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Margin Call (2011)
Moral and psychological insight into people behind financial crisies and their actions
Most of us know financial crisis form the external point of view, from watching CNN and listening about derivatives, swaps often understanding from it as much as from black magic... Therefore bankers, stock traders and the rest of wall street's white collars are thought to be some kind of pure evil ruling the world. For me it's very medieval like train of thoughts. None of the less looking at this whole crisis from the inside must have been completely different experience don't you agree. Thats about what this film is.Real people made of flash and blood who just like we have so much to lose. About psychological state, morality motives of people who suddenly found themselves in situation no one want to be in making hard choices.
Director J.C. Chandor did great job especially considering its his first featured film. He doesn't simplify and manage to tell about all these financial nuances without making viewers fall asleep. He even built tension that stays till the end. Shows how hard decisions has to be made over one night and how not guilty is being blamed just because someone has to be. Clash of generations can be observed just next to considerations about what's right or wrong and how it contradicts with interest of the "firm". And what i found very well done is long range of genuine charterers. Acting is great especially Jermey Irons and Kevin Spacey they always deliver great performance. Stanley, Demi and Paul are also very solid. Even Mr Mentalist (Simon Baker) and Zachary Quinto (recently geyed-up :P) don't disappoint I ll even say that as little as we can watch Baker he creates enigmatic character. I strongly recommend it to all who think that Wall Street is a capitol of evil, to those who like WallStreet or Money never Sleeps, to those who want some other perspective on crisis and to all who like to watch great film after long day. One think could be better is music but it might work so well just because its quiet story
The Change-Up (2011)
Cliché cliché cliché
We've all seen it. Hollywood frequently come back to the paradigm of changing bodies(or places). Background changed up a little bit in The change up but its still a cliché. Humour is very low and first few seconds of the movie explains it very vividly but if you ll manage to look pass it ll get better. I personally liked scenes with Olivia Wild she has really strong screen presence (or maybe its just because she so damn HOT). Anyway there will be few laughs and few WTF. Although film is predictable and starts off awfully I must say its one of few that I liked among 'OMG we changed our bodies' clichés.
The story is about 2best friends Dave Lockwood(Jason Bateman) and Mitch Planko (Ryan Reynolds) which after drunken night change up their bodies. That of course lead to awkward situations, gags and rediscovering your own I. Dave is a lawyer with 3 kids and loving wife.Mitch is completely different person without career, living like a men-child and chasing skirt all the time (he also had daddy issues). Jason Bateman as an actor (and probably as a person) completely lacks charisma so he s tailor made for role of Dave. (btw he always play the same guy). The thing is that after the "change" it just doesn't work any more. As douche he cant convey anything beside few facial expressions. Same goes for Reynolds although he doesn't act he just looks pretty. But who da hell cares about acting while watching light and for most parts brain-dead comedy.
I recommend it to all those who have not much experience with cinema. If want to have some fun and leave cinema rather with a smile then without this is for you. For the rest of us it will work only when we're sad at the moment with out anything better to do. Oh and whats important we get to see Olivia almost naked +1 for da movie thanks to her :P
Colombiana (2011)
Unsophisticated action-packed vengeance story with sexy Zoe
Don't expect sophisticated vengeance cinema, twist or unexpected because this film is one big cliché. I personally think its a hybrid of Nikita and Leon: The Professional or rather mix of ideas. Kind of what d happen if Mathilda d grow up as she wanted to. Well she d probably become something like Nikita.
Story is about girl who witnesses her parents death when she is around 8-10 years old. She of course back then could probably take down half of those guys who killed her parents but director make us wait for another hour to see that. Rest of the film is filled Cataleya's banding over and killing. Most of the story is ridicules so don't expect a lot of logic (except prison kill)rather a lot of simplifying. She can locate kill and do everything to anyone. So smart and well trained but couldn't foresee that they will go after who ever left from her family. What da hell that suppose to be.
However if approach the movie as a simple action-killer flick you wont be disappointed. Pace of story is very good fights scene could have been made differently I mean shes just a little girl. Dude she s fighting near the end is three times her weight and she is pushing him over whole room. Zoe Saldana is credible as a cold-killer and you can expect few sexy scenes with her. Thats what tigers like the most huh?! If u don't want to think, see one of the hottest girls in Hollywood right now with a gun in tight outfit, or just see action-packed vengeance story its definitely film for you. However its not enough to be a remarkable creation and hour after screening you wont even remember about it. Unless just like me you ll have a mental picture of Zoe in her slutty clothes from the beginning of the movie.
Yeojaneun namjaui miraeda (2004)
Unique
Sang-soo Hong has very unique way of story telling. Which can sometimes be confusing for audience unfamiliar with retrospections mixed with present storyline without any hints. Feels really diary like though require constant attention to avoid mentioned confusion. I think thats why my friend who is unfamiliar with non-Hollywood narration completely did not like it. He also accused me of wasting his time. I however share Scorsese's point of view who said that Hongs films unpeel like an orange .
Films about 2 friends that meet over the beer after they haven't seen each other for few years. What we're witnessing is memories, resentment and so on coming back as the story follows. After drinking they decide to catch up with their lad friend. Scenes are built very. The story has rather dramatic character but there are subtle comical moments like the one in the bar with waitress. Ending is rather disappointing and abrupt. But it convey the fact that some things ends just very sudden and sometimes you don't even know when did it happen and why.
In a sense point of this film is to convey some old truth. In the eyes of women all men are pigs and thats often truth. Although as a men i cant accept it. Oh and the film feels like it lacks some kind of twist or something really dramatic.
Bomnaleun ganda (2001)
Love or not to love... u'll know after this film or review
Its not about plot, not about twist nor about something unbelievable. This is a film that concentrate on characters and their different points of view. Dialogues are very modest in expression. Director uses rather non-verbal communication. Shy look there, insecure touch there or actions that tells us more then words. All that accompanied by great cinematography complemented by sensual music or sounds of bamboo. Audience can enjoy that thanks to slow storytelling and long pauses filled with body language. Back to the story. Jin-ho Hur tells a story about 2 individuals and their evolving relationship. Sang-woo is a young sound technician inexperienced with strong feelings. He meets Eun-so recently divorced radio announcer. Director shows the beginning of their relationship with creating overwhelming atmosphere of excitement and happiness that even spreads on the audience.
**Spoiler Alert**
However just like in life at some moment everything starts to go wrong. Director don't give us clear answer what is going on because just as it happens in those situations you can only insinuate. From this point everyone starts to cheer only for one of the main characters. Those less experienced by love go with Sang-woo. Those that tasted ups and downs of loving stand with Eun-so no matter which sex they're representing. Ending is perfectly directed. As Eun-so and Sang-woo meet up after some time she puts him again at crossroads. As he declined its clear that he finally made peace with it. As she goes away we can clearly see his hesitation. In this moment thanks to film shot without depth of field her going away is like fading of a memory. ** End of Spoilers**
As i mentioned before great cinematography is accompanied by amazing music and that builds great background to the story. However at some point this omnipresent music started to get on my nerves. I just think there is a little bit too much of it. As someone before me noted the easiest way to describe this film is to quote Alfred Lord Tennyson: "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all"
Super 8 (2011)
Close encounters of the third kind / E.T
Not every day world is given sci-fi film and not every time its that good. Unfortunately like 99% of films that comes from Hollywood its deeply flawed however in comparison to certain robo trilogy this is a masterpiece (brainless teenagers that concentrated mainly in one country probably wont agree :P ). This film is a mix of 2 sci-fi classics that were given to us by mr Spielberg. I'm talking about E.T and Close Encounters of the third kind. Like in et we have brave, pure hearted teenagers who against all odds in their stupidity are also only smart and righteous people in town. Like in Close encounters we have evil military that just wont share info with good people of US and mystery which is obvious from the beginning but for things to unveil completely we have to first bite off our nails for an hour. This is actually good think because don't know how about you but I'm just sick of the trailers that reveal key-points of the story not to mention films with no mystery. Here informations are given to the audience piece by piece and that is what makes it so damn interesting (for most parts).
SPOILER ALERT
Just like I mentioned earlier film is flawed. Mainly by so common idiotism. First off all in 1979 US pick-ups were the safest vehicles on earth they could take head on collision with the train and after be in better condition then locomotive. Like that dude couldn't steal some big track and leave it on the tracks and while running he could be struck by a splinter from those big explosions. Necessity for drama won over common sense. That left really bad impression and its full of such moments. After those moments I always wonder either a film maker is that stupid or the audience for which its intended for. Like in most of JJ's films there is cinematography that reveal nothing more then a hand or claw of the monster (Cloverfield all over again but there it was justified with sudo-documental style of the film). This is kind of entertaining at the beginning but after each scene it keeps getting more and more irritating. I don't necessarily consider it as a flaw more like going a little bit over the top.
SPOILERS - THE END
When it comes to acting... Lets just say its not bad. Joel is quite credible in his role. However his complete lack of fear is in my opinion a little bit disappointing. Unfortunately this is how JJ probably imagined that character. I mus mention Elle Fanning's role, she was outstanding in comparison to the rest of cast and I hope she can give even better performances in the future.
CGI is very good especially derail of a train (in a clash with fearsome pickup. Monsters snout is also very lovely.
In conclusion I must recommend it to all of you who liked any of Spielbergs sci-fi films. And its a must see for those who grew up on his work. 7/10
Trespass (2011)
I hope this is his last film
I have watched this film only because Nicloe Kidman and Andrzej Bartkowiaks involvement into the project. I hoped that this wont be another episode from cycle of shitty films in which lately appeared Nic Cage. As it turned out, hope is a mother of idiots (as we say in Poland). Almost everything have been done incorrectly about this movie. Script is very improbable and ridicules, directing is incoherent, most of acting was at least disappointing. Cinematography was acceptable but haven't really expressed anything. I didn't feel trapped or surrounded even for a moment and most scenes lacked of any tension (it suppose to be ubiquitous in such a film ). Back to the script the dialogs were just amazing. Whenever character said something I just couldn't believe it. One thing I liked about it was Nicole Kidman. Maybe I cant be objective about her because she's so beautiful and sexy in a way that impressed me even though I'm not her admirer (deprivation of sun-rays pays out don't you think). Anyway I liked her part, she gave decent performance in production that wont be remembered.
5/10 Only thanks to Nicole
Joel please stop directing it is clear to all of us that you wont improve in this age so make some space for new generation of directors.
Aneun yeoja (2004)
Unusual disarmingly funny love story
I started watching this with big expectations mainly because im in love with Korean Cinema which often (not so much recently) is so different from western productions. Once more I was not disappointed.
The plot is not as simple as in most rom-coms but include fairly decent twist. Main character Dong Chi-seong is just a guy in constant pursuit for love which is field with failure and disappointment. He also has serious health problems. After meting his doctor Chi-seung is desperate so he turns towards alcohol and then he meets Han Yi-yeon. AS I noticed before and its the same with this film Korean directors are restrained in showing affection between characters (its often big advantage just like in this film). After they met Chi-seong isn't too friendly. Thats the plot in an nutshell.
Camera work isn't perfect. I don't understand why scenes with lack of movement were taken by hand camera. I just don't get it. Soundtrack is typicall for the genre maybe creators wanted to throw off audience so the twist could have had better impact. Acting is good enough or the cuteness of Yi-yeon just blinded me. Performance of Na-yeong Lee is very balanced just not too needy nor too shy.
Funny moments are very tasteful sometimes even disarmingly ridicules (I refer to certain box that just made me cry). Film can be even considered as an parody of the genre that it is representing by itself. Very clever script and amazing directing created unusual film for all those who are bored with stories that always unfold the same.
Tokyo! (2008)
Tokyo through the eyes of a foreigner
3 stories 3 different directors with genuine view on Tokyo. I don't know if it was developed as one film created of 3 different stories or was it just put together later on. Each approach is different but i liked the most "Shaking Tokyo" from my favorite Asian film-maker Joon-ho Bong. This surreal point of view on Hikikimori disorder is in a way funny, and at the same moment depressing, and kinda scary. Gong combines all these ingredients and creates almost perfect mix as he is known for.
I didn't like that much 2 other stories. Carax's "merde" probably reflects certain view of Japanese people towards foreigners (as something rather bizarre and scary). Japan is full of places which can be entered only by genuine Japanese. Some people might see it as desire too separate from all of disgusting "others". Although I'm not sure of it because I was speechless after seeing how it ends up. Maybe its a remark to how people there see religion. I probably should see it again to understand it better. Anyway director pictured Merde as demonic and disgusting creature (even horrifying for example in one scene in sewers), which can be understood only by one of his kind. Who is shown almost as demonicly as main character.I almost forgot to mention that second part drags to long.
Gordys Interior design is just a story about couple in a Tokyo which cant find themselves in new environment. How important it is for an individual to fit in, and how difficult it may be. Complete lack of beauty(just like in Merde)(excluding girls}. In moments I found it creepy as hell. Although this one seemed the most like from the native. Maybe its also about desire to feel needed and just wanting to disappear and stop being a burden for someone. Or maybe women in Tokyo are happy with objectifying them or just being an addition to a men who appreciate them. I have no idea its just attempt to interpret. Seems like this one was to difficult for me :P Maybe you wont have this problem...
I found this triptych interesting and amusing enough to recommend.
Interior Design 6/10
Merde 6 only because of 2 long second part
Shaking Tokyo 8/10
Drive (2011)
Guilty pleasure of the best kind
No one make movies like that these days and even if you can only see mildly entertaining car chases created on computer screens. The times of making car-chases as they were in such classics as "Bullit" or "French Connection" wont come back, but tributes to those car-chase action movies happens from time to time. DRIVE is an example. However Nicolas Winding Refnsur's masterpiece surpasses all his predecessors (even Quentines Death Proof although he went in a little bit different direction). The title sequences written in Pink cursive is a such obvious reference (and some TV watchers dare to criticize). Cameras point of view mostly comes from inside the car like in mentioned titles. Plot is about mechanic/stunt driver who in free time takes part in heist with random fellows. We don't know much about him because the film isn't about him, its about what's important to him. He has to make some tough choices after work gone wrong. Good feeling of voyeurism was achieved by shoots from low level angled sharply upward. The tension built by slightly longer takes with slowly zooming camera ( while heist is being in progress)are great and while watching it had goosebumps. I love all car-chases but I remembered particularly one scene. I'm talking about certain Chrysler's crush seen from rear window AMAZING. Retro Soundtrack just melt me away (personally I think music built an atmosphere of alienation) . In conclusion not everyone will get this film but those who will are going to be amazed. Visual style and night shots of the city are very climatic. There's no pretty violence and that's why it should be shown as realistic as possible. In an nutshell great action film for all those who love cars and 60's-70's action film genre. The rest of you might not get it but even so should be satisfied with this little kind of a pinky gem