Reviews

Noah (2014)
FFastAndActionOctober 16, 2024
The director isn't a Christian, so the film takes liberties with the biblical story, which might mislead audiences unfamiliar with Christianity. Still, some of the themes are well-expressed, prompting a reevaluation of many things we take for granted.
O.J.: Made in America (2016)
VVeronikahnOctober 16, 2024
This 10-hour documentary offers a comprehensive account, intertwining the history of the American civil rights movement with O.J. Simpson’s own rise and fall. It’s a meticulously detailed masterpiece, and I’d recommend watching it alongside “The Wire” for an even deeper understanding of the tragedy at its core.
Lazareth (2024)
AAngelita_ThompsonOctober 16, 2024
I find it hard to believe that in a post-apocalyptic world, a woman would invite a stranger into her painstakingly built refuge just for the sake of romance. It’s clearly the fantasy of male creators and severely illogical.
Close (2022)
AalisonrainOctober 16, 2024
Sharing the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, this is the second feature from the Belgian director, continuing to explore the psychological and emotional landscape of adolescence. It holds its own against the Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” with one film delving into the external world while the other examines the internal. Personally, I find “Close” superior in terms of originality and completeness.
Glass (2019)
BBrett_HarmonOctober 16, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan’s best works often finds a unique angle within the framework of a traditional commercial thriller, but this time, his attempt to create a universe of superhumans feels rather ordinary.
First Blood (1982)
AAnnabelle_StanleyOctober 16, 2024
As an action movie, it’s unusually bleak and heavy. Rambo gives everything for his country, only to be rewarded with a never-ending battle and unrecognized honors. The real tragedy lies in how no one tries to understand him, and instead, he’s treated as a dangerous outsider. The brutal scenes play over and over, and the frenetic electronic score almost forces viewers to feel the protagonist's trauma. So when Rambo finally unleashes his rage, can we truly lay all the blame on him?
Hannibal Rising (2007)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
This film oversimplifies and narrows the character of Hannibal, reducing his dark psyche to a blend of vengeance and an Oedipal complex. Unlike the cultured predator of previous installments, young Hannibal here feels shallow, both in demeanor and motivation. Technically, it follows a typical horror-thriller formula, which makes it all the more predictable.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
While the original lacked freshness, this sequel takes predictability to a new level. The music pales in comparison to the first film, with only the opening song standing out. The philosophical undertones of the original have been replaced by a flimsy “we are one” mantra. The characters’ arcs and the film’s title seem baffling at times—it just doesn’t match up to the first installment.
Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
After watching "Garfield," I'm convinced the director must love cats as much as Jon does. It's hard to imagine otherwise, given how vividly and charmingly they captured feline mannerisms and quirks. The film allowed me to rediscover the unique appeal of our furry friends.
Queen of Hearts (2019)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
I believe the husband already knew that Gustav was telling the truth. He clings to a sense of “decorum,” which is why he aggressively stops the protagonist from confessing at the end. So, who really is the killer here?
Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
This film was a major letdown—the funniest moments were all in the trailer, and the movie itself fell flat. These four characters have always been my favorite part of "Madagascar," so I was excited to see them take the lead. But the result is a lazy script that just doesn’t do them justice. The writers could have put in a bit more effort.
Mile 22 (2018)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
The pacing in this movie is all over the place. Even the opening sequence, which should set the tone, is muddled and unclear. The first half hour left me with no idea what the film intended to convey, aside from the presence of some irritable CIA agents. And the twist at the end? It fell completely flat.
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
The visuals and effects are well-executed, but this film seems best suited for an audience under the age of ten. Its greatest achievement might be that it has convinced me to steer clear of Hollywood animations in the future—they're simply not for my age group anymore.
Sex and Lucía (2001)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
Desire and mystery intertwine in a complex web, with the story unfolding through the perspectives of three women observing the male lead. It cleverly uses the idea of a writer’s ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction. However, the plot feels formulaic, with pivotal turns relying on coincidences and love at first sight. The female characters often seem like mere muses, serving as inspiration for the protagonist's stories.
Storks (2016)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
The film boasts a solid script, well-rounded characters, and thoughtful themes, making it suitable for audiences of all ages. Its exploration of life’s deeper meanings is among the best in recent Hollywood animation, and the emotional core is authentic. The wolf pack attack and the battle against the penguins are comedic highlights.
The Lego Movie (2014)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
The film has a strong moral core, mixed with a lot of dry humor. It offers a light yet pointed critique of authoritarianism and anarchism, while subtly addressing the influence of mass media and the power of collective movements. Yet, it grounds itself in themes of family and father-son bonding without feeling out of place—a testament to the strength of the screenplay.
Extraction (2020)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
It's surprising that this is a Netflix production. The film overall stays within the average range for this genre, but the extended single-take sequence in the first half is superb. The way the mise-en-scène, camera movements, and character action angles all seamlessly blend with precise editing is impressive.
White Bird (2023)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
A beautiful love story about Julian, a boy with polio, who protects a Jewish girl. If a 4K version were released, I would definitely watch it again.
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, the Movie (2023)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
Netflix’s animated movies often prioritize style over substance, and this one is no exception. The theme centers around “love and courage,” yet the plot is absurdly simple. The character design feels clichéd, unable to break free from conventional molds. The climax fails to evoke any real emotion, and even the visual style is unappealing—though at least the romantic subplot is somewhat engaging.
Noah (2014)
TTusch74October 16, 2024
I actually think the film has its merits. Sure, the script is pretty lackluster, with some questionable moral undertones, but certain scenes feature stunning editing. And seeing Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly engage in another intense performance battle is truly satisfying.