Movie Review - Knock at the Cabin

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery/ Horror
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Rupert Grint, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Abby Quinn, Kristen Cui
 
Description: While vacationing, a girl (Kristen Cui) and her parents (Ben Aldridge, Jonathan Groff) are taken hostage by armed stranger who demand that the family make a choice to avert the apocalypse.

Review: After the success of “The Sixth Sense”, writer/ director M. Night Shyamalan made the plot twist his trademark. It masked his drama for mild drama between character and exceptional camerawork. Moreover, the revelations didn’t always land well, distracting the audience by focusing only on them. Eric and Andrew are on vacation with their young daughter Wen, when four strangers show up. With noticeable reluctance, they hold them captive and present them with a dilemma: one of the family members must sacrifice themselves and be killed by the other tow or the world perishes. At least, that’s what the strangers claim.

This is a film adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s 2019 book “The Cabin at the End of the World”. It’s difficult to get a message out of the film. The plot deviates from the book, so should you have read it, there are still plenty of surprises.

The inconic Shyamalan twist is omitted this time, however these is an interesting reveal that I liked a lot. You’re left with more questions then answers at the end of the film, which I didn’t mind. It makes you think about it and you can conduct your own theory about what happened. But I can definitely understand this will frustrate many viewers.

The tension in the movie is immediately present, right from the start. Dave Bautista, the former WWE-wrestler and mostly known for action roles, is the best part of the film. He shows that he can do way more than he is usually tasked with in his films. He is incredible in “Knock at the Cabin”. No action this time, real emotional acting, which really blew me away. The dialogue is really good and the camerawork, which is also a well-known trademark for Shyamalan, is outstanding.

“Knock at the Cabin” is not one of Shyamalan’s best films, but certainly not in the worst category either. It’s a very solid thriller, that will probably have a lot of mixed reviews. In my opinion it’s a really good film, but Shyamalan made better ones.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Normal Heart

Director: Ryan Murphy
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, Joe Mantello, Taylor Kitsch, Julia Roberts, Jonathan Groff, B.D. Wong

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 27: A MOVIE ABOUT A HISTORICAL FIGURE

Description: A gay activist (Mark Ruffalo) attempts to raise H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. awareness during the early 1980s

Review: Nowadays, with the right medications, you can live a respectable age when being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. But back in the 1980s, when the disease first manifested itself, that was a different story. At that time AIDS was called ‘gay cancer’ and more and more people saw the mysterious virus invade their lives. The truth behind the origin of this disease remained unknown for a long time, especially since it took some time for AIDS and HIV to be recognized. Someone who played a major role in putting both diseases on the map is the American writer and activist Larry Kramer, who this story is based on, only now with fictional characters.  

In “The Normal Heart” it’s Ned Weeks, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, a political activist and writer. We meet him in the summer of ’81, joining a party in Long Island. He reads articles about a mysterious cancer, that exclusively affects homosexuals. He sees the seriousness of this disease and decides to consult doctor Emma Brookner. She researches the disease and discovers that there is more to it. She asks Ned to warn the gay community about the disease.

As the disease gets closer and closer to his own group of friends, Ned takes actions. Not much help comes. The city of New York and the Reagan administration refuse to recognize the disease. He seeks supports of his brother Ben, a lawyer. But even with the strong bond they have, Ben finds it hard to understand Ned’s orientation. Reporter Felix Turner, whom he later gets in a relationship with, is willing to help.

“The Normal Heart” is a project that director Ryan Murphy put his entire heart and soul in. And it’s visible. Not only because of him, also thanks to Mark Ruffalo, who is really impressive as Ned Weeks. He is supported by a strong cast, where Jim Parsons and Joe Mantello really stand out. Murphy doesn’t shy away from portraying the horrors that AIDS brings. But the main strength lies in the screenplay.

Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2019
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Stacey Roca, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier

Description: Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: If you really want to know what drives a serial killer, “Mindhunter” is a recommendation. When you learn the creepy stories behind these serial killers, you start thinking if they are real or fictional. But they are all real and they are scary as hell.
“Mindhunter” is inspired by the a book written by FBI agent John E. Douglas and it’s a psychological crime series. Douglas, in the series named Holden Ford, has worked for the FBI from 1970 till 1995. He interviewed the most infamous and dangerous serial killers, like Ted Bundy, Dannis Rader and James Earl Ray. The show gives a beautiful look into the brains of these so-called monsters.
The first season was really good, it fascinated me. It never has jump scares or spectacular chases, but it has creepy dialogues and disturbing images.
The difference from the first season is there is more room for the leading characters Bill Tench and Holden Ford, but also Wendy Carr. And the cases they work on are spread out over multiple episodes, instead of a new case each episode.
“Mindhunter” still isn’t a series for people who like crime sensation. It’s slow paced, but it works perfect for this show. If you’re interested in the mind set of serial killers, this is your show. And a third season will happen, if I have to believe the ending of season 2.

TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2017
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Stacey Roca, Cotter Smith

Description: Set in the late 1970s, tow FIB agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: “Mindhunter” asks for you patience. The series needs some time to get in to, but it’s clever to stay put. “Mindhunter” is not your typical whodunit type of crime show or one that shows bloody crime scenes. “Mindhunter” focuses on the dialogue about murders and the discovery that the psyche of a serial killer is much more complex than you might have tought.
Director David Fincher, master mind behind movies like “Se7en” and “Zodiac”, is the executive producer of the show and even directed a few episodes. He managed to create tension without the standard approach of a crime thriller.
At the start of each episode we see a somewhat clumsy character with an evil side. It’s clear that the leading characters of the show will eventually encounter him, but the question is when.
Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, is a young and ambitious detective. Always striking a suit, he is the prototype FBI agent. His interest in serial killers is not understood by everyone within the FBI. His co-worker Bill Tench, who studies behavioral science, sees potential in Ford’s theories. This eventually leads to them research and delving into the psyche of serial killers.
Ford and Tench start interviewing serial killers, that have been convicted for their crimes. The first they interview is Ed Kemper, who committed a series of brutal murders.
To improve their interrogation skills, the men get help from Dr. Wendy Carr and she eventually joins them in their research.
Besides focusing on the criminals and their minds, the series also pays attention to the personal lives of the agents. Holden meets a woman, who is his opposite in everything. Holden is pragmatic and introvert, when girlfriend Debbie experiments with drugs and sex and is very extravert. Bill’s situation at home might explain why he is interest in behavioral science. And Wendy, appears to be a lesbian.
“Mindhunter” is a series that has to grow, but the slow pace eventually becomes the show’s strongest trump. The multiple layers of the story make sure for an interesting view and it will fascinate you. The tension between the main characters and the serial killers get under your skin.
If you’re a fan of action packed crime shows, this might not be your cup of tea. But when you’re not easily distracted by complex dialogues and slowly build tension, this is definitely a must-see.

In the Picture: Characters from "Frozen"

I’m a big Disney fan and again they did it. They made an animation that I love. And in the old fashion way, with songs! Off course “Frozen” also has some wonderful characters that I would like to share with you. Here they are.

Elsa

Voiced by: Idina Menzel

As the queen regnant of the kingdom of Arendelle, Elsa appears calm, reserved, regal and experienced in grace. Beneath this elegant appearance Elsa is quite complex. She is troubled with her abilities.

Anna

Voiced by: Kristen Bell

Anna is, unlike her sister Elsa, eccentric, optimistic, energetic, awkward and far from elegant. She usually acts before she speaks and can be rather impulsive. Anna does holds a lot of innocents to her. She is a pure and hopeless romantic, dreaming of romance the minute the gates open.

Kristoff

Voice by: Jonathan Groff

Kristoff is a bit of an individualist and acts as a loner. He can also be rather grumpy and selfish at times, as well as a bit lazy. But with all these flaws comes a heart of gold as well. His best mate is his reindeer Sven and he brings out his loving side.

Olaf

Voiced by: Josh Gad

Olaf is a goofy and naïve snowman, but extremely lovable and caring towards his friends. Because he was built during their childhood, Olaf retains the childlike personality that filled Anna and Elsa during those yearsm appearing to be very whimsical and playful. Olaf has an odd fascination for summer, he fantasizes about what summer would be like for a snowman, completely unaware of the tad consequences.

Hans

Voiced by: Santino Fontana

At first, Hans looks the prince any girl would dream of. Anna falls for him right away. But, Hans is cold, conniving, cruel and calculating. He has a hunger for admiration, power, obedience and chivalric honor. As the youngest of thirteen siblings, Hans has spent his life being ignored.

Sven

Voiced by: -

Sven is a loyal, goofy and rather childish reindeer. He spends most of his time by Kristoff’s side. Sven is his conscience. He may not seem intelligent, he does have a strong moral character. He constantly convinces Kristoff to do the right thing.

 

 

Favorite Character: Olaf

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 2: Frozen

Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Genre: Animation/ Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/ Musical

Runtime: 108 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds

Description: When princess Elsa (Idina Menzel), with the power to turn things into ice, curses her home in infinite winter, her sister, Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his playful reindeer Sven, and snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) to change the weather condition.

Review: In “Frozen” the winter wonderland from the famous Christmas songs, comes to life. The setting, snowy Scandinavia, looks stunning and perfect for the 3D effect. But “Frozen” isn’t just nice images. The story is timeless yet contemporary. Although the convincing bad guy is missing, the characters manage to win you over. From sisters Elsa and Anna, to Kristoff and his faithfull reindeer Sven. But it’s Olaf that is probably the most memorable (and huggable).

Kristen Bell, who voiced for Anna, has a surprisingly good singing voice. But Idina Menzel, as Elsa, blows you away with her beautiful sound.

What I found refreshing is that “Frozen” somewhat mocked other princess stories, where two people get married after just meeting. But the rest makes it classic fairytale and Disney. I can totally understand the success of “Frozen”.

With likeable characters, a vivacious story and old fashioned show stoppers, “Frozen” is a wonderfull Disney musical. Off course there is a message, but it’s not shoved in your face. The ideal animation to watch with the entire family. It’s simply heartwarming.

Rating: 4,5/ 5