00s Movie Review - Man on Fire

Director: Tony Scott  
Genre: Actie/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke

Description: In Mexico City, a former CIA operative  (Denzel Washington) swears vengeance on those who committed and unspeakable act against the family he was hired to protect.

Review: “Man on Fire” is an intense, stylish action film directed by Tony Scott. It’s one of my favorite films starring Denzel Washington. He plays a traumatized bodyguard who seeks revenge in Mexico City after the kidnapping the young Pita, daughter of the family he has to protect.

My favorite thing about the film is the emotional bond Washington’s John Creasy forms with Pita. When Pita is taken, that makes Creasy’s quest for revenge even more intense. The film has a grim and gritty atmosphere.

Denzel Washington, but also his young counterpart Dakota Fannings are both very strong. The visual style is typical for Tony Scott. It fits the film. The film has a very quiet, emotional build-up and  has a violent, action-packed second half. The film is a tad too long with its 2,5 hours, but “Man on Fire” is a great piece of cinema.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - The Equalizer 3

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Action
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Eugenio Mastrandrea, David Brennan, Remo Girono, Gaia Scodellaro, Andrea Scarduzio
 
Description: Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

Review: Even though “The Equalizer”, the first in this trilogy, had to endure much criticism for its excessive violence, the film was a hit. I loved it anyway and the first sequel was also solid. “The Equalizer 3”, what I believe to be the final chapter, is again a strong film in the crime action thriller genre. But it takes a different approach.

For some unknown reason, Robert McCall finds himself in Sicily, where he ahs killed off a house full of crime bosses. After he kills the head of this organization, he is shot in the back. He tries to get away, but is found by the side of the road by Gio. He takes him to the local doctor Enzo. While recovering from his near-fatal wound, he gets to know the residents of the small village, with whom soon develops a strong bond. Because he still recovering, he is forced to watch as the village is exploited by local crimes bosses.

The opening sequence shows that McCall is a gifted fighter, but also vulnerable. Despite his phenomenal fighting skills, McCall is still a human being of flesh and blood. He is not some untouchable God. The passive role McCall finds himself in because of his temporary disability makes the injustice of the mob all the more painful.

Denzel Washington once again manages to bring out two sides of McCall. At first glance, he is a likeable, simple and trustworthy man. But he can turn into a cold-blooded killing machine at any moment. The sudden transitions Washington shows between those two sides of McCall are both chilling and satisfying.

This third film makes more room drama, which may disappoint the fans of the series, who are waiting for the action. I believe it fit this film, because the tone is different then the other two.
“The Equalizer” trilogy is a solid one, one to remember and with high rewatchability. I really enjoyed this third installment and I have yet to see a bad Denzel Washington movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - War of the Worlds

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2005

Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto

Description: An alien invasion threatens the future of humanity. The catastrophic nightmare is depicted through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival.

Review: Steven Spielberg is one of the world’s most famous, popular and best directors. With good reason. Although he has not always been consistent, he has proven many times in several genres to be an extremely competent director. War films, cheerful adventure films, engaging dramas and children’s films, science fiction, horror and most recently even a musical. He always makes quality films. But it’s always the same films who get all the praise. In my opinion, “War of the Worlds” is a way better film then most people say it is.

Dock worker Ray Ferrier is divorced and has a bad relationship with his children. therefore, when they are required to stay with him for a weekend, it’s not exactly fun. The next morning, all the appliances in the entire neighborhood are down and Ray witnesses very peculiar lightning striking near his house. When he goes to look for the place of impact, a strange machine emerges from the ground and starts pulverizing people. Ray has to flee with his son Robbie and daughter Rachel, to get to a safe place.

It is best not to know too much about the aliens. Almost immediately the tension is well established, and in fact there is no time to catch your breath. There is a constant feeling of fear, panic and chaos and Spielberg did an excellent job of bringing all these feelings to the screen. With great editing and camera work, he builds up the tension after which he reaches larger and larger climaxes. Especially the basement scene is fantastic.

The ending of the film is somewhat debatable, but that doesn’t take away from the fact “War of the Worlds” is a perfectly good science fiction film.

Rating: 4 / 5

00s Movie Review - The Secret Life of Bees

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany, Hilarie Burton

Description: In 1964, a teenage girl (Dakota Fanning) in search of the truth about her mother runs away to a small town in South Carolina and finds a family of independent women who can connect her to her past.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 36: A MOVIE WITH A MAINLY FEMALE CAST
 
Review: In “The Secret Life of Bees” we follow teenager Lily, who lives with her abusive father after her mother died. The only good thing in her life is housekeeper Rosaleen, who has to deal with her own fair share of abuse, given she is a black woman who wants to register to vote in 1960s Southern US. When Rosaleen ends up in the hospital after being beat up, Lily helps her and they both run away.
They end up in Tilburon, the town name she find in one of her mother’s belongings. She also found the label of a honey jar, which brings Lily and Rosaleen to August. She is a beekeeper who lives together with her sisters May and June. August welcomes both with open arms and they van stay with her for as long as they need.
The story share many events with us. Like Lily’s personal quest to come to terms with herself and to find out more about her mother. But also the issues like developments in the race issue.
Dakota Fanning plays Lily and does that very well. She is one of those child actors that we still here of frequently, which is good, because Fanning is a very talented actress. She is surrounded by a strong cast: Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Paul Bettany, Sophie Okonedo and Hilarie Burton. There is no weak link, but most of the praise goes to Queen Latifah and Sophie Okonedo.
What we see in “The Secret Life of Bees” is not completely credible. The Boatwright sisters’ home seems like a paradise in race-born hotbed America. This makes the movie less realistic. The colorful, warm cinematography and matching music also contribute to that magical, dreamlike setting. But believability or reality is not what this is about. “The Secret Life of Bees” is above all an enchanting story about hope and love in difficult times.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Reviews - Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 161 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradd Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Dakota Fanning, Al Pacino, Luke Perry, Kurt Russell, Scoot McNairy, Clifton Collins Jr. Rumer Willis, Zoë Bell, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern

Description: A faded television star (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.

Review: It’s the end of the 60s and we meet television actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth. Dalton sees his career fade and has to deal with the villain roles in cheap TV pilots.
Dalton’s next door neighbors are director Roman Polanski and his beautiful wife Sharon Tate. And when you think of Hollywood in 1969, you think of Charles Manson and his cult, who left a trail of blood in L.A. at the time.
When Tarantino’s ninth film was announced, and it became clear that the ‘Manson family’ was a part of it, people were afraid that he was going to exploit the murder of Sharon Tate. But Tarantino wouldn’t be Tarantino, if he didn’t use his revisionary spin on it and mix fiction with reality.
If you would ask anyone what “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is about, I don’t think many people could give you an exact answer. Because it’s mostly people talking and it’s more ‘a day in the life’ kind of story. We follow Cliff who is on his way to feed his dog, we see how Sharon Tate visits who visit a theater to watch her own movie. It’s a hangout-film, who can mostly be compared to Tarantino’s “Jacki Brown”. But even better.
Most of Tarantino’s movies are very violent. And overall, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” isn’t a very violent film. But when you get to the final twenty minutes, the violence gets really violent! And this scene is simply brilliant.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is definitely Tarantino’s funniest film, it can in fact be called a comedy. Even Leonardo DiCaprio is funny here. He shows great and awkward moments, where he feels an insecurity inside thinking his hay days are over. But the best part of the film is definitely Brad Pitt, as Cliff Booth, who I will say is one of Tarantino’s best characters. At first he seems like just a stunt double to DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton, but digging deeper he is a more complex character. And Pitt is hilarious in his role. Margot Robbie, who plays Sharon Tate, doesn’t get that much to do. And I would say that some of her scene could have been cut, without it having any effect on the story.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” definitely didn’t disappoint and it’s up there on my favorites list of best Tarantino movies. A great portrait of the golden days in Hollywood and in my eyes the most beautifully shot Tarantino movie.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 104: Brimstone

Director: Martin Koolhoven
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Western
Runtime: 148 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce, Carice van Houten, Kit Harington

Description: From the moment the new reverend (Guy Pearce) climbs the pulpit, Liz (Dakota Fanning) knows she and her family are in great danger.

Review: It took him seven years, but director Martin Koolhoven finally got his passion project “Brimstone” done. And I think all that work was worth it, because “Brimstone” is an impressive film. An American genre film, made by the Dutch.
We meet Liz, who has no tongue and can’t speak. When a new reverend arrives in her town, her peaceful life is history. Koolhoven tells the story between Liz and the reverend in four chapters. And this is fascinating.
Is “Brimstone” a typical western? You will definitely find some elements: dessert landscapes, prostitutes in saloons and gun duels. But they have been put to the background. Koolhoven knows his westerns, but he isn’t here to pay an homage to the genre. He gave it his own twist and focused more on the American religion in that time period. Koolhoven went against the grain, something that we need more of in Hollywood.
Dakota Fanning plays Liz and shakes off her teen image with this role. She is really good. Kit Harington, who is always a joy to watch for so many reasons, is the shady outlaw. I really liked seeing him in this role. Carice van Houten is one of our country’s biggest actresses and her role, although small, is really strong. But it is Guy Pearce that leaves the biggest impression. His portrayal of the reverend is terrifying in a way.
I’m not the biggest fan of Dutch cinema, even though I’m Dutch myself. But “Brimstone” is definitely a movie us Dutch people can be proud of. One of the best films from our country.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 48: Coraline

Director: Henry Selick
Genre: Animation/ Fantasy
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2009
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, Ian McShane

Description: Coraline, an adventurous girl, finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.

Review: There are only a few actual children’s movies. “Coraline”, a stop motion animation by Henry Selick, can be very terrifying for kids at times. Kids will like it, but I think it’s more targeted at an older audience. The story is sometimes cynical and some characters are really unlikeable. This is fresh: no sugar sweet story and happy families with satisfied children. I loved “Coraline” because of all this.
Coraline isn’t your typical children’s story hero. She just moved. Her mom and dad are constantly working and Coraline had to leave her friends in a more fun town. But imagination helps a lot. Coraline discovers a secret door in her new house. This door gives her an alternative reality. Everything is better on the other side: her parents are more fun, the food tastes better. But this reality has a lot of dark secrets.
The message in this movie is deeper. It doesn’t talk down to children, because it’s a lot more complex. It expects more from the viewers. I think a lot of kids can relate to Coraline.
“Coraline” looks stunning, the stop-motion technique amazes me every time. The love that they put into those movies. I really can’t fault “Coraline”. I really want to know how I would’ve experiences this film as a child.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 63: Night Moves

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Runtime: 112 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Peter Sarsgaard, Jesse Eisenberg, Alia Shawkat, James Le Gros, Katherine Waterston, Lew Temple, Clara Mamet, Logan Miller, Nate Mooney, Matt Malloy, Kai Lennox, Bart McCarthy, Griffin Newman, Barry Del Sherman, Scott Patrick Green, Mikey Kampmann, Matthew Joel Flood

Description: Three radical environmentalists look to execute the protest of their lives: the explosion of a hydroelectric dam.

Review: Environmental activism knows many forms. Some activists free hamsters from labs, others go after whalers, when one person lives in a tree house to save the forest. Normally it doesn’t result in victims, which does happen in “Night Moves”.

In “Night Moves” three young activists plan to blow up a dam. The dam generates hydro-electricity, a controversial form to get energy. In the first hour we see the preparation, the second hours shows us the execution of the plan. And what this does, to the people who did it.

Everything they have to do to prepare for the big night is not as exciting as you might think. It’s not dangerous and gives you more to think about then adrenaline. The explosion itself isn’t all that spectacular either, but it’s not supposed to be about that. It’s about the after effect. It has a great impact on the three activists. Where it eventually leads to is a bit far-fetched, but the psychological pressure on the three is perceptible.

Besides an interesting theme, the movie also has excellent acting. And off course beautiful visuals of Oregon. “Night Moves” is somewhat slow, but is atmospheric and interesting.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Tip #14 - Man on Fire

Director: Tony Scott

Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Rhada Mithcell, Marc Anthony, Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke

Description: In Mexico City, the former CIA assassin and presently an alcoholic decadent man John Creasy (Denzel Washington) is hired by the industrialist Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony), with the recommendation of his old friend Rayburn (Christopher Walken), to be the bodyguard of his young daughter Pita (Dakota Fanning) and his wife Lisa (Radha Mitchell). Pita changes the behavior of the cold Creasy, making him live and smile again, and he feels a great affection for her. When the girl is kidnapped Creasy swears to kill each one responsible for the abduction.

Review: If you think about it, Denzel Washington hasn't been in any flops (at least not that I know of). He is in fact one of the most contstant actors. He proves it again in "Man on Fire". The plot seems simple and unoriginal. This is so much more. It's a realistic story, with strong characters and top class acting. Washington and Fanning are wonderfull (together and apart). The story is suprising and mind-blowing. Go see!!!