I) (2021)

Depressingly Sad

[6/10 · 10 October 2022]

The spirit of the movie is 'on tilt' all the way thru.

When you think the bottom of the barrel has basement and you again think there's no more depressingly low they can't find - the script /acting will surprise yet again.

Tom Holland is sublime. He carries the movie all the way through, however the rest of the cast hold there own too. The direction is extremely important, because you scenes in the Middle East and back to USofA. The direction was exalted.

I wanted to feel good at the end, it had polar opposite effect !

That said if you can compartmentalize your feelings and dissect the movie for what is, you're better man than I am

I just wanted a proverbial journey and it didn't deliver.

The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)

UTTER GARBAGE !!!

[2/10 · 4 September 2022]

I've seen some stinkers, but not with a strong cast.

WOW - how bad does a movie have to get before its 'green lighted' ?

I'm very, VERY surprised that they attracted an Oscar winner, Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu.

That said, the script is crap, the performances were diabolical, the direction was pathetic, who in God's name funds this garbage ?

A spectator flop, it's the worst movie I've seen with leading actor who's won an Oscar.

A stupendous and remarkable flop.

Please don't watch it !!

I've seen some stinkers, but not with a strong cast.

WOW - how bad does a movie have to get before its 'green lighted' ?

I'm very, VERY surprised that they attracted an Oscar winner, Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu.

That said, the script is crap, the performances were diabolical, the direction was pathetic, who in God's name funds this garbage ?

A spectator flop, it's the worst movie I've seen with leading actor who's won an Oscar.

A stupendous and remarkable flop.

Please don't watch it !!

Cry Macho (2021)

I Loath His Politics, However......

[6/10 · 25 August 2022]

..... I've yet to see a Cilnt Eastwood I didn't enjoy or entertain me.

Indeed, Cilnt Eastwood my all time favourite movie "Letters from Iwo Jima". He filmed that same time as "Flags of Our Fathers"

That said, I don't understand why this movie rates poorly. The script is good, the direction is good, the is also very good, and Eastwood is a perfectionist.

He doesn't do ANYTHING in half measures.

However. Budget: US$33 million and raked in. Not quite US$17 million. I guess by that standard (monetary) it was an unmitigated flop.

I gave it: 7/10.

Australia (2008)

Felt Like I Was There One Week

[2/10 · 20 July 2022]

The most tedious, UNentertaining sh**house movie I've had misfortune to sit through. Even my girlfriend regreted suggested it.

Everything Baz touches to sh**.

Girl in the Picture (2022)

When Hillbilly Elegy meets Redneckville.

[2/10 · 17 July 2022]

A very sad story about a sociopath who married his own daughter, had a child with her, murders first his wife/ daughter when turned 20 and the son at age 9.

Tragic story which everyone can pick up in first 15 minutes at the start, and the last 20 or so minutes at the end.

If you like strippers, rednecks, sociopaths, mixed with a little bit of a crime - look no further.

Only God Forgives (2013)

Utterly Garbage

[2/10 · 3 July 2022]

I may have seen the most worthless, categoricall, the greatest POS,ever made.

I'm beyond shocked that Ryan Gosling accepted this lead.

I don't to write anything else about this movie, but I'm forced too

Please save your time & money.

The End !!

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Let There Be Garbage

[4/10 · 24 June 2022]

I really don't know were to begin and don't have a clue were to end....!! Andy Serkis direction was awful, Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Woody Harrelson all plied their craft like they were desperate to get of their contracts....

Simply a-w-f-u-l !!

Suffice to say, don't waste your time and money

Really and truly - The End.

Gave movie 4/10 for great CGI & 'good enough' cast.

Foxcatcher (2014)

POORLY MADE

[3/10 · 13 June 2022]

Thoroughly underwhelming movie

Steve Carell in he's unfunny best movie by a country mile, Direction was very poor. Script too was exceedingly substandard. Casting however was good.,

This flick had the bones to be great, yet it was dreadful and utterly disappointing.

I gave it 3/10.

Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)

Pre & Post - Charlie Sheen

[5/10 · 8 May 2022]

It's hard to write a review - the episodes WITH Charlie Sheen are a marvel, I'd vote a solid 9/10.

However the episodes with Ashton Kutcher, as one reviewer said it best - "sucked balls" I'd give this part less than zero.

Because there's no 'pre & post' option, I'm forced to rate this show down the middle 5/10.

Bloodshot (2020)

Unadulterated Crap

[2/10 · 5 April 2022]

How some/many movies get funding is beyond me.

Graphics, special effects are good, however script, actors, direction was sub par -- I MEAN IT -- VERY "SUB PAR"

Don't waste your time with this stinker...

The Father (I) (2020)

Anthony Hopkins superb in unbearably heartbreaking movie.

[8/10 · 7 March 2022]

We're immediately placed inside (Anthony Hopkins) Anthony's head. We see and don't see what he sees and doesn't see. We are cleverly invited to assume that certain passages of dialogue are happening in reality - and then shown that they aren't.

We experience with Anthony, step by step, what appears to be the slow deterioration of his condition, the disorientating time slips and time loops.

The effects are essentially theatrical - but they are powerfully achieved, and the performances from Hopkins and Olivia Colman (Anne) are superb.

It is a film about grief and what it means to grieve for someone who is still alive.

After Life (2019–2022)

Prepare to Laugh & Cry at the Same Time....

[10/10 · 6 February 2022]

After Life is doubtlessly one of THE most incredible show I've seen in a very long time.....nay forever !!

Never have watched a show, be it movie or a series, that me cry & laugh at the same time.

It is simply that the all of the characters portrayed are while seemingly meant to amuse, are also so very real.

Ricky Gervais is a marvel. His portrayal a recently widowed Tony takes care of the dog while all the while craving the company of his departed wife which he does via video messages and memories he watches so often as a way to stay connected.

He longs for his wife, and one can recognise his grief as he carries it and tries to hard to fulfil a 'normal' life.

People around him are so well cast, I couldn't fault anyone's performance.

I wasn't sure I would connect with this - i don't mind saying how wrong was I.....

It's a deeply sad subject, however steeped in reality, Moreover, script, the ensemble cast, the direction, are sublime.

Sometimes a mere 'thanks' just doesn't cut it - this one those rare occasions a mere "thanks" JUST DOESN'T CUT IT......!!

I want to thank everyone involved with this production, especially Ricky Gervais.

Have no doubt, this is masterpiece !!

The Danish Girl (2015)

CRINGEWORTHY.....however

[4/10 · 29 January 2022]

The movies cast was excellent, but some parts of this movie was unforgivably cringeworthy.

Eddie Redmayne performance as Lilli - well...... Alicia Vikander performance as fellow painter Gerda is sublime - little wonder she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

There was criticism over the casting of.a non-trans man as a trans woman. Redmayne's performance was so good.....perhaps that's what made me so uncomfortable.

'The Danish Girl' is a well-intentioned attempt to tell Lili Elbe's story for a general audience, however some of the unusual historical facts and much of the sparkle has been lost.

Dramatically too, it somehow loses something in this depiction of the story of both protagonists.

Why else would I skip through the cringeworthy moments.

Gold (I) (2022)

Utter Garbage

[4/10 · 26 January 2022]

There's two reasons why this movie went straight to streaming - for Zac Efron to have a paid holiday, and the other reason is this movie a steaming pile of B/S

I'm certain 99% of budget went to Efron, the cast and crew was paid with Monopoly dollars.

Direction, other cast members, cinematography, script - everything else was atrocious.

Typical for most Australian productions.

Don't waste your time.....

The Handmaid's Tale (2017–2025)

Breathtakingly Stunning - For Real.....!!

[10/10 · 24 January 2022]

Easily and by far, the thing I've watched....!!

Incredible series with outstanding acting.

IIt is undoubtedly and easily, one of the most harrowing & extraordinary shows I've ever watched - PERIOD!!

For absolute first time, I can honestly say the series finally exceeds the book. Every emotive string was tugged, except laughter.

The cast was unbelievably awesome, the direction, the cinematography, the character development - all sublime.

I can't begin to tell you, how much I was emotionally stuck on this series.

If I could give this show 11/10 - trust me I would.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

Nicole Kidman Should Quit While She's Behind

[1/10 · 26 December 2021]

Hideous actress is Nicole Kidman. I only watched movie because my girlfriend promised me sex afterwards.

I tried to keep an open mind, I loved Lucille Ball growing up, also love Bardem playing Desi Arnez, however Nicole Kidman is utterly woeful.

Between her botched plastic surgery (distracting) and garbage performance, theirs no redeeming part to this movie.

Debra Messing should have started - not Kidman.

THE END.

Sweet Girl (2021)

Far From Worst Movie Ever Seen, however.....

[6/10 · 16 December 2021]

......certainly not worthy of IMDB rating of 5.

If y'all like mind numbingly mistake riddled action movies - without thinking, or being too critical then is the perfect movie for you.

If you love revenge / action flicks then this is DEFINITELY the movie for you !!

Don't be too critical about script / producers / directors gaffes - I certainly needed to switch off - and simply enjoyed this flick.

Isabella Merced (Rachel) is very good, actually giving this movie nuance and pathos, that you can see every other actor coasting around her - yes even out shinning lead Jason Momo (Ray).

The movie tries hard to say Rachel and Ray are of one mind, from the fact that their names are similar to Momoa's monotone narration about "parents and their children. Where do they end and we begin?" Just saying that feels like a 'spoiler alert' but it's said in the first 10 minutes alongside the first (of two) times that Rachel is referred to as "sweet girl."

"Sweet Girl" is dumb in many ways you'd expect, and yet with Isabella Merced things feel understandable. It's a little bit frustrating that the twist undermines her, or maybe utterly weird is a better saying that.

However, if they changed director, wrote with better writers, employed better support cast, and producers wanted to greenlight a "Sweet Girl 2" and give Merced her due, I'll be waiting.......

The Unforgivable (2021)

There's A Lot That Works Here.

[9/10 · 11 December 2021]

The casting to the production design, but you might have to watch the original U. K. show on Britbox to fill in the blanks.

There's much to pack into a 2 hour movie versus a 3 part mini-series - but some how Bullock pulls it off.

Twenty years ago, after Ruth (Bullock's character), Katie's parents died, the girls were evicted from their family farmhouse. From what we're able to see in flashbacks, a desperate Ruth shot the sheriff who came to take them away. She's served her time but will forever be reviled as a cop killer. Now Katie, who remembers the past only in unsettling bursts, has a new life with the Malcolms, a pair of loving adoptive parents (Richard Thomas, Linda Edmond) and an adoring little sister (Emma Nelson)

Ruth believes she's paid the price for her crime, but she's having a hard time finding anyone who agrees. The Malcolms are terrified of her disrupting their settled home. The sheriff's bitter sons (Tom Guiry and Will Pullen) want to destroy what's left of Ruth's life in vengeance for the way she ruined theirs. There's also Blake (Jon Bernthal), who stands on the assembly line with her and seems like a promising romantic prospect - until she confesses her story. And John Ingram (Vincent D'Onofrio), a lawyer who's willing to help her, until his wife Liz (Viola Davis) points out that their own black sons would never get a second chance if they'd killed an officer like Ruth did.

This is a lot to juggle, especially in a movie rather than a miniseries. And there are times when the screenplay, by Peter Craig, Hillary Seitz, and Courtenay Miles, gets bogged down by so much heavy responsibility. Because Fingscheidt has gathered such a strong cast, and taken such pains to delineate between each world, we feel as though every disparate thread deserves its own time. Instead, most of the characters get short shrift, and powerful actors who might normally serve as anchors - Morgan, Davis, and Bernthal in particular - are reduced to memorable cameos.

But this is Bullock's show, for better and worse (she's also a producer). As for the latter, there's the confusing and distracting practical matter of math: Bullock is 57, Franciosi is 28; Ruth seems to be around 40, and Katie around 20.

Because their history is unfolded slowly in flashbacks (played by Bullock as Ruth's younger self, and Neli Kastrinos as Katie's), we spend a lot of time trying to figure out how Ruth and Katie could be connected.

What's also very distracting is the botched plastic surgery Bullock has done to her face.

Still, a tightly-drawn Bullock is fully in tune with Ruth's pain, making her extreme introversion an evident side effect of trauma rather than personality. Because Ruth keeps so much inside, Fingscheidt uses every element to create a sensory connection between this difficult character and the audience. The score, from Hans Zimmer and David Fleming, takes us part of the way there.

But Fingscheidt's underlying focus is on the cultural strata that divide the characters. Guillermo Navarro's intimate cinematography, which shifts with the socioeconomic settings, matches each notably divergent environment as designed by Kim Jennings and Natalie Van Hest. Jennings and Van Hest have eyes for minute detail, and deftly pull us from Ruth's viscerally repellent halfway house to the Ingrams' expensively enviable farmhouse to the Malcolms' softer suburban haven.

All of this fine work does bring us back to the fact that there's too much here, and too little time in which to explore it all. As it happens, the original "Unforgiven" is streaming on Britbox, while "The Unforgivable," which is currently in theaters, will be on Netflix December 10. It's not exactly uplifting, but a pairing of the series and the film might compel anyone looking for something more intense than traditional holiday fare.

Mr. Church (2016)

Best Eddie Murphy movie since......

[8/10 · 11 December 2021]

.......Trading Places (maybe Dolomite(

Beresford's direction was masterful, actors were sublime, coupled with commanding script adds up to a wonderful movie.

Fact is greater than fiction, this movie proves that adage hands down.

An inspiring delightful movie.

BTW- I recommend keep a box of tissues close by.

I've given this 8/10.

Transformers (2007)

UTTER GARBAGE & MORONIC !!

[1/10 · 11 December 2021]

How many ways can you f * * k up a movie ?? Countless ways apparently.

This movie is one more example of how easy it is to screw up a movie in just a few moves.

The reviewers that gave this movie 10/10 must've been the recipients of a lobotomy - indeed anything over 7/10 were lobotomized. I get why nostalgia kicked in for many, and I'll grant this - fx were 'decent' however, the entire movie is a smoking pile of.....

Acting is somewhere between mediocre and downright atrocious - Megan Fox heading that list.

I won't bore you with my drivel - just save your time and NEVER watch this steaming crap.

The End.

Knives Out (2019)

Best Who-Dun-It in a Long Time

[8/10 · 29 November 2021]

A large mansion. A wealthy author found dead.

A crazy family with secrets to hide. The set up for a mystery film is perfect.

This film is star-studded.b 'Knives Out' features Daniel Craig as the detective (with a wonderful Southern drawl which he actually pulls off), Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Christopher Plummer, Ana de Armas, Michael Shannon, and many other familiar faces.

The cast is part of what adds to the film's charm.

The plot is very well-planned and very interesting. Knives Out is written with the flair of a traditional 'who-dun-it' Many twists and turns along with subplots everywhere you turn, Script, acting, direction utterly sublime.

Knives Out is VERY worth the watch. I've given this masterful film 10/10.