Movie Review - Death on the Nile

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller/ Mystery
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russel Brand, Emma Mackey, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Letitia Wright, Sophie Okonedo
 
    
Description: While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh_ must investigate the murder of a young heiress (Gal Gadot).

Review: Detective Hercule Poirot attends a cruise of a newlywed coupe on the Nile River. During this cruise, someone is mysteriously murdered. Who is the culprit?
“Murder on the Orient Express”(2017) was an enjoyable detective-thriller. Based on the book of the same name, director Kenneth Branagh managed to keep the story engaging. It was a solid whodunnit. This stand-alone sequel, “Death on the Nile”, once again features Poirot as a detective (also portrayed by director Branagh) who must solve a new case. This time on the river Nile.
We know what to expect thanks to “Murder on the Orient Express”, so the wait until something actual happens now feels longer. It takes over an hour for the first murder to occur. Before this, the films makes an attempt at character development, but because of the many characters, they all remain superficial. Added to this is the fact that the cast of its predecessor was many times stronger. Unfortunately, the cast of “Death on the Nile” cannot match this.
The film gets off to a slows tart and the final murder mystery is not as strong. One wise choice was to focus on detective Poirot. We see a glimpse of his backstory and tries to highlight the sympathetic side of the man. Kenneth Branagh is also the highlight of the film, because he shines as Poirot. And he also very well directed this film.
“Death on the Nile” is a bit long, the build-up is a slow and the final murder mystery is not as strong as in its predecessor. As a viewer you are also puzzling for answers and these are fairly predictable and obvious. Fun to watch once, but that’s all it is.
Death on the Nile is a bit long, the build-up is slow and the final murder mystery is not as strong as in its predecessor. As a viewer you are also puzzling for answers and these are fairly predictable and obvious, if I say so myself. This is a typical case of a film that is fun to watch once, but that's all it is.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - On the Basis of Sex

Director: Mimi Leder
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates, Stephen Root, Jack Reynor, Ben Carlson, Chris Mulkey

Description: The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones), her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that lead to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.

Review: In a sea of dark suites with ties, a blue flared dress suddenly appears, stocking-with-seams underneath. It is 1956 and Ruth Bader Ginsburg is rather out of place at Harvard University where she is starting her law studies. The new batch is welcomed by the dean who consistently refers to them as the ‘Harvard man’. He wants to know from the handful of female students why they are taking the place of the man.
That much has changed in male-female relationships since then is partly due to people like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “On the Basis of Sex” looks back at the career of the lawyer who has devoted her working life to straightening out what is legally skewed between women and men.
Felicity Jones is fantastic as the earnest student who, married young and becoming a mother, struggles to find her way in a professional world where men are the ones who get pats on the back. Extraordinary that her husband and professional colleague Martin Ginsberg wo naturally shares her outrage at an unequal society. And becomes the main homemaker.
The film mainly underlines the historical importance of that career and the film is worth watching. I loved seeing her grow. Ruth Bader Ginsberg is one of the most inspirational women in history. She became an icon. The film shows beautifully how the little Jewish New Yorker who grew up debating stuck to the letter of the law while the world around her was rapidly changing.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Rebecca

Director: Ben Wheatley
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Mystery
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ann Dowd

Description: A young newlywed (Lily James) arrives at her husband’s (Armie Hammer) imposing family estate on a windswept English coast and finds himself battling the shadow of hos first wife, Rebecca, whose legacy lives on in the house long after her death.

Review: The gothic novel “Rebecca” by the British writer Daphne du Maurier was already brilliantly filmed in 1940 by none other than Alfred Hitchcock. At the time, the black and white classic won the Oscar for best film and best cinematography. In the year 2020 ‘the master of suspense’ is missed. This new version, made for Netflix, can’t be compared to the original, but fortunately it didn’t turn out to be a complete failure.
The story revolves around Maxim de Winder, a charming aristocrat who set his sight on a ‘companion lady’. Their romance is new, but that doesn’t stop the two lovebirds from exchanging the French coast for a large, chic and somewhat uncanny estate in England called Manderley. Here the woman of simple descent may finally count herself as Mrs. De Winter to the aristocracy.
Mrs. De Winter discovers some strange things once she arrives at Manderley. For example, her husband starts sleepwalking at night and stays in front of one room that is forbidden territory for her. Moreover, Maxim is very shady about his previous marriage to a lady named Rebecca, who died some time ago under rather mysterious circumstances. According to the caretaker and the servants, Rebecca’s ghost still roams the corridors of Manderley.
Visually this film is stunning. At the beginning, when the two character are starting to fall for each other, the shots are bathing in romantic sunlight and bright colors. But as the film takes a turn and gets darker, the color palette begins to fade. Scenes still fit with all kinds of wealth and opulence, such as porcelain figurines, satin bedding and paintings in gold frames, but the attention shifts more to sparsely lit rooms and corridors. And to the high cliffs on the coast, which consist of black, razor-sharp rocks.
Suddenly, unfortunately, the film is a bit weaker. As soon as Mixim and Mrs. De Winter move into their extravagant manor, the story begins to swell. Maybe this is due to the fact that Daphne du Maurier’s book has been adapted into a screenplay by no less than three different writers. Which way do they want to go with the story? Romance, drama and mystery are thrown together, but to be honest, it’s only the third act that they make some headway. Especially because the plot twists suddenly start to pile up like crazy.
Despite the messy story structure, “Rebecca” remains viewable. The protagonsts Armie Hammer and Lily James are both strong actors and have solid performances. And they work well together. But it’s Kristin Scott Thomas, as the icy caretaker Mrs. Danvers, that takes all the credit. Her role as a manipulator behind the scenes is much more interesting.
The film misses an edge. “Rebecca” is beautifully filmed, but lacks focus. Still a nice film to watch, but you can better watch the original from 1940.

Rating: 3 / 5

10s Movie Review - Free Fire

Director: Ben Wheatley
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Coperly, Jack Reynor

Description: Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shootout and a game of survival.

Review: The cultural influence of director Quentin Tarantino is clearly present in Ben Wheatley’s “Free Fire”. It’s filled with action and morbide humor and is basically set in one location. But Wheatley doesn’t manage to succeed completely.
In an abandoned warehouse in Boston, a group of criminals come together to close a weapons deal. The group with the money: IRA-member Chris, Justine, old Frank and hitmen Stevo and Bernie. The group with the weapons: South African Vernon, ‘failed’ Black Panther member Martin and Gordon and Harry. Chaperon is the bearded Ord.
It’s clear from the start that they don’t want to have anything to do with each other. It doesn’t help that Harry and Stevo had an argument the day before. Tensions get high and it soon escalates. Bullets flying all over the place, people hiding and getting hurt and not knowing who is on which side.
“Free Fire” has two basic elements: humor and action. The shootings are filmed in all kinds of ways, to keep it interesting, but even with almost 90 minutes runtime the film drags a bit sometimes. It’s all a bit too chaotic to stay interesting constantly. You’re actually waiting for something to happen.
The humor takes some time, but eventually it’s strong and it has a macabre touch. This is the strong point of the film. “Free Fire” is an entertaining film, but doesn’t stay interesting the entire runtime. It’s saved by the good humor.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 132: Call Me By Your Name

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Armie hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Timothée Chalamet, Esther Garrel, Peter Spears, Elena Bucci, Victoire Du Bois, Antonio Rimoldi, Andre Anciman, Marco Sgrosso, Vanda Capriolo

Description: In Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen year-old Elio begins a relationship with visiting Oliver, his father's research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape.

Review: “Call Me By Your Name” is the kind of movie that will make you sit through the credits with tears in your eyes. It’s not a sad movie, it’s a movie about love. And that a beautiful thing like love, can also make your hurt.
Timothée Chalamet is a force of nature. His character Elio will make you live life to the fullest and will make you want to fall in love too. Hopefully we will see more of him in the future.
Armie Hammer is so good in “Call Me By Your Name”. Oliver is endearing and caring, but also sexy and human. He cares for Elio and his love for him is so sincere.
That monologue that Michael Stuhlbarg gave towards the end of the film, really touched my heart in all the right spots. So raw and honest.
I’m really glad I got to see it. I hope more people will, because it’s a fantastic film. One of the best of 2017.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 168: Nocturnal Animals

Director: Tom Ford
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher, Laura Linney, Armie Hammer, Michael Sheen, Andrea Riseborough

Description: An art gallery owner (Amy Adams) is haunted by her ex-husband's (Jake Gyllenhaal) novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.

Review: Fashion designer Tom Ford proved with his film debut, “A Single Man”, that he isn’t only good with a needle and a sketchbook. The film was a masterpiece, not only from esthetic perspective. But also the themes and the characters were delicate and had depth. Ford took his time to direct his second film. “Nocturnal Animals” also focusses on relationships, regret and nostalgia to old romance. But it’s completely different movie.
At first sight it looks like art gallery owner Susan Morrow has it all. A good job, a beautiful house and a loving and handsome husband. But nothing is as it seems. Financially she isn’t doing well and she is estranged from her husband Hutton, who cheats on her while on a business trip. When Susan gets a message from her ex-husband Edward and he sends her a manuscript of his novel, she starts looking back on the life she once had. Susan left Edward for Hutton and hasn’t seen him in nineteen years. In Edwards’book, he tells the story of Tony Hastings and his family who are harassed by a group of criminials, while on the road. While Susan reads this story, she remember the life she had with Edward.
The story lines couldn’t be any different, but also have an emotional connection. Susan’s is more introvert and has a lot of thought in it. While Tony’s is extravert and explicit. Surprisingly enough, there is a perfect balance between those storylines. Tony is on a mission and has to find peace, while Susan has urges and desire but doesn’t show it.
Again Tom Ford manages to tell an esthetic story, but also enters the soul of the characters and the audience. Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal (the last has a double role) are both very strong in “Nocturnal Animals”. Michael Shannon is also worth mentioning. Aaron Taylory-Johnson plays one of the worst characters I’ve seen in a long time, what a terrible person. Great performance as well.
“Nocturnal Animals” is a film that gets under your skin.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 108: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Director: Guy Ritchie
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Adventure/ Crime
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Hugh Grant, Jared Harris

Description: In the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.

Review: Since his Sherlock Holmes movies were a success, director Guy Ritchie looks like someone who can bring back old franchises. This time it’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E., based on a televions show from the 1960s. And although the film isn’t as memorablem “The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is definitely a very entertaining comedic espionage.
During the cold war, the American CIA agent Napoleon Solo joins forces with the Russian KGB agent Ilya Kuryakin. Not very surprising is their rivalry at the beginning of the film. During an action packed opening, Solo manages to escape Kuryakin, together with the beautiful car mechanic Gaby. Gaby is the daughter of a nuclear scientist who is missing and she is probably the only clue to a potential conspiracy.That’s the reason why the two agents decide to work together.
Of course working together is not going to go smoothly, because of the differences between the two. And the interaction between actors Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer is fun to watch. Cavill works his charm as womanizer Solo and Hammer is more physically present. But it’s Alicia Vikander who steals the show as Gaby.
The atmosphere and the look of the film is great. It’s like we are really in the sixties. The location, sunny Rome, is perfect and the costumes are beautiful.
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” isn’t as surprising as espionage rival “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was, but certainly entertaining and enjoyable.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 1: The Lone Ranger

Director: Gore Verbinski

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 149 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Armie Hammer, Johnny Depp, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, James Badge Dale, Barry Pepper, Helena Bonham Carter

Description: Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice.

Review: Johnny Depp and Jerry Bruckheimer wanted to do another epic film, after the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Something that would speak to both young and old. The popular radio show “The Lone Ranger” caught their attention. Later the show was turned into a television series, but a movie adaptation hadn’t been made yet. Bruckheimer and Depp hoped that with some of the Pirates magic and a big budget they would succeed. Well, they didn’t.

The old Indian Tonto tells the story of John Reid and how they met. When Reid’s brother is killed by bad guy Butch Cavendish, Reid wants revenge. He doesn’t want to kill Cavendish, because that’s not like Reid, but he wants justice. Tonto advices him to wear a Zorro like mask and together with his white cowboy hat his costume is complete and he starts working as the Lone Ranger.

Gore Verbinski made a somewhat confusing film. On one hand it looks like a kids film. The scenes with Tonto are humorous and sometimes like a silent film. Depp manages to create a quirky character, like he did with Jack Sparrow. But sometimes Verbinski choses to leave out the comedy completely and the film turns into this serious western.

Sadly they choose “The Lone Ranger” to be so serious at times and the film is very long too. The action sequences do look great from time to time, like the train scene in the first half hour. The film should be either an adventurous film with humor or a serious western. Now, the film doesn’t really find its direction.

Rating: 2/ 5