Netflix Friday - Volume 87

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: American Assassin (2017)
After the death of his girlfriend at the hands of terrorists, Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien) is drawn into the world of counterterrorism, mentored by tough-as-nails former U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton).
 

Drama: Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Following the Normandy Landing, a group of U.S. soldier go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper (Matt Damon) whose brothers have been killed in action.
 

Comedy: Last Action Hero (1993)
With the help of a magic ticker, a young movie fan (Austin O’Brien) is transported into the fictional world of his favorite action movie character (Arnold Schwarzenegger).
 

Animation: Happy Feet 2 (2011)
Mumble’s (Elijah Wood) son, Erik, is struggling to realize his talents in the Emperor Penguin world. Meanwhile, Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat to their home. One that will take everyone working together to save them.
 

Romance: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Goaded by his buddies, a nerdy guy (Steve Carell) who’s never “done the deed” only finds the pressure mounting when he meets a single mother (Catherine Keener)
 

Horror: Pet Sematary (2019)
Dr. Louise Creed (Jason Clarke) and his wife, Rachel (Amy Seimetz), relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. the couple soon discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.
 

Science Fiction: Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is best with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles a brilliant scientist named Doctor Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina)
 

Crime: Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster (Robert De Niro) returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan 35 years later, where he must once again confront the gosts and regrets of his old life.
 

Thriller: The Good Liar (2019)
Consummate con man Toy Courtnay (Ian McKellen) has set his sights on his latest mark: the recently widowed Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren), worth millions. But this time, what should have been a simple swindle escalates into a cat-and-mouse game with the ultimate stakes.
 

Documentary: Joan Didion: the Center Will Not Hold (2017)
Literary icon Joan Didion reflects on her remarkable career and personal struggles in this intimate documentary.
 

Family: Tales of Beatrix Potter (1971)
Beatrix Potter’s most beloved characters spring to life in this live-action classic.

Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2021

Although this year is just as weird as last year, I did get to go to the theater a lot more then in 2020, but also saw a lot of new releases in the comfort of my own home on streaming services and on VOD. And I did see some gems (and some turds). Like every year, I create a list of my 20 favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2020, but came out in 2021 in The Netherlands. And if you miss some movies, it’s possible that it won’t be released here until 2022 or I just haven’t seen it. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film made in 2021. Here is my list, the 20 best films of 2021, according to moi!
 

20. The Last Duel
Just how important it is to hear from all involved is demonstrated in this exciting historical drama, based on a true 14^th century story. About two befriended French knights: Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques LeGris (Adam Driver). Who will eventually duel to the death, with the stakes being whether or not Jean’s wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) was right to accuse Jacques of rape. The knightly tale, told through their three perspectives, gets off to a somewhat slow start, but then offers smooth entertainment alongside surprising points of view. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

19. Godzilla Vs. Kong
The two mythical adversaries take on each other in a battle where the fate of the world is at stake. Kong and his helpers undertake a dangerous journey to find his true home, along with Jia, a young orphan girl with whom he has formed a strong bond. However, they unexpectedly end up in the path of an enraged Godzilla, who is wreaking havoc all over the world. The confrontation between these two titans is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the earth’s core. A true feast for the eyes for fans of both titans. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

18. Cruella
I love Emma Stone and she can do no wrong, but I wasn’t excited for this film that much. But it pleasantly surprised me. An origin story for one of Disney’s most cruel villains: Cruella de Vil. It makes her more human and you see the path that she had to walk before growing into the devilish fashion queen. Emma Stone is really good in her role, a delicious role. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

17. Nobody
A skillful action thriller about Hutch Mansell, a man living a routine life in an eventless marriage. After being robbed in his own house, and not doing a thing about it, he is looking for revenge eventually. And the real Hutch is anything but a nobody. A violent film, which would have been your standard revenge action film if it weren’t for the atypical action hero Bob Odenkirk in the lead. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

16. The Kid Detective
In his teens, Abe Applebaum (Adam Brody) was a prodigy of his own kind: a child detective who solved the most diverse mysteries for the whole school. Now Abe is 32, he spends his days as a private detective with meaningless cases, and he loses himself in alcohol and self-pity night after night. Until suddenly a real murder case lands on his desk, and he finally gets around to the real action. But murder turns out to be of a slightly different order than missing cats and stolen piggy banks. Debuting director Evan Morgan turns it into a deliciously ironic neo-noir, with a smart script and an excellent cast. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

15. Love and Monsters
Joel Dawson (Dyln O’Brien) is one of the sparse survivors of the apocalypse. For seven years he has been living in an underground bunker, where he takes shelter from the giant monsters that have taken over the planet. Since he is quite scared he never sets foot outside the door, but that changes when he discovers that his childhood sweetheart is still alive. An entertaining adventure film that I liked way more then expected. It has beautiful effects and Dylan O’Brien makes for a great lead. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

14. Seaspiracy
Passionate about ocean life, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species – and uncovers alarming global corruption. What “Cowspiracy” did for meat, “Seaspiracy” does for seafood. And if you still want to eat fish or visit sea aquariums after watching this, then you really didn’t get the message. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

13. Encanto
The Madrigal family is magical. Everyone has a gift, except for Mirabel. Disney brought us a few animations this year, but “Encanto” is the only one that made it on my list. A magical story, beautiful visuals, an original story and an old-fashioned musical. A fun time for the entire family. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

12. Promising Young Woman
A young woman is hanging out at the bar, drunk. And in no time a couple of ‘nice guys’ swarn around her and want to take her home. But the lucky one who does get to take her home, and actually wants to be rewarded for his good deed, is in for a surprise. Because the young woman, Cassie (an excellent Carey Mulligan), is not drunk at all. Revenge film from debut writer/ director Emerald Fennell is a feminist mix of comedy, thriller and topical #MeToo issues. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes suspenseful and sometimes inspiring. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

11. The Suicide Squad
After the disappointing “Suicide Squad”(2016), about a bunch of supervillains who have to save the world, DC Comics takes another shot at their franchise. With success, because “The Suicide Squad” is fantastic from start to finish: the clever script manages to surprise on several occasions, there are numerous bizarre and hilarious characters and the final fight is actually worthwhile. By far the most important improvement: director James Gunn, who is also responsible for “Guardians of the Galaxy”. He stays far away from the grim style of the original and turns it into a frenzied, brightly colored and completely deranged comedy. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

10. Pieces of a Woman
The daughter of Martha (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean (Shia LeBeouf) dies seconds after being born. Sean then seeks refuge in alcohol, sex and a lawsuit against the midwife, while Martha hides her grief and refuses to talk about it. This intense, raw drama is mainly good because of Vanessa Kirby’s fantastic performance and becomes a movie that will haunt you for a long time. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

9. Minari
In this largely autobiographical drama, director Lee Isaac Chung looks back fondly on his childhood in a Korean-American family in rural Arkansas. While father and mother do mind-numbing work at a poultry farm, dreaming of a future as vegetable growers, grandmother looks after the children at home. The drama remains otherwise modest, but is extremely nuanced and poetically crafted, with just the right mix of down-to-earth realism and nostalgic wonder. South Korean star actress Yuh-Jung Youn won an Oscar for her role as the eccentric grandmother. FULLREVIEW HERE
 

8. Nomadland
Poetic film by director Chloé Zhao about the American Fern, a sixty-something who, after the death of her husband, leaves everything behind and travels from place to place as a real nomad in a camper van. She is looking for temporary jobs, because otherwise she cannot make ends meet financially. And she is not the only one, because along the way she meets many people who have also opted for an existence as a modern nomad. Little plot, but a lot of atmosphere, beautiful images and an impressive leading role by Frances McDormand. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

7. The French Dispatch
The wonderful universe of filmmaker Wes Anderson is getting busier and busier. Instead of one film, he has now made five. Technically “The French Dispatch” is one movie telling a handful of separate stories, cleverly knitted together as articles that appeared in The French Dispatch: a magazine like The New Yorker, but from Kansas. Beautifully designed, quirky as we know from Anderson, and full of brilliant ideas as in any Anderson film. And needful of a second watch, because so much happens in this film. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

6. Druk
A comedic drama about four jaded teachers who embark on a daring experiment: a sip of alcohol every day before class. Because, according to a Norwegian psychologist half a promille of alcohol in your blood removes inhibitions, making us more fun, confident and creative. The first results are certainly encouraging, especially for history teacher Martin (Mads Mikkelsen). But it doesn’t stop at one sip, where the men start crossing boundaries. An excellent film from Thomas Vinterberg, who is also behind the phenomenal “Jagten”. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

5. Don’t Look Up
Researcher-in-training Kate (Jennifer Lawrence) and her professor Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) spot a huge comet and calculate that it will strike Earth in six months. With the force of a billion atomic bombs. But no one takes them seriously. Director Adam McKay gives “Don’t Look Up” some sharp commentary on the climate crisis and the polarized and opportunistic world in which we now live. This vicious comedy about the end of the world, is a political satire and mocks society. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

4. Dune
It’s the year 10191 and to explain how the relationship of the universe are then you need a whole book or two films, because director Denis Villeneuve is only halfway through the book with this film. Technically it’s called “Dune Part 1”and is about the hero’s journey of the noble Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who on desert planet Arrakis must take on rebellious Fremen, troops of the intergalactic emperor and giant sandworms, among others. Not one second boring and beautifully filmed. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

3. A Quiet Place Part II
The unexpected blockbuster “A Quiet Place”(2018) was a strong little horror film about a family threatened by blind monsters with dangerously sharp hearing. Making just the slightest sound can literally kill you. The film didn’t cry out for a sequel, but got one anyway. And this is a sequel I didn’t think I would need, but was so happy with when I finally saw it. Sequels to successful horror films don’t have the best reputation, so it’s very unique that “A Quiet Place Part II” is just as good as the first film. And even with having to replace the leading man John Krasinksi (who also excellently directed both films) by a new leading man, Cillian Murphy, who does an amazing job too. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

2. The Father
French director Florian Zeller adapted his successful play “Le Père” into this English-language drama, in which Anthony Hopkins plays the demented Anthony, who loses control of his life in a London apartment. In terms of setting, theme and uncompromising tone, “The Father” is very similar to “Amour”, with the main difference being that all logic is gradually abandoned here, so that the viewer is drawn to Anthony’s confusion. This has an oppressive effect. Anthony Hopkins proves once again why he is one of the greatest out there, by showing us an extreme range of emotions. And nice counterplay from Olivia Colman. A heartbreaking film. FULL REVIEW HERE
 

1. Tick, Tick… Boom!
Adrew Garfield is amazing as American composer Jonathan Larson, who died in 1996 at the age of 35, just before the first performance of his groundbreaking musical “Rent”. The film zooms in on the period around his 30th birthday, when Larson is trying to get his ambitious sci-fi rock musical Superbia off the ground. Meanwhile, he can barely pay the bills, his girlfriend threatens to leave him and several of his friends turn out to have HIV. An energetic, inspiring ode to making art against the odds. Directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who himself achieved success on Broadway at a young age with musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton”. My favorite of the year and a movie I loved from the first minute. I’m glad modern musicals aren’t dead yet. FULL REVIEW HERE

 
Honorable mentions: Raya and the Last Dragon, The Dig, Luca, Penguin Bloom, Supernova, Jungleland, The White Tiger, Free Guy

Movie Review - Don't Look Up

Director: Adam McKay
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 138 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Rob Morgan, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry, Melanie Lynskey, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Mark Rylance, Ariane Grande, Michael Chiklis, Himesh Patel

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A MOVIE RELEASED THIS YEAR
 
Description: Two low-level astronomers (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence) must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Review: What if a comet is heading toward Earth that endangers the lives of all humans? Will humanity be able to work together to prevent this disaster? In this new satire by Adam McKay, this still proves to be quite difficult. “Don’t Look Up” offers a strong metaphor about how media, politics and big business can’t or won’t see the danger of the climate crisis. It is a political satire that mocks society and I loved it!
Student Kate Dibiasky accidentally discovers a new comet. To celebrate this unique find, she calls her professor Dr. Randall Mindy. After some calculations they find out that the comet the size of Mount Everest is heading straight to Earth, which could cause a huge disaster. To make the world aware of the danger of this comet, Dibiasky and Mindy try to make the urgency clear through the president and various talk shows. However, the love life of a pop star turns out to be more interesting than the end of humanity.
Adam McKay already showed the failure of the economic sector with “The Big Short” and in “Vice” the director took politics to task. “Don’t Look Up” takes the same form of satire and constantly alternates dark humor and drama. Once again, politics, corporations and the media have to take the rap. The humor sometimes takes on almost absurd forms, because why doesn’t anyone so something about a comet that is going to hit within sex months? Yet that seems to be exactly the situation humanity finds itself in now.
“Don’t Look Up” deliberately seeks out the absurdity of human shortcomings in the face of future disasters. Certain characters are overly exaggerated and normally it would bother me. But with the tone of this film, it somehow works.
The cast of “Don’t Look Up” is great. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence play the two astronomer that try to tell the world of the upcoming danger. The frustration it gets them and how both of them deal with everything differently is great to see. Meryl Streep plays president Orlean and she is very funny in her role. Her son, played by Jonah Hill, is chief of staff and one of the most annoying and obnoxious characters of the year.
Adam McKay manages to find a good metaphor for the times we live in. A time when a wait-and-see attitude and the possibility of economic growth seem more important than an impending disaster.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Encanto

Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Genre: Family/ Animation/ Fantasy/ Adventure/ Musical
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitan, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderama, Rhenzy Feliz

Description: A young Colombian girl (Stephanie Beatriz) has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.

Review: Mirabels immensely strong sister Luisa can fold five donkeys over her shoulder, just like that. Sister Isabela constantly conjures up the most beautiful flowers. Uncle Bruno, who has been missing for years, has prophetic visions. These are gifts they received as children when they touched the knob of their personal magic door, in the enchanted home of the Colombian Madrigal family.
And what happened when Mirabel herself had her turn? Nothing at all. The heroine of the delightful, loving Disney fairy tale “Encanto” remained the ordinary girl with curly hair that she always was.
“Encanto” tells a layered, complex story without an obligatory villain, and without ever losing its rhythm. The songs unmistakably contribute to this, from Mirabel’s beautiful solo performance to the number in which Luisa literally succumbs to social pressure.
Disney had a good year with animations like “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Luca”, but “Encanto” is my favorite.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - A Boy Called Christmas

Director: Gil Kenan
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Maggie Smith, Michiel Huisman, Jim Broadbent, Joel Fry, Henry Lawful, Kristen Wiig, Toby Jones, Stehen Merchant

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 51: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE
 
Description: In the origin story of Father Christmas an ordinary boy (Henry Lawful) sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father (Michiel Huisman) who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.

Review: If you are looking for a new Christmas movie that is not too sweet, tells an original story and is suitable for the whole family, you should check out thi Netflix production. In “A Boy Called Christmas”, based on a children’s book by Matt Haig, the mysterious Aunt Ruth tells the children she is babysitting a bedtime story. It’s about Nikolas, the son of a poor lumberjack, who goes to northern Finland in search of an elf village that seems to exist only in stories.
The film has a lot of characters, which can be an overkill here and there. In addition, the message about magic and faith is a bit muddled. But the fine cast and the sympathetic tone will all make up for that. It’s a film with heart and the gets you into the Christmas spirit.
A very fun Christmas movie for the whole family.

Rating: 3/ 5

80s Movie Review - Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Director: John Hughes
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 93 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Kevin Bacon, Dylan Baker, Carol Bruce, Olivia Burnette, Diana Douglas, Larry Hankin, Richard Herd, Matthew Lawrence, George Petrie, Charles Tyner, Susan Isaacs, Lulie Newcomb

Description: Neal Page (Steve Martin) must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving with  obnoxious slob  shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) as his only companion.

Review: When John Candy takes of his shoes on a plane, and then holds them in front of Steve Martin, it looks juvenile. But it’s just really funny, especially because it’s John Candy who does it. The comedy level in “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is very high. The story is simple, but that’s okay.
When Steve Martin’s character, Neal Page, is stranded in Wichita he meets Candy’s Del Griffith. Candy is so enjoyable as the jovial and annoying ‘friend’. During a trip through the Midwest of the states, Del is where Neal is. The combination of the two characters and actors is so much fun to watch.
“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” knows a lot of funny scenes. Think about the scene in the dirty motel, where the two men have to share a bed or the moment where Del and Neal are in their car and going the wrong way.
“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is one of my favorite comedies and also one of the best movies John Candy and Steve Martin made. The film is fun, it’s the perfect holiday movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

80s Movie Review - Gremlins

Director: Joe Dante
Genre: Comedy/ Horror/ Fantasy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 1984
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain, Judge Reinhold, John Louie, Keye Luke, Don Steele, Scott Brady, Dick Miller, Arnie Moore, Susan Burgess, Corey Feldman

Description: A boy inadvertantly breaks 3 important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.

Review: Films like “Gremlins” are such a joy to watch, no matter how many time you see them. For someone from the eighties, “Gremlins” is a piece of nostalgia, but for today’s viewers it’s also a fun film. A classic in its genre, because who doesn’t know Gizmo?
Billy gets a new pet from his dad, a so called Mogwai. There are three very important rules: don’t let him get into the light, don’t get him wet and don’t feed him after midnight. Billy doesn’t manage to live up to those rules and all hell breaks loose in an American town.
Gizmo is without a doubt the cutest, most adorable and heartwarming movie creature ever created. And that’s exactly how bad and scary the Gremlins are. But all of it is entertaining to watch and causes you to laugh.
The movie was made before the era of computer animations. With this thought, Joe Dante did a great job on “Gremlins”. The creatures look really good and detailed. And it still holds up. That makes “Gremlins” a timeless classic, especially for those who grew up with this film.

Rating: 5/ 5
 
 

Movie Review - Druk

Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, Lars Ranthe, Maria Bonnevie, Helene Reingaard Neumann, Susse Wold, Magnus Sjørup, Silas Cornelius Van, Albert Rudbeck Lindhardt, Martin Greis-Rosenthal
 
Description: Four high school teachers consume alcohol on a daily basis to see how it affects their social and professional lives.

Review: History teacher Martin and his three colleagues are fed up with their standard operating procedures  and decide to test a peculiar theory. It seems that humans are born with 0,5 promille alcohol deficiency in their bodies. The foursome therefore decide to drink constantly during the day in order to maintain this alcohol level in their blood.   
History teacher Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and his three colleagues are fed up with their standard operating procedure and decide to test a peculiar theory. It seems that humans are born with 0.5 promille alcohol deficiency in our bodies. The foursome therefore decide to drink constantly during the day in order to permanently maintain this alcohol level in their blood.
Danish director Thomas Vinterberg and actor Mads Mikkelsen previously came together to treat us with the gripping drama “Jagten”, a movie that left me speechless and became one of my all-time favorites. When such a good duo reunites for a new project, it’s only natural that my enthusiasm for it was high.
When you read the premise of the film you immediately understand that this can make for funny situations. From the start of the experiment, the superficial benefits of alcohol are immediate shown. Talking to other people more easily, getting an extra boost of self-confidence, appearing a lot looser and feeling more comfortable with who you are. It all starts so innocently and the friends are having fun with this experiment. Fortunately, the film is not an excuse to glorify alcohol, as the downside of excessive alcohol consumption is also highlighted. This execution makes “Druk” a real comedy/ drama – very well balanced.
Needless to say, the experiment has a major impact on the social and mental states of the four teachers. When their personal lives begin to suffer, the film treats this seriously and director Vinterberg trusts his top actors to convey this credibly. Strongly played by lead actor Mads Mikkelsen in particular. He silently became one of my favorite actors.
Vinterberg manages to ground his film with a dose of humanity and creates likeable characters, who, despite sometimes not making the wisest decisions, do have their hearts in the right place. Reflected in the smaller moments.  
“Druk” proves that an excess of alcohol can be devastating for anyone, but doesn’t shy away from also making a statement that treating yourself to a drink sometimes is part of the deal. This is underlined in the fantastic final scene.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - The French Dispatch

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Léa Seydoux, Timothée Chalamet, Christoph Waltz, Saoirse Ronan, Jeffrey Writgh, Anjelica Huston, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton, Elisabeth moss, Benicio Del Toro, Rupert Friend, Frances McDormand, Liev Schreiber, Henry Winkler, Jason Schwartzman, Mathieu Amalric, Bob Balaban

Description: A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in “The French Dispatch Magazine”.

Review: Wes Anderson’s exuberant cinematic world I immediately recognizable to any film lover. With symmetrical compositions, use of color palettes, and ensemble of top actors and extremely detailed sets, Anderson brings somewhat melancholy stories to life in a comical way. This is no different in “The French Dispatch”, with the difference that with even more detail is has become an extremely enjoyable maze of stories and sets. With his latest film, Wes Anderson manages to make at least three full-length feature films in less than two hours. “The French Dispatch” contains an unprecedented wealth of references, styles, locations, details and fun.
With his new film, Anderson simultaneously pays tribute to The New Yorker magazine and his hometown of Paris. In the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, the editorial staff of The French Dispatch magazine is followed. The film takes the structure of one of the magazine’s issues and the delves into several stories. This magazine contains and obituary, a travel story, and three longer main articles. These articles tell of a student uprising, a painter in prison, and a culinary reviewer who goes to a police station to taste chef Nescaffier’s food.
In “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, Wes Anderson already worked successfully with frame narratives. Once again, the various narrative perspectives flow freely through each other. Yet the whole remains an extremely coherent story. Scenes follow one another at a fast pace, without ever running out of steam. All of these different storylines are also full of humor and extremely interesting stylistic choices.
Everything seems possible again in Anderson’s world. For example, there is a chase scene that takes place entirely in an animation style. In “The Grand Budapest Hotel” there was already a chase made in stop-motion. This break in style does not detract from the film at all. This animation is yet another fantastically thought-out ingredient in this mishmash of influences and styles.  
Wes Anderson not only creates a labyrinth with a multitude of styles and storylines. The sets are also more of a maze than ever. When culinary reporter Roebucj Wright arrives at the police station, it consist of an incredible number of rooms. The camera follows Roebuck through all these rooms with their own identity. In half a minute countless details pass by.
“The French Dispatch” is a declaration of love to cinema from which the passion for the medium shines. It contains everything that makes film such a fantastic art form: complex storylines, a unique visual style and a constant play with light, color, movement and sound. “The French Dispatch” is yet another highlight in Wes Anderson’s already impressive oeuvre and an outstanding form of cinema.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Netflix Friday - Volume 86

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: Venom (2018)
A failed reporter (Tom Hardy) is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. But the being takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it.
 

Drama: Kramer Vs. Kramer (1979)
After his wifer (Meryl Streep_ leaves him, a work-obsessed Manhattan advertising executive (Dustin Hoffman) is forced to learn long-neglected parenting skills, but a heated custody battle over the couple’s young son deepens the wounds left by the separation.
 

Comedy: Meet the Parents (2000)
Male nurse Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) meets his girlfriend’s (Teri Polo) parents before proposing, but her suspicious father (Robert De Niro) is every date’s worst nightmare.
 

Animation: Shaun the Sheep: The Movie (2015)
When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. A mix up with the Farmer, a caravan and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City and it’s up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.
 

Romance: The Piano (1993)
In the mid- 19^th century, a mute woman (Holly Hunter) is sent to New Zealand along with her young daughter (Anna Paquin) and prized piano for an arranged marriage to a wealthy landowner (Sam Neill), but is soon lusted after by a local worker (Harvey Keitel) on the plantation
 

Horror: Case 39 (2009)
A social worker (Renee Zellweger) fights to save a girl from her abusive parents, only to discover that the situation is more dangerous than she ever expected.
 

Science Fiction: Don’t Look Up (2021)
Two low-level astronomers (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence) must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.
 

Crime: Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Barely 21 yet, Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl (Tom Hanks) becomes obsesses with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.
 

Thriller: Sweet Virginia (2017)
A former rodeo champ befriends a young man with a propensity for violence.
 

Documentary: King George VI: The Man Behind the King’s Speech (2012)
King's Speech is the definitive story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI is plagued with shyness and a speech impediment when speaking to his subjects. It is the true story of an introvert and humble man whom events and circumstances made him become an inspiration for the British nation during their war with Hitler's Germany.
 

Family: Elf (2003)
Raised as an over-sizes elf, a human (Will Ferrell) travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father (James Caan) who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.