90s Movie Review - Kiss the Girls

Director: Gary Fleder
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Mystery/ Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 1997
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Ashely Judd, Cary Elwes, Brian Cox, Bill Nunn, Richard T. Jones, Jeremy Piven, Tony Goldwyn

Description: Police hunting for a serial kidnapper are helped when a victim (Ashley Judd) manages to escape for the first time.

Review: Eight kidnapped women. All eight beautiful. All eight talented. All eight have fallen into the hands of the “collector” who calls himself Casanova. The hunt is on for him. With difficulties trying to trace him, they get the help from Alex Cross. When one of the girls, Kate McTiernan, manages to escape, she is determined to help Detective Cross in order to find Casanova and free the other girls.

I have always loved this movie and I have rewatched it many times. The story is strong, the character of Alex Cross is interesting and Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd work very well together. There is enough tension and the mystery is one to keep you on the edge of your seat. It has a vibe like “Se7en”, though not as good of course, but it has the same atmosphere at times.

Maybe the climax is a bit cliché and predictive, but overall “Kiss the Girls” is a really good mystery thriller.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - High Crimes

Director: Carl Franklin
Genre: Crime/ Thriller/ Mystery/ Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Jim Caviezel, Amanda Peet, Adam Scott, Bruce Davison, Emilio Rivera, Michael Shannon

Description: A successful lawyer’s (Ashley Judd) husband (Jim Caviezel) is arrested for murdering 9 villagers in El Salvador in 1988 as US soldier under a different name. She defends him in military court and investigates. Framed?

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 22: A MOVIE BASED ON A BOOK
 
Review: The first scene in “High Crimes” shows us a battlefield in El Salvador. Not your typical start for a courtroom drama. But “this film isn’t your typical courtroom drama.

Claire Kubik is a successful lawyer in Marin Country. She is married to Tom, a self-employed entrepreneur. They seem to be living a very happy life. But this happiness is brutally disturbed when one evening the F.B.I. arrest Tom. The accusations against Tom are shocking: He is accused of killing 9 people in El Salvador, 15 years ago, when his name was still Ron Chapman and he was in the military. Tom goes to jail and might be looking at the death penalty, but Claire believes in his innocence. Because the lawyer appointed to Tom is still a rookie, Claire wants to work the case herself. Because military law is different from what she knows, Claire calls the help of the experiences Charlie Grimes.

It sounds like your standard story about a man being accused of a crime which he didn’t commit, but there is much more to it. It has some interesting twists and reveals, which made the film pretty exciting. You’re constantly wondering if Tom really committed this crime or not, you’re never really sure until the very end.

The movie is based on the book by Joseph Finder and it’s clear that the story is very strong. I never read the book, so I can’t compare. I enjoyed the cast, Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman teaming up again after “Kiss the Girls”, which was an even better thriller. But I highly enjoyed “High Crimes”.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Gone Baby Gone

Director: Ben Affleck
Genre: Drama/ Mystery/ Crime
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, Titus Welliver, Amy Madigan, Michael Kenneth Williams

Description: Two Boston area detectives (Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan) investigate a little girl’s kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally.

Review: Is a bad deed justifiable if the consequence is ultimately good? What are good intentions worth if the consequences are bad? And what then is good and bad, and do those words have any meaning at all? Such questions arise when watching “Gone Baby Gone”, directed by Ben Affleck and based on the book by Dennis Lehane. Affleck created an engaging, intelligent film.

Private detective couple Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro are hired by Helene McCready’s sister-in-law to track down Helene’s missing four-year-old daughter Amanda. They discover that Helene has robbed a drug dealer and suspect that the drug dealer has something to do with Amanda’s abduction. An attempt to strike a bargain with the dealer and exchange the stolen money for the child goes horribly wrong.

Months later, Kenzie works another kidnapping case where he must find and free a missing boy from the hands of a pedophile. In the process, Patrick makes some decisions that are very difficult for him and also stumbles upon a secret that presents him with even more difficult decisions. The question is not so much whether he can make the right decision, but whether there are any at all in our modern society.

It was a good idea by Ben Affleck to keep the moral uncertainties that arise in a disrupted world without a clearly identifiable right or wrong. This keeps the story and a few plot twists interesting. I’ve always liked Ben Affleck more as a directed than an actor, so I’m happy he decided to cast his brother Casey Affleck for the lead role, instead of starrin in it himself. The younger Affleck is in my opinion the better actor of the two and he proves that in “Gone Baby Gone”. Helene McCready is played by Amy Ryan, who really shines in her role.

“Gone Baby Gone” is a really good crime mystery, that is engaging from start to finish. An overlooked film in my opinion, not many people seem to talk about it anymore.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

90s Movie Review - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Director: Kevin Reynolds
Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ Action/ Romance
Runtime: 143 minutes
Year: 1991
Starring: Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantinio, Christian Slater, Geraldine McEwan, Michael McShane, Brian Blessed, Michael Wincott, Walter Sparrow, Jack Wild, Sean Connery

Description: When Robin (Kevin Costner) and his Moorish companion (Morgan Freeman) come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman), he decides to fight back as an outlaw.

Review: In 1991 director Kevin Reynolds brought us one of the best movies based on the classic Robin Hood story. The cast is good and so is the soundtrack. The single “Everything I Do (I Do it for You)” by Bryan Adams was a huge hit (note: it’s my favorite song).
Kevin Costner portrays the historical hero Robin Hood, also known as Robin of Locksley. Costner doesn’t always convince, because of that accents, but proofs he is a great actor. His sidekick is Azeem, played by Morgan Freeman. As always Freeman manages to do this very well. But Alan Rickman is the scene stealer, as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Very over the top, but a joy to watch. He is brilliant in his role.
Not only the actors are good, the décor is also amazing. It’s almost fairytale like. The locations are beautiful and spectacular. This also goes for the fight scenes.
“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is a movie that is still fun after watching it a couple of times (and believe me, I’ve seen it many times). Most people would rate it lower, but this movie always holds a special place in my heart.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Movie Review - Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Director: Patrick Hughes
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Morgan Freeman, Antonio Banderas

Description: The bodyguard Michael Bruce (Ryan Reynolds) continues his friendship with assassin Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) as they try to save Darius’ wife Sonia (Salma Hayek).

Review: As much as I liked “The Hitman’s Bodyguard”, it didn’t exactly scream for a sequel. On the other hand, buddy action comedies are extremely rare these days (gosh, I miss those 80s and 90s buddy cop movies), so if capitalizing on this mild success is the only way to keep this type somewhat alive: so be it. “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” still had a solid trump card that wasn’t fully played: Salma Hayek as the scene-stealing wife of the titular hitman. So it makes sense that her supporting role has been upgraded to one of the three leads and she has been given a prominent place not only on the poster, but even in the title.
This time, bodyguard Michael Bryce not only gets stuck with hitman Darius Kincaid, but also with his equally disturbed wife Sonia. This development manages to shake p the dynamic quite a bit. Where Bryce and Kincaid were still equivalent opposites in the first part, this time Bryce is in the minority. He is at the mercy of a couple who behave like children, but treat him as is he were their child. Of course, the coarse -tongued Sonia gets all the attention, to which actress Salma Hayek gives herself over with visible pleasure. Fortunately, the bond between Bryce and Kincaid is not completely forgotten. And while the events of the first film may have created some mutual respect between the two, it by no means mean that they are friends now.
Whereas the first part was set in Western Europe, part two is set in the Mediterranean territory, playing on the tension between Greece and the European Union. Now I’m sure that relationship is still no optimal, but this plot point would have been a lot more topical ten years ago.
“Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” is flat, nonsensical and lacks the straightforwardness of its predecessor. It’s a fairly easy fill-in-the-blanks exercise that hardly deviates from what made the first part so successful. And yet, again, there isn’t too much to dislike. The actors have fine chemistry, there are some solidly executed chases, and while not every joke hits the mark, there are plenty that will make you laugh. In other times, a film like this would probably have been casually tossed aside as a pointless interlude, but in a time when lavish blockbusters rule the roost, this kind of unpretentious entertainment may deserve a little more benefit of the doubt.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Brian Banks

Director: Tom Shadyac
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Aldis Hodge, Greg Kinnear, Sherri Shepherd, Morgan Freeman

Description: A football player’s (Aldis Hodge) dream to play in the NFL are halted when he is wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Years later, he fights to clear his name within an unjust system.

 
Review: Brian Banks excels at school in American football and has a prestigious university in prospect. However, his life is turned upside down when he is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Despite the lack of evidence, Banks is sentenced to imprisonment. Year later, after his release, he tries to resume life and make his dreams come true.
Brian contacts Justin Brooks, the founder of the “California Innocence Project”. A team tries to find justice for those who were wrongfully accused of a crime. At first, Brooks doesn’t really believe they have enough to get Brian’s name cleared from the terrible crime he’s being accused of. But his team wants nothing more than to work on Brian’s case and get his record clear.
“Brian Banks” is based on a true story. It’s small stories like this, that make you believe there are still good people out there. Brian is accused of raping a girl in high school. And because of the system, he was robbed of his youth. No proper interrogations, no evidence, bad advice and promises from his lawyer and a so-called victim with no remorse whatsoever. Because they tell him he should take a deal, he would only have to do time in prison for a few months. Instead he is sentenced with six years, for a crime he didn’t commit.
It's unbelievable that this happened, but luckily for Brian there is Justin Brooks. And the world needs more people like him. Brooks dedicates his life to finding justice for those he didn’t get it. He managed to get this for several people and he never charged anyone anything.
“Brian Banks” is a beautiful story and film, that really grabs you and will stay with you for a while.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Along Came a Spider

Director: Lee Tamahori
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Dylan Baker, Anton Yelchin, Mika Boorem, Kimberly Hawthorne, Billy Burke, Penelope Ann Miller, Michael Moriarty

Description: When a congressman’s daughter under Secret Service protection is kidnapped from a private school, detective Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) investigates the case even though he’s recovering from the loss of his partner.

Review: A sociopath with murderous tendencies has been posing as a teacher for two years and is patiently waiting for the moment he can strike. He kidnaps the daughter of a senator. Although the school was supervised by the Secret Service, they did not hinder him.
Detective Alex Cross, who we already met in the movie “Kiss the Girls”, is contacted by the kidnapper and together with Secret Service agent Jezzie Flannigan he tries to find the young girl.
It’s an okay thriller, mainly because of Morgan Freeman. I just love him s Alex Cross. But “Along Came a Spider” is nowhere near as good as “Kiss the Girls” was. The story is interesting, but towards the end it’s rushed and loses tension. Just above average.

Rating: 3/ 5

90s Movie Review - Se7en

Director: David Fincher
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 1995
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey

Description: Two detectives, a rookie (Brad Pitt) and a veteran (Morgan Freeman), hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.

Review: “Se7en” is a dark, smart thriller by director David Fincher. A serial killer murders people according to the seven deadly sins. We are all guilty of it sometimes, of one of those sins.
We follow detectives William Somerset and David mills. Somerset is about to retire and gets the task, in his last week, to get rookie Mills ready for the job. Their view on the job, and on life in general, is very different. Mills is energetic and aggressive, while Somerset is thoughtful, experienced and well-read. The serial killer they are tracking down chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins: sloth, greed, gluttony, pride, lust, envy and wrath. All of the victims are guilty of committing one of those sins.
Because the characters are so different from each other, they complement each other perfectly. Both Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are great in their roles and form a good combination. Kevin Spacey steals the show in the final act of the movie.
Not only the script is brilliant and the acting is great. The dark, sad atmosphere is crucial for the film and gives it the effect it needs. The constant rain and dark shadows enhance the dark tones of the movie.
“Se7en” is an unforgettable thriller, that you will never get tired of. It stays intense, no matter how many times you watch it.

Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - The Shawshank Redemption

Director: Frank Darabont
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 1994
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown, James Whitmore, William Sadler, Gil Bellows

Description: Two imprisoned men, Andy (Tim Robbins) and Red (Morgan Freeman) bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.

Review: In Shawshank prison, the inmates are doing serious time. Through the eyes of prisoner Red, we follow the story of Andy Dufresne who comes to Shawshank in 1947 for murdering his wife and her lover. Red and Andy become friends. Based on a story by Stephen King, the life in prison is a metaphor to real society. The prisoners settle for a life at Shawshank, they stop dreaming so nothing can get worse than it already is. The big guys get their way no matter what. Off course there is always one guy that doesn’t care, in this case Andy Dufresne. He teaches his fellow inmates to read and makes them feel normal again.
Director Frank Darabont made the short Stephen King story into a fully length movie, with some differences and more detail. He captured it so well, it easily reaches the audience and it’s a film with real people instead of characters.
The acting is sublime. Never over-the-top, very timide yet convincing. The chemistry between Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is amazing, you can feel it in every bone in your body. Their friendship is honest and heartfelt. Also Clancy Brown, as the relentless prison guard Hadley, and Bob Gunton, as warden Norton, are very strong in their roles.
This movie really took my breath away when I first saw it, and still after watching it so many times it does that exact same thing. Only a perfect movie can do that. A great story, fantastic acting, beautiful music and off course that great scene (we all know it). For me still the best movie in the books.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 111: Going in Style

Director: Zach Braff
Genre: Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin, Matt Dillon, Christopher Lloyd, John Ortiz, Ann-Margret, Joey King, Peter Serafinowicz, Kenan Thompson

Description: Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, three lifelong pals risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

Review: Joe has trouble keeping up when his bank tells him he loses his house in 30 days, when he doesn’t pay his mortgage. His friend Willie hardly sees his daughter and granddaughter, who live on the other side of the country and hides a serious kidney problem. And their friend Albert fills his days teaches music class to untalented kids. The three know each other through their work at a factory and are currently enjoying their pension. At least, they are supposed to. Because their former bosses decide to pause their pensions. Joe, Willie and Albert have had it and decide to rob a bank.
“Going in Style” is directed by actor and creator of “Garden State”, Zach Braff. He must have thought to have gold with three actors of this standard. It doesn’t even matter what you let them do. And that’s the power of this film, the comical interaction between the three main characters.
The sentimental part is kept to a minimun. “Going in Style” shows men who can be themselves, love their families. The main characters are all likeable in their own way, I don’t think this movie would have worked as well as it did, if it where three random lesser known actors. It’s Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin that make this movie. With that, there are some fun supporting roles, especially Christopher Lloyd is worth mentioning.
The part where the three men are planning their heist is the most fun. Testing their criminal capacities, trying to rob a local supermarket, it’s so hilarious. This comedy really made me laugh out loud, something most comedies nowadays can’t even do. Most people wouldn’t call “Going In Style” a great film, but it’s mostly the sympathy you have for the characters and the interaction between the three gentlemen that win you over. It’s one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in the past years. And that’s thanks to Caine, Freeman and Arkin. Highly enjoyable movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 156: Ted 2

Director: Seth MacFarlane

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Patrick Warburton, John Slattery, Morgan Freeman, Sam Jones, Giovanni Ribisi, John Carroll Lynch, Liam Neeson

Description: Newlywed couple Ted (Seth MacFarlane) and Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law.

Review: “Ted” was a great comedy and although I loved it I wasn’t excited about a sequel. Comedy sequels don’t have a great reputation. “Ted 2” is no exception.

“Ted 2” brings back Seth MacFarlane and his cursing, drug using teddy bear. This time ted has to proof in a court of law that he is a person and not an object. Together with his best friend John they work their way to a happy ending.

There is still a lot of chemistry between Mark Wahlberg and the animated bear and there are jokes. But it’s more of the same and it’s never as funny as the first film. Mila Kunis has been replaced by Amanda Seyfried, who I can appreciate for her self-mockery in “Ted 2”. The movie also has some awesome cameos.

“Ted 2” is still a fun comedy, but the movie is way too long and it offers us nothing new.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Quotables: "The Lego Movie"

This movie really surprised me, I didn’t expect to like it this much. And it’s very well made and really funny. Here are some of the best quotes from “The Lego Movie”.

Emmet: You don't have to be the bad guy. You are the most talented, most interesting, and most extraordinary person in the universe. And you are capable of amazing things. Because you are the Special. And so am I. And so is everyone. The prophecy is made up, but it's also true. It's about all of us. Right now, it's about you. And you... still... can change everything.

Emmet: Uh, guys? We're about to crash into the sun.

Batman: Yeah, but it's gonna look really cool.

Emmet: [while driving] I wanna go home!

[a house lands in the middle of the roadway and Emmet crashes into it]

Emmet: That's not what I meant!

Emmet: Hey, I can be dark and brooding too - Guys, look, a rainbow!

Lucy: [to Emmet] Come with me if you want to not die.

Lucy: Today will not be known as Taco Tuesday. It will be known as freedom Friday, but still on a Tuesday!

Bad Cop: You were found at the construction site convulsing with a strange piece.

Emmet: That's disgusting!

Benny: [suddenly appears] Hey, I'm Ben! But you can call me Benny! And I can build a spaceship. Watch this. [starts building a spaceship]

Benny: Spaceship! Spaceship! Spaceship! Spaceship! Spaceship!

Lucy: No! You can't. The skies are surrounded.

Benny: That's okay, I didn't really wanna build a spaceship. Anyway, that's

[kicks his half built spaceship and it falls apart]

 

Emmet: Isn't there a good cop?

Bad Cop: [Changes to good cop] Hi buddy! Want a cup of water?

Emmet: Yeah, actually.

Bad Cop: [Changes back to bad cop]

[Smacks water away]

Bad Cop: Too bad!

Unikitty: You need to be more friendly!

Movie Moments: "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves"

I’ve seen this movie so many times, I don’t even need to rewatch it to tell you what my favorite scenes are. “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is still, in my opinion, the best movie about Robin Hood. Okay, maybe not the best, but the most fun and memorable. And it has my favorite song of all-time on its soundtrack.

Moment # 1: Robin fighting, Azeem praying
After Robin Hood and his new friend Azeem have escaped, they are headed to see Robin’s father. While danger is on the way, Azeem starts praying, instead of helping out Robin.

Moment # 2: Robin’s father
Robin arrives at his father’s home and sees it has been burned to the ground. He’s looking for him and finds him…. hanging. He want to avenge his father’s death.

Moment # 3: Fighting a masked knight
Robin visits Marian, who he thinks changed very much. Then he’s attacked by a masked knight. During the fight, Robin finds out he’s fighting a woman. When he takes off her mask, Robin sees it’s the real Marian.

Moment # 4: Binoculars
Robin and Azeem see the enemy approach. Azeem hands over binoculars to Robin, who has never seen it before. When he looks through, it scares him how close the enemy has come. He doesn’t understand it’s purpose.

Moment # 5: Crossing the river
Robin thinks it’s easy to cross a shallow river. Well, think again. The people who live there, led by John Little, don’t want him to cross and they won’t leave without a fight.

Moment # 6: “I’ll cut your heart out with a spoon”
Robin has entered the walls and is planning on stealing from the rich. Along the way he meets up with Marian, who advices him to take a bath. And also the Prince John, who has a rather unconventional method of trying to kill Robin.

Moment # 7: “Keep the stitched small”
After his unlucky meeting with Robin Hood, the Prince John has a big cut on his face. He orders the doctor to keep the stitches small. Later they also added the scar to his most beloved statue.

Moment # 8: Fighting and making weapons
John Little and all his people decided to tag along with Robin’s plans. Together they make weapons, like swords and arrows, and they are thought to fight properly.

Moment # 9: The arrow
Robin Hood is known for his archery. We see it up close and personal, while from the point of view of the arrow.

Moment # 10: Friar Tuck
The jolly, singing and always drunk Friar Tuck passes by. Robin and his group try to get the beer that he’s transporting. Friar Tuck doesn’t corporate and almost gets away, but he’s not that smart.

Moment # 11: Marian visits Robin
Marian wants to see Robin, who has been taken her advice. She sees him ‘taking a bath’ and is rather hypnotized by what she sees. When Robin eventually approaches her, she doesn’t know what to say.

Moment # 12: The blow
Robin is trying to teach the villagers how to shoot a bow and arrow while being distracted. Marian wonders if Robin can. While everyone is trying to distract him, Robin stays focused. Until Marian blows gentle into his ear.

Moment # 13: The kiss
Marian says goodbye to Robin, but before she gets into the boat Marian kisses him.

Moment # 14: Brothers
Robin wants to know why Will hates him so much. He reveals that they are brothers and that their father loved Robin more than him.

Moment # 15: The hanging
Prince John has captured John Little’s son. Together Robin and his people come up with a plan to rescue him.

Moment # 16: The final fight
In order to rescue Marian, Robin has to fight Prince John. And they both aren’t willing to give up.

Moment # 17: The wedding
Off course they will live happily ever after and Robin and Marian get married. King Richard also arrives and celebrates with them.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 5 : Crossing the River

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 115: Unforgiven

Director: Clint Eastwood

Genre: Western/ Drama

Runtime: 131 minutes

Year: 1992

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Jaimz Woolvett, Saul Rubinek, Richard Harris, Francis Fisher

Description: Retired Old West gunslinger William Munny (Clint Eastwood) reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner (Morgan Freeman) and a young man (Jaimz Woolvett).

Review: In 1992 the genre western was bleeding to death. “Dances with Wolves” was the last big western in 1990. But thank God Clint Eastwood brought us “Unforgiven”.

Eastwood directs and as an actor he made the genre to what it is now. He also stars and big names like Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman join him. It was a huge success, because “Unforgiven” won four Academy Awards in 1993.

Leaving the cinematic qualities to the side, “Unforgiven” is notable because of its theme: no forgiveness in a situation of friction makes violence inevitable. In the film, a nasty incident erupts in revenge attacks. It’s great to see Eastwood, Freeman and Hackman together in a film like this. You’re not even surprised to see them do this well. All the characters feel like real people, not just black and white. Good and evil lies in everyone.

As a director, Clint Eastwood didn’t have many successes in the 90s. But “Unforgiven” is, together with “Dances with Wolves” the best western of this decade.

Rating: 4/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "The Lego Movie"

I wasn't too sure about "The Lego Movie", but when I heard so many great things about it, I became curious. So I saw it and I loved it! And now I feel like watching it again... But first, I'm going to share all the awesome characters from "The Lego Movie" with you. It's filled with them, because 'Everything is awesome... lalalala'!

Emmet

Voiced by: Chris Pratt

Emmet is an average Lego minifigure, who is mistakenly identiefied as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is ordinary and follows all the rules. He’s sucked into the eventful life of Wyldstyle, who catches Emmet’s attention.

Wyldstyle

Voiced by: Elizabeth Banks

Wyldstyle is a free spirit who loves pushing boundaries and being creative. She is strong and independent. She believes Emmet is the “Special” and sparks fly between them, but she has a boyfriend.

Vitruvius

Voiced by: Morgan Freeman

Vitruvius is an ancient and heroic wizard, who prophesizes that a “Special” wil defeat Lord Business and become the greatest Master Builder. When it’s believed to be Emmet, Vitruvius tries to teach him that the key to true building is to believe in yourself.

President Business/ Lord Business

Voiced by: Will Ferrell

President Business is an uptight CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life. His successful business contains creating music, TV, surveillance systems, history books and voting machines, dairy and overprized coffee. His secret identity is Lord Business, an evil tyrant who want to take over the entire Lego universe.

Good Cop/ Bad Cop

Voiced by: Liam Neeson

He is Lord Business’s number 1 guy, whom he can always rely on. He has both a good and a bad side, but Lord Business takes away the good side. But deep down there is still a good cop.

Metalbeard

Voiced by: Nick Offerman

Metalbeard is a fierce Master Builder. He has the head of a pirate and the body of a multi-purpose utility knife. All he wants is to beat Lord Business, because the last time he badly failed.

Unikitty

Voiced by:

Alison Brie Unikitty is from Cloud Cuckoo Land, the capitol of rainbows and puppies. She is half unicorn, half kitten. She loves dancing and is very positive. Unikitty is happy to follow her Master Builders in the quest to defeat Lord Business. And you really don’t want to make her angry.

Benny

Voiced by: Charlie Day

Benny is a ‘70s era spaceman, who suffers from a cracked helmet and lack of oxygen. He loves spaceships and he is always finding a moment to build one. And when he finally can….

Batman

Voiced by: Will Arnett

Batman makes it no secret he prefers working alone, since he could probably get the job done better and faster. He is Wyldstyles’ boyfriend, is very confident and likes to show off his skills and coolness.

 

 

Favorite: Emmet

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 88 Last Vegas

Director: John Turteltaub

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 105 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen, Jerry Ferrara, Romany Malco

Description: Three sixty-something friends take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal.

Review: In “Last Vegas” we follow four childhood friends, now all in their sixties. Billy is getting married and his three friends want to celebrate this to take him to Las Vegas and to really party. Archie recently had a stroke and can’t wait to get away from his overprotective son and to finally live a little. Sam is very unhappy in his condo in Florida and his wife gives him a free pass to commit adultery while in Vegas. Because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Pat is still mourning over his wife Sophie and isn’t in the mood for partying. Especially because he doesn’t want to see Billy, who didn’t come to his wife’s funeral. And finally Billy, workaholic and ‘till now the eternal bachelor. He’s marrying the much younger Lisa. The four of them are in for one hell of a trip.

I love Robert De Niro, put it’s become a little painful to watch him in these everyday comedies. His characters aren’t as intense and deep as they used to be. Michael Douglas plays a character that is more relatable, but it’s Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline that steal all the jokes. They seemingly have a lot of fun in their cliché roles, it works like a charm.

“Last Vegas” is very watchable and we got to thank the good cast for that. However, it could have been a lot better though. The script is a bit bland and it lacks inspiration.

“Last Vegas” is a fun film, but pretty mediocre. It’s a missed shot, I know that many other directors would have done better with these four experienced actors. It’s still an enjoyable movie to watch.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 77: The Lego Movie

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Genre: Animation/ Family/ Action/Comedy

Runtime: 101 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Will Ferrell

 

Description: Emmet (Chris Pratt) is an ordinary Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied 'Special', is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stasis.

Review: “The Lego Movie” tells the story of Emmet, an average construction worker who never breaks any rules. Because of an unfortunate coincidence he’s mistaken as “special” and an adventurous thrill ride awaits him. With the help of master builders it’s up to Emmet to end all the evil plans of President Business.

The visuals are stunning, from the water to the clouds, everything is made out of Legos. Fun fact: around fifteen million Legos were used for the film. The characters move through stop-motion techniques and that makes it unique and authentic.

There are a lot of unexpected moments, humoristic references and a good dose of self-mockery. Iconic characters like Batman, Gandalf and Han Solo have fun ‘cameos’.

It might look like a big commercial stunt for Lego, but “The Lego Movie” is a highly enjoyable film, with humor and creativity. And the song “Everything is Awesome” is stuck in your head after watching this movie.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 51: Dolphin Tale

Director: Charles Martin Smith
Genre: Drama/ Family
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Nathan Gamble, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson

Description: A story centered on the friendship between a boy and a dolphin whose tail was lost in a crab trap.

Review: Winter is a very special dolphin. In the winter of 2005, when she was only a couple of months old, Winter was found by fishermen. Because her tail was severely damaged by a crab trap, they had to amputate it and she eventually got a prosthetic tail. This true story is combined with the fictional story of Sawyer Nelson, who has trouble socializing with other kids. He helps a fisherman when Winter is found and becomes fascinated with dolphins and other marine life.
For a family movie “Dolphin Tale” manages to check every box. There is a positive moral, it has tension, pace and humor and the characters are real and likeable. Off course you shouldn’t expect memorable performances or mind blowing cinematography. What we do get is a film that was made with love and is a joy for the entire family.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 47: Now You See Me

Director: Louis Leterrier
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Review: “Now You See Me” introduces the four illusionists in the opening sequence. All of them with their own specialty. The magicians are brought together by a mysterious figure and they get a Las Vegas show. In that show it seems that ‘the four horsemen’ are robbing a bank in Paris. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes and Interpol agent Alma Vargas have the task to find out how they pulled it off.
Because you’re constantly shifting between the four illusionists and the two law enforcers, it’s really hard to see the ethnic difference between good and bad. It’s never clear who the real protagonist is in the movie. The story is missing an edge. With that the characters aren’t all as important. Of the four magicians, there are only two that really have a purpose. The other two stay in the background. Eventually we get a pretty predictable twist in the end.
The visuals are amazing, it’s a very good looking movie. And it’s certainly a very good concept. But it’s not as sensational as the tricks in the film.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 6: The Magic of Belle Isle

Director: Rob Reiner
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, Kenan Thompson, Fred Willard, Kevin Pollack, Emma Fuhrmann, Madeline Carroll, Nicolette Pierini

Description: Monty Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman), an alcoholic novelist of Westerns, has lost his drive. His nephew (Kenan Thompson) pushes him to Summer in quiet Bell Isle. He begrudgingly befriends a newly single mom (Virginia Madsen) and her 3 girls who help him find the inspiration to write again.

Review: After “The Bucket List” (2007) director Rob Reiner and actor Morgan Freeman work together again. He plays the grumpy writer Monte WIldhorn. He spends the summer in Belle Isle, where his cousin Henry thinks he might have some time for writing new material. Monte spends most of his time drinking, but when he meets the young Finnegan, one of the neighbours daughters, we see Monte change and he finds his inspiration again.
Like almost every other time, Morgan Freeman shines in this movie. With his charming and calm way of acting he wins over all the hearts. Especially the conversations he has with the dog are a joy to watch. Emma Fuhrmann, who plays Finnegan, is a talent to watch. It’s a movie for any age and Rob Reiner made a beautiful movie with, off course, a message. And he doesn’t sugarcoat the story, which makes is as good as it is.

Rating: 4/ 5