20s Movie Review - Rebel Moon part 1: A Child of Fire

Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Anthony Hopkins

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 10: A SCIENCE FICTION FILM
 
Description: When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical force, a mysterious stranger (Sofia Boutella) living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.

Review: There are many films out there that have stories and a premise that has been done before. “Rebel Moon” is one of those movies. It’s set exactly like “Star Wars” and has the plot of “Seven Samurai”. Very lazy Zack Snyder.  

In an oppressed galaxy, there is a planet with a farming village that supplies grain. The oppressors have discovered that less grain is bing recorded than produced. They visit the village and demand almost their entire harvest. Kora, one of the inhabitants, decides to travel into space to gather a team of warriors who can train her people to become fighters before the oppressors return.

I guess Snyder had a high budget, but the CGI looks pretty bad. It looks like a B-movie, but just slightly better. There is a lot going on in this movie, but not a lot of it is memorable. And for a so-called sci-fi epic, it’s pretty boring at times.

It’s save to say that I did not enjoy “Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire”. The sequel is coming to Netflix in April, which I’m not really interested in.

Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Guernsey Literary Society

Director: Mike Newell
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Tom Courtenay, Glen Powell

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 7: A MOVIE SET IN A EUROPEAN COUNTRY
 
Description: In the aftermath of World War II, a writer (Lily James) forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

Review: London, 1946: Juliet Ashton, a young, successful writer, is invited by a small but fanatical book club to the Island of Guernsey. Once she arrives, it turns out that there is a deeper story behind the jolly islanders and their club.
At first glance, “The Guernsey Literary Society” is simple and cheerful, one of those movies where everything works out and everyone is happy. How director Mike Newell slowly deepens the film and unravels the underlying layers is beautifully executed. Two hours for a story of this proportion is somewhat excessive though.
The cast is top-notch, but the heart of the film lies with Lily James, who proves she can easily carry a movie. Michiel Huisman (fellow Dutchman) also gives a strong performance, as does Penelope Wilton. I absolutely loved this movie.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - A Boy Called Christmas

Director: Gil Kenan
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Maggie Smith, Michiel Huisman, Jim Broadbent, Joel Fry, Henry Lawful, Kristen Wiig, Toby Jones, Stehen Merchant

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 51: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE
 
Description: In the origin story of Father Christmas an ordinary boy (Henry Lawful) sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father (Michiel Huisman) who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.

Review: If you are looking for a new Christmas movie that is not too sweet, tells an original story and is suitable for the whole family, you should check out thi Netflix production. In “A Boy Called Christmas”, based on a children’s book by Matt Haig, the mysterious Aunt Ruth tells the children she is babysitting a bedtime story. It’s about Nikolas, the son of a poor lumberjack, who goes to northern Finland in search of an elf village that seems to exist only in stories.
The film has a lot of characters, which can be an overkill here and there. In addition, the message about magic and faith is a bit muddled. But the fine cast and the sympathetic tone will all make up for that. It’s a film with heart and the gets you into the Christmas spirit.
A very fun Christmas movie for the whole family.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Invitation

Director: Karyn Kusama
Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Aiden Lovekamp, Michelle Krusiec, Mike Doyle, Michiel Huisman, Jordy Vilasuso, Jay Larson, Marieh Delfino, Tammy Blanchard, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Lindsay Burdge, John Carroll Lynch, Toby Huss, Danielle Camastra, Trish Gates

Description: Will (Logan Marshall-Green) accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife (Tammy Blanchard), an unsettling affair that reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.

Review: Will and his girlfriend Kira have been invited to a party with his ex-wife Eden and her new partner David. The friends haven’t seen each other for a couple of years. After the death of Will and Eden’s son, the friends lost sight of each other and the two of them separated. The atmosphere during the party is charged. There are all kinds of old feelings between people, there are unknown people present and Eden and David behave rather strangely. Something is about to happen this evening. Or is it just something Will is imagining, because he hasn’t processed the demons from the past yet?
The synopsis of “The Invitation” may not be very original, the execution is. A certain tension is built, which only comes to and end in the last fifteen minutes of the film. Until that time you don’t know exactly what’s going on in that house. You start suspecting people and certain situations seem suspicious. The finale is great, the build-up to it is rather boring and long-winded.
For an hour and fifteen minutes before something exciting finally happens. By that time my attention had slackened quite a bit and I was ready to end it. Every time you think something is going to happen, it doesn’t. And I’m glad that the film ended with a bang, the finale of “The Invitation” is really good, surprising and creepy. But at that time it was already too late and it couldn’t safe the film.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

Movie Reviews - The Red Sea Diving Resort

Director: Gideon Raff
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Chris Evans, Alessandro Nivola, Haley Bennett, Ben Kingsley, Greg Kinnear, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michiel Huisman, Alex Hassell

Description: Israel’s Mossad agents attempt to rescue Ethiopian Jewish refugees in Sudan in 1977.

Review: The new Netflix original film “The Red Sea Diving Resort” premiered on July 31st. The film tells the true story of a group of heroes that rescued big groups of Ethiopian Jewish refuges by working from a hotel in Sudan.
The Ethiopian civil war caused a lot of people their lives. It’s 1977. At the time, Ethiopian Jews could use the so-called ‘Law of Return’: they had the right to settle in Israel and become an Israelian citizen. In “The Red Sea Diving Resort” we see how a group of Mossad agents, led by Ari Levinson, save groups of Ethiopian Jews at the start of the 80s. Their cover: a abandoned hotel near the Red Sea, in Sudan. And since actual tourist start visiting the hotel, it’s the best cover they could ask for.
Netflix managed to assemble a great, strong cast. Chris Evans carries the film, as Ari Levinson, but is well supported by Haley Bennett, Michiel Huisman, Alessandro Nivola, Ben Kingsley and Greg Kinnear. Also worth mentioning is Michael Kenneth Williams, who also did a fantastic job in another Netflix jewel, “When They See Us”.
The civil war in Ethiopia is one of those “silent wars”, that no one was talking about and didn’t get attention. Simply no one really cared, even though a lot of people died here. The story can be compared to films like “Argo” and “Munich”, where they used an every day thing as their big cover, to rescue people. I think Ari Levinson and his group are the real heroes, also people that we never talk about. And they actually made a difference. At least to the many refugees that manage to find a safe haven because of them.
The film has a heavy theme, but manages to have some light moments here and there. For example the moment where they have to actually work in the hotel, when a group of tourists unexpectedly arrives. And there is a great montage in the film that shows how they manage to run a hotel as well as saving the refugees.
I think stories like this should never stay untold. And the perfect way is through film, because you will reach a big audience. I really loved this film, it’s a very solid movie.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Hottest Men on "Game of Thrones"

It was definitely worth hours of crafting to create this list of hottest men on "Game of Thrones". It was tough, so many men to choose from. But this is the ranking I made.

15. Loras Tyrell (portrayed by Finn Jones)
Whenever I see Loras Tyrell, I want to run my fingers through his curly blonde hair. He is every young woman’s dream. A handsome, brave knight, a real heartthrob. Just a shame that he’s not interested in women.

14. Tormund Giantsbane (portrayed by Kristofer Hivju)
Tormund is a scruffy, grizzled ginger who acts as a leader of sorts to the Wildlings and is obsessed with Brienne of Tarth. It’s that wonderful beard that does it.

13. Podrick Payne (portrayed by Daniel Portman)
Podrick was a squire for the Lannisters before he came into the service of Brienne of Tarth. Shy and hardworking, Podrick is one of the sweetest and most attractive men on “Game of Thrones”. And there is still one question we need answered: what did he do to those girls?

12. Ned Stark (portrayed by Sean Bean)
Being and honorable man, with a sense of justice, Ned Stark didn’t live long as the Hand of the King. His honor eventually cost him, but his love for his wife and children and his acts still lived on after his death. Ned always kept his cool and is a great keeper of secrets. Ned is one for the long hall. And he is handsome too (with a killer smile).

11. Jaqen H’ghar (portrayed by Tom Wlaschiha)
Jaqen H’ghar can change his appearance whenever he wants. It’s not shocking that he leans toward this menacing yet dangerously attractive look.

10. Grey Worm (portrayed by Jacob Anderson)
A commander of the Unsullied warriors and another loyal follower of Daenerys. This serious and fierce warrior captured the hearts of many viewers, especially when his hard shell cracks and we start seeing the real man beneath the brutal Unsullied training.

9. Bronn (portrayed by Jerome Flynn)
This cheeky northerner is nothing short of charming. His and Tyrion’s banter is great and his sarcasm brings fun to every scene. I just love a man with sarcasm. He’s definitely one of the most endearing characters, with a rugged appearance and superb fighting skills.

8. Oberyn Martell (portrayed by Pedro Pascal)
Oberyn’s fighting skills, slightly cocky attitude, and passionate temper turned the heads of many viewers. Partner that with a sexy Dornish accent and you’ve got yourself one charismatic and attractive character.

7. Jaime Lannister (portrayed by Nicolaj Coster-Waldau)
Jaime Lannister is a complicated character, who we see do acts of both good and great evil. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the Kingslayer is another gorgeous character. I prefer his bearded look over his ‘prince charming’ look though. The dirtier her gets, the better looking he becomes.

6. Robb Stark (portrayed by Richard Madden)
There is something distinctly regal about Robb Stark. And watching him follow his heart over his head is very charming. Even if it cost him his life eventually.

5. Gendry (portrayed by Joe Dempsie)
Well hello there, Gendry! He mainly caught my attention in season 2, where he showed of his very muscular body. He is ripped! And how he eventually shows Arya he loves her. How Gendry wanted to marry her and for her to be his lady. We all know Arya is not very ladylike, but kudos for trying.

4. Jorah Mormont (portrayed by Iain Glenn)
If you want a loyal man, who would do anything to keep you safe, Jorah is the man you need. I always found Jorah a very tragic character. Showing his love for Daenerys over and over again, but she never returned it. Although she knew Jorah would do anything for her. His manly, rugged and handsome looks, combined with that loyalty and him willing to die for the woman he loves. That’s the kind of man any good woman deserves.

3. Khal Drogo (portrayed by Jason Momoa)
Khal Drogo was married to Daenerys and they instantly became the hottest couple in television. Muscular, tough, handsome, tall, a great warrior. Perfection I tell you.

2. Daario Naharis (portrayed by Michiel Huisman)
Daario Naharis is a lieutenant of the Second Sons mercenary company before pledging his allegiance to Daenerys. Proud to say that he is Dutch like me, he is one of the finest looking men on the show. We sure understand why Daenerys liked him so much.

1. Jon Snow (portrayed by Kit Harington)
Jon Snow is one of many people’s favorite character in “Game of Thrones”. A brave swordsman and one of the main protagonists. I’ve loved swooning over this handsome bastard since day one. He is handsome, kind, loyal, strong, willing to do anything for the people he loves and he is just.

It's clear that I have the same taste as Daenerys!!!!

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 27: The Age of Adaline

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 110 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker

Description: A young woman (Blake Lively), born at the turn of the 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After many solitary years, she meets a man (Michiel Huisman) who complicates the eternal life she has settled into.

Review: Many people wish to stay young forever, but by watching movies about immortality you know it’s never the life you dream of. When young Adaline gets into a car accident and hits the water, she gets into a coma. When lightning hits the water, she is brought back. The side effect: she will never age a day. This all happens in the 1930s and we meet Adaline again in the twenty first century. Because Adaline is technically 107 years old, she is forced to move around and take on a new identity.

For a young actress like Blake Lively it’s a challenge to portray an elderly woman. She succeeds, because even though she looks very young, she often makes us realize she is actually an older woman. We get some flashbacks, so we understand Adaline’s life more. This is narrated, like a children’s movie. It somehow bothered me.

Michiel Huisman (Dutch like me) plays Adaline’s love interest Ellis in the 21st century. He has charisma. But from the moment his character enters the story, the film turns into a more standard romance movie. Here it’s immortality, but it could easily be replaced by fear of commitment. Harrison Ford, who plays Ellis’ father, is surprising in the film. His role is much warmer than we are used to see him in these days. He was sadly introduced way too late into the story.

“The Age of Adaline” is a solid romantic drama, which is a bit more standard then I had hoped for. But overall it’s a nice film to watch if you like the genre.

Rating: 3/ 5