20s Movie Review - Heretic

Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Hugh Grant, Topher Grace

Description: Two young religious women (Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East) are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of a strange man (Hugh Grant).

Review: Two young women go door to door to spread their religion. Many people do no appreciate such practices, let alone take them seriously. Consequently, the task of sisters Barnes and Paxton is difficult. Who would allow themselves to be convinced of a controversial faith in an afternoon? Yet that doesn’t stop the women from passionately proclaiming their beliefs.

In the pouring rain, sisters Barnes and Paxton finally knock on the door of Mr. Reed. He seems to be the only one open to their story. Mr. Reed is not easily persuaded, however; he has done thorough research on several religions.

The whole setting creates a strong sense of unease. Although Barnes and Paxton calmly answer the critical questions, the atmosphere is uncomfortable. Mr. Reed says his wife is baking a cake, but she never shows; Reef himself does not have the best social skills and asks some sensitive questions.

Hugh Grant, as Reid, undoubtedly steals the show. He has a perfect balance of charisma, charm and obnoxiousness. Despite his likeable demeanor, he is intimidating and convincing as a psychopathic bad guy.

The concept of “Heretic” is entertaining, but lacks some depth. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods attempt to provide profound insights into religious dogma via Reed’s sadistic cat-and-mouse game, but unfortunately don’t get beyond surface level.  

The cinematography stood out to me, especially an impressive shot in which one of the sisters appears to be running through a miniature version of the house. That was phenomenal. And the psychological element is quite good, but the pretentious undertone doesn’t work in its favor. Moreover, Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher are completely overshadowed by Hugh Grant. It’s his movie and the focus is on his role. And the conclustion was a little bit of a let down. 

I have mixed feelings about “Heretic”.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Hunger Games

Director: Gary Ross
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Dystopia/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bently, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.

Review: The plot of the by Suzanne Collins written book is promising. Lead character is Katniss Everdeen, who lives in Panem, the new name for the completely destructed North America in a near future. Panem is divided in districts, where the 13th district is already gone. As a punishment, the twelve districts have to deliver one boy and girl to attend the Hunger Games. In this battle only one will come out alive, everyone will literally fight ‘till the death. When Katniss’ sister Primrose is the chosen one for the 74^th Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to go herself.

All the tributes are dropped in a forest and the people of Panem are watching them every move. The Hunger Games are a big event. It all starts even before the games, where all the tributes have to win over the audience in order to get sponsors.

Jennifer Lawrence is a worthy leading lady and she carries this film easily. She is an underdog, yet a fantastic heroine. Katniss doesn’t want to be a hero though, she is just as afraid as everyone else. But she chooses to fight for her life, without having to kill everyone in sight.

The plot is pretty cruel, but it’s softened a bit to make it more appropriate for a broader audience. That’s okay, because the film’s story is still pretty disturbing.

“The Hunger Games” is a good book to movie adaptation and a great start to a strong franchise.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Like Crazy

Director: Drake Doremus
Genre: Romance
Runtime: 86 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston, Chris Messina
Description: A British college student (Felicity Jones) falls for an American student (Anton Yelchin), only to be separated from him when she's banned from the U.S. after overstaying her visa.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 14: A FILM WITH JENNIFER LAWRENCE
 
Review: We meet Anna and Jacob when there are in college. The fall in love and spend every waking hour with each other. When Anna’s visa expires, she is forced to go back to England, leaving Jacob behind in the US. They try to make it work long distance, but both of them soon realize that it might be better to see other people. How strong is their love for each other really?

It's a beautiful story, on paper. But I didn’t really enjoy this film. I never really believed Anna and Jacob; Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin were missing the chemistry. And I felt like, especially Jacob, was happier in the other relationship.

Jones and Yelchin were good in their roles. And Jennifer Lawrence didn’t really have a lot to do in her role as the other woman. But then again, together Jones and Yelchin never managed to convinced me.
It’s not even an hour-and-a-half long, but it felt much longer. And that is never a good sign. I did not hate “Like Crazy”, but I didn’t particularly enjoyed it either.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Snatch

Director: Guy Ritchie
Genre: Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2000
Starring: Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Brad Pitt, Dennis Farina, Vinnie jones, Benicio Del Toro, Jason Flemyng

Description: Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.

Review: The British director Guy Ritchie has an amazing international debut with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”. His flashy and energetic way of filming and the fun characters in combination with rough action scenes made us think of Quentin Tarantino. Ritchie has a lot of fans. The movie “Snatch” is also a gem and he managed to get some bigger names like Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro and Dennis Farina for this project.

“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” with a modern and more expensive touch, that’s what you could call “Snatch”. Not only the multiple storylines that intertwine, but also some known faces. Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, Jason Flemyng and Alan Ford. It’s visible that everyone had fun making “Snatch” and I think I even prefer it over “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”.

It all starts in a diamond shop in Antwerp, where a big diamond is stolen by a gang lead by Franky Four Fingers (Benicio del Toro). The diamond is supposed to be delivered to Avi (Dennis Farina) in New York. But Franky makes a stop in London, where his poker addiction gets him into trouble. The criminal Boris ‘The Blade’, for whom the diamond was meant, goes after Franky. Boris hires some thieves; Vinny, Sol and Tyrone. During a boxing match Franky will be robbed by one of them and they will bring the diamond to Boris. At the same time Turkish (Jason Statham) and Tommy (Stephen Graham), two small time thieves, are involved with that same boxing match because one of their boxers was knocked out by gypsy Mickey (Brad Pitt). While buying a caravan they run into Mickey, because promotor Brick Top (Alan Ford) needs a replacement boxer. Because Brick has some bets going on, Mickey has to go down in the fourth round. Off course Mickey won’t and all hell breaks loose.

“Snatch” follows the same story structure as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, has hard action and dark humor. Not for everyone, but I love it. The acting is good. Brad Pitt is hilarious as boxer Mickey, who you can hardly understand. And Vinnie Jones is perfect for the role of Bullet Tooth Tony. And Benicio de Toro, who only has a small role, shows us again why he is one of the best actor of his generation. Jason Statham and Stephen Graham form a fun, not so lucky, duo.

For the fans of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, this is a must see. It’s hilarious, tough and an absolute recommendation.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - The Hunger Games (REREAD)

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games # 1)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian/ Young Adult/ Reread/ Science Fiction
Published: 2008
 
Description: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying Districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing  them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
 
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
 
Review: Deciding to dedicate the month of April to rereading the entire “The Hunger Games” series, before diving into the newest book, is the best decision. I read it first in 2011, I believe, and I really loved it. But I have never read it since. And, from chapter one, I remember why I loved this series so much.
 
Panem is what used to be North America. It was divided into 13 District, with only 12 left. The Capitol is holding all the Districts under a strict regime and they make each District send one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and eighteen, to compete in the Hunger Games. A game, on live TV, that makes 24 youngster fight to death, until there is only one left. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 and sees her sister Primrose being the chosen one for this year’s Hunger Games. But out of love for her young sister, 16-year-old Katniss volunteers to take her place to fight in the 74^th annual Hunger Games.
 
I remember, when reading it the first time, Katniss won me over from the start. She is a strong character, easy to relate to and to root for. And I believe that she still is, for people reading it now for the first time.
 
The story deals with serious issues like political corruption, violence, survival, love and sacrifice. The world Suzanne Collins created is really dark, it feels like there is no hope whatsoever. The story is compelling, exciting, tense, dark and it’s really a book you can’t put down. It kept me reading for hours that first time and it did it again while rereading it.
 
I’m so happy that I reread it and that I will be immersed into this world for the entirety of April. It’s such a good series, and “The Hunger Games” is an amazing first in that series.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Title: Parable of the Sower (Earthseed # 1)
Author: Octavia E. Butler
Genre: Science Fiction/ Dystopia/ Classic
Published: 1993
 
Description: In 2024, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, one woman begins a fateful journey toward a better future.
 
Lauren Olamina and her family live in one of the only safe neighborhoods remaining on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Behind the walls of their defended enclave, Lauren’s father, a preacher, and a handful of other citizens try to salvage what remains of a culture that has been destroyed by drugs, disease, war, and chronic water shortages. While her father tries to lead people on the righteous path, Lauren struggles with hyperempathy, a condition that makes her extraordinary sensitive to the pain of others.
 
When a fire destroys their compound, Lauren’s family is killed and she is forced our into a world that is fraught with danger. With a handful of other refugees, Lauren must make her way north to safety, along the way conceiving a revolutionary idea that may mean salvation for all mankind.
 
Review: “Parable of the Sower” tells the story as the various crises that are now also taking place in 2025 have developed further. The climate crisis has led to environment where it almost never rains. Water is scarce. The economic crisis has increased the gap between rich and poor. Polarization has caused entire groups of people to be pitted against other people and you can no longer trust anyone again. The story starts in 2024, but was written in 1993. That blows my mind.
 
In this America that Octavia E. Butler wrote about, cannibalism is back. Drugs that numb cause the worst type of crimes. Lauren Olamina is our protagonist. She lives with her father, a preacher, in a walled community in the hope of being protected from her anarchy outside. Lauren is very sensitive, has hyperempathy, and picks up emotions and pain from other people. Lauren has developed her own ideology, the Earthseed. She believes in a God who is change. This belief develops over the course of the story and ensures that she can persevere.
 
“Parable of the Sower” is a very special book. Especially because of the world Butler is describing and the fact that it was written over 30 years ago. Lauren is a wonderful character, easy to empathize with. Lauren’s beliefs in change, which she shapes and develops through her thoughts, makes you realize that change is possible. That gives hope and courage. And each chapter starts with a piece of her journal: Earthseed, the book of the living.
 
The writing style is descriptive and compelling. More people should read this book to realize what kind of world we would create if we do nothing. Because it is reality, even though this book is categorized as science fiction. Sadly Octavia E. Butler passed away in 2006, but I will read everything on her backlist.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Babygirl

Director: Halina Reijn
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, Esther McGregor, Vaughan Reilly 
 
Description: A high powered CEO (Nicole Kidman) puts her career and family in the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much-younger intern (Harris Dickinson).
 
Review: Romy Mathis has made it. She is the CEO of a company specializing in AI and robotics, and her marriage to stage director Jacob has lasted for years. But one day, during an anxious moment, she meets twenty-something Samuel. Who she lates sees back at her company as an intern. Samuel takes a brutal, confrontational and transgressive attitude toward Romy; to the point that she is completely thrown off guard. Samuel continues to challenge her and eventually Romy gives in. She risks paying a high price for a slip-up that grows into much more than that.  

This is the second English-language film by once actress ut now established Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn (previously directed “Bodies Bodies Bodies”). “Babygirl” is an erotic thriller, like many that were made in the nineties. Yet fresh and surprising, because we now see through the eyes of the woman, who is not always allowed to act morally pure. The film does not believe in good and bad, but lustfully digs in the gray area in between.  

Kidman shines as the complex Romy and the film manages to break taboos as well as explore current themes around consent and gender roles.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Pig

Director: Michael Sarnoski
Genre: Drama/ Mystery
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 13: A FILM FROM 2021
 
Description: A truffle hunter (Nicolas Cage) who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must return to his part in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.

Review: Nicolas Cage is either very over the top or really subdued. For “Pig” it’s the latter. It’s a fairly quiet film with a meandering style. Cage plays Rob, a man who was once the best chef in town, but now lives a reclusive life in the woods of Oregon. There he lives, along with his pig, who helps him search and root for truffles. But then his quiet life gets disturbed and his pig gets stolen. Rob has to go back to the city and find her.

In core the film is about learning to care about something and not fall prey to hypocrisy. I absolutely loved this film. It’s a slow film, no action, just a man looking for his beloved pig. And Nicolas Cage is wonderful. His rage is now very contained and it works perfectly for “Pig”.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - The Last Town by Blake Crouch

Title: The Last Town (Wayward Pines # 3)
Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2014

Description: Welcome to Wayward Pines, the last town.
 
Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrived in Wayward Pines, Idaho, three week ago. In this town, people are told who to marry, where to live, where to work. Their children are taught that David Pilcher, the town’s creator, is god. No one is allowed to leave; even asking questions can get you killed.
 
But Ethan has discovered the astonishing secret of what lies beyond the electrified fence that surrounds Wayward Pines and protects it from the terrifying world beyond. It is a secret that has the entire population completely under the control of a madman and his army of followers, a secret that is about to come storming through the fence to wipe out the last fragile remnant of humanity.
 
Review: “The Last Town” is the third and final book in the “Wayward Pines” series. And it’s different in tone. Where “Pines” and “Wayward” were more sci-fi, mystery, thriller, “The Last Town” has more horror elements to it. And it’s really good.
 
WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS TWO BOOKS OR ARE READING THEM RIGHT NOW, PLEASE BE AWARE THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
In “The Last Town”, only a month has passed since Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke has arrived at Wayward Pines. He has finally confronted the residents of the town with the horrific truth that its creator David Pilcher has been hiding from them. But has Ethan done the right thing? After all, aren’t the residents much better of living in ignorance? But Pilcher has his own plan and confronts the residents with the horrific outside world. The result: a life and death struggle.
 
In the previous books the tension was mainly caused by the secrets in the town. Not knowing what was really going on. But in “The Last Town”, the story becomes significantly terrifying because of the monsters on the loose and bloody attacks. It’s very easy to see the story happening in your head while reading and that’s all due to Blake Crouch’s wonderful writing.
 
The main characters in the book are the same ones who played important roles in the other books. In the process we learn more about their pasts. What led Pilcher to create Wayward Pines. What secrets does Theresa carry with her? Beautiful in this is to see how each of the characters deals with the prevailing danger. The writing style is accessible with short chapters, cliffhangers and POV changes.
 
“The Last Town” is an exciting, terrifying and very worthy finale in the “Wayward Pines” trilogy. With a perfect score for all three books, this series became one of my favorite books series I’ve ever read.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Nosferatu

Genre: Fantasy/ Horror/ Mystery
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney
 
Description: A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman (Lily-Rose Depp) and the terrifying vampire (Bill Skarsgård) infatuated with her, causing untold horror in it awake.
 
Review: The 1922 “Nosferatu” by F.W. Murnau is an illicit adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. It’s a chilling masterpiece that overambitious directors had better stay away from when thinking of a remake. Especially after all the countless Dracula films adaptations that add little to nothing to the original story. But director Robert Eggers has proven with movies such as “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman” that he can do something and has a unique vision. “Nosferatu” is a story that was made for him and the result is worth watching.

The 1922 “Nosferatu” is a silent film that terrified audience at the time. Eggers stays away from the theatrical and operatic style that many vampire movies often use. He does not hide away his admiration for Murnau’s original. But he uses his own style and made a unique and personal work with an original approach.

The story broadly follow that of the classic. In 1838, Thomas Hutter must leave his young bride Ellen behind in Wisborg, Germany, and travel to Transylvania. He must personally hand over the purchase papers of an old property to the buyer, the mysterious Count Orlok. Too late, Thomas realizes that his host is a vampire who harbors an all-consuming love for Ellen. Orlok sails a doomed ship to Wisborg to claim his bride.

Probably the biggest change that Eggers made, is Orlok’s look. Max Schreck was a bald-headed vampire with sharp rabbit-like teeth. What stands out most about Bill Skarsgård as Orlok, is the thick moustache. In the first half of the film, Eggers leaves him mostly in the shadows, but in the second half you see him in more detail.

Eggers uses a monochromatic look, with sometimes scenes fully in black an white. This fits the atmosphere and also Egger’s style. The camera work is excellent. It’s panning, where is doesn’t feel like it’s spinning nor is it stationary.

“Nosferatu” is not a nail-biter, but it is very scary. But the terror is more in the portrayal of the characters, the atmosphere and the way it’s filmed. The shadow especially impressed me and was very creepy. Performances by Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe and Nicholas Hoult are really strong, but it’s Lily-Rose Depp who really delivers a stellar performance.

If you are familiar with Robert Eggers’ previous work and those were not your cup of tea, “Nosferatu” will probably not be for you. If you’re a fan of his style and type of storytelling, you will love this too. Just beware of the gore that is coming.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Cargo

Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
Genre: Horror/ Drama/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Susie Porter

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 12: A FILM WITH MARTIN FREEMAN
 
Description: After and epidemic spreads all over Australia, a father (Martin Freeman) searches for someone willing to protect his daughter.

Review: “Cargo” is an ambitious variation on the zombie genre, about a married couple and their young daughter trying to stay out of the grip of the infected in the Australian outback. While the white Australians show little solidarity among themselves, the Aborigines actually gravitate toward each other.
The film never explains what happened, why and where this epidemic has started. That’s not really necessary to know. And we don’t get to see that many of the infected (they are never called zombies, but they technically are). The emphasis is more on disintegrating relationships, rather than flesh-eating undead.

Martin Freeman is the lead in this film and he is really strong. Just an ordinary citizen in an unusual situation. Doing everything to keep his young daughter Rosie safe.

“Cargo” is somewhat of a hidden gem on Netflix, it’s really worth your time.

Rating: 4/ 5 

Book Review - Wayward by Blake Crouch

Title: Wayward (Wayward Pines # 2)
Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2013
 
Description: Welcome to Wayward Pines, population 461. Nestled amidst picture-perfect mountains, the idyllic town is a modern-day Eden… except for the electrified fence and razor wire, snipers scoping everything 24/ 7, and the relentless surveillance tracking each word and gesture. None of the residents know how they got there. They are told where to work, how to live, and who to marry. Some believe they are dead. Others think they’re trapped in an unfathomable experiment. Everyone secretly dreams of leaving, but those who dare face a terrifying surprise.
 
Ethan Burke has seen the world beyond. He’s sheriff, and one of the few who knows the truth. Wayward Pines isn’t just a town. And what lies on the other side of the fence is a nightmare beyond anyone’s imagining.
 
Review: Imagine living in a beautiful small village. The surroundings are breathtaking and the families who live there look perfect. Everyone has jobs and a beautiful house to live in. it sounds great, but as we all know, nothing is perfect. And Wayward Pines certainly isn’t.
 
“Wayward” is the sequel to “Pines”, in the “Wayward Pines” series. The first book ended with a cliffhanger that shook the entire story. The second book builds on this reveal we got and it works amazing.
 
WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK OR ARE READING IT RIGHT NOW, PLEASE BE AWARE THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
Ethan Burke has accepted the challenge and now works as the sheriff of Wayward Pines. Although he has little to do most days, he carries a big secret with him – the truth. And as soon as his wife Theresa reveals that she has doubts about Wayward Pines, Ethan is faced with a decision whether to inform her or not. In doing so, he plays a double role as sheriff. On the one hand, the wants to do something himself with what he knows. On the other hand, he must make sure that the residents of the town continue to behave themselves and, above all, do not find out the truth.
 
The sequel delves more into the history and origins of Wayward Pines. This ensures, that the cliffhanger the first book ended with becomes more believable. The reader gets more fo a handle on the explanation regarding the origins of Wayward Pines. In the process, the reader also learns more about Ethan Burke and his past before his arrival in Wayward Pines.
 
“Pines” was one of the best books I read in 2024, and I think “Wayward” will be in 2025. Its just as good as its predecessor and I immediately want to read the third book, since this one also ended with a cliffhanger.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - Adolescence (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Drama
Number of episodes: 4
Year: 2025
Starring: Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Amelie Pease, Erin Doherty

Description: When 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) is accused of the murder of a classmate, his family, therapist and the detectives in charge are all left asking what really happened.

Review: One morning a police team invades a British family to arrest 13-year-old Jamie. He is suspected of stabbing a classmate. From that moment on his parents and his sister end up In hell. Meanwhile, the police investigate to gather enough evidence.

Actor Stephen Graham, who plays father Eddie, wanted to create a series in which each episode consists of one uninterrupted shot. And even though the show is amazing on its own, the way this series was shot makes the series outstanding and extraordinary and one of the best shows I have seen in a while.
You are literally walking and driving along with the characters, going through the hallways, driving from the house to the police station, going around a room. It’s so impressive. This makes the series realistic and raw and the story that is happening in front of you hits even harder. The camera work gets the viewer involved.

Whether Jamie is guilty or not is left in the dark for a while. That keeps the suspense going. But this series is more about the why then the what. Young Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, manages to give away a very strong performance. Knowing that this was his first ever acting job, makes it even more impressive. And Stephen Graham, who has been a favorite actor of mine for a long time, proofs how fantastic he is. You feel his anger, pain and sorrow. He just makes you feel every emotion. I don’t understand why Graham doesn’t get more praise, he is such a fantastic actor, who has been around for many many year already.

Of all the shows that are coming out right now, “Adolescence” is the one you should watch. There is a reason why this show is being hyped up as much as it is, it really lives up to the hype.

00s Movie Review - Red Eye

Director: Wes Craven
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox, Jayma Mays
 
Description: Lisa (Rachel McAdams) on her flight to Miami befriends Jackson (Cillian Murphy) who turns out to be a terrorist. Holding her hostage, he forces her to help him assassinate the United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

Review: Director Wes Craven usually deals with frenzied, supernatural and/ or gory horror slashers. “Red Eye” is a little different. It’s an efficient psychological thriller with an very simple premise.

Hotel manager Lisa Reisert meets the charming Jackson, before her overnight flight to Miami and is pleasantly surprised to find him sitting next to her on the plane. There is a very sinister reason behind it.
With many of these type of films, it’s mostly the atmosphere that carries the film. But in “red Eye” both characters we’re following have depth. You can relate to Lisa and root for her. And the character of Jackson is really fleshed out as well, he’s not just your standard bad guy with a sinister plan.

The feeling of claustrophobia adds to the atmosphere and thrill, because most part of the film is set on an airplane. Because the characters are stuck in a closed off location, it’s becomes an edge-of-your-seat experience.

Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy are both really good in “Red Eye” and I think this film deserves a lot more praise then it’s getting. It’s a really good, exciting, strong thriller, that I enjoy every time I’m watching it.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Small Things Like These

Director: Tim Mielants
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson

Description: In 1985 devoted father Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own.

Review: Why is nobody talking about this film?

Bill is an introverted coal merchant who delivers to a home for unwed mothers. He knows the rumors going around, but like the rest of the village, he has always looked the other way. Until her experiences something he cannot reconcile with his conscience. But then the questions is: will he stand up to the powerful church and risk his own family’s future?

The book is based on the novel by Claire Keegan and is set in Ireland during the 1980s. In the small town where Bill lives, the Catholic church holds a tight rein. They nuns take care of so-called ‘fallen’ women and girls who they feel brought shame to their families. Bill sees how these women are exploited and abused and he can no longer look away. He himself is the father of five daughters and he wonders if it was one of his daughters.

Bill reminded me of my father, a hard-working, loving father and husband. Who always felt the need to help the ones in need, when no one else would.

“Small Things Like These” is very minimalistic, but the main characters are sublime and the clear moral is as urgent as it is heartwarming. I absolutely loved this film, that I went on an bought the novel right away.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Here

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly
Description: A generational story about families and the special place they inhabit, sharing in love, loss, laughter, and life.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 11: A FILM WITH ROBIN WRIGHT
 
Review: Robert Zemeckis, once the Hollywood legend of blockbusters such as “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump”, hasn’t had many success lately. His last one was probably “The Walk” from 2015. With “Here” he proves what a talent he has.

“Here” is based on a graphic novel and it seems difficult to film. The book is quite experimental, telling the history of a particular place without a traditional storyline. The point of observation remains the same; the reader is merely an observer of events. Such a non-narrative concept is not easy to translate to film, but in the right hands it van produce something very special. As a result, the films has some engaging plot lines, but no concrete story. “Here” is more about theme and the bigger picture than individual stories. The graphic novel focuses primarily on the broader existential question surrounding forgotten history and emotions of a place. The film has a clearer focus and acts as a silent reflection on American history.

The film shows moments from different times, sometimes even within the same fram. While an important event takes place in the living room, other parts of the screen show what took place there years earlier and later. As a result, you not only see how society is changing, but also get an intriguing glimpse into the lives of everyday people.

A common criticism concerns the CGI rejuvenation of Tom hanks and Robin Wright. Although the effects look technically very impressive, and they both look as how they did years ago, it’s still strange because we know they are much older know. Because when we meet these characters they are teenagers, when they’re both well in their fifties and sixties.

Regardless of the quality of this, all the actors deliver great performances. Hanks an Wright reunite after having worked together in “Forrest Gump”. Paul Bettany is actually the one that stands out the most.
I really think that the concept of this film is really unique and special and I’m glad that Robert Zemeckis hasn’t lost his groove yet. I feel that “Here” deserved more attention when it came out, I feel that this was a very overlooked film. I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4/ 5