10s Movie Review - The Report

Director: Scott Z. Burns
Genre: Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Annette Bening, John Hamm, Ted Levine, Tim Blake Nelson, Maura Tierney, Corey Stoll, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Morrison

Description: Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones (Adam Driver), tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA’s post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 20: A FILM WITH A STRON POLITICAL OR SOCIAL MESSAGE
 
Review: In the years following the 9/ 11 attacks, it slowly but surely became clear that the US had little to fear in the war on terrorism. The CIA engaged in gross torture techniques on a large scale in order to extract information from often innocent suspects. “The Report” shows how one drive investigator brought the world’s most advanced intelligence agency to its knees.

Dan Jones is a young man with sky-high ambitions. When Senator Dianne Feinstein gives him the task of working with an independent team to investigate the CIA’s post-9/11 interrogation techniques, he bites the bullet. What he discovers bit by bit is unsettling and not for the faint of heart. The CIA saw little in the conventional interrogation techniques of Arabic-speaking agents who slowly tried to gain the trust of suspects. Two psychologists introduce new techniques, that they claim are scientific proof of more effective interrogating methods.

This is just the beginning. Whereas the CIA was initially cooperative, as Jones discovers more, of course, more and more doors are closing. Meanwhile, the investigative team he started with is thinning out. His colleagues no longer see any point in a mission doomed to failure. But Jones continues stoically.  

Adam Driver has already shown that he can play a wide range of roles. But he was made for this film. I think the film could have turned out a lot different with another lead actor. “The Report” may feel a bit ‘dry’ sometimes. It’s a lot of facts. Driver manages to create a character that you really want to succeed, even though he doesn’t show a lot of emotions. At least at first. Jones is a very stoic, pragmatic man, but when he gets deeper in the investigation, emotions do arise and that makes Driver’s performance even more impressive.

Unlike many American political films, for once it does not point exclusively at the Republicans. “The Report” is a very anti-America film if I may say so. But it’s still a political drama of integrity in the tradition of films like “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight”.

The political drama is a sub-genre that might not speak to everyone. I happen to be drawn to it. Political intrigue keeps my attention and with “The Report” I was invested from start to finish. I can’t believe nobody talked about this film when it came out. At least, I didn’t hear a lot about it.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Movie Review - Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Drama/ Family/ Musical/ Adventure/ Animation
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz
 
    
Description: A father’s wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child.

Review: The story of Pinocchio has been filmed dozens of times. Earlier in 2022, we saw the lifeless Disney remake appear on their streaming service. Even though it had my favorite, Tom Hanks, in it, please forget about this film. As visionary director Guillermo del Toro does manage to put a unique spin on the famous story. With stop-motion.

The details are amazing; everything is designed as authentically as possible. Strong also how he sometimes moves the camera continuously through the image for a long time, which must be incredibly difficult with this form of animation. As always with stop-motion animation, it’s very visible that it’s been made with love.

Del Toro added a dose of realism to his version of “Pinocchio”. For example, the plot takes place during World War I and World War II. But the familiar plot elements are also present, like Pinocchio being exploited as a circus attraction.

It’s great to see what Del Toro with the already so familiar characters. Gepetto is a very tragic character here, a father who is still mourning over his deceased son, but must accept that Pinocchio cannot replace him. The cricket is also woven into the story in an original way; he lived in the tree from which the wood that made Pinocchio was used. That way, he follows Pinocchio everywhere he goes.

Del Toro tries to keep it somewhat kid-friendly by adding musical numbers, but these are not the most memorable parts of the film. Overall the film has a grim atmosphere, which makes it not always appropriate for the youngest of viewers. It’s a dark twist on the well-know tale, which overflows with creativity.

Of all the “Pinocchio” movie made over the past 5 years, this is the one to watch. The rest, easily forgettable.

Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - Watchmen (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Mystery/ Action/ Science Fiction
Number of episodes: 9
Year: 2019
Starring: Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Jean Smart, Louis Gossett Jr. Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, James Wolk

Description: Set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws.

Review: “Watchmen” started in the 1980s as a comic book. It was part of DC Comics, the publisher of “Superman”, “Batman” and “Wonder Woman”. Just like the aforementioned comics, “Watchmen” is about superheroes, their personal dramas and saving the world. It is therefore striking that the superheroes in “Watchmen” are not really ‘super’, they have no special powers (with of course Doctor Manhattan being the exception). Due to the popularity of the comics, a film was released in 2009. And now there is also a series, that takes place 34 years after. “Watchmen” begins mysteriously and is full of references to character from the comics. So when you start this series, it’s nice to read the comics or watch the film. It’s good to have some background info beforehand and make you understand many of the references a lot better. Few of the original Watchmen are left. In the beginning of the season it becomes immediately clear that a group of new masked heroes are active. Sister Night, played by Regina King, is introduced pretty early on in the series. Of the original Watchmen, only Adrian Veidt, also known as Ozymandias, played by Jeremy Irons, is still alive.
In addition to the masked heroes, the police now also wear masks. This is a measure that was introduced to protect the police from criminals who tracked down the officers in order to liquidate them and their families. Not everyone supports this measure, the FBI for example. In short, it’s not a good time to be a cop.
The series has a slow build-up and throughout the season it becomes more and more clear. I think that that is also the strength of this series. Each episode has a character on which the main focus is. That wat, the motivations of the characters become more clear and also why they have chosen to become a masked hero. At the end of the season, all the storylines come together and everything is clear. What is also very interesting about the series is that the gap of 34 years between the comic and the series is well filled and that there are even revelations through flashbacks that continue to fill events before the original comic.
Before I started watching this, I heard things. Mainly good things and they were right. I was invested in “Watchmen” right from the first episode. The cast is strong, it has a good story, is very well filmed and has an excellent soundtrack. In my opinion this is not a series that you can binge-watch, but that’s probably just me.
What I think is perhaps the best thing about the series is that it deals with subjects that used to be, and still are, topical. For example, the Vietnam War, the nuclear threats and discrimination. At the beginning of the season it becomes clear that a group is active, The Seventh Kavalry, which shows strong similarities with the Klu Klux Klan. Instead of a white robe, they wear a mask of one of the original Watchmen heroes: Rorschach.
Another interesting theme that fits well with present day is that mankind’s expectations can never be met. Nowadays people quickly have an opinion and want to express it. Heroes are under even more pressure because what they do is never enough or sufficient, even though they risk their lives for the common good of mankind.
I think the first season od “Watchmen” is very strong. It has a good structure, mystery, references to the original characters, good music, action, an amazing cast, is very beautifully filmed and it covers relevant themes. In addition, the series has a cliffhanger that can make a possible sequel very interesting. I’m in for another season.

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 86: The Big Year

Director: David Frankel
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Steve Martin, Rosamund Pike, Kevin Pollack, Joel McHale, Dianne Wiest, Brian Dennehy, June Squibb, Rashida Jones, Tim Blake Nelson, Al Roker, Jim Parsons, Anjelica Huston

Description: Two bird enthusiasts (Jack Black, Steve Martin) try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder (Owen Wilson) in a year-long bird-spotting competition.

Review: Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin. With this cast the film will draw a crowd, but a movie can disappoint with high expectations. I didn’t expect much, but this movie was surprisingly fun. A movie about bird watching or birding.
Kenny Bostick holds the record of spotting the most birds in one year, which the call the big year. Brad Harris and Stu Preissler have the same passion for birds and decide to do a big year themselves. But they have to be one step ahead of cocky Bostick.
Most people are not that positive about “The Big Year” but I found it highly enjoyable and think it deserves a bit more praise. I really like the theme of the film and how it was executed. The cast is fun, all three actors are solid and I always love watching them work.
“The Big Year” is more a feel-good film than a comedy. The film develops slowly, but it never really gets comedic. But that didn’t bother me. The movie could have easily fallen into that ridiculous comedy trend, where everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. I found this really refreshing and I really enjoyed watching it.
“The Big Year” is a good movie, that surprised me.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 145: Big Miracle

Director: Ken Kwapis

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 107 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, Dermot Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson, Stephen Root, Rob Riggle

Description: In small town Alaska, news reporter Adam (John Krasinski) recruits his ex-girlfriend Rachel (Drew Barrymore)- a Greenpeace volunteer - on a campaign to save a family of gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.

Review: ‘Everybody loves whales’. This is a message given a lot in “Big Miracle”. And people have been fascinated by these giant mammals for centuries. The movie is based on a true story, about three whales who trapped in the ice in Alaska in 1988.

Lead role is for John Krasinski, who plays reporter Adam Carlson, who happens to find the whales who are trapped. Soon the whales are worldwide news. To save the whales, a path has to be created to set them free in the ocean. Adam and his ex-girlfriend Rachel, who is a Greenpeace activist, try everything to save them. But it costs money and who is willing to help out?

The story is touching, but the scenario doesn’t really succeed in that area. The base of the film is historically correct but it’s still a movie. Maybe the movie would have been a bit better if it weren’t a film. Some storyline take your attention away from the actual happenings and you really don’t care about all that.

“Big Miracle” does have enough to offer in the end. It will keep the attention of young and old and it was an enjoyable film. It would have been better to keep the focus on the whales, because everybody loves whales.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 84: As I Lay Dying

Director: James Franco

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 105 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: James Franco, Tim Blake Nelson, Jim Parrack, Ahna O’Reilly, Lofan Marshall-Green, Brady Permenter, Danny McBride, Beth Grant

Description: Based on the 1930 classic by Faulkner, it is the story of the death of Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) and her family's quest to honor her wish to be buried in the nearby town of Jefferson.

Review: James Franco is a multi-talent. Sometimes he chooses blockbusters like “Spider-Man”, he starred in Oscar winning flicks “Milk” and “127 Hours” and he had a guest role on the soap opera “General Hospital”. Franco isn’t only an actor, but also a very talented director, writer and producer. For “As I Lay Dying” he directed, but also helped writing the scenario and he portrays one of the lead characters.

“As I Lay Dying” is an adaptation of the book by William Faulkner. It’s the story of Addie Bundren, who dies, and is transported by her family to give her the final resting place she was promised. During that journey the story is told from different perspectives of the family members.

Franco never chooses the easy way out, because “As I Lay Dying” isn’t an easy story to translate to film. This movie isn’t a crowd-pleaser. Fans of the book might like it, but I think the average viewer could be bothered by the split screen that Franco uses, to show us the different perspectives. It could be seen as a smart way to tell the story, but also confusing to follow the story. And the handheld camera could also throw you off, but it does give it a more realistic look.

The acting isn’t always very strong. Franco does a good and solid job and Beth Grant, with only a minor role, shows us some great acting as well. The other performances aren’t that memorable.

Like said before, “As I Lay Dying” isn’t an easy book. Sometimes it’s hard how to interpret some scenes. Sometimes you don’t know if it’s meant to be funny or if it’s just sad. Franco stayed true to the novel, but unfortunately this movie is (like the book) for a specific audience.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 32: Lincoln

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 151 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairns, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley, Tim Blake Nelson, Bruce McGill, Lee Pace, Jared Harris

Description: In 1865, as the American Civil War winds inexorably toward conclusion, U.S. president Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) endeavors to achieve passage of the landmark constitutional amendment which will forever ban slavery from the United States. However, his task is a race against time, for peace may come at any time, and if it comes before the amendment is passed, the returning southern states will stop it before it can become law.

Review: 1865, the United States of America has been tortured with a Civil War for already four years. President Lincoln wants to end it, but first he wants his 13th amendment to be approved by the congress. When it is approved it means that slavery will end. Steven Spielberg’s task was to bring the story of this beloved man to the big screen. Lincoln’s most important deed was ending slavery and that’s what this movie focusses on. No long introduction of the president’s life, we go directly to one of the most important moments of his career.
“Lincoln” is for a huge part about political developments, which can be confusing for the average viewer. Some difficult terms are used, together with a lot of characters. What Spielberg does best is building up the tension even though you already know how the story is going to end. With that you don’t even notice the two and a half hour duration of the film.
For the role of president Lincoln, Spielberg choose one of the best actors in Hollywood: Daniel Day-Lewis. He’s known for getting lost in his roles and he does that again with “Lincoln”. His performance is so intense that you forget that you’re watching an actor. Sally Field, who had to persuade Spielberg to give her the role, plays Lincoln’s wife. Her most impressive moment is when she is in an argument with Lincoln. Tommy Lee Jones steals the show with his supporting role as Thaddeus Stevens, whom I found the most likeable character of the film.
The movie looks fantastic, it’s been perfected with a great eye for detail. Lincolns office was an exact replica, including all the books that he had.
“Lincoln” is a beautiful historical drama, that focusses on one of the most important events in history. That Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for his role is more than deserved.

Rating: 4,5/ 5