20s Movie Review - Here

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly
Description: A generational story about families and the special place they inhabit, sharing in love, loss, laughter, and life.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 11: A FILM WITH ROBIN WRIGHT
 
Review: Robert Zemeckis, once the Hollywood legend of blockbusters such as “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump”, hasn’t had many success lately. His last one was probably “The Walk” from 2015. With “Here” he proves what a talent he has.

“Here” is based on a graphic novel and it seems difficult to film. The book is quite experimental, telling the history of a particular place without a traditional storyline. The point of observation remains the same; the reader is merely an observer of events. Such a non-narrative concept is not easy to translate to film, but in the right hands it van produce something very special. As a result, the films has some engaging plot lines, but no concrete story. “Here” is more about theme and the bigger picture than individual stories. The graphic novel focuses primarily on the broader existential question surrounding forgotten history and emotions of a place. The film has a clearer focus and acts as a silent reflection on American history.

The film shows moments from different times, sometimes even within the same fram. While an important event takes place in the living room, other parts of the screen show what took place there years earlier and later. As a result, you not only see how society is changing, but also get an intriguing glimpse into the lives of everyday people.

A common criticism concerns the CGI rejuvenation of Tom hanks and Robin Wright. Although the effects look technically very impressive, and they both look as how they did years ago, it’s still strange because we know they are much older know. Because when we meet these characters they are teenagers, when they’re both well in their fifties and sixties.

Regardless of the quality of this, all the actors deliver great performances. Hanks an Wright reunite after having worked together in “Forrest Gump”. Paul Bettany is actually the one that stands out the most.
I really think that the concept of this film is really unique and special and I’m glad that Robert Zemeckis hasn’t lost his groove yet. I feel that “Here” deserved more attention when it came out, I feel that this was a very overlooked film. I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Damsel

Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Genre: Fantasy/ Action
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Angela Bassett, Robin Wright, Nick Robinson
 
Description: A dutiful damsel (Millie Bobby Brown) agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt.

Review: Elodie marries a handsome Prince, so her family can have a more fortunate life. However, she discovers that the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to pay off an old debt and is thrown into a cave. She will then have to rely on her wits and willpower to survive.

The term ‘damsel’ is often used in fairytale-like stories, as the damsel in distress. A woman in need of help. The damsel in this story, could need some help, but doesn’t have anyone to lean on. And she perfectly manages on her own. Elodie is portrayed as a self-reliant young woman.

We don’t get much backstory. We are introduced to Elodie and her family and dive into the story right away. We don’t learn much about the other girls that had to endure the same fate as Elodie. The film does flow smoothly and “Damsel” is a very easy watch.

The acting is fine, Millie Bobby Brown does a good job as Elodie. The rest of the actors don’t get much to do. Her character only has a short amount of time to really develop, but I did like following her journey of survival.

The special effects look really good. The dragon is imposing and really stands out.
“Damsel” is a fine fantasy film, I really enjoyed it and it’s entertaining.

Rating: 3/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Pledge

Director: Sean Penn
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Robin Wright, Aaron Eckhart, Sam Shepard, Benicio del Toro, Patricia Clarkson, Helen Mirren, Tom Noonan, Vanessa Redgrave, Mickey Rourke, Harry Dean Stanton

Description: A retired police detective (Jack Nicholson) pledges to catch the killer of a young child.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 8: A MOVIE DIRECTED BY AN ACTOR
 
Review: On a cold winter day, a boy stumbles upon the lifeless body of an eight-year-old girl. Soon they find a suspect for the murder, but for recently retired homicide detective Jerry Black the case isn’t settles. As far as he is concerned, the real killer is still out there. He promises the victim’s family to find the killer of their little girl and to fulfull this promise, Jerry is willing to use any means necessary.  

Sean Penn is not just an amazing actor, he is also an excellent director. He proves that with “The Pledge” a lesser known film starring Jack Nicholson.

At first sight, “The Pledge” seems like a standard thriller. But it has much more to offer than the clichéd whodunit. In fact, finding the killer is not so much the main focus; the film clearly addresses more important, more profound themes. Therefore, do not expect spectacular action scenes, as the somewhat slow film has to rely mainly on its dialogues, well-developed characters and tension.   

This all makes the intelligent “The Pledge” highly recommended for those who want to see a less conventional thriller for a change.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - Forrest Gump

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 1994
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, Sally Field

Description: Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), eludes him.

Review: “My momma always said, life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. Forrest Gump isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but his mother was such a smart woman. With these words Forrest starts telling us his life story, to perfect strangers who sit next to him at a bus stop. The result: a extraordinary story, mesmerizing from beginning till end, about a simple man with a pure heart and the will to make the impossible possible. Very American, but so beautiful. 
Forrest Gump is honest and open, with all the best intentions. His naïve view on the world makes sure you feel for him right away. From him as a successful American football player to the captain of a shrimping boat and from a Vietnam war veteran to a pingpong champion. He has done it all. The film is filled with romance, tension, drama and humor.
Tom Hanks is simply brilliant as Forrest. This is still his best performance and I doubt if he can ever top that. We don’t see Hanks in this movie, we the simple and naïve Forrest Gump. Robin Wright also does an excellent job as Jenny. Gary Sinise as Forrest’s army friend lieutenant Dan and Sally Field as momma Gump both perform very decently.
“Forrest Gump” is my second favorite movie of all time and it won the Academy Award for best movie (where it beat my number on favorite movie “The Shawshank Redemption”). “The world will never seem the same, once you’ve seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump”. A movie that will never leave you.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Wonder Woman 1984

Director: Patty jenkins
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ science Fiction
Runtime: 151 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen

Description: Diana (Gal Gadot) must contend with a work colleague (Kristen Wiig) and businessman (Pedro Pascal), whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing.

Review: Compared to the first theatrical adventure revolving around superheroine Wonder Woman, the sequel offers mostly repetition. Despite the generous running time, the filmmakers never make it clear why the film had to be set in the year 1984. Where the first “Wonder Woman” film had us all applauding DC again, “Wonder Woman 1984” sadly doesn’t.
“Wonder Woman 1984” revolves around Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman. This superheroine lives an anonymous life, trying to forget her late love Steve Trevor. When she hears about the Dreamstone, a relic that allows dreams to come true, she wishes her great love would come alive. The financially troubled Maxwell Lord also covets this stone. Meanwhile, Diana’s shy and geeky co-worker Barbara Ann Minerva also makes use of the magical object and transforms into the monstrous Cheetah. However, the Dreamstone has a dangerous side and takes its toll on all its users.
Director Patty Jenkins unfortunately failed to meet the success of the 2017’s “Wonder Woman”. This is due to several factors. First, the story. “Wonder Woman 1984” tries to be more light-hearted and comedic, and in that Jenkins fails quite a bit. The choice was made to set the story in 1980’s, but I believe the sole purpose is just the fashion and neon colors. Chris Pine is a great example, as he is mainly used to walk around dressed in strange clothes. He is supposed to be the comedic note and has little depth, whereas his return is supposed to be emotional.
Cheetah’s origins is also a negative. The caricatured Barbara, stereotypical geeky girl with glasses and frizzy hair. She wishes to be as strong and confident as Diana, and after losing the glasses and changing her outfits, all of a sudden all heads turn and she is smoking hot. Jenkins doesn’t manage to avoid clichés here. And when Barbara eventually turns into Cheetah, it doesn’t look great either.
“Wonder Woman 1984” lacks heart. But Gal Gadot is still a perfect Diana Prince. Her charm, charisma and warmth are what somewhat save the film from being a total fail. She makes Diana sympathetic. However, this isn’t enough to captivate for the full runtime.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Justice League

Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action.. Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Connie Nielsen, Diane Lane, Amber Heard, Robin Wright, J.K. Simmons, Ciarán Hinds, Billy Crudup

Description: Fuled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), to face an even greater enemy.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 45: A DC COMICS MOVIE

Review: I don’t like saying this, but “Justice League” reminds me a lot of “The Avengers”. Not only the tone and the humor, but also the story structure is similar: short introductions of all the team members, the search of a bad guy Steppenwolf, and even the way the team fights against itself. Or take the entrance of Steppenwolf teleports to Earth thanks to a magical cube, and tries to get his hands on it while soldiers try to stop him. It’s not necessarily copied, the so-called Motherboxes do come from the original stories, but they are clearly playing it safe with the intention of “Justice League”. He therefore misses the impact, innovation and own identity that “The Avengers” had.
It turns out to be a successful formula, which proides a significant improvement over the overambitious “Batman V Superman”. Whereas the dark predecessor threw all kinds of subplots, themes and comic strips into a blender and hoped for a form of coherence, Zack Snyder had a clear them for the sequel. The film opens with the meaning of Superman’s emblem, the symbol for hope. This time it’s not a nice one-liner, but the core of the film. Truly every character ans subplot revolves around hope: Flash’s relationship with his father, Cyborg’s resurrection, Batman and Wonder Woman’s struggle with their past and Aquaman’s cantankerous and lonely quest for more. The tone is therefore more consistent than ever in the DCEU.  
Steppenwolf is allowed to join the lon line of uninteresting bad guys. His background as the seconds of Darkseid and his role as a military leader of the Planet Apokolips are hardly explained. Moreover, there is not glimmer of charisma or personality. “Justice League” has more lack of construction. Cyborg, Flash and Aquaman haven’t been able to benefit from a solo film yet, and have to try to develop their characters within some scenes.
The best thin about “Justice League” is, especially for the fans, that the fifth DCEU movie finally has a grip on the source material. The interaction between all the heroes is convincing and strong. And especially The Flash is a pleasant and enjoyable presence.
Compared to the other superhero movies that came out in 2017, “Justice League” is too safe to compete with. “Justice League” feels more like a rectification, mainly due to the optimistic and heroic tone in the last few shots.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Last Castle

Director: Rod Lurie
Genre: Drama/ Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Delroy Lindo, Clifton Collins Jr., Steve Burton, Robin Wright, George W. Scott

Description: A court-martialed General (Robert Redford) rallies together twelve hundred inmates to rise against a corrupt and sadistic warden (James Gandolfini).

Review: Eugene Irwin is a general who, through everything he has done for his country, has become a national hero. But by making one mistake he became a prisoner. Irwin must serve his sentence in the military prison ‘The Castle”, where Colonel Winter is in command. Irwin is brought in by Winter with the necessary respect. But when Irwin has his opinion about Winter’s collection of war weapons, it’s clear Irwin’s time is not going to be easy.
Irwin discovers that Winter enforces the concept of order and authority on the prisoners in a violent and manipulative way. At first, Irwin doesn’t want to interfere and just serve his sentence quietly. However, when Irwin stands up for the young soldier Aguilar, he is mercilessly punished by Winter. Irwin endures the ordeal with his head held high and thus gains more and more respect from his fellow inmates. After Aguilar is shot by one of the guards, Irwin can no longer ignore it and he takes control.
“The Last Castle” is a great film, combing impressive acting talent with spectacular action. It’s a captivating film, despite a high degree of predictability. The structure of the story is good, wonderful camera work and excellent performances by Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo and Delroy Lindo.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Blade Runner 2049

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 163 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Sylvia Hoeks, Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista

Description: A young blade runner's (Ryan Gosling) discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who's been missing for thirty years.

Review: In 1982 director Ridley Scott brought us “Blade Runner”, a film loosely based on “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. After “Alien” he took another big step in the sci-fi genre. The film was, because of the combination of film noir and a philosophical take, not for everyone. Even critics weren’t agreeing at the time.
In 2017, the opinions about the sequel, are extremely positive. Some even call it an instant classic and a masterpiece. “Blade Runner 2049” will still not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I do agree with the positive responses. And I even think it’s better then the film from 1982.
Ridley Scott passed the directorial position over to Denis Villeneuve, a talented director that yet has to make his first mistake (let’s hope not off course). After “Arrival”, from 2016, Villeneuve showed the audience he knows his way around science fiction. But “Blade Runner 2049” is so very different.
Villeneuve asked all the journalists not to talk about the plot to much in their reviews. He wanted all the moviegoers to experience this film to the fullest and give them the same experience as he critics.
“Blade Runner 2049” is a film filled with emotion, beautiful shots, deeper layers and fascinating characters. So I will not share any plot details with you either, you really have to see for yourself. I do think it’s a shame that I didn’t get to see it in theaters at the time. Literally no one around was talking about this film and I simply missed it. And now, I don’t understand why and how.
Villeneuve often manages to make your jaw drop. And that’s also happening here. The images of misty cities filled with big in-your-face billboard commercials, immense garbage piles and abandoned factories. But also the ochre colored field with giant statues of women.
The role of K, was written for Ryan Gosling. He gives his role depth and he proofs again that he chooses his projects wisely. Harrison Ford’s role isn’t as big, but noteworthy, just like in the first film.
Like I stated before, “Blade Runner 2049” is not for everyone, just like the first film. The slow sci-fi by Denis Villeneuve is not to everybody’s taste. The film is hard to grab and its unpredictability could trouble the average moviegoer. All those things are just why I love “Blade Runner 2049”. Besides the gorgeous images and great performances, it’s very pleasant to see a sequel this good and this surprising. Better then “Blade Runner”, mission accomplished!

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 78: Wonder Woman

Director: Patty Jenkins
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis

Description: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana (Gal Gadot), princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot (Chris Pine) crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Review: DC isn’t doing as well as Marvel at the moment. “Batman V Superman” and “Suicide Squad” both disappointed, and “Man of Steel” got mixed reviews. Well, leave up to the women, because “Wonder Woman” is an amazing film. Director Patty Jenkins didn’t have an easy task, but she did a fantastic job.
The biggest strength of “Wonder Woman” is portraying believable, human heroes in an extravagant world.
Gal Gadot has a lot of room to develop Diana Prince. She grows up as a strong woman, wanting to fight for justice. A bit naïve she goes into the world to end World War I. Gadot is very charismatic, gorgeous and impressive in her role as Diana Prince. Chris Pine is her love interest and the two have amazing chemistry. The dialogues between the two are great and the romantic elements are kept to a minimal. And the humor is subtle.
The film is action packed, but it’s the right amount of action we get. There is only violence when it really matters. There is more room for character development. But whenever there is an action sequence, it impresses. Sometimes you see Zack Snyder’s influence, especially in those slow-motion moments.
Did I like “Wonder Woman”? No. I loved it. I always love watching strong female characters come to life on the big screen, it just happens that this one is also physically strong. And that a film like this is directed by a woman is also something that makes me happy. “Wonder Woman” is what DC needed right now and what I needed.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 83: Everest

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

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

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

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 67: The Princess Bride

Director: Rob Reiner
Genre: Comedy/ Adventure/ Romance/ Fantasy
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chis Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, Peter Cool, Mel Smith, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane

Description: While home sick in bed, a young boy's (Fred Savage) grandfather (Peter Falk) reads him a story called The Princess Bride.

Review: “The Princess Bride” is a story that is told by a grandfather to his sick grandson. It’s about a beautiful farmer’s daughter Buttercup, who is madly in love with farm boy Westley. When they admit their love for each other, Westley leaves to earn money for their wedding. On his journey Westley is ambushed by pirates and Buttercup knows her love died. Years later Buttercup is forced to marry Prince Humperdinck. Right before the wedding, she is captured by three men who plan on declaring war to another kingdom. But the trio is chased by a masked stranger.
“The Princess Bride” is highly praised, as a fantasy film, but also as a romance and for its comedy. It has something for everyone. The people who dislike this film, take it way to seriously. There is a parody feel to this film and it’s very aware of itself. I love the combination of fantasy, action, comedy and romance.
“The Princess Bride” had been on my watchlist for a long time. Now that I finally saw it, I will definitely rewatch it many times. I’m a fan of “The Princess Bride”.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 72: A Most Wanted Man

Director: Anton Corbijn

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 121 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McADams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Daniel Brühl, Grigoriy Dobrygin

Description: A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror.

Review: Hamburg is considered an undeniable link in the attacks of September 11th, the preparations were devised from this city. A more appropriate setting for a spy thriller is almost inconceivable. “A Most Wanted Man” is, after films like “The Constant Gardener” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, the ninth book to movie adaptation from author Jon Le Carré.

Lead man Philip Seymour Hoffman died not that long after filming “A Most Wanted Man”. Aside from some scenes in the last two “Hunger Games” movies, this is his last testament.

When political refuge Issa Karpov arrives in Hamburg, the local anti-terrorist group led by Günther Bachmann, is on edge. Issa has come to Hamburg to claim his father’s legacy.

Together with his lawyer, Annabel Richter, he is trying to get the money and banker Tommy Brue isn’t happen about paying that big amount of money. Before Brue can decide, he is approached by Bachmann. He sees it as an opportunity to uncover the terrorist network. Like other John Le Carré stories, it has a slow build-up. It’s not for everyone, but in combination with the style of director Anton Corbijn it’s golden. And off course the great acting by Philip Seymour Hoffman.

The location, Hamburg, is pictured perfectly. Stale bars, grim streets. The art of manipulation is also illustrated very well, by finding informants and playing political games.

I think Hoffman’s portrayal of the beaten and cynical Bachmann is one of his best performances. Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright show us it’s not just a one man show.

Anton Corbijn is one of the better Dutch directors and he managed to make a name for himself in Hollywood with this movie. “A Most Wanted Man” is a good, strong thriller.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 67: Adore

Director: Anne Fontaine

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Naomi Watts, Robin Wright, Xavier Samuel, James Frencheville, Ben Mendelsohn

Description: Lil (Naomi Watts) and Roz (Robin Wright) are two lifelong friends. As adults, their sons have developed a friendship as strong as that which binds their mothers. One summer, all four are confronted by simmering emotions that have been mounting between them, and each find unexpected happiness in relationships that cross the bounds of convention.

Review: We follow the unconventional story of best friends Lil and Roz. They have friends been since early childhood. Both women have a grown son. Lil’s son Ian starts flirting with Roz, who is charmed by it and feels flattered by the attention she gets from the young Adonis. Roz’ son Tom witnesses this happening and decides to take revenge. He tries to hit on Lil, who rejects him at first. Soon the two of them also start a passionate affair. The melodrama is complete, both boys are in a relationship with their best friend’s mother.

The boys don’t struggle with this extraordinary situation and both women only admit they have crossed a line, but don’t end the relationship. It’s a very provocative theme. It sometimes feels like a soap opera, with straight forward dialogues and long, pining looks.

The location where it was filmed is gorgeous and the camerawork is impressive. Both Naomi Watts and Robin Wright are very professional and take the movie to a higher level. Xavier Samuel and James Frencheville are stuck with a more stereotypical role of young stud.

The movie overall is pretty enjoyable, although I struggled with the ethics a bit, when the characters clearly didn’t. It’s entertaining, especially if you like melodramatic movies.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 65: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Director: David Fincher

Genre: Thriller/ Drama

Runtime: 156 minutes

Year: 2011

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgård, Robin Wright, Embeth Davidtz, Joely Richardson, Christopher Plummer

Description: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a young computer hacker.

Review: The choice for David Fincher as director for the first American part of the Millennium trilogy is surprising. Not alone was there an excellent Swedish version of the book, but with a huge project like this Fincher could easily be upstaged. “The Girl with the Dragon tattoo” is a good Fincher film: loyal to the book, the well known dark tones, controversy and memorable lead performances by Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig.

The film is long, but the pacing is very high. Praise goes to cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, who often works with Fincher. But like the book, the story goes on a bit too long, which makes you lose focus at the end. The connection between Lisbeth and Mikael is strong, thanks to fantastic performances by Daniel Craig and especially Roony Mara. It’s a tough role to play, but she does it perfectly.

With minor critics, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a very good thriller.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "Forrest Gump"

My second favorite movie off all-time is "Forrest Gump". I already shared my favorite scenes from the movie and now I'm going to take a closer look at the characters from the film.

Forrest Gump
Played by: Tom Hanks
At a young age the school principal determines that Forrest has an IQ of 75. Although he's not very intelligent, he has endearing character and shows devotion to his loved ones and duties. This brings him into many life-changing situations.

Jenny Curran
Played by: Robin Wright
Jenny is Forrest's childhood friend and the only one that really understands him. Although her life hasn't been perfect, because she was abused as a kid, to Forrest she's the love of his life. Their ways seperate and come together many times and they eventually have a kid and get married.

Lt. Dan Taylor
Played by: Gary Sinise
Forrest meets Lt. Dan Taylor during the Vietnam war, where he is Forrest's commanding officer. After losing his legs in an ambush and being rescued against his will by Forrest, he falls into a deep depression. He does promise Forrest that, if he would ever own a shrimp boat like he said, he will help him.

Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue
Played by: Mykelti Williamson
Bubba is Forrest's friend whom he meets while serving in the army. It's Bubba's dream to have a shrimp boat someday, because he knows everything there is to know about shrimp. When Bubba dies, Forrest buys a boat and starts the Bubba-Gump shrimp company in his honor.

Mrs. Gump
Played by: Sally Field
Forrest was abandoned by his father, so Mrs. Gump raised Forrest all by herself. She loves her son unconditionally and she has a special way of explaining things to Forrest.

Favorite Character: Forrest Gump

Movie Moments: "Forrest Gump"

My number 2 movie is "Forrest Gump". Tom Hanks' best performance ever and such a sweet, sincere and heartwarming story. Here are my favorite moments from this film.

Moment # 1: Forrest meets Jenny
Forrest is going to school and gets on the schoolbus. No one wants to sit next to him, but then he hears the sweetest voice. Jenny tells Forrest he can sit next to her and it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Moment # 2: Run Forrest run
Forrest and Jenny are taking a walk when bullies try to get Forrest. Jenny tells Forrest to run, and he does. And he’s running so fast, his leg braces break and he keeps running without them. And running will become his trademark.

Moment # 3: Forrest meets President Kennedy
Forrest is invited to the White House to meet president Kennedy. Because he’s thirsty he starts drinking Dr. Pepper. A little too much Dr. Pepper, because when it is his turn to meet JFK, he tells him that he needs to pee.

Moment # 4: Forrest meets Bubba
Forrest is going to the army and on the bus there’s again no one who wants to sit next to him. Bubba tells him he can sit next to him. He starts telling Forrest everything there is to know about shrimp and all you can do with it.

Moment # 5: Forrest and Bubba meet Lt. Dan
When they arrive in Vietnam, Forrest and Bubba meet Lt. Dan. He starts telling them about all the rules and Forrest thinks Vietnam is not a bad place at all.

Moment # 6: Bubba dies
When they are being bombed by the enemy, Forrest is trying to rescue his men. He finds Bubba, wounded, but manages to carry him back to the coast. Bubba tells Forrest he wants to go home and then he dies.

Moment # 7: Lt. Dan blaming Forrest
While Forrest is a sleep, Lt. Dan pulls him out of his bed. Forrest saved him when he got shot, but Dan lost his legs. Lt. Dan tells him that he should have left him to die there.

Moment 8: Forrest shows his wound
Forrest is about to meet the American president again and when he asks him where he was shot, Forrest tells him he was hit in the buttocks. When the president says he would want to see that someday, Forrest pulls down his pants and shows it to him.

Moment 9: Forrests speech
Forrest is going to give a speech, but someone pulls the plug so the microphones don’t work. Forrest doesn’t know and just keeps talking. When the microphones are plugged in again, his speech is finished and we hear him say: "That's all I have to say about that".

Moment 10: Lt. Dan visits Forrest
After Forrest bought a boat and started Bubba-Gump shrimp, Lt. Dan comes to visit him. He once made him a promise, that if Forrest would own a shrimping boat he would come and work for him. When Forrest sees him, he jumps of the boat and swims towards Lt. Dan. Not long after that, we see the boat crash into the dock.

Moment 11: Jenny sees her old house
Jenny and Forrest take a walk and pass by Jenny’s old house. Because she has bad memories about her childhood, she starts throwing her shoes and rocks at the house. Forrest never understood what happened when they were young.

Moment # 12: Forrest asks Jenny to marry him
After watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks on TV, Jenny goes to bed. Forrest stops her and asks her to marry him, because he would make a good husband. Jenny says no, because she thinks he doesn’t want to be married to her.

Moment # 13: Forrest starts running
After Jenny left again, Forrest decides to start running. And he keeps running, for three years.

Moment # 14: Forrest meets Forrest Jr.
Forrest found Jenny and finds out he has a son, Forrest Jr. The first thing he asks Jenny is if he’s smart and then he goes over to the little boy. We see the similarity between father and son.

Moment # 15: “I wish I could’ve been there with you”
Forrest tells a sick Jenny about the skies he’s seen. Jenny wished she could’ve been there with him and Forrest tells her that she was.

Moment # 16: Forrest at Jenny’s grave
Forrest is talking to Jenny, who died. He tells her about little Forrest. He ends up with telling her that if she needs anything, he won’t be far.

Moment # 17: Waiting for the bus with Forrest Jr.
Forrest is waiting for the bus, together with his son Forrest Jr. Before he gets on the bus, he tells him he loves him.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 16: Forrest at Jenny’s grave