Movie Review - The King's Man

Director: Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Djimon Hounsou, Charles Dance, Matthew Goode, Daniel Brühl, Tom Hollander
 
Description: In the early years of the 20^th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.

Review: “The King’s Man” is a continuation of “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and “Kingsman: The Gold Circle” and is set before these films. Director Matthew Vaughn did the same with “X-Men: First Class”, where he made the series interesting again by bringing the subject matter back to its starting point. It doesn’t quite works as well with this franchise though.
The Kingsman agency’s origins is traced back to World War I. This results not so much in an interesting setting, but in a rather clumsy attempt to go through the entire war as fast as possible. Only not the war we know from the history books, but a hugely fictionalized version of it.
Vaughn rewrites World War I into a conflict completely orchestrated by a shadowy organization. As such, the war depicted has almost more in common with the Clone Wars from “Star Wars” then with the actual conflict that claimed forty million lives. It is quite daring, but the result is in the end rather stale because Vaughn is a little too eager to tick off all the familiar chapter.
For example, Russia withdraws from the war after a few years, only because of the Communists taking power, but simply as yet another move in a huge chess game. Or in other words: less interesting than real history. But then again, for a history-telling, you’re in the wrong place with “The King’s Man”. This is the type of film in which one look at a scary man with a big beard is enough to know that Hollywood has once again brought out its favorite Russian villain Rasputin.
The central figure in the story is the British aristocrat Orlando Oxford, who has the necessary experience with violence and therefore tries with all his might to keep his son safe. A fine premise and Ralph Fiennes is really good in his role (is he hardly ever not good?). It is quite refreshing to see him in a role as action hero, which he can truly embrace in the finale of the film. Which is also the highlight. It’s just a pity that the road leading up to it is rather long and muddled. Vaughn does manage to simplify the war enormously, but doesn’t get it right with the overarching plot.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that there is some creativity here and there in the messy narrative. For example, there is the very fun idea of presenting the German emperor, the Russian tsar and the British king as three quarreling nephews who, in their conceit, tear Europe apart. Only in doing so, World War I is reduced to a conflict between tree powers, conveniently leaving out France entirely.
The first movie in this series really pleasantly surprised me and I liked it way more then I expected too. And it’s a movie I would rewatch many time. “The King’s Man” is not bad, but not very good either. It’s entertaining, but aside from the wonderful finale the movie doesn’t have much to remember.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Underwater

Director: William Eubank
Genre: Action/ Horror
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, T.J. Miller, John Gallagher Jr. Jessica Henwick, Mamoudou Athie

Description: A group of oceanic researches working for a deep sea drilling company try to get to safety after a mysterious earthquake devastates their deepwater research and drilling facility located at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.  

Review: “Underwater’ gets off to a nice, quick start. It only takes a few minutes before disaster strikes: an enormous drilling platform is destroyed by and earthquake, or something similar. It is chaos, but at a depth of about eleven kilometers, in the infamous Mariana Trench. All the rescue pods have been rendered useless on the spot an communication with the surface is no longer possible. The six survivors are trapped.
Captain Lucien sees only one way to escape certain death, but his plan is quite riskyL he and his crew want to make the crossing to the nearby Roebuck base. Thus begins a walk across the ocean floor, neatly ticking off all the setbacks that come with a deep-sea mission of this caliber. From imploding diving masks to malfunctioning oxygen tanks. But there is more hiding in the dark, murky water. The film might not be the most original of its kind, but it works just fine.
Director William Eubank occasionally manages to turn this into an exciting and claustrophobic experience. He often film his heroes close to the skin, and even places the camera in the diving helmet so you see it from their perspective. Fear and panic are therefore very tangible. The evil that presents itself, gives you a H.P. Lovecraft vibe.
Actress Kristen Stewart has been trying to shake off the image of her role in the “Twilight” films and over the years she has managed to do so quite well. In this sci-fi horror she gives shape to Norah, a mechanical engineer who is not easily intimidated. She kind of reminded me of Ripley from “Alien”. And Stewart is really good in this film.
Even though the film doesn’t do a lot of new things, “Underwater” is still a pretty good film to watch. Short runtime, fast pace, exciting and scary because of the claustrophobic feel and the unknown. I recommend.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Never Let Me Go

Director: Mark Romanek
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, Charlie Rowe, Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins, Domhnall Gleeson, Andrea Riseborough, Isobel-Meikl Small, Ella Purnell

Description: The lives of three friends (Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley), from their early school days into young adulthood, when the reality of the worlds they live in comes knocking. 

 
Review: “Never Let Me Go” is the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestseller of the same name. Director Mark Romanek managed to surround himself with purely great talent. I believe that “Never Let Me Go” is a fantastic film, that probably not many people have seen.
Kathy, Tommy and Ruth spend their youth in Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic boarding school in the English countryside. Unlike their peers, however, their lives are already mapped out for them. No one seems intent on telling them, but more and more things point to a predestined fate awaiting them. When they leave the protected environment of school behind, they are confronted not only with deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal, but also with their inevitable fate.
The three leads, Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield, all play phenomenally. Mulligan, who has the central role, proves once again to be one of the greatest British acting talents. Knightley and Garfield support her perfectly and they form a great trio. The young Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are portrayed almost as impressively as their older counterparts. And also strong supporting roles by Charlotte Rampling and especially Sally Hawkins.  
Screenwriter Alex Garland chose to familiarize the viewer, who is not familiar with the book, with the fate of the children in the same gradual ways as they do during their childhood. It makes the harrowing story even more realistic and poignant. Not only is the narration calm and thorough, actually all facets of the film are made with care and passion.  
The only issue I have with the story is why more people resist the system or flee their fate? Or show their open opinion and disagree with the system, like Sally Hawkins’ character Miss Lucy. But that’s quickly forgiven, because this is such a beautiful film. The cinematography is wonderful. The use of color serves not only to create the atmosphere of alienation and timelessness, but also to distinguish the different chapters within the story. Most impressive, however, are the various shots that are so beautiful that you would want to frame them.
In addition to the cinematography, the atmospheric and emotionally charged soundtrack is also a true beauty. It comes from the hand of Rachel Portman who, seems somewhat unknown, but appears to have an impressive resume (including “The Cider House Rules” and “Chocolat”).
I read the book a long time ago, remembering I wasn’t that big of a fan. But the film is gorgeous and I would recommend it to many people.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Emperor's New Groove

Director: Mark Dindal
Genre: Comedy/ Animation/ Fantasy/ Family/ Adventure
Runtime: 75 minutes
Year: 2000
Starring: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malick, Tom Jones

Description: Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma (Eartha Kitt), and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha (John Goodman), the gentle llama herder.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 8: A MOVIE WITH A NONHUMAN MAIN CHARACTER
 
Review: The young emperor Kuzco is an arrogant and self-absorbed emperor. He always feels elevated above everyone, is unkind to everyone and always pushes his way through. Kuzco is aided by his counselor Yzma, an ugly power-hungry, cunning woman. One day Kuzco fires Yzma, upon which she seeks revenge. Together with her not-so-bright henchman Krink, she plans to poison Kuzco. Through a mistake, Kusco does not die, but turns into a llama. The one one who can help his is the farmer Pacha. During their adventure to stay out of the hands of Yzma and Kronk and turn Kuzco back into a huma, Kuzco slowly realizes he can get more done if he’s kinder to Pacha and if he cooperates with him.
“The Emperor’s New Groove” was Disney’s 39^th film in its ‘classic’ series. And once again they managed to create something completely different and ow. “The Emperor’s New Groove” is primarily a comic animation. The story itself is quite simple and the theme of courage, humor and friendship is not new. But the complete idiotic way the humor and the many puns are woven into the film are new.
“The Emperor’s New Groove” is very enjoyable because of the humor and absurd story. A very short film too and I believe a very popular film among true Disney fans.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Journal 64

Director: Christoffer Boe
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery/ Crime
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Fares Fares, Johanne Louise Schmidt, Søren Pilmark, Fanny Bornedal, Clara Rosager, Luise Skov, Amanda Radeljak, Anders Hove, Nicolas Bro

Description: A series of mysterious disappearances in 2006 are eerily connected to the same institution.

Review: Netflix has a few hidden gems and Denmark’s “Journal 64” is one of them. This mystery crime thriller is a real must-watch. I love this genre and when they come from Scandinavia we are almost certain we are in for a good one.
“Journal 64” has a bizarre plot: during a perfectly normal work day, a number of workmen make an extraordinary discovery. Behind a wall in an apartment there are three mummified bodies sitting around a table. It is immediately apparent that one body is missing. A team from ‘Department Q’ is put on the case. Carl and Assad must find out who the bodies are and which one is missing. During their investigation, they come across the most bizarre discoveries and the truth is anything but palatable.
When you love the genre, this is an absolute must-see. It’s intriguing, exciting, thrilling and surprising. Loved this movie.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Netflix Friday - Volume 95

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

Action: Against the Ice (2022)
In 1909, two explorers (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Joe Cole) fight to survive after they’re left behind while on a Denmark expedition in ice-covered Greenland.
 

Drama: Hors Normes (2019)
The story of two men (Vincent Cassel, Reda Kateb), educators of children and adolescents with autism.
 

Comedy: Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Carter (Chris Tucker) and Lee (Jackie Chan) head to Hong Kong for a vacation, but become embroiled in a counterfeit money scam.
 

Animation: From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
A group of Yokohama teens look to save their school’s clubhouse from the wrecking ball in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
 

Romance: Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
 

Horror: Van Helsing (2004)
The famer monster hunter (Hugh Jackman) is sent to Transylvania) to stop Count Dracula ( Richard Roxburgh), who is using Dr. Frankenstein’s research and a werewolf for nefarious purpose.
 

Science Fiction: Warcraft (2016)
As an Orc horde invades the planet Azeroth using a magic portal, a few human heroes and dissenting Orcs must attempt to stop the true evil behind this war.
 

Crime: Journal 64 (2018)
A series of mysterious disappearances in 2006 are eerily connected to the same institution.
 

Thriller: The Coldest Game (2019)
During 1962’s Cuban missile Crisis, a troubled math genius (Bill Pullman) finds himself drafted to play in a U.S.-Soviet chess match – a deadly game of espionage.
 

Documentary: Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers.
 

Family: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)
Thomas (Domhanall Gleeson) and Bea (Rose Byrne) are now married and living with Peter (James Corden) and his rabbit family. Bored of life in the garden, Peter goes to the big city where he meets shady characters and ends up creating chaos for the whole family.
 

Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 15

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.
 

51/ 100: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
This fantastic sequel to the first Star Wars film manages to outdo the original. The characters are fleshed out, the special effects are truly staggering, especially for 1980, and the film has an unstoppable pace and is full of adventure and excitement. Check out my full review HERE.
 

52/ 100: Good Bye Lenin! (2003)
The Berlin Wall has fallen. Alex’ mother doesn’t know, as she has been in a coma for months. Now that she is conscious, Alex must prevent her from getting to much stress and excitement. She must especially not find out that the DDR no longer exists. So Alex and his friends go in search of the East German products his mother loves so much and eventually make their own news. The idea of “Good Bye Lenin!” is so creative and this mvie is a godsend. HERE is my full review.
 

53/ 100: Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)
Andrew Garfield is peerless 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 30^th 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 and inspiring ode to making art against the odds. This is my latest addition to my 100 favorites list, a movie I loved from the first minute I saw it and an can rewatch over and over again. Check HERE my full review.
 

54/ 100: When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Harry and Sally met in college but will never be friends. According to Harry, friendship between men and women are impossible. Although the chemistry is obvious, they maintain for years that nothing is wrong. Meg Ryan shines in her role as the neurotic, somewhat naïve Sally. And Billy Crystal plays the realistic and sarcastic Harry. The two are great together and it’s one of best romantic comedies ever made. HERE is my full review.
 
Still to watch: 46

20s Movie Review - No Time to Die

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Genre: Action/ Thriller/ Adventure
Runtime: 163 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Ana De Armas, Jeffrey Wright, Ben Wishaw, Naomie Harris, Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, Christoph Waltz

Description: James Bond (Daniel Craig) has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Review: Much has been said and written about the new Bond film. The press is praising “No Time to Die”. Many even claim it to be the best Bond-film ever. I’m not with them, at all.
With “No Time to Die”, Daniel Crag’s story in the 007 saga comes to an end. For the actor, who first appeared in “Casino Royale”, the 25^th Bond movie had to become the crown jewel after his five film portraying the secret agent.
“No Time to Die” kicks off with a downright terrifying opening scene where this films main villain Lyutsifer Safin shows up at a lake house terrorizing a family, who he claimed has killed his. At least the father did.
This installment of the immense popular James Bond franchise aims more at the heart than at action-packed scenes. Which makes it different. But not at all something I expect or want when I choose to watch a film about 007. The film does have some amazing action sequences, but when not “No Time to Die” can be a bit boring at times. I’m not really interested in a heartfelt James Bond to be honest.
Apart from that opening scene, Rami Malek as the Bond-villain, doesn’t really impress. I also believe his motives are a bit weird. He wants revenge for something that has been done to him, but eventually does the same. And Ana de Armas, who has a small role as secret agent Paloma, is highly underused. She had great chemistry with Daniel Craig and I wished she was in the film more.  
Cinematographically, there is nothing to criticize. All the scenes were beautiful made and the film looks stunning. Daniel Craig, reprising his role as James Bond for the last time, is also great. He is one of the best James Bonds ever.
“No Time to Die” is by no means a bad movie, but is definitely not the best or even one of the best James Bond films. Craig had his highlight with “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall”. I think it’s still a worthy goodbye to him as the iconic special agent, but I wasn’t a fan.

Rating: 3/ 5 

10s Movie Review - The Guernsey Literary Society

Director: Mike Newell
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Tom Courtenay, Glen Powell

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 7: A MOVIE SET IN A EUROPEAN COUNTRY
 
Description: In the aftermath of World War II, a writer (Lily James) forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

Review: London, 1946: Juliet Ashton, a young, successful writer, is invited by a small but fanatical book club to the Island of Guernsey. Once she arrives, it turns out that there is a deeper story behind the jolly islanders and their club.
At first glance, “The Guernsey Literary Society” is simple and cheerful, one of those movies where everything works out and everyone is happy. How director Mike Newell slowly deepens the film and unravels the underlying layers is beautifully executed. Two hours for a story of this proportion is somewhat excessive though.
The cast is top-notch, but the heart of the film lies with Lily James, who proves she can easily carry a movie. Michiel Huisman (fellow Dutchman) also gives a strong performance, as does Penelope Wilton. I absolutely loved this movie.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Breathe

Director: Andy Serkis
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander, Hugh Bonneville

Description: The true story of Robin (Andrew Garfield) and Diana Cavendish (Claire Foy), an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease.

Review: “Breathe” is about British Robin and Diana Cavendish, who fell in love in the 1950s, got married and built a new life in Kenya. Robin worked as a tea importer and they were looking at a bright future together. Especially when Diana became pregnant. But then fate struck. Robin gets polio and becomes paralyzed from the neck down. Robin has no will to live at all, now he sees he can’t do anything anymore. But due to Diana’s determination, Robin keeps fighting.
Diana never gives up on Robin and, against doctor’s advice, makes sure that Robin can return to England. Diana decides to take care of Robin herself, in their new home. And thanks to a befriended professor, Robin can improve the quality of his life with a designed wheelchair with a built-in respirator.
It’s an inspiring story and I love the couple. Of course, it’s all a bit romanticized and there aren’t many big surprises. The story is told with great respect and a lot of humor as well. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy work well, together and apart.
Even though the theme of the film is rather depressing, the movie is mostly cheerful. And although “Breathe” is not a ground-breaking film, it’s still worth watching: because of the great cast and because it’s an inspiring story.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - The Mauritanian

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbacth, Shailene Woodley, Tahar Rahim

Description: Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) fights for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years.

Review: “The Mauritanian” tells the story of Mahamedou Ould Slahi, who was imprisoned for may years, without every being charged with anything. Nancy Hollander is a tough, old school lawyer, specialized in civil rights law. She doesn’t care if Slahi did it or not, all she knows is that even he deserves legal defense. On the other end of the spectrum is military prosecutor Stuart Couch, who los someone to 9/ 11 himself. He has a personal grudge against the defendant and will do anything to give him the punishment he deserves.  
The way Slahi’s story is shaped is based on the writings that the real Slahi had published as “Guantánamo Diary”. Even during his imprisonment. He is candid and suspicious, help-seeking and strong. And Tahar Rahim does an excellent job portraying this role. Jodie Foster is solid as ever.
Even though this true story is eternally relevant, it did come out a bit too late I believe. Not only is Bush long gone. It’s message is not loud enough to draw the right attention. I would have drawn more attention a few years back. But even with that being said, “The Mauritanian” is a movie worth watching.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Netflix Friday - Volume 94

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

Action: The Bourne identity (2002)
A man (Matt Damon_ is picked up by a fishing boat, bullet-riddled and suffering from amnesia, before racing to elude assassins and attempting to regain his memory.
 

Drama: 1917 (2019)
April 6^th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers (Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay) are assigned to race time and deliver a message that will stop 1600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.
 

Comedy: Daddy’s Home (2015)
Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell) is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when their biological father, Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg) returns.
 

Animation: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
A hapless young Viking (Jay Baruchel) who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friends of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.
 

Romance: Top Gun (1986)
As students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in class, one daring young pilot (Tom Cruise) learns a few things from a civilian instructor (Kelly McGillis) that are not taught in the classroom.
 

Horror: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
After nearly 50 years of hiding, Leatherface returns to terrorize a group of idealistic young friends who accidentally disrupt his carefully shielded world in a remote Texas town.
 

Science Fiction: Terminator Salvation (2009)
In 2018, a mysterious new weapon in the war against the machines, half-human and half-machine (Sam Worthington), comes to John Connor (Christian Bale) on the eve of a resistance attack on Skynet. But whose side is he on, and can he be trusted?
 

Crime: John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.
 

Thriller: Munich: The Edge of War (2018)
A British diplomat travels to Munich in the run-up to World War II, where a former classmate of his from Oxford is also en route, but is working for the Germany government.
 

Documentary: Django & Django (2021)
A homage to Italian director Sergio Corbucci of the 1960s and contemporary director Quentin Tarantino, recounting a memorable period in Italian cinema with the sensibility of today.
 

Family: A Cinderella Story (2004)
Routinely exploited by her wicked stepmother (Jennifer Coolidge), the downtrodden Samantha Montgomery (Hilary Duff) is excited about the prospect of meeting het Internet beau at the school’s Halloween dance.

20s Movie Review - The Power of the Dog

Director: Jane Campion
Genre: Drama/ Western
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemmons, Kodi Smith-McPhee, Keith Carradine, Frances Conroy

Description: Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother (Jesse Plemmons) brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smith-McPhee), Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.

Review: He calls his brother fatso. He parades around his ranch like he’s royalty. When the mild-mannered teenager Peter serves him in a restaurant, he humiliates the boy with. Phil Burbank is the alpha male, not a very likeable man. The lessons his mentor Bronco henry taught him, he takes very seriously. This is how you are a man. And then his dork brother George comes home with his new wife, the kindhearted Rose and her son, that same teenager Peter.  
Director Jane Campion filmed in her home land New Zealand, but for us it’s the American state Montana in the 1920s. Throw in a strong cast, an uneasy story and you have “The Power of the Dog”.  
This is the type of film that I call a slow-burn. It’s an incredibly slow film, with not a lot happening. But the things that do happen, make an impact and will haunt you for a while. And it’s the type of movie that you will think is good, but you won’t rewatch it because it makes you uneasy.
The aspects that make “The Power of the Dog” a good movie are for instance the camera work and the way they portrayed Montana. The visuals are stunning. The other aspect is the cast. Jesse Plemmons and Kodi Smith-McPhee are really solid, but it’s both Kirsten Dunst and especially Benedict Cumberbatch that steal the show. Never have I disliked a Cumberbatch character this much, which means he did an amazing job. He is a brute. Most of the Oscar buzz for now hangs around Dunst, who, as the wife of a somewhat ‘weaker man’, is partly weighed down by the dominance of her envious brother-in-law. She splashes off the screen in her tormented powerlessness.
“The Power of the Dog” is definitely a winner for Netflix, but I don’t think it will win the Academy for Best Picture. And I think there a better candidates too, but I would understand if it did win.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

Director: Dean DeBlois
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, America Ferrara, F. Murray Abraham, Jonah Hill, Kit Harrington, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 6: THIRD MOVIE IN A TRILOGY

Description: When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) discovers Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury, he must seek ‘The Hidden World’, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) finds it first.
 
Review: Hiccup and his great friend, the dragon Toothless, have a day job freeing captured dragons. A new world is created so that dragons and humans can live together in harmony. When their mode of existence is jeopardized y a new villain named Grimmel, Hiccup brings the all the dragons together to stop Grimmel. 
The “How to Train Your Dragon” series is one of Dreamworks’ more successful series and one of my favorites for sure. The stories of Hiccup with his dragon Toothless capture the imagination of many young viewers. The makers also keep the films light in terms of story and theme. And so does part three, which offers plenty of action and entertainment as well as a light, positive message. In this third part they face a new enemy. 
I love the visuals and the story, the character of Hiccup especially is one that many kids could identify with. And Toothless is of course amazing. I’m a fan of this series and the third installment didn’t disappoint.
 
Rating: 4/ 5