20s Movie Review - Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 197 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis,  CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Jermaine Clement, David Thewlis

Description: Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldaña) family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash people, who are led by the fiery Varang (Oona Chaplin), as the conflict of Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.

Review: “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the third installment in the “Avatar” franchise. Director James Camerom proves that Pandora is far from revealing all its secret. Whereas its predecessor immersed us in  the serene beauty of the oceans, this third film confronts us with the raw, destructive, and paradoxically beautiful power of fire.

It almost goes without saying, but the CGI is once again groundbreaking. The introduction of the Ash People – a Na’vi clan that lives in volcanic areas – provides a completely new color palette. The contrast between the glowing lava and the ash-gray skin of this new tribe is visually stunning. The action scenes, especially the confrontations in the ash clouds, are so fluid and detailed that you forget you are watching an animation.

We see that not all Na’vi are “good”. The Ash People, led by Varang, bring a much-needed nuance to the story. Their anger and thirst for revenge mirror humanity, blurring the line between hero and villain. This gives the film an emotional depth and a sense of menace that we haven’t felt to this extent before.

The core of the film remains the family. The dynamic between Jake, Neytiri and their children has matured. The consequences of their earlier losses weigh heavily, and the film takes time for mourning and internal conflicts. Zoe Saldaña’s acting is heartbreaking; her anger is almost palpable.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is more than a technological masterpiece; it’s an epic drama that dares to play with darkness and moral ambiguity. With a running time of over three hours, not a minute feels wasted. The middle section is a bit predictable, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it. I believe there is still two more movies in the making, and I’m in up for it.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Enola Holmes 2

Director: Harry Bradbeer
Genre: Adventure/ Mystery/ Action/ Crime
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham-Carter, David Thewlis, Louise Partridge, Himesh Patel
 
Description: Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends, and Sherlock (Henry Cavill) himself, to unravel.

Review: After the success of her first solved murder case, Enola Holmes starts her own detective agency. Unfortunately, most potential clients are put off by her young age and her gender, not to mention the fact that they prefer to talk to her more famous brother Sherlock. It seems Enola’s career is over before it even begins, until she is visited by a young girl whose older sister has gone missing after being accused of stealing from her workplace.

Enola takes the case and infiltrates the factory where the young lady was employed. Before lone, Enola is on the trail of a vast conspiracy, but once the local police become involved in the case, led by the extraordinary Inspector Grail, even our capable heroine discovers she needs a little help from her brother Sherlock and her elusive mother Eudoria.

Millie Bobby Brown excels in her role as Enola. She brings Sherlock’s little sister to life in a convincing and energetic manner and is genuinely funny in her comments and facial expressions. Henry Cavill portrays a wonderful messy and laid-back Sherlock, and his increased presence in this sequel could hint at a Sherlock Holmes movie of his own. Which I’m totally in for by the way.

The interplay between Cavill and Brown is very enjoyable. The two have a good click and come across as if they are brother and sister in real life. The dialogues between both Holmes siblings are sharp and smooth, with Sherlock often baffled by his sister’s skills and Enola in turn realizing that her brother is a bit of a mess.

Although the plot may appear wuite complicated to younger viewers, it is less impressive than the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Fortunately, the unraveling of the mysteries still uses the power of deductive reasoning so characteristic of original author Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.

Somethins that is also done in a fun way, is the breaking of the fourth wall. This storytelling technique by no means works in every film, but in “Enola Holmes 2” it results in funny comments in between and benefits the story, as it takes the viewer inside the mind of Enola.

Less successful are the scenes with Enola’s potential boyfriend from her first adventure, Lord Tewkesbury, which repeatedly brings the film to a halt. He is such a dull and monotonous character, that it is hard to imagine anyone as bubbly as Enola having a crush on him.

Nevertheless, “Enola Holmes 2” is highly entertaining, just like the first installment (liked it even a bit more than the first). And a perfect film to watch in the autumn season. A cozy mystery, love it. Hopefully more to come.  

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Director: Charlie Kaufman
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, David Thewlis, Guy Boyd, Oliver Platt

Description: Full of misgivings, a young woman (Jessie Buckley) travels with her new boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to his parents’ (Toni Collette, David Thewlis) secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.

Review: It is a pity that “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” will not be shown in theaters. Without distraction from your phone or other domestic circumstances you can totally immerse yourself in this movie. Because of the surreal story, the beautiful images and the enormous amount of details, which you would more easily miss when you’re watching it on your TV. On the other hand, the release on Netflix means easy access and being able to watch a new movie in the comforts of your own home. Charlie Kaufman’s detailed look and worries about aging, mortality, love and connections between people (or the lack thereof) is not an easy watch and surely not for the mainstream audience.
Charlie Kaufman is known for his creative and more surreal movies. Jut look at “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation”. So, if you know and like these films, you are used to his style. But that doesn’t necessary mean you will love this film as well. I think this movie will get a lot of mixed reviews.
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” seems to have a very simple story. A young woman is going to meet the parents of her new boyfriend Jake, who live on a remote farm. Late at night they go back home by car. But from the beginning something strange is going on. She things about ending it, and sometimes Jake reacts as if he could hear that thought.
Reality is increasingly being challenged here. The conversations they do have out loud vary from profound to extremely pretentious, from poetic to uncomfortable. Both the uncomfortable and the beautiful moments are enhanced by the colorful, claustrophobic cinematography.
It is thanks to Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons as the young couple, who are able to convey the existential fear that underlies Kaufman’s work. Toni Collette and David Thewlis are very strong as Jake’s parents, in whose house the film becomes totally surreal. During dinner, what’s on the table changes several times, just like the haircut, ages and the name of the young woman. Is her name Lucy, Louisa, Amy?
She also starts to doubt it. And then suddenly Jake’s father is very old and demented, after which the young woman meets an equally young mother, who is cleaning up Jake’s toys. In Jake’s old room there is an urn with the ashes of his dog, while the young woman has just stroked it. Is she losing grip on reality?
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is like a labyrinth, in which everything is interwove, but at the same time collapse like a house of cards. The existential uncertainty of existence is carried through such an extent that we can go no longer be sure whether we are absorbed in the young woman’s confusion, or whether she doesn’t exist at all and is a projection of Jake’s failed attempts to make a real connection with a woman. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” invites to be watch several times, although that will not be easy (since it’s a slow burn) and I doubt it will lead to complete certainty and understanding. The only thing we can be sure of is that Charlie Kaufman has again made a beautiful, melancholic film, even if we don’t fully understand it or can really explain what we just witnessed. The average viewer will probably hate this film. If you can open yourself up to this surreal story, you will appreciate it and see the beauty of it.

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - Regression

Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Emma Watson, David Thewlis, Aaron Ashmore, Dale Dickey

Description: A detective (Ethan Hawke) and a psychoanalyst (David Thewlis) uncover evidence of a satanic cult while investigating a young woman’s (Emma Watson) terrifying past.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 2: A THRILLER MOVIE

Review: Detective Bruce kenner investigates a vice case involving young Angela. When they decide to use a psychoanalyst to take her back to the moment of the deed, a lot of extra information is released.
“Regression” opens with this case, no introduction, no explanation. Along the way everything becomes clear. The film revolves around regression therapy, trying to retrieve repressed memories. This way Bruce comes closer to the solution. This case is also about satanic rituals.
The film has its moments and it has a creepy atmosphere. And the acting is solid. But the rather disappointing revelation at the end drags the film down. An ending that makes you forget about the rest of the film.
“Regression” is an okay thriller, but it’s super forgettable.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Jason Isaacs, John Hurt, Miranda Richardson, Evanna Lynch, Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, Timothy Spall, Clémence Poésy, Warwick Davis, Helen McCrory, Julie Walters, Toby Jones, Imelda Staunton, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Matthew Lewis, Chris Rankin, Mark Williams

Description: As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.
Review: The last book in the Harry Potter series was split into two films. Although the film is very long, there is more room for development. This is in fact only half a film. It’s foremost a buildup to the second part and the climax.
The length is something that you feel here. Although it’s only half the book, it takes two and a half hour. And many scenes are repetitive, where Harry, Hermione and Ron are searching for the Horcuxes.
The three main actors have become better over the years, but only Emma Watson can easily keep up with the once that have more experience, like Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith. It’s visible that Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint still have a lot to learn.
I don’t think it was the best decision to split the final book in two films, because this is probably my least favorite of all the films. However, together with the second half of this film, it is better.

Rating: 3/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/ Drama
Runtime: 138 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Helene Bonham-Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Warwick Davis, Bonnie Wright, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch

Description: With their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

Review: The fifth movie in the series is a bit more grim then the previous films. The innocent face of the then 12 year old Daniel Radcliffe is now a full grown teenager.
In the opening scene we see Harry sitting on a swing. After his cousin Dudley is teasing him again, Harry breaks. He gets his wand out and threatens Dudley. It shows that Harry isn’t someone to mess with anymore. Voldemort is after Harry and sends dementors his way. When a dementor wants to attack Dudley, Harry uses a Patronus spell on him. This gets him in trouble.
Harry is traumatized since he saw Cedric die in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. For the first time we feel Harry’s burden. Although Hermione and Ron support him, Harry feels alone. But he has no choice, he has to get ready to face Voldemort.
There are some new characters introduced. Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood. A quirky witch who makes sure there are also some lighter moments in the film. She teaches Harry to cope with the trauma. Then there is Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, who is probably the most annoying character in the entire franchise. She steals the show.
What I liked most about “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is how the students are forming their own alliance and try to get ready for the big battle, without any help of the teachers. Characters like Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasly get a more important role in the story.
It wasn’t one of my favorite books, because it was so long. But director David Yates has done a fantastic job in turning it into a movie. It is one of my favorite Harry Potter movies.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Bonnie Wright, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Warwick Davis, Mark Williams, Pam Ferris, Julie Christie

Description: It's Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the third movie in the series and a darker film then the previous two. The film is a lot more intense and can be scary for younger viewers. The film is very different from the book, director Alfonso Cuarón focused more on the action then the exact story in the book.
After an unfortunate accident with aunt Marge, 13 year old Harry Potter flees the Dursley house. The way to Hogwarts is already very eventful, but the real problems start when he arrives. A dangerous wizard, Sirius Black, has escaped the prison of Azkaban and he is looking for Harry. The Dementors, the scary guards of Azkaban, also guard Hogwarts but they also seem to be focused on Harry. The new professor, Remus Lupin, teaches him to defend himself against them.
Lots of introductions in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. The monster book, the magical Hippogriff and the Grim. Two new teachers: Sibyll Trelawney and Professor Lupin. And again exciting adventures where Harry is joined by his friends Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Hagrid.
Harry Potter is growing up. And I don’t mean just the character, the film too. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are four years older than the first film. And the film doesn’t feel like a kids movie anymore.
Director Chris Columbus has been replaced by Alfonso Cuarón. The books by J.K. Rowling get more intense and heavy and you can see that in the film. The movie lost his light touch and there aren’t as many funny moments like there were in the first two films. Rowling asked Cuarón not to copy the book to film literally, but capture the essence and spirit of the Potter universe. And that’s exactly what he did. Some essential elements where left out and the ‘die hard’ Harry Potter fans might not like it.
The movie is a visual spectacle with great décor and beautiful special effects. The acting is also good. Special mentions are newcomers Gary Oldman and David Thewlis, as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Michael Gambon replaced Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, after he passed away. Good choice, but I still miss Harris a little bit.
The film is meant for the family, but it can be a bit scary for the younger ones. Although the books is my favorite of the series, the movie isn’t. Yet it’s another great film in the Harry Potter franchise.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 78: Wonder Woman

Director: Patty Jenkins
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis

Description: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana (Gal Gadot), princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot (Chris Pine) crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Review: DC isn’t doing as well as Marvel at the moment. “Batman V Superman” and “Suicide Squad” both disappointed, and “Man of Steel” got mixed reviews. Well, leave up to the women, because “Wonder Woman” is an amazing film. Director Patty Jenkins didn’t have an easy task, but she did a fantastic job.
The biggest strength of “Wonder Woman” is portraying believable, human heroes in an extravagant world.
Gal Gadot has a lot of room to develop Diana Prince. She grows up as a strong woman, wanting to fight for justice. A bit naïve she goes into the world to end World War I. Gadot is very charismatic, gorgeous and impressive in her role as Diana Prince. Chris Pine is her love interest and the two have amazing chemistry. The dialogues between the two are great and the romantic elements are kept to a minimal. And the humor is subtle.
The film is action packed, but it’s the right amount of action we get. There is only violence when it really matters. There is more room for character development. But whenever there is an action sequence, it impresses. Sometimes you see Zack Snyder’s influence, especially in those slow-motion moments.
Did I like “Wonder Woman”? No. I loved it. I always love watching strong female characters come to life on the big screen, it just happens that this one is also physically strong. And that a film like this is directed by a woman is also something that makes me happy. “Wonder Woman” is what DC needed right now and what I needed.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Harry Potter Characters

I did this before, I ranked my favorite Harry Potter characters. But I’m a little older now and I reread and rewatched all the books and movies. My opinion has changed and I have adjusted my top 5. Here are my favorite characters from the Harry Potter series.

5. Minerva McGonagall

As the head of Gryffindor house and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall can be strict and disciplinary. But she can also be kind, the one who sometimes lets you get away with a bit of mischief. And that’s why Minerva McGonagall is so endearing and loving.

 

 

4. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom is the quintessential dimwit-turned-hero. When we first meet him at Hogwarts, Neville is shy, introvert and simply not that good at magic. He is loveable. While he begins to show loyalty and signs of bravery early on, it isn’t until Neville’s fifth year and his participation in Dumbledore’s Army, that we see him truly come into his own.

 

 

3. Remus Lupin

Hogwarts has had many teachers for the Defense Against the Dark Arts, but Remus Lupin was very different from Quirrel and Lockhart. Lupin is a kind and caring presence in Harry’s life. While Dumbledore was already looking out for Harry, Remus Lupin was a much more available source of comfort. The fact that Lupin is also a werewolf gives his character an extra dimension, when we see this thoughtful, warm man works to control the monster he turns into.

 

 

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger is Harry and Ron’s best girl-pal. She is so much more than just a token throw-in for female readers/ viewers to identify with. Hermione is very logical, upright and good. And while she is first painted as a brainy do-gooder who always plays by the rules, it’s fun to watch Hermione develop into so much over the course of the series. She remains the voice of reason, but she’ll break the law without hesitation if it’s for the greater good.

 

 

1. Sirius Black

Sirius Black had been sentenced to the prison of Azkaban for murdering twelve Muggles, but Black is in fact an innocent man. Sirius was a close friend to James and Lily Potter, so much they named him as Harry’s godfather. While he maintains a sort of edgy, rebellious appeal, it’s the father/ son relationship that begins to develop between Sirius and Harry that endears the character to me.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Ron Weasly, Dobby the House Elf, Rubeus Hagrid, Mad Eye Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasly, Fred & George Weasly

Movie Battle: The Theory of Everything Vs. The Imitation Game

The two movies I choose this time, both depict well known British scientists. I saw both movies this year and they were nominated for Academy Awards. Let’s get them face to face: “The Theory of Everything” Vs. “The Imitation Game”.

 

 

ACTORS

The Theory of Everything: Eddie Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking and does that with great conviction. Especially the minimal facial expression are done very well. Felicity Jones, as Jane, shows us the path from optimistic girl to depressed woman. Very well acted by her.

The Imitation Game: Benedict Cumberbatch plays mathematician Alan Turing. He shows us why he is so hard to ignore these days. He is excellent as the British pioneer and almost just as brilliant in his role as the man himself. Keira Knightley, as Joan Clarke, shows us again that she can overshadow her co-stars. Not Cumberbatch, but all the other male performers don’t stand a chance.

STORY

The Theory of Everything: We follow the life of Stephen Hawking and the woman behind him, Jane Wilde. It’s more for the romance fans then for the scientists. It focusses more on Hawking’s personal life then his work.

The Imitation Game: During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. A story that I didn’t know about before seeing this movie, this made is interesting for me.

EFFECTS

The Theory of Everything: It feels like the movie is set in that period of time. The home video’s also make it feel like you are personally involved.

The Imitation Game: The color palet is perfect, it feels like the movie is set during World War II.

WINNER

For some reason “The Theory of Everything” didn’t give me what I hoped for and “The Imitation Game” did, so I’ll give it to Benedict Cumberbatch and company.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 10: The Theory of Everything

Director: James Marsh

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 123 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, David Thewlis, Charlie Cox, Simon McBurney, Emily Watson Tom Prior, Sophie Perry, Finlay Writgh-Stephens, Harry Lloyd, Alice Orr-Ewing, Thomas Morrison, Michael Marcus, Gruffudd Glyn, Paul Longley, Guy Oliver-Watts, Frank Lebeouf

Description: A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

Review: They always say that behind every successful man there is a strong woman. With Stephen Hawking that’s no exception. “The Theory of Everything” is based on the memoirs by Jane Hawking, where she tells the story of her life with Stephen. In the early sixties cosmology student Stephen Hawking meets fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde: it’s love at first sight. His romance with Jane develops, but the subject of his paper worries his teacher. When he finally finds the right subject, fate strikes. His motor skills deteriorate and lead to ALS. Although Stephen is only given two years, Jane decides to stay with him. He manages to write his paper and gets recognition for his work. Along the way Jane sees that Stephen’s decease is harder on her then she thought.

“The Theory of Everything” is more for the fans of romance, then the scientists. The story focuses more on his personal life then the interesting theories he has come up with in his life. I was hoping that his actual work would stand out more in this movie. Eddie Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking and does that with great conviction. Especially the minimal facial expression are done very well. Felicity Jones, as Jane, shows us the path from optimistic girl to depressed woman. Very well acted by her.

Although the movie is focused on Stephen and Jane, it never gets overly dramatic. It’s all very subtle and also respectful to Hawking’s decease. The leap in time, with the use of home video’s, feels you personally involved.

“The Theory of Everything” is a good film. Redmayne and Jones are both very strong in their roles, which is probably the best thing about the film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 112: War Horse

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 140 minutes

Year: 2011

Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, David Thewlis, Eddie Marsan, Peter Mullan

Description: Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.

Review: Like dogs, in the history of film horses have proven to be excellent actors. “War Horse” is an epic story that shows World War I through the eyes of a horse. Off course not an ordinary horse, this one is very special. Everyone that encounters him, is mesmerized by him.

“War Horse” starts with the birth of a young horse The young Albert witnesses it and from that moment on, Albert is fascinated by the creature. When his father buys the horse, Albert wants to train him. He calls him Joey. But then there is war. Albert’s family has to sell Joey to the army. Albert is sure that the two will meet again someday.

Director Steven Spielberg didn’t budget on the making of “War Horse”. It’s a nostalgic spectacle. Visually this movie has no faults. The story itself is a bit predictable, but the good performances make up for it. Tears will definitely flow, especially in combination with a beautiful soundtrack by John Williams.

In the end it’s not the story that will stick, but the visual beauty of this film. From big battle scenes to more intimate moments, it’s all very impressive and touching.

Rating: 3,5/ 5