Movie Review - Saturday Night

Director: Jason Reitman
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennot, Corey Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett
 
Description: At 11.30 p.m. on October 11^th 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live”.
 
Review: “Saturday Night Live” is an entertaining sketch comedy show. In the movie “Saturday Night” we see what happened in the 90 minutes before its first episode aired. A half-finished set and a nerve-wrecking deadline, it’s not really looking great. But on October 11^th 1975, this show changed television forever.

We are taken behind the scenes of the first groundbreaking episode of “Saturday night Live”. And it’s a crazy, chaotic 90 minutes. If you enjoy fast-paced punchline comedy performances, you will be in for a treat. This doesn’t leave any room for in-depth relationships or characters. But is that always necessary? As an absurd sketch, this comedy succeeds in its purpose and the way its filmed really fits with the sketch show it’s about.

It's clear that the actors we’re having a great time in this film. Few characters really stand out though, but the dialogues are sharp. Moreover, the tension builds well towards the start of the live broadcast. The nervous, chaotic film draws you in until the end. I had a blast watching “Saturday Night” and it’s a fun look behind the scenes.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Nosferatu

Genre: Fantasy/ Horror/ Mystery
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney
 
Description: A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman (Lily-Rose Depp) and the terrifying vampire (Bill Skarsgård) infatuated with her, causing untold horror in it awake.
 
Review: The 1922 “Nosferatu” by F.W. Murnau is an illicit adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. It’s a chilling masterpiece that overambitious directors had better stay away from when thinking of a remake. Especially after all the countless Dracula films adaptations that add little to nothing to the original story. But director Robert Eggers has proven with movies such as “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman” that he can do something and has a unique vision. “Nosferatu” is a story that was made for him and the result is worth watching.

The 1922 “Nosferatu” is a silent film that terrified audience at the time. Eggers stays away from the theatrical and operatic style that many vampire movies often use. He does not hide away his admiration for Murnau’s original. But he uses his own style and made a unique and personal work with an original approach.

The story broadly follow that of the classic. In 1838, Thomas Hutter must leave his young bride Ellen behind in Wisborg, Germany, and travel to Transylvania. He must personally hand over the purchase papers of an old property to the buyer, the mysterious Count Orlok. Too late, Thomas realizes that his host is a vampire who harbors an all-consuming love for Ellen. Orlok sails a doomed ship to Wisborg to claim his bride.

Probably the biggest change that Eggers made, is Orlok’s look. Max Schreck was a bald-headed vampire with sharp rabbit-like teeth. What stands out most about Bill Skarsgård as Orlok, is the thick moustache. In the first half of the film, Eggers leaves him mostly in the shadows, but in the second half you see him in more detail.

Eggers uses a monochromatic look, with sometimes scenes fully in black an white. This fits the atmosphere and also Egger’s style. The camera work is excellent. It’s panning, where is doesn’t feel like it’s spinning nor is it stationary.

“Nosferatu” is not a nail-biter, but it is very scary. But the terror is more in the portrayal of the characters, the atmosphere and the way it’s filmed. The shadow especially impressed me and was very creepy. Performances by Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe and Nicholas Hoult are really strong, but it’s Lily-Rose Depp who really delivers a stellar performance.

If you are familiar with Robert Eggers’ previous work and those were not your cup of tea, “Nosferatu” will probably not be for you. If you’re a fan of his style and type of storytelling, you will love this too. Just beware of the gore that is coming.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Comedy/ Fantasy/ Horror
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Monica Belucci, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Danny DeVito
 
Description: After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.

Review: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is the long-awaited sequel to “Beetlejuice” from 1988. Lydia Deetz has grown from melancholy goth-teenager to mother with her own television show in which she is a spiritual medium. The she receives word of her father’s death. Together with her stepmother Delia and daughter Astrid, she returns to her haunted house where she grew up. And Beetlejuice is fully aware of it.

Most sequels, that happen so long after the original, make the same mistake. The same story told a just a bit different. When there are some things that you might recognize from the first film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is completely different from its predecessor.

Some characters we already knew from the previous film. Besides Beetlejuice and his trusty assistant Bob, we see Lydia and Delia Deetz again. But new characters are being introduced as well. Astrid, Lydia’s daughter, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. Ortega fits into Tim Burton’s universe like she was always meant to be apart of it. Her character might be a bit stereotypical, grumpy, rebellious teenager. But she is a nice addition, still. Justin Theroux, as Lydia’s new boyfriend, is also a welcome new character. Kind of a disgusting new-age attention seeker, but really funny. Monica Bellucci’s character Delores doesn’t really add anything. When she is introduced, in a dark but fun scene, she seems like a very important character. But at one point, when she enters a scene again, you realize you had almost forgotten she was also apart of the story. She is supposed to be a huge treat, but she doesn’t feel that way in the end. Willem Dafoe’s character is kinda fun though, an actor/ detective called Wolf Jackson. But his role is fairly small as well. Jeffrey Jones, who played Charles Deetz in the original, doesn’t return due to a scandal, but his character does return in a different form. And I thought Burton was quite clever with this. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara are all really good, as they were in the first film.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” did not disappoint. The cast, the jokes, the beautiful images and the physical special effects (including a bit of stop-motion) makes it an entertaining and fun film. But only if you have seen and loved “Beetlejuice” as well. Praise to Tim Burton to not recycling a plot, but actually giving us an original plot. With the characters we’ve came to love so long ago, giving them a new, crazy, creepy and funny adventure.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Poor Things

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef
 
Description: An account of the fantastical evolutions of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe).

Review: The intense cinematography takes some getting used to. The Victorian world in which monstrous Dr. Godwin Baxter conducts scientific experiments. There are all sorts of strange creatures running around that he has pieced together himself. His latest creation is Bella, brought to life, stomping around the house adrift and throwing everything around like a toddler. Everything is painfully sharp and oppressively portrayed.

Bella is a child inside a grown woman’s body, literally. She develops from a little girl to an adult in a very short period of time, has no understanding about social conventions, has to refine her motor skills. A toddler in a grown woman’s body is frightening and disruptive to watch, but Emma Stone at the same time makes her completely disarming in her dumbfounding looks when she is not allowed to do or say something. Stone won an Academy Award for her role as Bella, which makes perfect sense. She master the art of portraying Bella, she keeps you completely enthralled. She puts everything in her facial expressions and motor skills. It’s also a very daring role for Stone. She was already my favorite, but no one can beat her now. Stone is fantastic in “Poor Things”.

Willem Dafoe plays Bella’s father/ creator. For some reason Dafoe fits this film and its style perfectly. Mark Ruffalo plays the scummy lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, a completely different role for Ruffalo. He is also really strong.

“Poor Things” is wonderfully directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. His previous works, such as “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”, The Favourite” and “The Lobster” are also masterful pieces of art. But “Poor Things” will most likely become a new classic. For the average moviegoer this will be way too weird, because it’s a very weird film. But the good kind and I absolutely loved “Poor Things”. I already had high expectations, but it exceeded them.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - The Northman

Director: Robert Eggers
Genre: Drama/ Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Claes Bang, Willem Dafoe
 
Description: Young Viking prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) is on a quest to avenge his father’s (Ethan Hawke) murder)

Review: At an early age, the Viking prince Amleth witnesses a dramatic event: his father, King Aurvandil, is brutally murdered by Uncle Fjölnir. Crying and enraged at the same time, Amleth flees across the sea in a rowboat. And he has one goal: avenge his father by killing Fjölnir.

So begins “The Northman”, an unprecedentedly brutal revenge epic by director Robert Eggers. The American director and screenwriter previously made the arthouse gems “The Withc” and “The Lighthouse”, both movies I loved. And what was true for those film, is also true for “The Northman”: it’s not a movie for everyone and it’s not for the faint of heart.

“The Northman” has become, in every fiver, a faithful Eggers film, in which folklore, occultism, bloodshed, and other unmitigated horror merge like iron in a furnace of fire. The story is fairly straightforward and has its origins in exactly the same source as William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: the Scandinavian legend “Amleth of Jutland”. But there are also echoes of movies like “Gladiator” and “Conan: The Barbarian”.

Alexander Skarsgård plays the main character Amleth and is clearly in his element here. Amleth’s quest for revenge begins at one point to take on such grotesque proportions that you gradually begin to wonder whether his mission is still justified. This is a very clever achievement, because judging from the king’s murder scene you would say: yes, of course. But it’s not quite as simple as that in the end in “The Northman”, as perspectives can be blurred. Nicole Kidman is the other actor to watch in this film. She plays Amleth’s mother and she is wicked! There is especially one scene that she was so good in, I was watching it with my jaw dropping to the floor. Such a strong performance.

So far, 2022 isn’t the best movie year. And I will be giving “The Northman” the first perfect rating of the year. This will definitely be on my favorites list at the end of the year. And even if it’s not your cup of tea, “The Northman” will be seen as one of the best films of 2022 by critics, and I totally agree.

Rating: 5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Spider-Man: No Way Home

Director: Jon Watts
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 148 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Benedict Wong, Tony Revolori, Marisa Tomei, Angourie Rice, Thomas Haden Church, Rhys Ifans, J.K. Simmons

Description: With Spider-Man’s identity revealed, Peter (Tom Holland) asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.  

Review: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” begins where the previous installment ended. The identity of the New York hero is out in the streets and his reputation is blackened by videos from The Daily Bugle. This has such a negative impact on the lives of Peter and his friends that he decides to visit his friend Dr. Strange, who morosely agrees to use magic to make everyone forget that he is Spider-Man.

*** WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS ***

This, of course, goes disastrously wrong, and the result is that a whole group of villains from other universes (the other Spider-Man movie series) enter the scene. From the Green Goblin to Otto Octavius.
Marvel and Sony flawlessly tap into the nostalgia of a generation that grew up with the Spider-Man films from the early 2000s. And it’s a delight to see some of the villains return. Dr. Otto Octavius is one of them, but seeing him wasn’t that big of a surprise, since he was in the trailer. Electro, who was in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, is a lot more interesting here then he was in the other film. And Jamie Foxx seems to be having more fun too. We also see Lizard and Sandman, who don’t have major roles but are pleasant additions to the group of villains. The real stunner though is Willem Dafoe, who surprisingly returns as Norman Osborne aka The Green Goblin. His maniacal face expressions and laugh really make him the great villain that he portrays in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”.
The thing I most liked about the film was the return of Tobey Maguire and especially Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/ Spider-Man from other universes. It would have been amazing if it was a complete surprise, but social media really ruined that for me with all its spoilers. But it was still a great moment when both of them entered this universe. And can we take a moment to talk about Andrew Garfield. Because, even though he is only in the movie for a short time, he was the highlight for me. I’ve always said he was the best Spider-Man of the three, even with his movies not being the best of the bunch. Garfield has the best comedic timing, he uses his intelligence to defeat his enemies and is the most confident and charismatic of the three. I like Maguire and Holland as well, don’t get me wrong, but I clearly have a favorite. And Garfield’s Spider-Man has a beautiful redeeming moment, where he managed to save MJ, reminding us of the fact that he wasn’t able to save his girlfriend Gwen.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” comes off as surprisingly dark and mature and that makes an impact. But there is still room for some comedy.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the best film in this series, with Tom Holland as Spider-Man, who again does a very good job. The film has a character-driven plot, which I loved, and I enjoyed the returning characters. This movie put a smile on my face.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - The French Dispatch

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Léa Seydoux, Timothée Chalamet, Christoph Waltz, Saoirse Ronan, Jeffrey Writgh, Anjelica Huston, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton, Elisabeth moss, Benicio Del Toro, Rupert Friend, Frances McDormand, Liev Schreiber, Henry Winkler, Jason Schwartzman, Mathieu Amalric, Bob Balaban

Description: A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in “The French Dispatch Magazine”.

Review: Wes Anderson’s exuberant cinematic world I immediately recognizable to any film lover. With symmetrical compositions, use of color palettes, and ensemble of top actors and extremely detailed sets, Anderson brings somewhat melancholy stories to life in a comical way. This is no different in “The French Dispatch”, with the difference that with even more detail is has become an extremely enjoyable maze of stories and sets. With his latest film, Wes Anderson manages to make at least three full-length feature films in less than two hours. “The French Dispatch” contains an unprecedented wealth of references, styles, locations, details and fun.
With his new film, Anderson simultaneously pays tribute to The New Yorker magazine and his hometown of Paris. In the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, the editorial staff of The French Dispatch magazine is followed. The film takes the structure of one of the magazine’s issues and the delves into several stories. This magazine contains and obituary, a travel story, and three longer main articles. These articles tell of a student uprising, a painter in prison, and a culinary reviewer who goes to a police station to taste chef Nescaffier’s food.
In “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, Wes Anderson already worked successfully with frame narratives. Once again, the various narrative perspectives flow freely through each other. Yet the whole remains an extremely coherent story. Scenes follow one another at a fast pace, without ever running out of steam. All of these different storylines are also full of humor and extremely interesting stylistic choices.
Everything seems possible again in Anderson’s world. For example, there is a chase scene that takes place entirely in an animation style. In “The Grand Budapest Hotel” there was already a chase made in stop-motion. This break in style does not detract from the film at all. This animation is yet another fantastically thought-out ingredient in this mishmash of influences and styles.  
Wes Anderson not only creates a labyrinth with a multitude of styles and storylines. The sets are also more of a maze than ever. When culinary reporter Roebucj Wright arrives at the police station, it consist of an incredible number of rooms. The camera follows Roebuck through all these rooms with their own identity. In half a minute countless details pass by.
“The French Dispatch” is a declaration of love to cinema from which the passion for the medium shines. It contains everything that makes film such a fantastic art form: complex storylines, a unique visual style and a constant play with light, color, movement and sound. “The French Dispatch” is yet another highlight in Wes Anderson’s already impressive oeuvre and an outstanding form of cinema.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Fantastic Mr. Fox

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Animation/ Comedy/ Adventure
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2009
Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Wallace Wolodarsky, Eric Chase Anderson, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Jarvis Cocker, Wes Anderson, Karen Duffy, Robin Hurlstone, Hugo Guinness, Helen McCrory, Roman Coppola, Juman Malouf, Jeremy Dawson, Garth Jennings, Brian Cox, Tristan Oliver, James Hamilton, Steven M. Rales, Bob Hersov, Jennifer Furches, Allison Abbate, Molly Cooper, Adrien Brody, Mario Batali, Martin Ballard

Description: An urbane fox (George Clooney) cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.

Review: Obstinate director Wes Anderson brings the famous children’s book “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, written by Roald Dahl, to life. The fable about a fox that is on the run from three mad farmer, has been a personal favorite of Anderson for years. It took him some time to make this film. Reason: Wes Anderson always likes to do things a bit different than others. He decided to go for stop motion animation, which means there are twelve shots for every second of the film. Again Anderson manages to be surprising.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a notable movie that doesn’t have a lot in common with other animations, like modern, computer animated films. All the shots in the movie look like they come straight from a picture book, with off course the infamous color pallet Anderson uses. He gave all the animals faces full of expression and a lively structure of fur. All of the animals have their own character. Take Mr. Fox, a slick and  not so virtuous fox who said goodbye to his life as a thief. His wife is pregnant and he has to be more responsible, so he takes on a job as a columnist. Twelve fox years later, when his son Ash is all grown up, Mr. Fox wants to start stealing again.
Off course we see the structure, the dysfunctional family, Anderson loves that. He gives Roald Dahl’s story an extra, more mature layer, which makes it more fun for adults.
For originality “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is outstanding. It’s very risky to go for this animation method in the world of computer animated films. That makes this movie unique. And Wes Anderson has done a wonderful job telling this beloved story. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is probably my favorite Anderson movie.

Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Clear and Present Day

Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Crime/ Thriller/ Action
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, Henry Czerny, Benjamin Bratt, Thora Birch, Harris Yulin, James Moffat, James Earl Jones, Greg Germann, Rex Linn

Description: CIA Analyst Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) is drawn into an illegal drug war fought by the US government against a Colombian drug cartel.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 14: A MOVIE RELEASED IN THE YEAR YOU WERE 10 YEARS OLD

Review: CIA agent Jack Ryan is called in by his boss Admiral James Greer to investigate the brutal murder on a personal friend of the US President, by a Colombian drug cartel on Hardin. Ryan learns that Hardin was laundering money for the drug cartel. When Greer falls seriously ill, Jack must take over as head of the CIA.
The trail soon leads to the powerful Colombian drug lord Ernesto Escobada. In his sleuthing Jack is hampered by people, both within the CIA and close to Escobada, who plays a mysterious double game. It turns out that National Security Advisor James Cutter has started a war against drug lords in Colombia. An action that threatens to make Jack a political victim. When a visit to Colombia almost kills Jack, he must pull out all the stops to ensure the sincerity and integrity cherished by Greer. A personal visit to Escobada seems the only solution, although not without danger.
In “Patriot Games”, Harrison Ford played the role of CIA agent Jack Ryan for the first time. Despite the somewhat weaker plot, “Patriot Games” proved to be a successful film. In this film, Ford was portrayed as the new Jack Ryan, after Alec Baldwin did it in “The Hunt for Red October”. For this reason, “Patriot Games” was a film that focused more on the person Jack Ryan. With “Clear and Present Danger” director Philip Noyce made a very different film. It is still widely regarded as one of  the best Tom Clancy film adaptations. It has an intriguing story with various angels, a political conspiracy and great action. The film remains exciting and entertaining until the end.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

00s Movie Review - Inside Man

Director: Spike Lee
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2006
Starring: Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Clive Owen, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Christopher Plummer

Description: A police detective (Denzel Washington), a bank robber (Clive Owen), and a high-power broker (Jodie Foster) enter high-stakes negotiations after the criminal’s brilliant heist spirals into a hostage situation.  

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 12: A CRIME THRILLER

Review: A poetic talk by the bank robber, followed by simple yet atmospheric images of New York and a wonderful opening song, make for a good first impression. And director Spike Lee managed to maintain that, leaving the audience with a satisfied feeling at the end. and the plot is not entirely unoriginal, although it deals with a much used subject in Hollywood: a bank robbery.
These bank robbers dress all the hostages in the same clothes they have on: a painter’s overall with hood and a white cloth over the mouth. As a result, detective Keith Frazier has difficulty distinguishing friend from foe. But this is not the only thig. He also has to deal with Madeleine White, who has been hired by the owner of the bank to retrieve something sensitive out of the building. But the reason why the robbers are doing this are not as obvious as they think.
With a great and strong cast like this, it’s easier to make a good movie. Especially Denzel Washington and Clive Owen are really good. Willem Dafoe sadly only has a small role, but makes the best of it.
“Inside Man” is a well-executed film and there is really nothing to complain about.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

80s Movie Review - Mississippi Burning

Director: Alan Parker
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 1988
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Gene Hackman, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, Michael Rooker, R. Lee Emry, Stephen Tobolowsky, Kevin Dunn

Description: Two F.B.I. Agents (Willem Dafoe, Gene Hackman) with wildly different styles arrive in Mississippi to investigate the disappearance of some civil rights activists.

Review: Mississippi, 1964. Three civil rights activists are horribly murdered. Reason enough for investigation. Two FBI agents, the young Ward and the more experienced Anderson, soon find that they are not welcome in the town. The more evidence that comes to light, the more houses are set on fire as a warning.
The film begins one evening in the state of Mississippi. Two Jewish men and one African America man are in a car together, when they are pulled over by a group of men, members of the Ku Klux Clan. Since there is a cop car nearby, they decide to stop. But they have no intention of helping them. The three men are killed.
The FBI is called in to track down the three missing men. Ward and Anderson are from the North and are not used to the ways in Mississippi. The find out that there is a definite racial difference there. African Americans are looked down upon, are seated in a separate area in restaurants and get worse facilities compared to white people.
Ward and Anderson increasingly feel they are not welcome. The people there feel that they should leave and the rest of the country is just jealous that there is still such a racial disparity here. The people of Mississippi are very proud of their way of dealing with African American citizens.
It still amazes me how people could treat other people like this. And how topical many of the issues in “Mississippi Burning” still are. It’s a very strong movie, great performances by the cast and a story that really captivates you.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - The Lighthouse

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

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

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

Rating: 4, 5 / 5

Movie Reviews - Aquaman

Director:  James Wan
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 144 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park, Michael Beach

Description: A daredevil designs and operates his own theme park with his friends.

Review: It appears that the underdogs in the superhero world, get the most colorful films with a lot of creativity and freedom. “Aquaman” is a spectacular and very overwhelming film.
“Aquaman” is hard to analyse, because James Wan makes the same mistakes as many other directors: the film is long, the narrative is a bit unclear and some characters are very one-dimensional. But somehow you walk out of the cinema with a big smile.
Because “Aquaman” has tons of charm. And not in the sense of “ultimate popcorn entertainment’, because these movies are easy on the eyes but very forgettable. “Aquaman” is also pure eye candy, but there is one big difference: the movie is never boring, never too serious and embraces absurdity. The film is visually stunning, wonderful filmed and a treat for the senses.
There are several films that you can see influenced Wan in making “Aquaman”. “Indiana Jones”, “True Lies”, “Avatar”. It’s two hours of mind blowing action and visual effects.
Jason Momoa is a great choice for the title role. After seeing him as Aquaman, it’s hard to think about someone else in the role. And that means he did a good job!
DC still doesn’t win it from Marvel, but James Wan did a solid job. It’s a hell of a thrill ride and extremely entertaining!

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Reviews - The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Aiden Malik, Grandma Stacy, Valeria Cotto, Edward Pagan, Bria Vinaite, Patti Wiley, Jasineia Ramos, Willem Dafoe, Rosa Medina Perez, Mela Murder, Krystal Nicole Watts, Sandy Kane, Jim R. Coleman

Description: Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.

Review: Director Sean Baker broke through with the film “Tangerine” las year. A film fully filmed with an IPhone. He proved that you don’t need a big budget to create a good film. He was named one of the biggest talents and we should keep an eye on him. And with that, there was extra pressure on him when “The Florida Project” was released.
We meet several residents of a motel, called the Magic Castle, which is just outside Disney World. They are all trying to keep their heads above water. Six-year-old Moonee and her friends don’t seem to realize that, that they are on the bottom of the social ladder. They spend the days on the streets, asking money for ice cream and teasing people. But the grown ups no longer dream of a better life. Moonees mother Halley sells perfume to tourists, but realizes that’s not enough.
We also meet the owner of the motel, Bobby. A likeable man who has the unthankful task to chase the residents for rent money. Even though he is pretty strict, he can’t help to have a weakness for the children. He tries everything to protect them.
Baker decided to show this world of inequality fro the perspective of the children. Often he chooses lower camera angles, to keep the camera with Moonee. A lot of the blanks you can fill in yourself, which makes you more involved. It’s not a story divided in three acts, but like life it just goes forward. We see glimpses of the character’s lives and the choices they make in this time period. De location is chosen perfectly. Knowing that just a few block away, richer families are having the time of their lives in Disney World, makes Moonee’s situation even harder to watch.
The style Baker shows, feels almost like a documentary. Also because of the natural performances by the actors. Brooklynn Prince is really strong as Moonee. A lot of dimension in this tiny girl, which makes her role beautiful. But Willem Dafoe is the adult that steals the show.
“The Florida Project” is a surprising and lively film. No clichés, it’s pure and authentic. Not a movie filled with exciting happenings, but a great look at society. Without any morals.

Rating: 4 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 121: Murder On the Orient Express

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, Olivia Colman, Derek Jacobi

Description: When a murder occurs on the train he's travelling on, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is recruited to solve the case.

Review: This is maybe the 6th book to movie adaptation for “Murder On the Orient Express”, I think, The book was released in 1934 and is probably her most known book. And because Agatha Christie’s novel is such a masterpiece when it comes to murder mysteries, many want to turn it into film. It’s a perfect whodunit. In 1974 Albert Finney played the role of Hercule Poirot in Sidney Lumet’s version of the story. Now, 2017, Kenneth Branagh directs and also decided to portray the infamous detective.
Kenneth Branagh has a dramatic style when it comes to acting. It’s perfect for Shakespeare films. And I have to say, his performance as Hercule Poirot is really good.
We know the story. Detective Hercule Poirot is on the Orient Express, enjoying a holiday, when one of the passengers is murdered. One of the twelve passengers is the killer. Time for Poirot to solve the case, while the train is unable to move on due to a snow storm.
Lots of details, trying to find the killer. It’s close to the original, but some things go a bit too fast because they have to stay within the duration of 2 hours. There is also not enough time to develop all the twelve suspected characters. Some we get to know better than others.
Branagh really managed to get a fantastic cast together. Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeifer, Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Penélope Cruz and Daisy Ridley. And they are all solid, but no one really shines. Branagh’s interpretation of Poirot is good, the movie is not great. But very enjoyable and it looks stunning.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 112: The Great Wall

Director: Zhang Yimou
Genre: Action/ Fantasy/ Adventure
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe

Description: European mercenaries searching for black powder become embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.
Review: “The Great Wall” is a spectacle that is a complete miss. With the great wall, they mean off course the wall in China. And here a legend is told. Fictional off course. Because the Chinese empire has been at war with a reptile species, that attacks China every 60 years, to get world dominance. Why they are there isn’t important. William Garin and Pero Tovar have been looking for black powder and stumble upon the wall. They are captured and off course it’s that time the reptiles come back.
“The Great Wall” is everything but great. The action is filled with over the top slow motion shots, the monsters are an animated mess and the characters have no depth whatsoever. Special effects are really important for a film like this, but they are really bad. It all looks super fake.
The film also misses a good build-up of the story. As viewers we are thrown into the conflict immediately and have no context. And because the characters are forgettable and we don’t care about them, this is such a disposable film. Why the hell did Matt Damon and Willem Dafoe appear in this film? A waste of talent.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 92: John Wick

Director: Chad Stahelski

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Mygvist, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane

Description: Ex-hitman John Wick (Keanu Reeves) comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

Review: After the death of his great love Helen, John Wick sees no hope. She did make sure John got one las gift: Daisy, a puppy to ease the pain. When he gets attached to the little dog, all hell breaks loose. Three men break into his house and kill his dog, only because they want John’s car. What the men don’t know is that John used to be a hitman, one of the best in the world. And he is ready to pick it up again to take on the scum who killed his dog.

Movies like “Taken” showed us that many people like a good revenge story. “John Wick” gives those people exactly what they want. Combined with lots of dry humor and bloodshed. The action scenes look amazing, which is logical because director Chad Stahelski used to be lead Keanu Reeves’ stunt double.

I always believed Keanu Reeves was a good actor, when many people doubted that. He always had this stoner like image, but in “John Wick” he really shows of his acting chops. His character is very interesting and cool.

Although the story is minimal, it’s executed so well the movie doesn’t bore you one minute. The clean, film-noir style really works. The only thing missing is a good bad guy. Michael Nyqvist really tries to make the best of it, but it never really convinces.

“John Wick” is a surprising movie, because my expectations weren’t that high. It’s perfect entertainment and it stays on a high level the entire runtime. I highly recommend this film.

Rating: 4/ 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 2015 - # 60: The Fault in Our Stars

Director: Josh Boone

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 126 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern, Nat Wolff, Willem Dafoe, Lotte Verbeek, Sam Trammell, Emily Peachey, Mike birbiglie, Amber Myers, Milica Govich, Allegra Carpenter, Johanna McGinley, Debbie Hartuer, Wyatt McClure

Description: Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus (Ansel Elgort), two teens, both who have different cancer conditions, fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group.

Review: The movie, based on the bestselling novel by John Green, targets young adults. With a surprising optimistic take, “The Fault in Our Stars” is more than a simple tearjerker.

When two young cancer patients, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, meet each other at a support group, they have an immediate connection. The two share a considerate sense of humor and look at the world with a healthy touch of sarcasm. Although they know that there is only little time left, they let love into their lives.

“The Fault in Our Stars” deals with a heavy theme, but the movie is very subtle about it. It starts with the characters. Hazel and Gus don’t hide behind their sickness. They show vulnerability, but do it with humor. They don’t have self-pity, which makes you more connected to the characters. Hazel and Gus are always, good and bad, likeable.

The levity and humor in the story also manage to give Hazel and Gus depth. Not just one-dimensional characters who happen to be sick. Although the doctors and their parents know they will die, Hazel and Gus have a different view on life. They want to grab life by the balls and experience it.

Off course it’s inevitable to cry in the end, there are some moments that make this movie a bit over sentimental. A scene at the Dutch Anne Frank house is an example. For me it was a bit too much, it felt like it belonged in a simple feel good movie.

“The Fault in Our Stars” is a good adaptation of the book and it will definitely reach the audience it was targeting. There are many great moments in the movie and it manages to hit the right nerves. Great performances by Ansel Elgort and especially Shailene Woodley. “The Fault in Our Stars” has depth, humor and drama and is worth your time.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 9: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Director: Wes Anderson

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 118 minutes

Year: 2004

Starring: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, Noa Taylor, Bud Cort, Seu Jorge, Robyn Cohen

Description: With a plan to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner, oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) rallies a crew that includes his estranged wife (Anjeica Huston) , a journalist (Cate Blanchett), and a man who may or may not be his son (Owen Wilson).

Review: “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” has a lot of elements: drama, humor, romance, fantasy. But it’s a typical Wes Anderson flick.

The movie doesn’t have any obvious, hilarious jokes. Bill Murray gets room to exploit his dry, cynical humor, which fits Anderson’s style perfectly. It’s an amusing atmosphere, that will make you chuckle at times because of its innovative comedy and look.

An eclectic group of actors. Off course Bill Murray, who is in probably every Wes Anderson movie ever made. Willem Dafoe plays the somewhat simple, manic depressed buddy of Steve Zissou. Owen Wilson plays Zissous son Ned, who has a more neutral role in the movie. His humoristic impulses are tempered, it seems a little bit off. Jeff Goldblum is fun, but not present enough. The same goes for Anjelica Huston. Cate Blanchett is good as journalist Jane, but here role didn’t really add a lot to the story. She has the unfortunate task to be the romantic object.

My favorite part of the movie is where we are introduced to the ship, the Belafonte. Due vertical and horizontal shots we get to see every single room on the ship. I love those shots in Anderson movies.

“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is again a pleasure to watch, because of the style, humor and cast. But it’s not one of Anderson’s masterpieces.

Rating: 3,5/ 5