Movie Review - Mickey 17

Director: Bong Joo Ho
Genre: Science Fiction/ Comedy/ Drama/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie
 
Description: During a human expedition to colonize space, Mickey 17 (Robert Pattinson), a so-called “expendable” employee, is send to explore an ice planet.
 
Review: South Korean filmmaker Bong Joo Ho follow up his masterpiece “Parasite” with lighter and less layered viewing material. “Mickey 17” is a science fiction comedy more in tune with “Okja” and contains similar satirical ingredients to “Snowpiercer”. However, the whole thing has nowhere near the drama of the latter film, or the emotional impact of “The host”. But no worry, “Micky 17” is highly entertaining popcorn cinema.

The new Bong Joon Ho seems like a blend between “Moon” by Duncan Jones and Paul Verhoeven’s “Starship Troopers”. The story came from the mind of American writer Edward Ashton. Protagonist is Mickey Barnes, a no to savvy guy who signed on to pursue the unappealing profession of Expendable. That means he is employable for the most dangerous jobs or experiments that are usually deadly. If Mickey dies, they just print a new version of, preserving memories.

When Mickey is sent to the ice planet Nifelheim with a crew of colonists led by Kenneth Marshall and his manipulative wife Ylfa, something goes wrong. Mickey, who is now on his seventeenth life, ends up in a rift and is written off. However, he manages to survive, returns to his base and collides with Mickey 18. This is a serious problem, as Multiples are not allowed to stay alive, by the rules of Marshall’s regime.

Bong’s critique of neofascism, which was also covered in “The Host” and “Snowpiercer”, takes on a more cartoonish approach here. The ultra-narcissist Kenneth Marshall, who seems like a parody mix of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, is the biggest example of that. Mark Ruffalo  really did a great job doing so (he is a well-know Trump-hater). Robert Pattinson is also very good as Mickey Barnes.

Bong has set the bar so high with all his past work that it becomes difficult to consider “Mickey 17” one of his great films. Well-made? Yes. Entertaining? Most definitely. Witty? For the most part. Interesting? Overall, yes. The film touches on topical themes and works them into an entertaining popcorn sci-fi adventure. But also buries them under superficiality and silly stuff. A fun film, but it’s not one for the books.  

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Juror # 2

Director: Clint Eastwood
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Chris Messina, J.K. Simmons, Kiefer Sutherland, Leslie Bibb, Zoey Deutch
 
Description: While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma, one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict or free the wrong killer.

Review: Clint Eastwood has stated that “Juror # 2” is his last directorial job. Should this really be the case, he will end his career on a strong note.

Justin is called as a juror in a murder trial. As it unfolds, a memory emerges and gives Justin a serious moral dilemma. Justin begins to influence the other jurors to lean them into a certain direction, which can potentially convict or free the wrong killer.

I didn’t know much about this film, and a huge plot twist is presented to us very early on in the film. It’s best not to know this beforehand, it makes for a better viewing experience. A masterful conflict forms the foundation of the drama, which makes you as a viewer also question what the right thing to do would be, if you were in the position of certain characters.

The film has a slow pace, which works perfectly here. Jurors begin to adjust their opinions, panic grows for other characters. We learn that some of them have specific motivations for forming and maintaining their opinions.

Nicholas Hoult is the lead and does an excellent job. He portrays a likeable family man, who is struggling with morals and ethics, that you can relate to as a viewer. What would you do in his situation? He is strongly supported by Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina and Zoey Deutch, and even a small role by Kiefer Sutherland.

“The Juror # 2” is not your typical court room drama. It has a good twists, makes you questions your morals and makes you think. And the ending will make you talk about it even more.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Little Miss Sunshine

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2006
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Bryan Cranston, Wallace Langham

Description: A family determined to get their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.

Review: In the American tragi-comedy “Little Miss Sunshine” we meet the Hoover family. A family with eccentric and quirky members. It’s a road movie and the members of the family get to know each other and themselves better and everything changes after this trip. 

“Little Miss Sunshine” has quality. The script is executed very well and the humor is fantastic. If it’s a VW van that malfunctions, the extreme positivism of father Richard or the comments that the coke sniffing grandpa gives his family, it’s great humor.

Up against those hilarious moments, there are also some surprising emotional scenes. This gives it all a perfect balance between comedy and light drama. The Hoovers are real people, although not ordinary, you come to love all of them.

The cast is amazing. Young Abigail Breslin is the shining star of the bunch, with a bright future ahead. Alan Arkin is very funny as grandpa and Steve Carell really impresses as depressed suicidal uncle Frank. Toni Colette, Greg Kinnear and Paul Dano also perform very well.

“Little Miss Sunshine” is one of those movies that puts a smile on your face. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. 

Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Hours

Director: Stephen Daldry
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Ed Harris, Stephen Dillane, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Miranda Richardson, Claire Danes, Margot Martindale, Jeff Daniels

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 3: AN ANTHOLOGY MOVIE
 
Description: The story of how the novel “Mrs. Dalloway” affects three generations of women, all of whom, in one way or another, have to deal with suicide in their lives.

Review: Three women. One writes, the other reads and the last lives. The words of Virginai Woolf’s famous book “Mrs. Dalloway” give shape and dimension to their tragic lives. Based on the Pullitzer Prize-winning nover “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham, the story was a valid attempt to illustrate how literature and true life can be connected. And how immortal stories are even when their writers and protagonists die.

The three women who sometimes effortlessly blur into one character in the book are pulled apart for the film in three powerful roles played by Nicole Kidman (as Virginia Woolf), Meryl Streep (as the contemporary New York Carissa Vaughan) and Julianne Moore (as a 1950s housewife. Their fates are shown as they wear the same kind of earrings, and, thanks to ingenious editing, relive or read the same scenes from “Mrs. Dalloway” at the same time.

It is a wondrous conclusion to have to see, almost a century after Mrs. Dalloway lived, that, in Daldry's view, personal freedom is more than ever bound by sexual and familial ties.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - The Sixth Sense

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Misha Barton, Donnie Wahlberg, Trevor Morgan

Description: A boy (Haley Joel Osment) who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist (Bruce Willis).

Review: You are as good as your last film. That’s something director M. Night Shyamalan experienced. His movie “The Sixth Sense” was never topped. With this movie, the paranormal thriller was given a new life. With this, Bruce Willis also profiled himself as a dramatic actor. Australian actress Toni Collette broke through and child star Haley Joel Osment left everybody breathless. “The Sixth Sense” is a lot more than just a good movie.
“I see dead people” is now a classic film quote. What Shyamalan does well is leave the viewers with a question in the beginning: whether Cole actually sees dead people or if it’s an hallucination. Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe is the only person that can help him. His career isn’t the same anymore, after former patient Vincent Grey who he couldn’t help, shoots him in his own house. Grey kills himself after that. Since then Crowe is trying to lose those feelings of guilt. He sees in Cole the same characteristics as once in Grey. Cole lives alone with his mother Lynn, who works hard to make it all work and doesn’t know what Cole’s secret is. The moment Cole tells his secret to Crowe is chilling every time.
“The Sixth Sense” is filmed pretty sober. Shyamalan fully trusts on his own writing, which is so strong. Not a lot happens in the first hour, but there is a constant threat and tension. Subtle though, with some equally subtle sound effects. The twist at the end is genius and makes a second viewing just as good. Things you didn’t notice before, you see during your second viewing. With most movies that have a twist, it’s not that fun to rewatch the film. “The Sixth Sense” makes that rewatch probably even better.
Bruce Willis is timid in his role, something we hadn’t seen from him before. Toni Collette is great as well. But the star of the film is Haley Joel Osment. So young, yet such a grown up performance. His role is so real, you believe and feel his fear. In my eyes it’s still the best child performance in a movie. He even got an Academy Award nomination for it.
“The Sixth Sense” is one of my favorite thrillers, that captivates me every time. Fantastic work by M. Night Shyamalan.

Rating: 5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Miss You Already

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette, Paddy Considine, Dominic Cooper

Description: The friendship between two life-long girlfriends, Milly (Toni Collette) and Jess (Drew Barrymore), is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.

Review: Few manage to elicit as many tears as a film in which someone is diagnosed with cancer and, after a long fight and emotional goodbye, suffers. Think of “Terms of Endearment”, “My Sister’s Keeper” and “The Fault on Our Stars”. In “Miss You Already”, we deal with two best friends, one of whom is told of the dreaded diagnosis early in the film.
The two inseparable friends, Milly and Jess, have been friends since elementary school. An opening montage shows us how their friendship started and what they have been up to together. After this we see Milly visiting her doctor and is told the bad news. She gets sich from the chemo, needs surgery. While Milly faces this disease and potentially leaving her husband and children behind, Jess is busy starting a family of her own and building a life with her husband. For years she was there for Milly and was part of her life, now she is finally at the point where she can build those things for herself. Jess is trying to find a balance between being there for her friend and living her own life, something that isn’t easy.
“Miss You Already” tries to show the disease process and its impact on relationships in a raw way. Thanks to Toni Collette’s good acting as Milly, it certainly succeeds. A great moment is when Milly shows her friend the scars from the mastectomy. It is fully portrayed and that is quite shocking, but at the same time real as so many women have experienced that moment. It also tries to paint an honest picture of the relationship between best friends, who have become dependent on each other. The men in their lives sometimes seem to take second place, which is well played by male supporting roles of Dominic Cooper and Paddy Considine.
Less successful is the unsympathetic side of Milly. In the opening montage, you can see that se used to lead a free life, be a good mother and a heartthrob with whom Jess had countless great nights out.  But from the moment of diagnosis and insufferable narcissist emerges, who expects her friend to constantly drop everything to be there for her. She also cheats on her husband because he has trouble dealing with her changed body (and the psychological aspects that go with it) and she is angry at everything and everyone around her. Pleasant is different and because of this you miss the connection with Milly. Not unimportant within this genre.
With many of these films you sometimes have to wipe away the tears or unexpectedly rush through a whole box of tissues, but that is not the case with “Miss You Already”. There is certainly an attempt to move the viewer, especially towards the end, but by that time you feel Milly’s death may have put an end to Jess’ life as a doormat, especially since Drew Barrymore knows how to portray the character warmly. Ultimately, this makes it really nothing more than a drama about the raw effects of getting cancer, without the much-needed heartwarming (and therefore emotional element) needed to move you.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Enough Said

Director: Nicole Holofcener
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette, Ben Falcone, Tracey Fairaway, Michaela Watkins, Tavi Gevinson

Description: A divorced woman (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) who decides to pursue the man (James Galdofini) she’s in interested in learns he’s her new friend’s (Catherine Keener) ex-husband.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.

WEEK 20: A MOVIE DIRECTED BY A WOMAN
 
Review: James Gandolfini was never a big movie star. Nor did he ever wanted to be. He initially even refused the role of Tony Sopranos in “The Sopranos”. However, the role was right up his alley, of which he became convinced himself. After he accepted, he became famous, but still turned down leading roles in large projects and played mostly supporting roles or bigger roles in smaller films. When he died in 2012, he left behind only a small body of work. Not because he wasn’t a good actor. His portrayal of Tony Soprano alone proved that. And the small comedy drama “Enough Said” also does.
We meet divorced mother Eva. Eva meets Albert at a party, and from that tentatively emerges a relationship of sorts, blossoming through recognition, vulnerability and light disarming humor. It is that vulnerability and previous hurts and failed relationships that make both Eva and Albert insecure in this new relationship, which is therefore immediately compromised.
At that same party, Eva also meet Marianne, at that point not knowing it’s Albert’s ex-wife. They become friends. When Marianne constantly complains about her ex-husband, Eva finds out about the connection. She keeps it quiet to find out more about Albert, which starts to get in the way of her own perspective about her new relationship.
Thanks to the two lead actors, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini, their chemistry and the humor of writer-director Nicole Holofcener it’s a fine, intelligent film. The insecurities that get in the way of the characters retain their dramatic power and you are watching two real people, instead of characters written for film.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Director: Charlie Kaufman
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, David Thewlis, Guy Boyd, Oliver Platt

Description: Full of misgivings, a young woman (Jessie Buckley) travels with her new boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to his parents’ (Toni Collette, David Thewlis) secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.

Review: It is a pity that “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” will not be shown in theaters. Without distraction from your phone or other domestic circumstances you can totally immerse yourself in this movie. Because of the surreal story, the beautiful images and the enormous amount of details, which you would more easily miss when you’re watching it on your TV. On the other hand, the release on Netflix means easy access and being able to watch a new movie in the comforts of your own home. Charlie Kaufman’s detailed look and worries about aging, mortality, love and connections between people (or the lack thereof) is not an easy watch and surely not for the mainstream audience.
Charlie Kaufman is known for his creative and more surreal movies. Jut look at “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation”. So, if you know and like these films, you are used to his style. But that doesn’t necessary mean you will love this film as well. I think this movie will get a lot of mixed reviews.
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” seems to have a very simple story. A young woman is going to meet the parents of her new boyfriend Jake, who live on a remote farm. Late at night they go back home by car. But from the beginning something strange is going on. She things about ending it, and sometimes Jake reacts as if he could hear that thought.
Reality is increasingly being challenged here. The conversations they do have out loud vary from profound to extremely pretentious, from poetic to uncomfortable. Both the uncomfortable and the beautiful moments are enhanced by the colorful, claustrophobic cinematography.
It is thanks to Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons as the young couple, who are able to convey the existential fear that underlies Kaufman’s work. Toni Collette and David Thewlis are very strong as Jake’s parents, in whose house the film becomes totally surreal. During dinner, what’s on the table changes several times, just like the haircut, ages and the name of the young woman. Is her name Lucy, Louisa, Amy?
She also starts to doubt it. And then suddenly Jake’s father is very old and demented, after which the young woman meets an equally young mother, who is cleaning up Jake’s toys. In Jake’s old room there is an urn with the ashes of his dog, while the young woman has just stroked it. Is she losing grip on reality?
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is like a labyrinth, in which everything is interwove, but at the same time collapse like a house of cards. The existential uncertainty of existence is carried through such an extent that we can go no longer be sure whether we are absorbed in the young woman’s confusion, or whether she doesn’t exist at all and is a projection of Jake’s failed attempts to make a real connection with a woman. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” invites to be watch several times, although that will not be easy (since it’s a slow burn) and I doubt it will lead to complete certainty and understanding. The only thing we can be sure of is that Charlie Kaufman has again made a beautiful, melancholic film, even if we don’t fully understand it or can really explain what we just witnessed. The average viewer will probably hate this film. If you can open yourself up to this surreal story, you will appreciate it and see the beauty of it.

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - Hereditary

Director: Ari Aster
Genre: Horror/ Drama
Runtime: 126 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Milly Shapiro, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd

Description: A grieving family is a hunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.

Review: The horror films that get under your skin are the once that provide you with a story where the drama is just as important as the shock effects, scares and gore. Look at “The Exorcist” or more recent “The Conjuring” “Get Out” or “It Follows’. The drama surrounding these stories make the characters more vulnerable and the story eventually more disturbing and scary.
“Hereditary” is the directorial debut by Ari Aster and is carried by the unprecedented Toni Collette. The film has the so-called slow burn, where Aster takes his time to build the story and its characters. And with that you can conclude that the first hour goes by, being gripping and filled with tension, without even one jump scare. Then you’re a great horror director.
You know something is wrong. Aster plays with the empathy and sentiment of the viewer and he also plays with their expectations of the horror genre. A dead grandmother, a big old house, an eccentric child. Lots of clichés, but Aster has other plans with them than you would expect. Mother of the family, Annie, decides to join a support group to deal with her dead mother. Or actually the fact that she feels relieved and she feels guilty about it. Because her mother wasn’t really someone she bonded with. Annie also has a daughter, Charlie, who seems to have autistic tendencies and had a special connection with her grandmother. Charlie starts seeing things after her death.
Aster changes paths when Charlie is taken to a party alongside her older brother Peter. That’s when you realize that every plot element and each character trade has been chosen carefully. Not only visually does Ari Aster proof he is one to watch, but his screenplay is extraordinary. Everything works, everything is right. Annie’s husband Steve is hard to communicate with, so she does it through her self-made miniatures. And this vague relationship Annie has with her husband, makes for her to go deeper into isolation. And her connection with son Peter is also not healthy. However, the most important trump of “Hereditary” is the ominous atmosphere. The film isn’t about effects or jump scares, but nestles in the human mind and gets under your skin.
Toni Collette is extremely good in “Hereditary”. It’s the best performance I have seen in a horror movie for quite some time. Her portrayal of a woman who is going through several stages of grief and eventually becomes entangles in a web of fear, disbelief and misunderstanding. The last twenty minutes of the film might not please everyone, but I think this film is perfect. “Hereditary” does what a good horror movie has to do: it scares, gets under your skin and will haunt you for a while. I think it’s an instant classic.

Rating: 5 / 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

TV Show Review - Unbelievable (Limited Series)

Season: Limited Series
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2019
Starring: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever

Description: Based on the true story of Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a teenager who was charged with lying about having been raped, and the two female detectives (Toni Collette, Merrit Weaver) who followed the path to the truth.

Review: “Unbelievable” is a dramatized version of a true story and inspired y the essay “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” that won a Pullitzer prize in 2015. In the essay the story of Marie Adler is told, a young woman being accused of lying about her rape. And how two detectives helped her and other victims in an unbelievable way.
“Unbelievable” starts with eighteen year old Marie Adler, who has been in a world of pain since she was three. Marie isn’t your average cheery and joyful teenager, that burst of energy and laughter. Adler is troubled and not just a little bit. When she is attacked and raped in her own home, the misery becomes even worse. But when nobody believes her, Marie feels like nothing in her life can ever be good.
From the first moment you meet Marie, you feel the deepest of empathy. Two cops who think they no better, they will anger you as a viewer. You get angry at the men and at the system. But two self-assured police women team up to find the serial rapist. Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall are total opposites, but they have one thing in common: they are extremely driven.
As a viewer, you are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Anger and disbelief are first, but also sorrow, pain and relief pass by. The Netflix series tells the story without any prejudices. It is as it is. But the images of the rape make it painful that a woman, whatever woman, will never lie about something like this. Thank goodness for Marie there still are good people, like Rasmussen and Duvall, who form a great team and do everything to find the truth.
“Unbelievable” also shows what the victims go through and what mess they are left in after the fact. The series does this without sensation or judgement. The pain and sorrow that the victims go through speak for themselves. That makes it extra painful that some people still look at those crimes and its victims with so much disbelief. Women would not lie about such an act and the show also makes clear that they will never feel safe again.
The cast is great and the direction as well. The story is never told as a sensation. It’s a sad story about the search for justice and to rediscover hope and trust in mankind. This drama series is definitely one to put on your must-see list.

10s Movie Review - Fright Night

Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Dave Franco

Description: Teenager Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin( suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Review: The horror movie “Fright Night” from 1985 isn’t one of the most well known movies from the 80’s. On the contrary, it’s a typical, very underrated genre film that got a cult status from a limited group of fans. Building of the tension, the atmosphere and the traditional vampire mythology make the original “Fright Night” an enjoyable film.
So there was a lot of skepticism when they decided to remake this horror classic and give it a modern twist. Thankfully the makers of “Fright Night” don’t make the same mistakes as predecessors that decided to make a modern version of a classic horror flick. The original source material has been handled well. Off course the setting and characters are spiced up a bit and are translated to the 21st century. The neighborhood this movie is set on, is well chosen. A place where many people work nights, a perfect place for a modern vampire. Director Craig Gillespie also succeeds in combining horror and humor together.
The star of the film is Colin Farrell. The flamboyant Irishman easily creates a memorable movie vampire, that can’t be compared to any other vampire. Jerry is a seemingly charming guy, but also a very self-assured killing machine. Fun fact is that Chris Sarandon, who played the role in the original, has a cameo. The British David Tenant also has a remarkable role, as horror magician Peter Vincent. Sometimes mocking, but has enough charm to not overdo it. Only the transformation from cynic to vampire slayer is a bit unbelievable. The movie also loses its tension towards the end.
Aside from some small negatives, “Fright Night” is an above average horror film. It’s not a movie you’re constantly comparing its predecessor, it has enough power to stand on its own. Finally a remake that manages to succeed and has the perfect balance between horror and comedy.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Velvet Buzzsaw

Director: Dan Gilroy
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Renee Russo, Toni Collette, John Malkovich, Zawe Ashton, Natalia Dyer, Billy Magnussen, Tom Sturridge

Description: After a series of paintings by an unknown artist are discovered, a supernatural force enacts revenge on those who have allowed their greed to get in the way of art.

Review: “Velvet Buzzsaw” is a horror satire focusing on the empty and cold art sector in Los Angeles. After it premiered at the Sundance Filmfestival, it can be seen on Netflix.
The story starts at the Miami Beach Basel Art Fair, where art advisors are looking for ‘the next best thing’. Here we meet the art critic Morf Vandewalt, his friend Josephina, art advisor Gretchen, gallery owner Rhodora and PR-machine Jon. All big names or rising stars in the art business.
One day Josephina finds the dead body of her upstairs neighbor, Vetril Dease. He has no family or friends and was a very quiet and to-him-self man. She finds a huge art collection in his house, all painted by him. All of his art is fascinating, yet morbid and disturbing. Dease wanted all of his art to be destroyed, but Josephina decides to show it to the world. When they explore the paintings, it turns out Dease painted with his own blood. When the paintings are exposed, strange deaths start to occur.
Possessed paintings is not very original, it’s a horror cliché. But director Dan Gilroy gave it a modern touch and made it less cliché. The deaths that occur are very original, but “Velvet Buzzsaw” never really gets scary.
Gilroy also directed “Nightcrawler” and reunites with Jake Gyllenhaal and Renee Russo. That was an intense, disturbing and on-point film. “Velvet Buzzsaw” sadly isn’t. Gilroy isn’t out to scare the audience, but it’s also missing suspense. Yet, it’s an entertaining movie, even though I expected more.
Taking a unoriginal cliché horror element and turning it into something more original. That’s been done. But it’s not as exciting as I thought it would be.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 166: Krampus

Director: Michael Dougherty

Genre: Horror/ Comedy

Runtime: 98 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell

Description: A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.

Review: ‘Tis the season. Getting ready for the holidays, spending time with your family, Christmas gifts. But in this film Santa isn’t coming to town. There is a myth that tells us about a creature named Krampus. He comes to punish you. Krampus is a beast with big horns and hooves. He’s not alone, because he has some little helpers. And they are no cute elves.

The film starts with the theme solidarity, or actually the lack of it. Aggressive shoppers, unthankful children and an anti-social family. There is a big contrast between the family whose house we’re visiting, and the family that is coming over for Christmas. One is very sympathetic, the other really unlikeable.

The film introduces us to the characters and then Krampus arrives and all hell breaks loose. The visual effects are very good. Only impossible shots are made with the help of a computer. There aren’t a lot of digital touches.

Director Michael Dougherty made the small Halloween film “Trick ‘r Treat”, a horror comedy. “Krampus” is in that same genre. The film has a strong fundament, is original and sometimes a bit gory. It doesn’t shy away from controversy, because even kids aren’t safe in this horror film. The movie is never scary though. I can best describe the film as “Christmas Vacation” meets “Gremlins”.

The movie is called “Krampus”, but Krampus himself isn’t in the film that much. His helpers are more present and cause more damage than Krampus. There is also one point in the movie where I thought the movie ended. That was actually the perfect ending. Sadly that’s not the issue here, because there were two more scenes. One of them was not necessary.

Overall “Krampus” was a fun horror comedy that I highly enjoyed. Maybe this will be the go to movie for the next Christmases.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Battle: Adventureland Vs. The Way Way Back

Both movies I really loved the first time I watched them. They are both coming of age movies, centering around a guy who just tries to feel normal and start a job at a park. “Adventureland” Vs. “The Way Way Back”

 

 

CAST

Adventureland: The leading part is for the easy likeable Jesse Eisenberg. His love interest is played by Kristen Stewart and the really funny roles are for Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Ryan Reynolds also has a role.

The Way Way Back: Relatively unknown Liam Jones plays the leading role. His mother is portrayed by Toni Collette and his douche of a stepdad is played by Steve Carell. A great role by the way. Sam Rockwell plays my favourite character in the movie, it’s impossible to not like this guy. Also a fun roles for Allison Janney and Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophie Robb plays the love interest.

STORY

Adventureland: It’s set in 1987. Eisenberg plays college graduate James Brennan who takes a ‘nowhere’ job at his local amusement park. He thinks it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

The Way Way Back: Duncan is a shy guy, who goes on vacation with his mom, mom’s new boyfriend and the boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds just the place. He starts working at the local Water Park, where he finds an unexpected friend in manager Owen.

EFFECTS

Adventureland: The movie has a cool 80’s vibe, due to the clothes, music and surroundings.

The Way Way Back: It’s mostly about the characters and the story here. You do get a summer feeling while watching the movie.

WINNER

“The Way Way Back”. It’s such a good film, I can’t fault it. It’s a guarantee to make you feel better and gives you an instant smile.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 116: A Long Way Down

Director: Pascal Chaumeil

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, Aaron Paul, Sam Neill, Rosamund Pike

Description: Four people meet on New Year's Eve and form a surrogate family to help one another weather the difficulties of their lives.

Review: Former TV Show host Martin is standing on top of a tall building, waiting his moment to jump. Maureen interrupts him, but she has the same plan. Totally in tears and seemingly desperate, the young Jess arrives and she’s in a hurry to end her life too. And pizza boy J.J. is the fourth person to join them. Four complete strangers, different people all with their own reasons, form a pact: not to commit or try to commit suicide before valentine’s day. With this pact an unlikely friendship arises.

The novel is written by author Nick Hornby, who previously had his books “High Fidelity” and “About a Boy” made into films successfully. Hornby is a master at writing books which combine wit and light drama perfectly. Although the theme, suicide, is very heavy, the story never feels like that. Hornby did a fantastic job. Sadly, the movie didn’t do it justice.

The movie is little over 90 minutes long. There is hardly any character development, when the book did this so wonderfully. It’s the books strength and it’s an essential point in the story. You want to get to know them and relate to them, but it’s almost impossible. The story feels rushed.

The actors aren’t the problem. It’s a good cast and they did a solid job. They all tried their best. Imogen Poots is probably the eye catcher, as troubled Jess.

The movie isn’t terrible, it’s average and very watchable. But it couldn’t live up to the great novel by Nick Hornby. The director had the material: a great story and good actors. He simply didn’t do enough with it. Sad…

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Quotables: "The Way Way Back"

I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it. I just love coming of age stories. Especially when it has great, memorable characters (Sam Rockwell!!!) and some cool quotes. I really love this movie and here I am sharing the best quotes from “The Way Way Back”.

Owen: You disappoint me, kid. You're late. You planning on making a habit of this?

Duncan: What?

Owen: You're fired!

Duncan: But I just...

Owen: [sticks out his hand] You make a valid point. Welcome back. With benefits.

 

Duncan: How long have you been working there?

Owen: Oh, the park? Um, I've always been there. Ever since I was a small Cambodian child. Of course, that was after 'Nam. I was in the shit. Then I joined the circus to become a clown fighter. I know about 46 ways to kill a clown. I hate clowns. I'm kidding except for the part where I really do hate them.

Owen: Seriously, when's the last time you bought jeans?

Duncan: My mom buys my jeans.

Owen: Good. Always take things literally. How's that working out for you? Does that get you laid?

Susanna: So. You're a big fan of REO Speedwagon?

Duncan: What?

Susanna: Can't Fight This Feeling?

Duncan: Oh, no. My mom must have put that on there.

Susanna: Oh. And you just got to it and thought "what the hell?" I'm going to sing the shit out of it anyway.

 

Betty: So how was your winter? Because our year was a challenge. My niece was raped in October.

Pam: Oh, my God!

Betty: I know. Not even food courts are safe.

In the Picture: The Characters from "Th Way Way Back"

“The Way Way Back” is a movie I only saw recently, but fell in love with immediately. And it has some great characters, interesting ones with actual depth and emotions. One of them actually made it to my list of favourite movie characters.

Duncan

Played by: Liam James

Duncan is a very quiet 14-year old, who goes on a vacation with his mom and her new boyfriend. He doesn’t really want to go, but has no other options. To try to make the best of it, Duncan decides to check out the town and he discovers a water park. This changes his vacation.

Owen

Played by: Sam Rockwell

Owen is the manager of ‘Water Wiz’, a local water park. He takes Duncan under his wing. Although Owen might look like a tough guy, he has a heart of gold and he is the only one that sees the true Duncan.

Pam

Played by: Toni Collette

Pam is Duncan’s mother. Duncan feels abandoned by her, and Pam doesn’t get him. She is constantly trying to reach out to him, but then falls back in the arms of boyfriend Trent. Drinking, late night partying and smoking marijuana.

Trent

Played by: Steve Carell

Trent is Pam’s new boyfriend. To her, he is a perfect guy. Trent is constantly verbally and emotionally abusing Duncan, often making comments and gestures that are belittling and rude at him. And he’s also not very faithful to Pam. Trent is simply a big ass douche.

Betty Thompson

Played by: Allison Janney

Betty is the cocktail loving vacationing neighbor of Trent and Pam. She likes her parties, drinks and guys and lives her life like she is catching up on her own teen years. Betty isn’t always very subtle and she seems nosy, but she only means well.

Susanna Thompson

Played by: AnnaSophia Robb

Susanna belongs to a popular groups of girls, but she actually doesn’t want to. She is intrigued by Duncan, because he’s an outcast, much to the liking of her friends. Susanna also takes part in Duncan’s growing happiness.

Caitlyn

Played by: Maya Rudolph

Caitlyn works at ‘Water Wiz’. She is a kind woman, loved by Owen, although she doesn’t want to give in to those feelings herself. She also appreciates Duncan’s help and presence at the water park.

 

 

Favorite Character: Owen

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 78: The Way Way Back

Director: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Colette, AnnaSophia Robb, Alisson Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry

Description: Shy 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) goes on summer vacation with his mother (Toni Colette), her overbearing boyfriend (Steve Carell), and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Review: Duncan is a 14 year old boy, who is on his way to a beach house for the summer, with his mom, her new boyfriend Trent and the boyfriend’s daughter. Duncan and Trent don’t get along, he’s not happy with his mother’s choice. It’s going to be a long summer. But when Duncan meets Owen, who works at the local waterpark, there is a silver lining.

There are many characters in “The Way Way Back” that give the film a lot of color. Liam James, as Duncan, does a great job and so does AnnaSophie Robb. But it’s the adults that steal the show. It’s fun to see Steve Carell as the douchebag Trent. This ws the first time I wanted to slap him in the face, well performed by Carell. Allison Janney and Toni Colette are solid but my favorite character is portrayed by Sam Rockwell. He is the silly Owen, but he has a heart of gold. And he’s actually Duncan’s savior, the one who appreciates him for who he is. Rockwell really stole my heart in this movie.

“The Way Way Back” is a special film, an honest film, like “Juno and “Little Miss Sunshine”, that leave a smile on your face afterwards.

Rating: 5/ 5

Quotables: "Little Miss Sunshine"

I stated my love for this movie so many times already, that it’s almost embarrassing. For the people who haven’t seen it yet: what’s wrong with you? The movie is so filled with great moments. Full of joy, happiness, sadness and hilarity. And the characters are fantastic, all of them. Here are my favourite quotes from “Little Miss Sunshine”.

Frank: Good night Dwayne.
Dwayne: [scribbles on notepad] Don't kill yourself tonight.
Frank: Not on your watch Dwayne. I wouldn't do that to you.
Dwayne: [on notepad] Welcome to hell.
Frank: Thanks Dwayne. Coming from you that means a lot.

Dwayne: You know what? Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another. School, then college, then work... Fuck that. And fuck the Air Force Academy. If I want to fly, I'll find a way to fly. You do what you love, and fuck the rest.

Pageant Assistant Pam: [Dwayne walks swiftly by] Are you authorized to be backstage?
Dwayne: [emotionless; without stopping] No.

Richard: Sarcasm is the refuge of losers.
Frank: [sarcastically] It is? Really?
Richard: Sarcasm is losers trying to bring winners down to their level.
Frank: [sarcastically] Wow, Richard, you've really opened my eyes to what a loser I am. How much do I owe you for those pearls of wisdom?
Richard: Oh, that ones on the house.

Grandpa: Listen to me, I got no reason to lie to you, don't make the same mistakes I made when I was young. Fuck a lotta women kid, not just one woman, a lotta women.

Olive: [takes off her head phones and grandpa suddenly puts a pauses to his ongoing swearing] What are you guys talking about?
Grandpa: Politics.