Movie Review - Wake Up Dead Man

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Runtime: 144 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Thomas Haden Church, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Jeffrey Wright, Daryl McCormack
 
Description: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet.
 
Review: Director Rian Johnson has never made a secret of his deep-rooted love for old-fashioned murder mysteries. That make two of us. His “Knives Out” films, this being the third in the series, are a clear tribute to Agatha Christie, with the only regular being Benoit Blanc, as a contemporary Hercule Poiroit.

“Knives Out” became an instant all-time favorite, having rewatched it many times already. The second film, “Glass Onion”, took some time to get used to, mainly because the setting felt less Christie-esk, but loved the mystery jus as much. And I absolutely loved “Wake Up Dead Man”. This film feels a bit more like “Knives Out”, when it comes to vibes and atmosphere, and yet again a clever whodunnit with a stellar cast and lots of humor.

The atmosphere is grim and leans towards a gothic mystery, with a church in New York State as a setting. The script is great, full of humor, witty dialogue and social commentary (the Christian right wing and tolerance being highlighted).

That Daniel Craig is great as Benoit Blanc, is a given by now. I actually think this is his best role ever, and not James Bond. I know, a hot take. The star-studded cast deliver solid performances, such as Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington. But Josh O’Connor as priest Jud is particularly noteworthy. His complex characters often steals the show and he forms a great duo with Blanc.

Some critics say it’s the best film in the franchise, or at least almost as good as the first film. Well, I am officially giving this film a 5-star rating, just like the other two. Making it a strong, solid, amazing murder mystery series. And I will be rewatching this film many time over.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Weapons

Director: Zach Cregger
Genre: Horror/ mystery
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, Alden Ehrenreich, Amy Madigan, Justin Long
 
Description: When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
 
Review: “Weapons” is a horror film directed by Zach Cregger, who also made “Barbarian”. This movie really surprised me with its originality and shocking twists. “Weapons” is no different.

At the start of the movie, we learn that all but one kid from the same class have disappeared. They all vanished at the exact same time in the middle of the night.

The film has a complex, non-linear structure in which the story is told from different points of view. This makes the film unpredictable and captivating. It has a mix of horror and thriller, with elements of dark comedy. It constantly balances tension, terror and humor, avoiding conventional horror tropes.

I praise Zach Cregger for his creative and idiosyncratic storytelling style, which kept me on the edge of my set the entire time. The film is definitely not for everyone and especially towards the end it’s pretty gruesome. It has great performances by Julia Garner and Josh Brolin and I loved the bold approach to the genre.

Please go in with a blank slate, knowing as little as possible about the film. This way the experience is so much better, because it has many unexpected, surprising twists. “Weapons” is unique in its storytelling and content. Get ready to be blown away. My favorite film of 2025 (so far).

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Dune: Part Two

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Science Fiction/ Drama/ Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 166 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Léa Seydoux
 
Description: Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

Review: It’s finally here: Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited second part of his epic film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel. “Dune: Part Two” offers an engaging, lucid and spectacular continuation of the story and tells interesting things about myths, colonialism, ecology, religion and fate. But it impresses above all with its great visuals.

It is a sequel, because it’s the second film, but they are not two separate films. They form a whole and one can not be viewed without the other. Part two picks up when Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica have been taken in by the Fremen, the indigenous people of sand planet Arrakis. What follows is the evolution of Duke’s chils Paul into Maud-Dib, or Lisan al-Gaib. An evolution with extreme consequences.

Villeneuve has focused on the development of Paul, who brings together moderates and fanatics and struggles with his identity. The film has a geopolitical and (post-) colonial layer, with Arrakis as the oil-rich Middle Each, House Atreides as the more progressive Europe, House Harkonnen as representatives of the nihilistic dictatorships pursuing unscrupulous colonial policies and the emperor as the puppeteer.
I was very impressed by Austin Butler, who is a new character and the villain Feyd-Rautha of this second part. Timothée Chalamet manages again to proof that he can easily lead a big film. And Rebecca Ferguson, as Lady Jessica, really showed a nice transformation of her character.

The camerawork is mesmerizing, the way these amazing action scenes were shot.

I already loved the first film, but “Dune: Part Two” is even slightly better. It’s a true epic sci-fi saga, with a complex world with equally complex characters. I just can’t wait for this saga to continue.  

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Dune

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 156 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling

Description: Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is the son of a noble family who is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

Review: It’s not often that a book retains the status of being unfilmable after it’s been filmed. Author Frank Herbert’s “Dune” did not exactly get the film adaptation this extremely popular and influential work deserved in 1984. In 2000 another attempt was made with a mini-series, which, with its longer running time, did more justice to the complex source material. It would probably have stopped there, were it not for the fact that in tha last two decades Hollywood has tackled many books that were considered unfilmable. Just look at “The Lord of the Rings”-trilogy. And it this complex story can be adapted into one of the most beloved and acclaimed film trilogies of all time, why shouldn’t  “Dune” work? And with the right filmmaker, lots is possible.
Enter Denis Villeneuve, who has been on an impressive winning streak for a good decade now. Villeneuve does not shy away from collaborating with big stars, but has always managed to avoid to easy Hollywood projects. Instead, he devotes himself to films that can easily categorize as ‘quality cinema’: suitable for a large audience but not pedantic and more confrontational than comfortable. “Blade Runner 2049” could be called his first blockbuster.
“Dune” is similar in scale and budget to Villeneuve’s previous film, but a lot more complex in terms of narrative. After all, Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel is full of characters and hard-to-explain science fiction concepts, which could potentially keep the average moviegoer away. in this, fortunately, Villeneuve’s aptitude for the subject matter is apparent, once again managing to strike a good balance between grand visual spectacle and concrete personal drama. As with “Blade Runner 2049”, he stays pretty faithful to the source material, but manages to bend it visually well to his will. By his own admission, he was only ready for this project after the experience of films like “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049”, and that doesn’t seem to be a meaningless statement, as “Dune” looks and feels like a logical continuation of Villeneuve’s previous films, but mostly one that benefits from the experience as a filmmaker.
Unlike the 1984 film, Villeneuve’s “Dune” does not open with a confusing dump of info, but simply begins with a clear narrative in which plot details pass by in fairly organic fashion. Of course it helps when you gradually learn about the feudal system of the distant future, the tension between various noble families, the importance of the raw material that can only be found on the desert planet Arrakis or the possible messianic status of the youthful main character Paul Atreides, but the central plot is still easy to follow when all these details get a bit too much for you. Thankfully, “Dune” never presents its plot information as homework, doesn’t blind itself to the details, and is smart enough to leave some characters in the wings until a future installment.
“Dune” is more than its plot. Villeneuve has a keen eye for the world in which the extensice story is set. And so, for example, there is a meaningful close-up when the young hero Paul takes his first steps on the desert sands of Arrakis. Whereas previous film adaptations showed this desert planet as a rather dark place, similar to how Mars is usually portrayed, Villeneuve makes full use of the Middle Eastern metaphor by showing this planet in bright light with harsh shadows. This makes the inhospitality of this world completely palpable even before the huge sandworms appear. It helps, of course, that it was really filmed in the desert, and with the beautiful rock formations, it's not hard to be visually impressive. Villeneuve also shows a good eye for scale with his wide panoramas in which there is always something going on in the background.
“Dune” opens with the indication that this is ‘part one’, but the arrival of a second is not guaranteed. This will leave you possibly somewhat unfulfilled, not knowing of this story will ever be concluded appropriately. It is to be hoped that there is enough enthusiasm for a continuation, because Villeneuve absolutely deserves it.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Movie Reviews - Avengers: Endgame

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 181 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin, Tessa Thompson, Evangeline Lilly, Pom Klementieff, Tom Holland, Jon Favreau, Elizabeth Olsen, Dave Bautista, Sebastian Stan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Langford, Tilda Swinton, Letitia Wright, Kerry Condon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chadwick Boseman, Winston Duke, Frank Grillo, Ty Simpkins, Sean Gunn, Emma Fuhrmann, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong

Description: After the devastating events, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe.

Review: “Avengers: Endgame” isn’t only the finale to last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War”, it’s also the end of the journey that film studio Marvel started eleven years ago together with its many fans. “Avengers: Endgame” is supposed to be a tribute to all the experiences and memories we have from the past years in this universe.
Thanos left a dystopian world behind with the snap of his fingers. The titan completed his mission, perfectly balanced out life and the Avengers have been defeated for the first time. And it paid its toll, because the superheroes have obviously suffered from it. They are broken, damaged. Nonetheless the team is determined to defeat their nemesis once and for all, after a new sign of hope.
The Marvel universe grew over the years, but “Avengers: Endgame” focuses on the six original Avengers. They don’t need any introduction and are the praised characters it all started with. The playing field is known and the returning directing Russo brothers don’t pay a lot of attention on background stories. This film is simply for the fans.
“Avengers: Endgame” is a true Marvel film. Humor, sharp dialogues, extravaganza, spectacle. And it has sky high ambitions. Somehow some elements feel uninspired. No introduction to Captain Marvel and Tony and Nebula’s return feel unsatisfying. And some developments don’t live up to our expectations or rules of logic.
I didn’t like what they did to Bruce Banner/ Hulk. It felt weird and I really don’t understand the choice for this. I did like the sacrifice one character made. Thinking it was going to be the other one, it was a cool twist that it eventually turned around. And Scott Lang’s role in the story was pretty cool.
During the end fight, they go all out. It’s a fantastic moment and the definite highlight of the film. The moment where Captain America says ‘Avengers assemble’, that just gave me goosebumps. An epic fight, a great finale.
In “Avengers: Infinity War” the focus was on Thanos, but here the attention had to be divided over several characters. Some protentional plot points have been sacrificed because of that. The end of the film is really strong and it feels like a perfect ending. And it is one final tribute to the Marvel universe. But from the last minutes of the film, you can also conclude that Marvel is not done with new stories yet. So it’s not really the end, but a new beginning.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Director: Stefano Sollima
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Catherine Keener, Jeffrey Donovan

Description: The drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro).

Review: “Sicario” was a great success, but it’s not the type of movie you expect a sequel for. The story didn’t leave a lot left to even suggest a sequel.
But like most sequels, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” can’t live up to the first film. The sequel has to work without genius directo Denis Villeneuve, cinematographer Roger Deakins and leading lady Emily Blunt. Those were three elements that made the first film so strong. That Blunt wasn’t asked back is actually logical, due to the storyline. Hers was done at the end of “Sicario”. But she is missed as the moral compass of the film and the person you can identity with.
Main character in “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” are Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro, this time in a leading role). Both characters are antiheroes and do things you would probably not agree with. In a moral sense that is. There is no nuance and they don’t blink while abducting a young girl.
The screenplay is really good and the dialogues too. It is never repetitive and different from the first film. It’s a really pleasant film and a solid sequel. But I think they needed Villeneuve to get it to the same level as his film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

80s Movie Review - The Goonies

Director: Richard Donner
Genre: Adventure/ Comedy/ Family
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 1985
Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Kerri Green, Jonathan Ke Quan, Martha Plimpton

Description: In order to save their home from foreclosure, a group of misfits set out to find a pirate's ancient valuable treasure.

Review: A year before Steven Spielberg, who wrote “The Goonies”, delivered us this movie, he worked on “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. That is clearly visible. The excitement, the effects and the décor could all be in an Indy film. But this all doesn’t mean that “The Goonies” is pretty much the same. The biggest difference is the audience. Much younger viewers are targeted. Indiana Jones would never go looking for a captain named One-Eyed Willy or is chased by an over-the-top group of bad guys called the Fratelli’s. All ingredients for a movie with a youthful mentality.
When “The Goonies” was released, it wasn’t a huge success. It wasn’t until it was brought to VHS that kids started watching it. Nowadays “The Goonies” has a true cult status and it’s loved by young and old, the kids from the 80’s included. And it deserves that status. The adventure that the kids are on brings a good old eighties feeling to you. It’s easy to identify with the cowardly Chunk, the cool and know-it-all Mikey, inventive Data and even the cheeky Mouth.
Don’t expect a deeper story, but a family film like this doesn’t need that. “The Goonies” gives you that youthful feeling again, a great film to watch.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Deadpool 2

Director: David Leitch
Genre: Action
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccaring, T.J. Miller, Terry Crews, Eddie Marsan, Julian Denisson

Description: Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson,AKA. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable (Josh Brolin).

Review: In 2016 “Deadpool” surprised us all, it was an instant hit. And the genius marketing campagne helped too. Obviously there had to be a sequel. A big challenge for director David Leitch and creative brain Ryan Reynolds, especially trying to find an original angle. And that without becoming a recycled version of the first film.
In his new mission, Deadpool has to protect Russell. A teenager struggling with his abilities and who is hunted by futuristic soldier Cable.
Like the first film, there is harsh satire and bloody action. This made the original film so fresh, because it wasn’t made kid friendly. “Deadpool 2” has this too. With a lot of winks to other Marvel films, DC and even Ryan Reynolds’ previous work.
I can understand that the humor in “Deadpool 2” is not for everyone and a lot is pop culture references. I love this kind of humor. It’s sharp, clever, sarcastic and it mocks itself. Sometimes they go a little too far, a bit over the top. But never enough to make it annoying.
“Deadpool 2” is surely not better than or as good as the first. But it’s super entertaining, funny, action packed and one hell of a wild ride.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Avengers: Infinity War

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 149 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Josh Brolin, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elisabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Idris Elba, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Peter Dinklage, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Gwyneth Paltrow

Description: The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

Review: “Avengers: Infinity War” is a milestone in movie history. Eighteen Marvel movies come together, they have connections and ready for the big finale. And it’s literally the fate of the universe that’s at stake. But it’s nothing completely new, because it’s a big, colorful blockbuster film filled with amazing characters, sharp dialogues and a huge spectacle. And there is nothing wrong with that formula.
At the end of “The Avengers”, Thanos showed his face for the first tim. And he is finally here to execute his evil plans. In order to balance out the universe, he is looking for six so-called Infinity Stones. They’ve been a part of several Marvel films already. Some of the stones are on earth, so it doesn’t take long for an attack on planet earth and the Avengers have to start fighting. And although the Avengers split up, there are a lot more superheroes that they can rely on. Almost every hero we met in all those movies, is in “Avengers: Infinity War”.
Does it work, so many characters in one movie? You wouldn’t think so, but somehow it does and they found a good balance: the characters are scattered and devided up in four groups, who will meet each other. In some cases, the heroes know each other. But there are also new collaborations. Like Tony Stark and Peter Quill. And their interaction is worth the wait. But Thor and Rocket are an even more entertaining duo. And if all the info from the other Marvel movies isn’t that fresh anymore, they characters just simply explain to each other so that you can catch up.
Thanos as the main villain was all I hoped for. Josh Brolin nailed it!
Directing brother Joe and Anthony Russo take on the role of directors and they have proven before they understand the Marvel Universe well with two of the three Captain America movies.
“Avengers: Infinity War” is an excellent first half of an epic battle. And I’m really excited and curious for the next film.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 145: Hail, Caesar!

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Musical
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Alison Pill, David Krumholtz, Wayne Knight, Patrick Fischler, Clancy Brown

Description: A Hollywood fixer (Josh Brolin) in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.

Review: Hollywood in the 1950s. That’s wat the Coen Brothers are focusing on in “Hail, Caesar!” It critizises, parodies and is also nostalgic about it. It was a time where actors starred in movies where they didn’t necessarily want to star in.
The film is funny and looks stylish. But the context doesn’t really support it. The central story is about fixer Eddie Mannix. He has to keep all his stars in control. Like a stubborn swim film actress who got pregnant. Or a western actor who can not act, who has to be part of a serious British drama film. But Mannix’ biggest problem is the kidnapping of big star Baird Whitlock. The popular actor is taken during the filming of Hail, Caesar!
“Hail, Caesar!” isn’t the sharp comedy it was supposed to be. The cast is probably the best part of the fim. Besides Josh Brolin as Mannix, there is no big part. All the others are supporting roles, which make the cartoonish characters work.
Not one of the Coen Brothers’ best work, I expecte a lot more.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 83: Everest

Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ Thriller
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Martin Henderson, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Robin Wright, Emily Watson, John Hawkes

Description: A climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.

Review: When it comes to disaster movie, we can divide them in two categories. One is the impressive spectacle piece where nature is overpowering mankind. Think of movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” or “2012”. The other one is the more character driven disaster film, that focusses more on the people that are facing the critical disaster. “Everest” fits that last category.
“Everest” is based on the real story of a 1996 expedition. The New Zealander Rob Hall leads a group to the top of the Mount Everest, right before a severe snow storm hits them. He leads a group of men and one woman, that all have their own motivation for reaching the top. Like Doug, who wants to proof to school children that even an everyday man can do something so extraordinary. And the Texan Beck, who chooses adventure to flee his marital problems.
The movie is filled with great actors, but most of them have to do it with a minor supporting role. Keira Knightley and Robin Wright are both wives waiting at home for their husbands. Both pretty unthankful roles. Jake Gyllenhaal, although a very strong role as the eccentric expedition leader Scott Fischer, only has a few scenes. I wanted more of him. Josh Brolin does a solid job as well. Jason Clarke is the main man. He does this well, so the overall acting is great. But because there are so many characters, it’s hard to really relate to them. The emotional moments don’t grab you as much.
But it’s not only the acting that is good. The images are beautiful. Gorgeous mountain views, all very realistic.
“Everest” is a stunning looking movie with good acting. But it could have been even better if some interesting characters got more screen time and we got to know them more.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Actors/ Actress We Want to See in a Tarantino Movie

Quentin Tarantino is my favorite director and he has made great film, created memorable characters and also managed to get fantastic actors for his films. Think of Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Uma Thurman and Kurt Russell among many others. But there are so many actors we wish would star in a Tarantino movie. Here are my five favorites.

5. Jesse Eisenberg

Not an obvious choice, but I’m kind of tired of seeing Jesse Eisenberg in the same roles. If anyone can get him out of his comfort zone, it’s Quentin Tarantino. Look at Channing Tatum, Diane Kruger and John Travolta. Let Eisenberg get a little crazy with success.

 

 

4. Josh Brolin

He is a well-known face in the Coen Brothers universe, but he would fit into the Tarantino world too. He has been in the Robert Rodriguez directed segment of “Grindhouse” so technically he wasn’t in a Tarantino movie. Josh Brolin is a great actor, who can play dark characters and has a wide range which he proved with movies like “No Country for Old Men” and “Sicario”.

 

 

3. Oscar Isaac

For Oscar Isaac 2015 was a fantastic year. He starred in “A Most Violent Year”, “Ex Machina” and off course “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. Although he didn’t exactly steal the show in the last film, Poe Dameron is becoming this generation’s Han Solo. His performance was both cocky and charismatic and Isaac is also one of the most interesting actors of the moment. In “Ex Machina” he showed us a darker side of himself and he would fit perfectly into a Tarantino film.

 

 

2. Cate Blanchett

I don’t think I need to make an argument. Cate Blanchett is one of the best actresses living today. She is such a graceful actress and wouldn’t it be fun to see her lose that grace in a Tarantino movie. To be a bit more gritty. We all know Blanchett can pull it off, like she does every other role.

 

 

1. Javier Bardem

He can play a mean villain, but how about a villainous character Quentin Tarantino wrote? Tarantino created some memorable bad guys like Mr. Blonde, Hans Landa and Calvin Candy. Javier Bardem can easily portay a villain that feels comfortable in the Tarantino universe.

 

 

They almost made the top 5: Edward Norton, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington, Scarlett Johansson, Nicolas Cage

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 130: Sicario

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 121 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Jeffrey Donovan, Raoul Trujillo, Julie Cedillo, Hank Rogerson, Bernardo P. Saracino, Maximiliano Hernández, Kevin Wiggins, Edgar Arreola, Kim Larrichio

Description: An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.

Review: Ever since he was nominated for an Oscar for his film “Incendies”, the French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is a much sought-after director. His later movies, “Prisoners” and “Enemy”, were both praised. His work can be characterized as sober, grim and uncomfortable. For his new crime thriller “Sicario” that’s no different. It’s a dark film about the dirty drug wars near the border between the US and Mexico. An unnerving thriller with a complex plot.

We see the story through the eyes of Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), an ambitious FBI agent. While solving a kidnapping case, she finds the bodies of 42 people. They are the victims of relentless drug lords and she is asked to join a special task force to eliminate the Sonora drug cartel. The team is led by Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), a laconic macho. Kate goes with him to El Paso, but instead she ends up in the dangerous Ciudad Juarez. They manage to eliminate an important pawn in the drug cartel. But when the mysterious hitman (‘sicario’) Alejandro (Benicio Del Toto) joins them, everything is even more complex then Kate thought.

Emily Blunt is a surprising choice for the lead role in this grim crime drama, but Blunt is sublime. Like the viewer, she doesn’t know much about the mission she is on. Although she is not naïve at all, she feels uncomfortable in this violent and intimidating world. And the fact that she is missing out on the crucial info drives her made. Not only Blunt is fantastic, also Benicio Del Toro as Alejandro.

Besides the good acting, “Sicario” is nerve-racking. The brutal violence is everywhere, which might not be to every film fan’s liking. The grim atmosphere helps there as well as the excellent camera work and montage. All those aspects make “Sicario” into a nail biting movie experience. The tension between the good and bad guys, who is who? “Sicario” manages to lead you in the wrong direction and it’s only until the end you really know what’s going on.

Although it didn’t take my breath away like “Prisoners” and “Enemy”, “Sicario” is one of the best films of 2015.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 22: Inherent Vice

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 148 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterston, Eric Roberts, Benicio Del Toro, Jena Malone, Reese Witherspoon, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short

Description: In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

Review: When you see the name of director Paul Thomas Anderson on a movie poster, you have certain expectations. He has movies like “Magnolia”, “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood” on his resume.

With “Inherent Vice” Anderson chose a book to movie adaptation. Books by author Thomas Pynchon are known for its complexity, so it’s not that strange this is the first adaptation.

The seventies have just begun and we join private detective Larry Sportello, better known as Doc. His ex-girlfriend Shasta walks in and starts telling him about a collusion to get her wealthy, married lover into a psychiatric facility. Doc decides to investigate. Before he knows it, he is surrounded by strippers, neo-Nazis, hostile cops and eccentric cults.

“Inherent Vice” makes you feel like that one sober person at a party. The more you try to hold on to a logic story development, the more frustrated you’ll get. And the long duration will also add to that confusion. You really need a ‘go with the flow’ mentality.

When it comes to style and setting, “Inherent Vice” doesn’t disappoint. Like he did in “Boogie Nights”, again he shows us how masterful he can take the audience to a certain time period. And the soundtrack is also worth mentioning.

“Inherent Vice” is not a movie for just everyone, it’s for a selective audience. It’s not one of my favorite Anderson movies, but definitely not bad.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 133: Oldboy

Director: Spike Lee

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Action

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Max Casella

Description: Obsessed with vengeance, Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and locked into solitary confinement for twenty years without reason.

Review: In the same year that South Korean director Chan-Wook Park makes his Hollywood debut with the movie “Stoker”, the remake to his successful “Oldeuboi” is released. Spike Lee got the tough task to direct this movie. It’s 1993. Joe Doucett is divorced and an alcoholic. The more you get to know Joe, the more you dislike him. He’s all arrogance and he doesn’t have time for his young daughter. To make a long story short: he’s an asshole.

After he blew a meeting with an important client, he decides to get drunk. The next day he wakes up in a strange motel room. A room that he can’t get out of and he will be held captive for twenty years. When he is finally released, his journey to find out who and why starts.

“Oldeuboi” is a modern classic and people where skeptic about the American version. According to Spike Lee, this is his interpretation of the original. “Oldboy” is in general the same as its original, but Lee did change things here and there. Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen show they were the right choices for the lead roles. Sharlto Copley, known for his excellent roles in “District 9” and “Elysium”, disappoints. His antagonist role is a bit cartoonish.

It also bothered me a bit that in “Oldboy” there are more questions asked then answered. The moment where Joe meets the man responsible for his captivity, the plot collapses.

It’s not a bad remake, something the fans where afraid of. It’s probably not to their liking, but for the neutral viewer it’s an okay thriller. Not one of Spike Lee’s best movies, but very accessible.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 105: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller

Genre: Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Willis, Eva Green, Powers Boothe, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Liotta, Christopher Meloni, Jeremy Piven, Christopher Lloyd, Jamie King, Juno Temple, Stacy Keach, Marton Csokas, Jamie Chung

Description: Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.

Review: “Sin City”(2005), the original adaptation of Frank Miller’s successful graphic novel, was a dark telling of the underworld of the society in the fictive town Basin City. Especially the style of the film caught everyone’s eye. The sequel adds the 3D effect and makes it an experience again.

Like the first movie “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” is a beautifully made movie. The film noir style is clearly present, the contrast of the black and white and sometimes the color of green eyes, golden blond hair and red lips looks amazing again. The violence is grotesque and the narration feels gloomy and raw, filled with memorable one-liners. Animation and live-action are combined. The 3D effect gives more depth and it really adds something extra to the movie experience. Everything together makes this movie a joy to watch.

Some might feel that the story is much of the same, but to me there was never a moment of boredom. I never expected it to top “Sin City” but it came damn close. Exactly what I expected from “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "The Goonies"

I hate the fact that I never saw this as a child, my childhood would be so different. Okay, maybe that’s a little exaggerating, but I would have loved it as a kid. Look on the bright side, I love it now too! And all the characters are great. I only choose the actual Goonies gang to share (+ the brother off course). Here they come.

Mikey

Played by: Sean Astin

When Mikey was younger, his dad told him about One-Eyed Willy, which inspired him to seek for his treasure. He is the leader of the Goonies and he leads them on the treasure hunt. Mike is a brave, young boy.

Brandon

Played by: Josh Brolin

Brandon is Mikey’s older brother. Although he’s always teasing him, they also have a strong bond together. Brandon is a jock, very popular with the girls, but he also wants to protect his little brother.

Mouth

Played by: Corey Feldman

He is nicknamed Mouth because he is a smart mouth. He is one of Mikey’s best friends and fluent in Spanish, which comes in handy sometimes. He has a secret crush on Stef.

Chunk

Played by: Jeff Cohen

Chunk is chronic liar, which is why most of the gang never believes him, even when he’s telling the truth. He likes to pull pranks, but has a conscience as well. He got his nickname Chunk because he always breaks stuff.

Data

Played by: Ke Huy Quan

Data got his nickname because of his inventions. He is a big James Bond fan and always carries gadgets in his trenchcoat. Although they sometimes malfunction, they have saved the Goonies many times and Data comes in handy every once in a while.

 

 

Favorite Character: Data

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 68: The Goonies

Director: Richard Donner

Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Comedy

Runtime: 114 minutes

Year: 1985

Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton

Description: A group of kids set out on an adventure in search of a pirate treasure that could save their homes from foreclosure.

Review: A year before Steven Spielberg, who wrote “The Goonies”, delivered us this movie, he worked on “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. That is clearly visible. The excitement, the effects and the décor could all be in an Indy film. But this all doesn’t mean that “The Goonies” is pretty much the same. The biggest difference is the audience. Much younger viewers are targeted. Indiana Jones would never go looking for a captain named One-Eyed Willy or is chased by an over-the-top group of bad guys called the Fratelli’s. All ingredients for a movie with a youthful mentality.

When “The Goonies” was released, it wasn’t a huge success. It wasn’t until it was brought to VHS that kids started watching it. Nowadays “The Goonies” has a true cult status and it’s loved by young and old, the kids from the 80’s included. And it deserves that status. The adventure that the kids are on brings a good old eighties feeling to you. It’s easy to identify with the cowardly Chunk, the cool and know-it-all Mikey, inventive Data and even the cheeky Mouth.

Don’t expect a deeper story, but a family film like this doesn’t need that. “The Goonies” gives you that youthful feeling again, a great film to watch.

Rating: 4 / 5