Movie Review - The Iron Claw

Director: Sean Durkin
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allan White, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, Maura Tierney, Lily James, Stanley Simons
 
Description: The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 33: A FILM WITH A STRONG FAMILY THEME

Review: A lot of true stories have been greatly exaggerated. A lot was made up just for dramatic effect. But sometimes reality goes so far that is has to be restrained. Like in “The Iron Claw” in which the Von Erich family has four sons, whem in reality there were six. The fate of the unsung two is deeply sad, but simply too much for a film already overflowing with family grief.

Kevin, the oldest of the four sons, dedicated his life to a show-wrestling career following in his father’s footsteps. The latter is now their coach and also the owner of the local wrestling arena. But daddy dearest does not mince words when it comes to pronouncing which of his sons is his preference, and Kevin is not on top. Their father keeps applying pressure, and that has its consequences.

Those who grew up in the 1980s/ 1990s, know the WWF, the World Wrestling Federation. For some reason it was addictive to watch a bunch of butch men in tight suits go at each other in bizarre ways, especially when you learned it was all staged.

Holt McCallany is outstanding in the role of the domineering father. The man deals no blows or violent threats, yet it is extremely plausible that non one would dare stand up to him. The lead role belongs to Zac Efron, who transformed himself into a muscular pro wrestler. Yet that is not the most impressive about his portrayal. Efron delivers perhaps the best acting performance of his career to date. Kevin von Ehrig is an airhead with a full heart. He is probably the only brother that really wants to be a professional wrestler like his dad, but Kevin he is constantly overruled by him. Dad is favoring all his other sons over Kevin.

This is such a devastating film, because the Von Erich family had to deal with one tragedy after another. But boys aren’t supposed to cry, according to dad. So when Efron’s character does shed a tear, it hits extra hard.

“The Iron Claw” is an impressive, hard-hitting film. Even if you’re not into wrestling, you may be touched.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Disenchanted

Director: Adam Shankman
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Amy Adam, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Idina Menzel, James Marsden, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, Osar Nuñez, Alan Tudyk
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 47: A DISNEY LIVE-ACTION MOVIE
 
Description: Fifteen years after her happily ever after, Giselle (Amy Adams) questions her happiness, inadvertently turning the lives of those in the real world and Andalasia upside down in the process.

Review: It has been fifteen years since Amy Adams showed us how fairy-tale New York can e in “Enchanted”. Time for a new chapter of this popular musical. A sequel, showing us what happens after ‘happily ever after’.

In order to give it a fresh touch, there is a change of locations, where Giselle, her now husband Robert, now teenage daughter Morgan and a new daughter Sofia, move to the suburbs of Morganville. Giselle misses the fairytale life she had in Andalasia, wishing for it back.

Amy Adams is enchanting, just like in the first film. She is accompanied by Maya Rudolph this time. And these two have more chemistry than Adams has with Patrick Dempsey. The duet the two have is the absolute highlight of the film.

“Disenchanted” is a fun time for the whole family, true Disney magic coming to life. But it never lives up to “Enchanted”.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

Director: Joshua Rofé
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Vicky Ross, John Thamm, Gary Jenkins, Kathwren Jenkins, Sally Schenck, Dana Jester, Ian Bourland, Julia Friedman

Description: Bob Ross brought joy to millions as the world’s most famous art instructor. But a battle for his business empire cast a shadow on his happy trees.

Review: Art instructor Bob Ross, who died in 1995, is one of the few universally loved world icons that ever lived. Completely unencumbered, he is even embraced by new generations.
No worries, you will still love Bob Ross after this documentary. The film does have some shocking revelations, but for the most part, those events are not the fault of the painter, who made thousands of paintings on camera from 1983 to 1994 in “The Joy of Painting”. In fact, you’ll probably only grow to love the soft-spoken Bob Ross even more.
The first half of “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” is mostly a general introduction to the American’s life and success. He began as a soldier in the Air Force, but Bob Ross had an early aptitude for painting. With the rise of TV painters (yes, that was a thing in the 80s), he saw an opportunity to offer his painting skills nationwide. He began working with business partners Annette and Walt Kowalski. This led to much success, but also problems.
Family, friends and colleagues speak at length and paint a wonderful picture of what Bob Ross was like outside the studio. Of course he was a man with his quirks; for example, he had a complicated relationship with his son, who is perhaps an even better painter, and there was also talk of an affair. But it all remains fairly wholesome. That’s good news for Bob Ross fans, though: he really was that peaceful, nice guy who wanted to teach everyone the joy of painting.
The second half of the documentary shows us some dark sides. The Kowalskis ran Bob Ross’s company rock-hard and with an army of lawyers under their command. Arguments while Bob was on his deathbed, lawsuits against the family, plagiarism, forgery, intimidation, attacks on other TV painters. When you see Bob Ross merchandise, you will probably not buy it after seeing this film, because Ross’ family doesn’t benefit from it one bit.
I’ve always loved Bob Ross, and his instruction videos always had a relaxing effect on me. And he truly is one of the kindest, good-hearted famous people. I was afraid that this documentary would ruin that for me, but I’m glad it didn’t. “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” tries to give a balanced picture of the life of the painter, but is therefore not always fascinating. Nevertheless, it’s still an interesting film to watch to see why Bob Ross still deserves his wholesome status.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Director: Eliza Hittman  
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 84 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder, Théodore Pellerin

Description: A pair of teenage girls (Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder) in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek out medical help after an unintended pregnancy.

Review: In a conservative town in Pennsylvania, Autumn fins out she is pregnant. The teenage girl is having a hard time, with a father who show more love for the dog than for his daughter, who he thinks is just a grumpy child. Her classmates and peers usually treat her unkindly and give her disdainful looks. She knows nothing as certain as not wanting to become a mother. But she is insecure as how she should manage it. The only one who helps her unconditionally is her friend and niece Skylar. But how much can the two teenage girls do?
How little the system can do and how restrictive the American system can be for those on the wrong side of limitless possibilities is nowhere more obvious than at Autumns local abortion clinic. The suspicion that she is pregnant is confirmed by the attending physician with a pregnancy test from the supermarket, after which she is shown a video tape in which a white man lists the harmful effects of an abortion. At home, however, they are not allowed to know anything about the pregnancy and soon the possibilities seem exhausted within the limits of the law.
Autumn and Skylar flee to liberal New York, where an abortion can be discussed and the questions asked are more humane. But here too the system and Autumn turn out to be like water and fire and the somewhat less introverted Skylar has to use all her unconditional love to prevent the personal drama from becoming a dramatic disaster. The girls undergo the days largely in silence, every new day with new problems. It’s only a few days, with only a few problems, but they seem endless and insurmountable.
“Never Rarely Sometimes Always” manages to merge these two themes, the big imposed system and the small personal suffering, in a poignant way. Absolute climax and low point is the scene from which the film derives its title. A shot that seems to last for minutes in which a visibly broken Autumn disrupts the preconceptions of a system. A well-meaning care worker has to ask her a number of prescribed questions, instructing her to reduve any sexual trauma to an answer on a four-point scale: never, rarely, sometimes, always.
Add to this the fact that the dup in the leading role is taking the first step in the film world and the impersonal fluorescent light in which the underground subway stations an above-ground abortion clinic bathe and the film becomes an indictment of the system. A system from which you can’t win, but where you can only do your best to limit your loss, no matter what you want and where you come from.
It's a raw, realistic and impressive film. Probably a movie that will be overlooked, so if you have the change to see it, do!

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Enola Holmes

Director: Harry Bradbeer

Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Adventure

Runtime: 123 minutes

Year: 2020

Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge

Description: When Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown), Sherlock’s (Henry Cavill) teen sister, discovers her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) missing, she sets off to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right as she outwits her famous brother and unravels a dangerous conspiracy around a mysterious young lord (Louis Partridge)

Review: Forget Sherlock Holmes and meet Enola, the teenage sister of the world’s most famous detective. Equally resourceful and quirky, but spicier and more rebellious then her big brother. In “Enola Holmes”, the young detective takes matters into her own hands to track down her missing mother. For this she travels through Victorian England, a time when many people didn’t care much for types like Enola who went against traditional customs. Because, change is so difficult. Fortunately, director Harry Bradbeer and “Enola Holmes” provide the ultimate proof that a new interpretation o the familiar can a welcome relief.

In this revisionist twist on the classic detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock and Mycroft are pushed to the sidelines and take the lead in tracking down their mother after she is nowhere to be found. But before Enola can start her search, she has to get rid of her brothers. They want to send her to a boarding school to become a real lady, but Enola doesn’t feel like it.

“Enola Holmes” is set in Victorian England, where a battle for great reforms was going in, but women were still hoisted into tight corsets against their will. But Enola decides to chose her own path, instead of others doing it for her.

Enola leaves for London, the height of civilization. Her mother left some clues. On the train, her path crosses with that of Lord Tewksbury, a young marquis who is the target of a murder conspiracy. The two soon develop a bond.

Millie Bobby Brown manages to bring the young heroine from Nancy Springer’s books to life in an energetic and charming way. Enola frequently breaks the fourth wall for a chat with the audience and this was a fun touch. Brown’s witty and comical comments provide the film with a fine playful atmosphere that distinguishes it from the stories about her stoic brother.

The detective work of Sherlock’s female counterpart is less strong and intriguing and not typical Holmes-like as that of her big brother. Enola is more busy deciphering her mothers encrypted messages than solving larger puzzles. As a result, the mysteries to be unraveled never really become very exciting or compelling. Fortunately, the great action scenes make up for this and the great casting of Milly Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes is also a plus. I just can’t get over the fact how handsome Cavill is in this film and somehow also kind of perfect for the role of Sherlock Holmes.  

“Enola Holmes” is a fun contemporary interpretation of a genre previously dominated by men. It’s a highly enjoyable film and definitely a fun adventure. Hopefully more will follow.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

 

 

Movie Reviews - The Lighthouse

Director: Robert Eggers
Genre: Drama/ Horror/ Fantasy
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeriia Karaman, Logan Hawkes, Shaun Clarke, Kyla Nicolle, Pierre Richard, Preston Hudson, Jeffrey Cruts

Description: Two lighthouse keepers (Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe) try to maintain their sanity whilst living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

Review: “The Lighthouse” is the newest film by director Robert Eggers and written by his brother Max Eggers. Here we follow two lighthouse keepers who get stuck on a mysterious island in the 1890s.
Eggers shot “The Lighthouse” completely in black and white. Besides helping to give it a mysterious touch, it also serves to place the story in the late 19th century. Long shots of one camera were also chosen. Strangely enough, this gives both a kind of calm and uncomfortable feeling.
Another striking point is that the film was shot in an almost square format. This not only gives an enormous retro feeling, it works extra to keep the film small and intimate. Small island, small spaces and the protagonists are close together. The latter is not always pleasant, you are also close to them and feel the mutual tension.
The peculiar sound is also used to create an atmosphere that you could best describe as eerie and spooky. Add to this Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson who, thanks to the strong dialogues and monologues, create two beautiful characters in a dance that alternates between power and brotherhood. It is perhaps Pattinson’s best acting to date and also one of Dafoe’s best performances.
There is a clear hierarchy between the two characters. Dafoe’s character is the only one who controls the light, the newcomer is very by the book. So he doesn’t drink alcohol and wants to share as many tasks as possible and gain experience in these four weeks. This clashes.
In the four weeks they spend together, both character go through major development. Why do both men want to be there, what past has forced them to do so? In the four weeks they get closer to each other, but it remains mysterious.
“The Lighthouse” is a film about fear and madness, a combination that creates a strange horror drama which is a feast for the senses. A beautiful psychological nightmare that you should not skip. But be warned: this is not for everyone, it’s the good kind of weird.

Rating: 4, 5 / 5

Movie Reviews - To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You

Director: Michael Fomignaro
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher, Anna Cathcart, Janel Parrish, John Corbett, Holland Taylor

Description: Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) have just taken their relationship from pretend to officially official when another recipient of one of her old love letters enters the picture.

Review: After the popular film “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, there of course had to be a sequel. The first film was a fun and easy watch, especially for a teen audience. But can the sequel live up to the hype of the first?
In “To All the Boys: P.S. I Love You” Peter and Lara Jean are a couple and they are very happy together. But then there is John Ambrose, one of the boys that received an old love letter written by Lara Jean. And that’s the moment where Lara Jean starts doubting her feelings, because John Ambrose is such a sweet and nice guy. Who will she eventually chose?
Lana Condor and Noah Centineo returns as Lara Jean and Peter, who again convince us of their chemistry. They are a real cute on-screen couple. Centineo is your typical teen heartthrob.
The story of “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” is less original and just a simple romance story of a love triangle. But for the targeted audience, it’s yet another fun feel-good romcom.

Rating: 3 / 5

Movie Reviews - Bad Education

Director: Cory Finley
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Comedy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, Ray Romano, Geraldine Viswanathan, Alex Wolff

Description: The beloved superintendent (Hugh Jackman) of New York’s Roslyn school district and his staff, friends and relatives become the prime suspects in the unfolding of the single largest public school embezzlement scandal in American history.

Review: Charisma is a sly fox. A quality that we praise but also underestimate. Some people are champions in keeping up appearances. And that’s what we see in “Bad Education”, which is based on true events.
Dr. Frank Tassone is the superintendent of a New York high school. He oversees this school district of Roslyn, New York together with his colleague Pam Gluckin. And everything is going perfect. A large group of their students will go to Ivy League universities, which makes Rosylin the fourth most successful school district in the US. And with that Frank is a very well-loved man among his colleagues, students and parents.
But that bubble bursts, when it is revealed that Pam has used the school budget for personal purchases, like her house. The community is broken about it and so is Frank, who was close friends with Pam as well. He confronts her, she gets fired and even loses her license. But something is not right. One of Roslyn’s own students goes on an investigation of her own, while writing an article for the school paper. Here she finds out the dark truth about both Pam and Frank.
This is of course not all, but I’m not going to spoil the fun. This event became one of the biggest school scandals in American history. And the deceit went much further than just school budget fraude. There was a lot more going on.
“Bad Education” has hints of comedy, personal drama, crime and journalistic drama. Because it’s Roslyn students Rachel that eventually blows the whistle and uncovers the truth.
The film has enough pace and never bores. And their biggest trump is the cast. Allison Janney and Ray Romano are very strong in their supporting roles, with enough irony and never going over the top. I was impressed by Geraldine Viswanathan, who played Rachel. She is really good in this film. But Hugh Jackman is the scene stealer and plays one of his most versatile characters ever. He shows he is more than just Wolverine. Frank sees himself as the personification of the ‘American Dream’, but also hides parts of himself to keep up the appearances. He looks for scapegoats to cover up his own misdeeds.
“Bad Education” is a really good movie, with a strong cast and a interesting true story.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Director: Marielle Heller
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Matthew Rhys, Tom Hanks, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Maryann Plunkett, Enrico Colantoni, Wendy Makkena, Tammy Blanchard, Noah Harpster

Description: Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys).

Review: A tough journalist opposite a gentle television icon: this true story is about a peaceful clash between two different worlds.
He sees himself as a competent investigative journalist, but Esquire reporter Lloyd Vogel is send on a smaller assignment by his boss. He has to interview Mister Rogers, a singing, puppet playing TV presenter that was cherished by kids for many years. The interview won’t stay with one meeting and Vogel becomes more and more intrigued by the calm, charismatic and kindhearted Mr. Rogers, who doesn’t only answer questions but also asked a lot himself.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is not a biopic about Fred Rogers, even though it’s based on true events. Director Marielle Heller takes her time for personal development between Vogel and Rogers. It’s an intimate film. Matthew Rhys is really good as Vogel and Tom Hanks is fantastic in portraying the modest TV icon.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” has a pretty standard story. If it weren’t for the character of Mr. Rogers, this film would be pretty forgettable. It’s his unique character that makes this film feel like a warm hug. Fred Rogers must have been one of the kindest, gentles and warmest people who ever lived. And Tom Hanks manages to translate this to film very well.
I really liked “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, especially because of Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. He is the star and the reason this film is as good as it is.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Uncut Gems

Director: Bennie Safdie, Josh Safdie
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Sandler, Keith Williams Richards, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel

Description: A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard (Adam Sandler) must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

Review: Because of lies and making the wrong choices, jeweler Howard Ratner gets increasingly cornered in the Netflix-original film “Uncut Gems”. Adam Sandler in a completely different type of role, the best he has been. If you want to be taken seriously as a comedian, you have to also take on serious roles. That’s when you win prizes. Look at Jim Carrey, who took a turn for the serious roles in movies like “The Truman Show” or “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, or Robin Williams, who won an Oscar for his role in “Good Will Hunting” and earned a nomination for “Dead Poets Society”. This time it’s Adam Sandler, the uncrowned king of juvenile comedy, who proofs he has a serious side. In “Uncut Gems” he plays the gambling addicted jeweler and it’s the best he has ever been. And only an awkward nervous laugh is what you get, when you see him Sandler’s Howard Ratner get into trouble again.
Showing of a lot of bling, with his fake teeth and leather jacket. Howard is unreliable and so unsympathetic that it is hard to sympathize with him. The film has chosen a different path and avoids all the standards you would expect in a film like this. The style it is filmed in has a nervous touch and this tension is only added more with the soundtrack.
“Uncut Gems” is a surprising and entertaining film, filled with nervous energy. It is a bit long with over 2 hours of runtime. Adam Sandler gives a fantastic performance, even though the Academy Awards completely ignored him. I hope he decides to take on more roles like this.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Booksmart

Director: Olivia Wilde
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, Diana Silvers, Billy Lourd

Description: On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.

Review: Molly and Amy are not popular at their high school, but they really don’t care about that. The two girls can be found in libraries in the weekends and never at their classmates’ parties. But that’s okay, because in the end they will be the ones going to prestige colleges. When Molly finds out that even their classmates, that don’t care about school at all and party all the time, also managed to get into those schools. And they have let high school pass by like that, without having all the fun. Their plan is to catch up on what they missed out on all those years, but they only have one night to do it in.
“Booksmart” is the directorial debut of Olivia Wilde and it’s an interesting choice for the actress to start with this kind of movie. The genre of high school comedy has, since “Superbad”, not brought us a lot of refreshing movies. And looking at just the plot, “Booksmart” looks like another one of these unforgettable films. But luckily for us, it’s a wonderful film that measures up to “Superbad”. “Booksmart” is clever, innovative, funny and a film with a lot of heart. We don’t only have Olivia Wilde to thank for that, but also the screenplay and cast.
To start with the first: the excellent writing brings dynamic between the two main characters and make it look natural and credible. The dialogues are smart, fast and hilarious. And it constantly avoids expectations and conventions.
The stars f the film are the duo Amy and Molly, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein. Their chemistry is strong, sympathetic and believable. It’s fun to take the trip with them on this crazy night.
Within the genre of the teen comedy, “Booksmart” is a true gem. A hilarious cast and great writing make sure for a film that will speak to a broader audience. An excellent debut for director Olivia Wilde.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - The King

Director: David Michôd
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson

Description: Hal (Timothée Chalamet), wayward prince and heir to the English throne, is crowned King henry V after his tyrannical father dies. Now the young king must navigate palace politics, the war his father left behind and the emotional strings of his past life.

Review: That Timothée Chalamet, after excellent performances as a passionately in love boy in “Call Me by Your Name” and drug addict lost soul in “Beautiful Boy”, can probably play everything with conviction, he proves during the motivational speech scene in the historical drama “The King”. Chalamet plays Henry V, King of England from 1413 until his death in 1422, and he braves his men before the Battle of Azincourt, a benchmark favourable to the English during the Hundred Years' War with France.
Such a speech requires the natural preponderance and persuasiveness and self-confidence that you would not normally expect from a 23-year-old actor who has so far mainly shown himself in vulnerable boyish roles, but Chalamet can do it. His Henry V doesn't feel much for it at first, waging war, and that makes his playing in this scene, if possible, even prettier: we're looking at a king who never seems to fully feel his nationalist war rhetoric and then only partially focuses on glowing acting - Chalamet fully masters the play.
The film by director-screenwriter David Michôd is actually a bit good and solid for the bursting talent of his protagonist. Michôd shows Henry's transformation from drunkard and devourer of women - his sick father Henry IV prefers his younger son Thomas as heir to the throne - to king with little fear, in images that look a little too familiar. Beautifully lit, finely played (note also Joel Edgerton, hidden behind a big beard, as Henry's right hand Sir John Falstaff), told in a calm tempo, with more attention to the threat of war than the war itself, but executed without surprise. The same goes for the final war in The King. There are TV series that depict a battlefield like the mud battle at Azincourt significantly better.
Robert Pattinson must have felt the same way when he took on the role of the French prince positioned opposite Henry V. Could he have forced some creative freedom on the director and producers? Pattinson said goodbye to his status as a teenage girl idol in recent years, thanks to his role as a vampire in the "Twilight" films. In a role with cult potential, in "The King" he puts on a silly French accent and then plays the insufferable Frenchman. In my opinion he comes off like a bit of a caricature. Most French character have certain stereotypical trades and aren’t pictures very positive, as for the British characters are mostly brave, heroic and righteous.
The film needs some time to get in to, but in the end it’s a solid historical drama, with beautiful shots of the environment, landscapes and battles (even if one moment in a battle looks exactly like a scene from “Game of Thrones”).

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Noelle

Director: Marc Lawrence
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Comedy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine, Julie Hagerty, Billy Eichner, Michael Gross

Description: Santa’s daughter Noelle (Anna Kendrick) finds herself to take over the family business when her father dies and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the role of Santa, gets cold feet.

Review: The title figure is the daughter of Santa Claus, who died recently. Her brother Nick inherits the title of Santa Claus, as has been done in the Kringle family for generations. But, Nick isn't waiting for that at all.
The story of “Noelle” is wafer-thin. The given itself is quite original: that Santa's title has been in the same family for centuries and that the eldest son always inherits it. It's a little bit like royalty. Also nice is that the next one in the line of 'succession to the throne' isn't really waiting for that at all. But: it's a Christmas movie and it's a Disney movie so you can count on it that everything will be all right. The movie only lasts an hour and a half because there are no subplots or other interesting storylines. It's all about saving Christmas and Santa's title. And that's fine, because that's all you have to expect.
With a different cast, "Noelle" would have been a significantly lesser film. The casting is really very good. Anna Kendrick does what she's good at in the title role: playing a semi-unhanded but sweet person and of course her charisma is fantastic. She can even wear a predictable sweet movie well. Bill Hader is always good, whether he does soft SNL sketches or plays a more serious role like he did recently in "It: Chapter 2". He was really phenomenal in that. As Nick Kringle, he could have gotten a bit more screen time. And Shirley MacLaine is a living legend. Even though her role is really awful, not a bad word about this beautiful lady.
"Noelle" is a really sweet movie. Sugar sweet if I may say so. The only thing missing is the cast that spontaneously bursts into carols, but there is actually no singing in this movie. Furthermore, you can assume that everyone gets a 'they lived happily ever after', even the somewhat cranky cousin and the irritating owner of the mall. Can you feel where the story is going? Yeah, sure. Already in almost the first scene. Is that bad? Not like that. It's what you'd expect from a Disney Christmas movie. It doesn't make the message any less. But if you don't like predictable, sweet, sweet movies, you better skip "Noelle".
This is obviously really a family movie. There is no swearing in it ('oh my garland' is the strongest scream the Kringles use), there is no romance in it (no kiss on the cheek yet) and there are cute critters in it. Which is also a point of criticism because: the CGI in "Noelle" is just not good. The little white reindeer Snowcone looks like he belongs in another movie. The budget has clearly gone to the cast and not to the special effects. But for the kids the Snowcone cuddles will be hard to find.
All in all, “Noelle” is a great Christmas movie. You know what you're getting into and you won't get anything extra. This is sweet, predictable and sweet, but still it is a nice movie to watch in between.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Reviews - Knives Out

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Crime/ Comedy
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Frank Oz

Description: A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

Review: An old-fashioned murder mystery of Agatha Christie-like allure. That's what filmmaker Rian Johnson advocated when he took care of the story and direction for “Knives Out”. The director of “Brick” and “The Last Jedi” has stuffed all the standard elements of the genre into this classic whodunit: an immense mansion, a rich family full of intrigues, only striking characters and of course the murder of an authoritative man. As one of the characters makes clear, it looks like a lifelike game of Clue. So: who killed Harlan Thrombey with the knife in the study?
Successful thriller author and multimillionaire Thrombey had just called the family together before his death in order to tighten the ties again. Because it's hatred and envy within the family ranks. And with all those fights and conspiracies, the motives immediately come to the surface. His daughter-in-law made money back because of the study costs of granddaughter Megan, whom she cashed twice. Son-in-law Richard cheated with Thrombey's knowledge. A grandson (who by the way has the first name Ransom) was in turn disinherited and Thrombey's youngest son worked for the company. And then there is the South American nurse who may have tampered with medication.
One by one, Johnson will take care of the suspects. He does this with a series of interviews with a very special spectator. Private detective Benoit Blanc, a fantastically smooth role for Daniel Craig, who sounds like Francis Underwood's brother because of his southern American accent, has more than earned his spurs in a number of high-profile cases. Initially he is only used as an observer, but he always makes his presence known to potential suspects in an irritating way by pressing a piano key. It doesn't take long before Blanc completely takes over the murder investigation, although he leaves the detective under the illusion that it isn't so.
Knives Out is indebted to the genre that made Christie great and is therefore a tribute to the work of the highly productive British thriller author. There are studies that have shown that Christie suddenly built up her sentences in such a way that it is impossible to stop reading. Johnson's thriller may not have this hypnotic effect, but it is full of intriguing characters who all have their reasons to get rid of the pater familias. As it should be. It also helps a lot that next to Craig, famous faces like those of Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, Christopher Plummer and Toni Collette make their appearance. But Craig is the one who owns this movie. It’s a very tongue-in-cheek performance, over-exaggerated, but therefor delightful to watch.
Knives Out is, with its beautiful scenery and camera work, above all a tribute to the classic murder genre, in which nothing and nobody is what it seems. It's a wonderful puzzle and therefore an escape from the daily grind. The ensemble cast is a pleasure to watch, because it must be wonderful to get absorbed in the dysfunctional family dynamics at a crime scene full of secret corners, spaces and doors.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Last Christmas

Director: Paul Feig
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh

Description: Kate (Emilia Clarke) is a a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Her last date with disaster? That of having accepted to work as Santa’s elf for a department store. However, she meets Tom (Henry Golding) there. Her life takes a new turn. For Kate, it seems too good to be true.

Review: If there’s one genre that works perfectly with the holidays, it’s the romantic comedy. A good mix of laughs and tears, fortunate misunderstandings, delightful actors and predictable storylines. You are instantly in a better mood with a romcom. But there is a big difference between the disposable romcom that will waste your time and the romcom you will recommend to your friends.
The British film “Last Christmas”, by director Paul Feig, falls in that last category. Feig knows his way around a comedy. He directed the very successful “Bridesmaids” and was also the man behind “Spy”. This time, a little less jokes and a bit more romance. And the most funny moments come from leading character Kate, portrayed by Emilia Clarke.
At a young age, Kate fled Yugoslavia with her mother and sister. Later, she had to undergo a heart transplant and since then she has had a struggling relationship with her family. Kate lost all her ambitions, sleeps on couches of friends and works in a Christmas store in London. One day, she sees Tom and from that moment on Kate’s life takes a turn.
The film starts like any other romcom, with opposites and attraction. Kate isn’t really looking to take walks with Tom. But later she can’t wait to see him again.
At first, you feel like it’s going to be a sugar sweet film, filled with cheesy romance. But Feig keeps his characters realistic, by portraying Kate as both charming and egocentric.
There is a huge twist in the film, but somehow I saw it coming. The film has predictability and clichés, but they didn’t really bother me. Overall, “Last Christmas” is a joyful and easy watch. Due to the twist it’s different from most films in its genre.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Reviews - Western Stars

Director: Thom Zimny, Bruce Springsteen
Genre: Documentary/ Music
Runtime: 83 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa

Description: Live concert performance of Bruce Springsteen singing songs from his album “Western Stars”

Review: Bruce Springsteen, “The Boss”, is back with his 19th album, “Western Stars”. In this documentary he plays all the songs live, accompanied with stories from his life.
Springsteen is a great storyteller. His songs are stories about middle class, love, dreamers and everyday life. And everyone can find a song that speaks to them. We also know him as someone that speaks up in society, like we heard on “The Rising”.
“Western Stars” has a different sound, but it’s still Springsteen. It’s richer in instruments, because there is a complete orchestra present. And it has a film-like character.
“Western Stars” is a beautiful album, where Springsteen put his heart and soul in and bares it for us all to see and hear. ‘Chasin’ Wild Horses’ is a blueprint for the album and makes you feel melancholic. ‘Sundown’ and ‘There Goes My Miracle’ have more tempo. But mostly this is a very modest and timid album. With ‘Hitch Hikin’ and ‘Western Stars’ as the highlights.
I love this album, filled with melancholia. And the way he has a story for each of the songs, which he tells so beautifully, makes this a documentary unforgettable. The shots are amazing and the songs are all wonderful. Springsteen is 70, but still filled with energy and inspiration.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Yesterday

Director: Danny Boyle
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Music
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino, Ellise Chappell, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kate McKinnon, Alexander Arnold, Harry Mitchell, Ed Sheeran, Vincent Franklin, Joel Fry

Description: A struggling musician (Hamish Patel) realizes he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate timeline where they never existed.

Review: Picture this: you are a struggling musician and one day you find out that the world has forgotten about the Beatles, except for you. What do you do? Well, Jack uses the songs to become a famous artist himself. It sounds like a far-fetched premise, but it’s a fun-filled heartwarming and feel-good comedy.
Singer-songwriter Jack Malik has been struggling as a musician for years. He drags himself from bar to bar, with his best friend slash manager Ellie, where nobody really listens to him. He decides to stop, but then something magical happens. During a worldwide power out, Jack gets hit by a car and wakes up in a hospital. And it seems that the whole world had forgotten about The Beatles. They never existed and Jack is the only one that still remembers.
When Jack plays “Yesterday”, his friends are emotional and tell him it’s a beautiful song. Since when does he wrote songs like this? After some Google searches, he realizes that all the songs are up for grabs and he decides to sing them as they are his own.
Richard Curtis, who was also a part of “Love Actually”, “Notting Hill” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, is responsible for the screenplay. It’s filled with ‘what-if’ jokes. Just like “About Time”, which is also a Curtis film, you have to be fully on board while seeing this film with a pretty absurd story.
I love the premise of this film and I love a great feel-good movie without all the cheesiness and clichés. This is perfect for that. But the film is a bit repetitive at times. The creators of this film are clearly having fun with this film and their genius idea, and it works really well most of the time. Like when Jack meets 70-somewhat Jon Lennon ins the parallel reality. And leading man Himesh Patel, unknown for me, is really charming. Whenever he starts singing the song by The Beatles, you are remember how timeless their songs really are. Even if I’m not the biggest fan.
“Yesterday” is a really good time and a great ode to one of the most successful bands of all-time.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Toy Story 4

Director: Josh Cooley
Genre: Animation/ Adventure/ Family
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele, Keanu Reeves, Jay Hernandez, Joan Cusack, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Wallace Shaw, John Ratzenberg, June Squibb, Carl Weathers, Don Rickles, Jeff Carlin, Estelle Harris, Laurie Metcalf, Mel Brooks, Timothy Dalton, Betty White, Bill Hader, Carol Burnett, Flea

Description: When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.

Review: Promises are meant to be broken. At least for Disney and Pixar. Because they had sworn that “Toy Story 2” would be there only sequel. Because mostly sequels aren’t as successful. Not for this series. So far, the third film was their best. But will the fourth (and final) film be better too.
“Toy Story 3” was such a perfect film. It touched all the emotions and was so well created. And in the end all of Andy’s toys were handed over to Bonnie. And although the story continues with her in part 4, we start the movie with a prologue in the form of a flashback.
Toddler Bonnie loves her toys and is very creative. But she also leaves some of them behind sometimes, which frustrates Woody, because he is one of those toys. When she goes to school for the first time, she is anxious. It’s hard for her to connect with other children, but Woody helps her a bit after he smuggled himself into the classroom. He tosses Bonnie some old crafty supplies and she creates: Forky. Bonnie and her new friend are inseparable and he comes to life and joins Woody’s gang. And because Forky is new to this world, he wants nothing else but to get away. Woody dedicates his life to keeping Forky safe, for Bonnie.
When Bonnie and het family are going on a roadtrip, the toys come along. And a new adventure begins. When old and new friends come together.
Visually, Pixar knocks it out of the park once again. But also the characters. The ones we were familiar with are back, but we also get to meet new characters. Like a bright colored chick and bunny, doll Gabby Gabby and stuntman Duke Kaboom.
The story is a little bit behind when it comes to the other three movies. It’s pretty straight forward and doesn’t have many surprises. I still loved the movie, but I think this should really be the end of the series.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Tell Me Who I Am

Director: Ed Perkins
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Alex Lewis, Marcus Lewis

Description: What if every memory that haunts you could be erased? What if something truly horrific had happened to you and the person who loves you most could wipe that from your mind? Would you want them to? This is the ethical dilemma that 18-year-old Marcus Lewis faced when his identical twin Alex awakened after a motorcycle accident and Marcus was the only person Alex recognized. With no memories at all, Alex relied entirely on his brother as he tried to understand who he was. Working from an autobiography by the twins, Perkins and the Lewis brothers craft a powerfully cinematic adaptation that helps the audience explore their incredible story and remarkable 35-year post-accident journey. It's a profoundly moving examination of memory and trauma, personal responsibility and, ultimately, love.

Review: “Tell Me Who I Am” is a touching documentary that tells the story of two brothers and a dark family secret.
Marcus and Alex are twins. Alex gets into a motorcycle accident at age 18. When he wakes up, Alex has no memory. He doesn’t know who he is, who is family is, what happened in his life. The only one he instantly recognizes is his twin brother Marcus. He asks Marcus to give him back his memories.
Marcus tells him everything is great and how they went on summer vacations as a family. What Alex doesn’t know, is that the truth is very different. Out of protection of his brother, Marcus decides to tell Alex only the nice memories and not tell him about the painful and dark past. But this act of love has consequences.
Alex tries to build his life back up, but it’s based on lies. What if Alex finds out the truth and what does this with his identity? “Tell Me Who I Am” brings up a lot of questions from a psychological perspective. Themes like lies, trust, dark family secrets and start your life over after a trauma are all present. Was it okay for Marcus to lie to his brother? What would you have done? What happens when Alex finds out the truth? And what will it do to their relationship as brothers?
The film is told from three perspectives. It starts with Alex side of the story. Then we switch to Marcus. And the third act features both of them, confronting each other with their past. Especially the third act of the film is really strong. The documentary is no feel-good film, but definitely worth your time.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Eli

Director: Ciarán Foy
Genre: Thriller/ Horror/ Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Charlie Shotwell, Max Martini, Kelly Reilly, Sadie Sink, Lili Taylor

Description: A boy (Charlie Shotwell) receiving treatment for his auto-immune disorder discovers that the house he’s living in isn’t as safe as he thought.

Review: Young Eli has lived most of his life on the inside of a plastic bubble. And every time he leaves the house, he has to wear suit covering his entire body. He has an auto-immune disorder. Together with his parents, Eli travels to a house where a special doctor specialized in treating people with such disorders lives. But once they are there, Eli starts to see strange things and knows the house isn’t very safe at all. The treatments are painful, but he is also being tortured by seeing things that probably aren’t even there. At least that’s what everyone else says. Only the mysterious neighbor Haley believes him and knows that something shady is going on in that house. Eli starts to distrust the doctor.
“Eli” is a spooky mystery horror film. At first sight, it’s a standard ghost story set in an old mansion with all clichés of ghostly appearances. Some jumpscares hre and there, but everything is too cliché to become scary. Halfway through, this changes and eventually we get to a unpredictable conclusion.
I think the scariest thing is Eli’s personal horror, the decease he has to live with. Not being safe outside, but also not inside. And putting his life in the hands of the strange Dr. Horn.
Even though the movie has a surprising twist ending, I did predict other elements of the film. I will of course not spoil them for you. But the eventual conclusion will also answer some question you have throughout the movie. So, it is necessary to watch the entire film. Even if you think you’re watching yet another haunted house movie.
Overall, “Eli” starts out like an average film in its genre, but eventually pays off. Not a movie that will be remembered for long, but it’s an okay horror flick.

Rating: 3/ 5