2019.
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- DirectorMichael ThurmeierGalen T. ChuStarsRay RomanoDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoWhen Scrat's acorn sends an asteroid to Earth, the Herd must find a way to stop the asteroid from hitting Earth with the help of a returning friend.Why can't we fear the apocalypse like normal families?
01.01.2019.
"Collision Course" may be an attempt to milk a dying cow, there are no really hilarious moments and it is a bit over-the-top, but it is not nearly as bad as its reputation and ratings on film sites suggest. It holds attention from beginning to end, has a decent plot and well-known and beloved characters are here again to make us emotional and cheer us up. The quality of the franchise has definitely declined, but it's still good, and I honestly enjoyed this movie.
7/10 - DirectorEric BressJ. Mackye GruberStarsAshton KutcherAmy SmartMelora WaltersEvan Treborn suffers blackouts during significant events of his life. As he grows up, he finds a way to remember these lost memories and a supernatural way to alter his life by reading his journal.Event Reborn
02.01.2019.
Someone in my FB movie group recently mentioned this movie and I couldn't recall it in my memory, so I went to take a look at my own review. But there wasn't one. When I saw it again, I understood why I didn't write anything after the previous watching. I had to sleep on it, for impressions to settle, before I was able to evaluate it, even subjectively.
"It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world." - Chaos Theory
And in essence, this is the basis of the film's plot. Ashton Kutcher plays a young man who finds a way to change the details of his own past, thus completely changing the present and the future. Unfortunately, every time he fixes one thing, he simultaneously messes up something else, embroiling himself in playing God more and more.
It's fun to watch actors from your favorite series ("That '70s Show", "Daredevil", "My name is Earl"...) all together in the same movie. When actors go from film to film, there is not enough time to connect them closely with the characters they interpret, as is the case with actors who interpret the character in the series from episode to episode for many seasons. And when they appear in a movie, after we've watched them for years as the same characters in a series, it is a bit strange. And when there are more such actors in the same movie... confusing.
For its relatively small $ 13 million budget, the film is technically great, the acting is good, and the story keeps your attention from start to finish. I mostly like the fact that the film has a mindfuck charm, although it's not one, because everything's pretty much clear all the time. There are four alternative endings and both times I saw "director's cut", which has the most striking finale. I don't want to write spoilers, but if you saw or will see this version, pay attention to the relation between the scene where Ashton's mother tells him that she had a few miscarriages and the way our protagonist resolves the whole situation. When my brain linked these two things, the entire movie significantly gained strength.
8/10 - DirectorTommy Lee WallaceStarsTom AtkinsStacey NelkinDan O'HerlihyKids all over America want Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween. Doctor Daniel Challis seeks to uncover a plot by Silver Shamrock owner Conal Cochran.Even a carpenter would do it better (pun intended)
03.01.2019.
After several minutes of ugly, monotonous and boring opening credits I already doubted that the movie will be any better. I was not wrong. The film is a disaster. Carpenter intended for every movie in the "Halloween" franchise to be a separate story, but after the success of the first one, they forced him to make a direct sequel. With the third film he returned to his original idea and failed terribly. The film has nothing to do with its predecessors, nor with the brain. Somehow they managed to make a movie in which the story feels hasted, although the film itself is rather slow and boring. The acting is mournful, and the film is in every way cheap and badly done, as if the carpenter hammered it from leftovers. The story is dull, unconvincing and pointless and overall resembles mediocre episode of some cheap TV series like "Tales from the Darkside" or "Monsters" ("Twilight Zone" is for this unreachable masterpiece). It is hard to believe that this is actually a part of the legendary franchise, and not an amateur TV movie. And just when I asked myself why I even waste my time on something so incredibly stupid, the movie surprised me and became even more stupid. The peak of shame transfer was reached in the extremely corny cliché in the motel room, the scene that almost made me vomit. And a totally battered final plot twist knocked the last nail in the coffin of this garbage. Literally the only thing in this movie that is worth seeing is the beauty of Stacey Nelkin, but I advise you, from all my heart, to simply google her photos instead.
3/10 - DirectorPaul LynchStarsAnnette O'TooleMichael DolanAllison HossackA cargo ship is forced from hyperspace into a strange region of "dark matter" where some of the normal laws of physics seem not to apply - even the dead linger, unable to find their reward. Worse, contact with these specters is fatal to the living. If the crew can't escape quickly, they'll join the current residents, human and alien, eternally denied whatever lies beyond death...Religious space SF
04.01.2019.
The transport spaceship gets pulled from hyperspace and gets stuck in the curvature of space and time. The crew soon discovers two more ships, one military and one alien. Soon the crews of these ships appear on their ship in an immaterial state. Holograms? Ghosts? Energy residues?
The episode quite convincingly presents the technical and spiritual elements of the story, exploring morale, religion, and human nature through SF drama. Technically it's nothing special, since this is just an episode of a low-budget series, but the story is interesting and the acting is above average for this type of series. One of the main roles is played by Annette O'Toole, known for the role of Lana Lang in the first Superman series and Martha Kent, Superman's mother in the "Smallville".
6/10 - DirectorSean BranneyStarsStephen BlackehartAutumn WendelP.J. KingBased on the H. P. Lovecraft story of the same name, a folklorist investigates reports of unusual creatures in Vermont only to uncover more than he bargained forTrue Lovecraft
07.01.2019.
This black and white SF mystery is in every aspect designed to conjure up the experience of reading Lovecraft. Lovecraft is respected both with the story and atmosphere, which makes the film one of the rare true adaptations of this great horror-fantasy author. Its style resembles Film Noir quite a lot, and only quality of the picture breaks down the illusion that you are watching a movie from the first half of the last century. Even the opening and the ending credits are archaic. This is an independent low-budget film, produced by "The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society". Despite the low budget and unknown actors, the film is very well shot and acted, and the lack of money for quality CGI is offset by excellent directorial tricks that are, at least for my taste, far more effective in intimidating than the technically costly, but essentially cheap CGI explicitness. Unfortunately, towards the end, they decided to break the tension, gradually built with quality hints, by an explicit depiction of extraterrestrial beings. But even that did not turn out to be so bad to completely spoil the experience, although I would personally prefer if they have abstained from this move. Overall, I am very pleased and I would like to see more of such adaptations of my favorite authors in the future. The only thing from this century with which I could compare it, on the basis of personal experience, is the video game "Undying" by Clive Barker from 2001. If you played it and liked it, you will probably like "The Whisperer in Darkness". If you did not, and you like this movie, you should try out the excellent interactive horror of my favorite video game.
7/10 - DirectorRebecca De MornayStarsJohn SavageBeau StarrRebecca De MornayAn omniscient friendly stranger tries to convince a man on the run who tried to kill his corrupt backstabbing boss but ended up accidentally killing three bystanders instead that there is a way for him to redeem himself.Your hand doesn't end where mine begins. It never ends.
07.01.2019.
A young businessman involved in financial manipulation ends up in prison, while his accomplices go unpunished and turn their back on him. After release from prison, he decides to retaliate, but things go wrong and he ends up seriously wounded and guilty of triple murder. On the run, a complete stranger approaches him and offers him a chance for redemption and a new beginning. The episode is very atmospheric and deals with the inner struggle of the individual between good and evil, selfishness and selflessness, instinct and self-control, material and spiritual. Although its mostly two men talking at the restaurant table, this is the best episode of the series so far, and it's unlikely they'll surpass it.
7,5/10 - DirectorNeil BurgerStarsEdward NortonJessica BielPaul GiamattiIn turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.Just to be with her
08.01.2019.
At the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century, the poor boy falls in love with a young duchess, but because of class differences, they were forbidden to see each other. Soon he leaves Vienna, but fifteen years later returns and, under the new name, becomes a famous illusionist. They meet on one of his performances and the old flame revives. Since she is now a fiancé of the Prince, it will take much more than the cheap tricks to reunite them.
This mysterious romantic drama features superb cinematography, dark atmosphere and a great cast, led by Edward Norton, one of the greatest actors of his generation. The main female role was meant to be interpreted by Liv Tyler, but, luckily, she gave up at the last minute, and in her place came the fascinating Jessica Biel. There are also Rufus Sewell in the role of Prince and Paul Giamatti, who was excellent in perhaps the most interesting role in the film. The story is told elegantly, with a sophisticated sense of humor and details, and all the time keeps you in anticipation and speculation, not allowing your imagination to sleep.
8,5/10 - DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"Baby, you make me wish I had three hands"
10.01.2019.
In its time, "Total Recall" was heavily hyped and it earned cult status almost overnight. It must be admitted - quite deserved. The story is good, it is greatly shot and directed, and the effects are spectacular for 1990. On top of that add the sex bomb Sharon Stone and one of the greatest action heroes of all time, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and success is guaranteed. Even thirty years later, the movie is not as outdated as it could be expected. However, some decisions were, in my opinion, a mistake. As much as Schwarzenegger was a great advertisement at the time, I think the film would be much better with some quality actor in the lead role. Schwarzenegger simply makes it too silly, which this adaptation of Philip K. Dick certainly does not deserve. In addition, the chemistry between him and any of the main actresses is flat zero. Sharon, on the other hand, nailed her role, and thanks to this performance she got a chance to play in the "Basic Instinct", which secured her glory. The other thing that bothered me is the too obvious violation of the laws of physics in order to squeeze as many spectacular effects as possible. When people find themselves on the airless surface of Mars they begin to distort as if they were going to explode. While this definitely looks interesting, and, with the three-breasted prostitute, it is one of the scenes that will forever remain in your memory, in reality, they would simply and completely unspectacularly suffocate. But let's attribute this to artistic freedom, because this is a sci-fi action and its aim is primarily to entertain, and that definitely works.
7,5/10 - DirectorDwight H. LittleStarsDonald PleasenceEllie CornellDanielle HarrisTen years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece. Can Dr. Loomis stop him?Cops do it by the book
11.01.2019.
After the first two movies, the rest of the franchise has quite a bad reputation and, after the terrible third installment, I was at the edge of giving up on it. However, my masochistic OCD could not leave me be. I had to continue. "The Return of Michael Myers" is a fairly decent film in every respect, and observed separately, an average horror of the eighties. But as the fourth part of the "Halloween", this film brings nothing new, neither technically nor essentially, and in no way contributes to the franchise. Basically, it reprises its predecessors with a new cast and, while not bad, it is completely unneeded, redundant, and if you watched the previous parts, quite boring. However, there are a couple of interesting attributes. For maintaining a decent level of tension in the second part of the movie I assign it one point. Another point for the performance of Danielle Harris, who, for an eleven-years-old, has played the lead very well. It earned the third point with a quite good ending twist. And finally, one more point for each of Kathleen Kinmont's boobs.
5/10 - DirectorBrad TurnerStarsRobert PatrickNicole de BoerMark McCrackenMajor John Skokes has been captured and imprisoned by enemy aliens. He finds he is not alone in his cell, however, but with a cadet, Bree Tristan, from the Europa base. She believes three months have gone by since her imprisonment and she has a skin graft on her arm which she believes is the aliens' attempt to transform her into one of them. Skokes believes the war is over for them and their only job now is to find away to escape. As the aliens continue their experiments on Bree, the two prisoners develop a tenderness for one another. When they realize their attempts at escape are futile, John gives her hope for the future of mankind, which she desperately wants to hear.Unbelievably good
11.01.2019.
I really did not expect something like this. The ratings I give to episodes of series of this type do not belong to the same scale at which I estimate movies. Simply, you have to give some slack to a low-budget SF TV series. But when this episode is concerned, there really is no need. This 45 minutes SF drama takes place in one room and with only two actors, but it was enough for authors to build a powerful atmosphere, quality characterization, and excellent development of a quite tense and emotional story. Some say that the final twist was obvious from the start, but I really did not expect it.
8/10 - DirectorLen WisemanStarsColin FarrellBokeem WoodbineBryan CranstonA factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run."It's safe to say we're separated"
12.01.2019.
"Total Recall" from 2012 is much better done than its predecessor from 1990. I did not read the story of Philip K. Dick, but while I watched it, I would bet that it was more faithful to the original material than the first film. And I'd lose that bet. The first film is a quite loose adaptation of Dick's story, while the second is based on the first and not on the source material and, although it is quite different, it takes on a lot of details that are not in the book. The atmosphere is more serious and darker, and Colin Farrell is much more convincing than Schwarzenegger. The same applies to the girls in the main female roles, who are also way hotter than those from the original movie. At any time I would change the year with Sharon Stone and five with Rachel Ticotin for just one night with either of these two, for which I have learned "Blade" and "Underworld" by heart. They brainwash him to forget Jessica Biel and plant Kate Beckinsale instead... Really tragic. I'm so sorry for him that I am willing to take his place in Kate's bed, so that he can search for his true love in peace. Three-breasted prostitute here is also much more beautiful than her predecessor, and the entire rest of the cast is also more attractive and/or better actors than the previous set. Nevertheless, while the 1990 movie is a striking adventurous SF thriller, the 2012 film is a classic action blockbuster, masked in the reboot of its predecessor, with which it shares only a similar premise and a bunch of essentially irrelevant details. Although technically better and seemingly more serious, it is essentially empty and forgettable, unlike the first one which, despite all the flaws, has remained in the vivid memory even after almost thirty years.
6/10 - DirectorRick BotaStarsKari WuhrerIonut ChermenskiHugh JorginA journalist uncovers an underground group who can bring back the dead and slowly becomes drawn into their world."Don't you think for a second you are not in danger"
14.01.2019.
"Deader" is another in the series of "Hellraiser" films filmed under scenarios that originally have nothing to do with this franchise, but are subsequently adapted to fit into it. In my opinion, this is so far the best "Hellraiser" installment, and I think it would be even better if it was made independently from the franchise. The elements that are inserted to link it to the franchise are obvious and unnaturally sticking out from the rest of the story. The story itself is typically Barker-ish dark and creepy, but also quite realistic, which makes it more terrifying and tense than horror based on fantastic creatures and situations. Excellent directing by Rick Bota and several masterly positioned jump-scares additionally increase the tension. Kari Wuhrer carries the entire movie on her shoulders and I really don't understand, with such a convincing performance, combined with her looks and sex appeal, how this actress is not much better known.
On IMDb, this film has 4/10, which is probably due to the disappointment of Pinhead and Cenobite fans, because "Deader" essentially has nothing to do with Barker's mythos. If I was not dead set to see the entire franchise, this rating would probably deter me from watching it and I would miss one of the best films of the genre I've seen in recent years. I am very satisfied and I'm giving it a strong eight.
8/10 - DirectorJerry ParisStarsSteve GuttenbergBubba SmithDavid GrafThe alumni of Commandant Lassard's Học Viện Cảnh Sát (1984) return to the school to train new recruits and prevent its closure.There should be more of Michael Winslow
15.01.2019.
The third film sticks to the recipe established by the previous two, but why change the winning combination. The same cast in the same roles once more performs the same jokes in a slightly changed environment. The movie does not bring anything new, but the old stuff did not become boring just yet. Pouring sand in the desert will not be able to drag people to the theater forever, but for now it still works just fine. You will not be thrilled, but you will relax and have a good time.
6/10 - DirectorMario AzzopardiStarsRichard ThomasPeter OuterbridgeTammy IsbellA desperate dying man injects himself with experimental nanobots that can supposedly cure anything. It works, but then his body starts to hideously mutate. He asks his soon-to-be brother-in-law, who invented the nanobots, for help.What happens when the cure grows more fearsome than the disease
15.01.2019.
A terminal patient injects experimental nanobots and overnight the disease disappears, and he slowly turns into a superman. But what happens when nanobots have nothing more to fix?
This is another SF drama dealing with the consequences of human playing God. This time in the main roles are better-known actors, Richard Thomas and Peter Outerbridge. The story is interesting, nicely developed and, unlike most of the episodes of this and similar series, does not feel rushed. and for an additional atmosphere, it is enriched with a spicy sex scene and tastefully measured nudity of Tammy Isbell.
7/10 - DirectorRoy Ward BakerCheh ChangStarsPeter CushingDavid Da-Wei ChiangJulie EgeIn China, Professor Van Helsing helps eight kung fu-trained siblings reclaim their ancestral mountain village, now the domain of seven powerful vampires and their army of undead slaves.Count-Fu Dracula
16.01.2019.
The story is original, interesting and nicely developed. The mixture of the classic "Van Helsing vs. Dracula" plot with Chinese kung-fu movies was, at least for me, something completely new, it held my attention and entertained me well. But the movie simply screams "seventies." A potentially top-notch horror adventure disrupts the frivolous atmosphere typical of the B production of this period. Constant overacting and masks and requisites, which look as if they were purchased from the Chinese department store for kids' toys, do not allow you to fully experience the adventure, because the scenes on the screen for a good part of the film leave an impression of silly parody. And on the army of the undead and their bouncing around better not to comment. This is the only film about Dracula from Hammer Films that does not contain the name of Dracula in its title and the only one in which Dracula is not played by Christopher Lee, who turned down the role after reading the script. Also, this film claims that Dracula has spent the whole century, from 1804 to 1904, in China, which is contradictory to the timeline of other Hammer films about the famous vampire. However, originality and strangeness of the story, directing in which you can feel the influence of Kurosawa and Leone (or at least it seemed so to me) and overall fun atmosphere distinguish this film from the rest of the franchise and make it one of the most interesting Hammer productions. It is worth a look.
7/10 - DirectorRick BotaStarsStelian UrianKatheryn WinnickAnna TolputtGamers playing a MMORPG based on the "Hellraiser" films find their lives endangered after being invited to a rave, the host of which intends to show them the truth behind the Cenobite mythos."Like a bad horror movie, isn't it?"
17.01.2019.
Another one in a series of scenarios that are obviously not originally written for the franchise, but subsequently adapted to fit into it. Not particularly successful this time. Frankly, I was bored. I can not specifically point a finger and say, "This is bad." Nothing in this movie is particularly bad, but nothing is particularly good either, so it's all together forgettable and leaves no impression. The premise is interesting, but it is developed to the unconvincing and unexciting story. The music is not annoying, but it's not catchy either, and by no means contributes to the atmosphere. But there's really no atmosphere, or tension, or fear... Not even decent jump-scares. The acting varies from bad to mediocre, and even famous names such as Lance Henriksen, Katheryn Winnick (Lagertha from the "Vikings") and Henry Cavill (the last Superman) are totally unimpressive. I did not even recognize Lagertha until the end credits. In short, to answer the question from the headline: No, it isn't LIKE a bad horror movie - it IS a bad horror movie. However, the premise brings refreshment in the franchise, there are beautiful and naked girls and some nicely done gore, and I liked the final twist, so I can not completely bury it (pun intended).
5/10 - DirectorSylvain WhiteStarsIdris ElbaZoe SaldanaJeffrey Dean MorganA CIA special forces team is betrayed and left for dead by their superiors, galvanizing them to mount an offensive on the CIA.Marvel heroes in the DC film
18.01.2019.
Pissed Idris Elba, macho Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the boobless sex scene with extremely hot Zoe Saldana, and the geek version of Captain America in mediocre action adaptation of DC comic of the same name. The story is linear, unimaginative and not particularly interesting, with template characters, unoriginal plot twists and lame humor attempts. Technically, the film does not have major flaws, but it does not have any particular qualities either. It is mediocre and unexceptional in every respect. You won't get bored, but I suggest you to watch something else instead.
5/10 - DirectorÉdouard MolinaroStarsChristopher LeeBernard MenezMarie-Hélène BreillatIn the 1700s, a vampire has a son from a normal woman. The mother dies, and he spends two centuries trying to teach his meek son how to be a proper vampire but no avail. Now they have to flee from Transylvania, and they end up in France.Christopher Lee's last Dracula performance
20.01.2019.
Having said that he would not play Dracula any more, Christopher Lee, however, once again appears in this role. Although, in his defense, the name Dracula is not mentioned in the film and his character is referred solely as the Count. Also, he objected using the word Dracula in the title. It is the French comedy "Dracula and Son" directed by Edouard Molinaro. The approach to the theme is quite different from Hammer's and the film somewhat realistically shows how the vampires, driven away from their castle in Transylvania with only shirts on their backs, manage without anything in modern society. While the son works the night shift at the butchery, in order to have access to blood, the father "plays" vampire in a toothpaste commercial. They both fall in love with the same girl, but while Dracula wants to bite her and keep her by his side through eternity, his son wants to become human and have a normal relationship. Their rivalry about the girl turns the second half of the movie into a classic slapstick comedy. Objectively, the only good thing in this film is Christopher Lee, and somewhat Bernard Menez who plays his son, while everything else, technically and substantially, is pretty bad. There's some decent humor occasionally, but do not expect that you will really laugh. However, it was interesting to see something new and different on this subject, and therefore I recommend it.
5/10 - DirectorTibor TakácsStarsJay O. SandersMatt CravenMichael DornOn the last day of their mission to Mars, three astronauts - Ed Barkley, Alan Wells and Pete Claridge - discover a cave with hieroglyphics on one wall. They also find a pod-like object but they are knocked out after trying to move it. They make it back to their ship and begin their voyage home. Five months into that return trip they begin to have equipment malfunctions and find a small growth of alien origin. Soon, one of the astronauts begins to believe that the others are aliens who have taken over the bodies of his shipmates."Alien" meets "The Thing"
20.01.2019.
From the title you can conclude that the story is totally unoriginal, but it's nicely developed in just 45 minutes. The episode is well acted and quite tense and unpredictable, but it is a spoiled by completely unnecessary and very bad CGI. It should have been left as an SF psychological drama-thriller, without a poor attempt at horror.
"The true measure of a hero is when a man lays down his life with the knowledge that those he saves will never know."
6/10 - DirectorAlejandro AmenábarStarsNicole KidmanChristopher EcclestonFionnula FlanaganIn 1945, immediately following the end of Second World War, a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children on her darkened old family estate in the Channel Islands becomes convinced that the home is haunted."Sometimes the world of the living gets mixed up with the world of the dead"
21.01.2019.
While I watched it several times since it came out, until a moment ago I had no idea that the film is Spanish. And not only is it Spanish, but it's also the only film that has ever won the award for the best Spanish film, without having a word in Spanish. Although the original script was written in Spanish, it was translated into English, it stars an Australian woman playing an English woman, it's backed by Americans and the story is placed in Jersey, but it is filmed in Spain and directed by Spaniard. IMDb classifies him as a horror/mystery/thriller, but even though the story itself is a mystery and perhaps somewhat a thriller, and the film has an atmosphere that balances on the verge of horror, in my opinion, essentially, this is primarily a strong psychological drama. Nicole Kidman once again proves her acting size and steals every scene in which she appears, but the rest of the team are not to be underestimated, especially eleven-year-old Alakina Mann. One of the strongest features of this film should be the surprise brought by the final plot twist, but since I saw it several times, I knew what would happen, and I really can not remember whether I predicted this twist or not when I first watched it, almost two decades ago, and if I did, in which part of the film it happened, and therefore I can not comment on its effectiveness. But even without the mindfuck factor, this movie has a lot of qualities and deserves a high rating.
8,5/10 - DirectorLars von TrierStarsCharlotte GainsbourgStellan SkarsgårdStacy MartinA self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.Nymphomaniac (2013)
[Director's Cut]
"When we are, death has not come. When death has come, we are not."
22/23.01.2019.
"Nymphomaniac" is the final part of Lars von Trier's "Trilogy of Depression", after the "Antichrist" (2009), which was to me inexplicably dull and unjustified morbid, and "Melancholy" (2011), which I have not yet come to see. Originally, "Nymphomaniac" was conceived as a single film but, due to its inhumane length, in the theatrical release, it was divided into two two-hour films. I am watching the director's cut, which lasts five and a half hours.
The first film begins with a scene in which an older man encounters a beaten woman lying on the street. After she refuses an ambulance and the police, he takes her to his apartment and places her in bed. Then he sits down next to her and she tells him her whole life, the life of a nymphomaniac. Occasionally he interrupts her with interesting comments on various topics, such as philosophy, nature, music, literature, mathematics and even fishing, but all these digressions are directly or metaphorically related to the main subject of the film and represent life philosophies that will lead you to thinking and self-analysis, especially if in some of them you recognize yourself.
The film is full of explicit pornography, but this time it is not there just to shock and cause controversy, but it greatly enhances the artistic power of film and contributes to the credibility and the dramatic nature of the story. The sex scenes are not simulated, they are genuine pornography, but they were shot by porn actors and subsequently edited together with the bodies of the main actors. The film is fantastically shot and directed, and drama and pornographic scenes alternate in perfect harmony. The atmosphere is hypnotically dark and depressing, additionally empowered with an interesting selection of music, which ranges from industrial metal band Rammstein, through rock classics, to Bach's organ compositions. Although the movie is very slow and long, my attention has not been weakened for a moment.
In all three films of the "Trilogy of Depression", Charlotte Gainsbourg plays the main role, but as the first part of the "Nymphomaniac" takes us through her childhood and girlhood, in the main role we see Stacy Martin, who, although not particularly beautiful, is extremely cute and sexual, and in every way a sight for sore eyes in comparison with Charlotte. Charlotte's rescuer is played by Stellan Skarsgård, who appears in a total of seven von Trier's films. There is also Christian Slater in the role of Nymphomaniac's father, as well as Uma Thurman, who gave perhaps the best performance in her career. Stacy, Charlotte, and Stellan topped their roles, but in her relatively short scene, Uma Thurman completely overshadowed them. Her scene is totally over the top, but still somehow realistic and believable. This somewhat relates to the film in its entirety, but Uma's scene is one of the most powerful I've ever seen. Ruthlessly awkward, strongly emotional and definitely unforgettable. Uma deserved an Oscar big as the Statue of Liberty.
There's still three hours of the second movie left for me to make a final judgment, but for now, this is a pure ten.
Seligman: "Well, I divide humanity into two groups: the people who cut the nails on the left hand first, and the people who cut the nails of the right hand first. My theory is that the people who cut the nails of the left hand first they're more light-hearted. They have a tendency to enjoy life more, because they go straight for the easiest task, and save the difficulties for later. So, what do you do?"
Joe: "Always the left hand first. I don't think there's a choice. Go for the pleasure first, always. And then when you've done the left hand, only the right hand remains. That's the easiest one left."
Seligman: "I never thought of it like that. Well, you're never too old. Never too old to learn."
10/10 - DirectorMark SobelStarsJason LondonSaul RubinekGarry ChalkA bashful woman gets possessed by an incorporeal alien that feeds on sexual energy. A series of killings starts. Her boyfriend, his scientist friend and a skeptical cop try find a way to stop the alien without killing her in the process.Naked Alyssa Milano
25.01.2019.
An innocent girl, who saves herself for marriage, overnight transforms into a sexual beast that attacks whoever she encounters. Her boyfriend finds organic matter of unknown origin next to her bed and, after examination, he assumes that his girlfriend is possessed by some alien organism. When the guys from their surroundings begin to disappear, the police suspect a jealous boyfriend, and it's up to him and his biology professor to solve this mystery before it's too late. In the end, of course, love conquers all, even the alien on the killing spree.
This SF horror drama, despite poor production, is very watchable and interesting, and even a pathetic end does not spoil the general impression. The story is nicely packed in 45 minutes, holding the attention and has a good atmosphere. But the main advantage of this episode is definitely beautiful Alyssa Milano, whose transformation from an innocent girl into an evil succubus shows remarkable acting ability. But, let's be real, there was no need to write all this in order to make you watch "Caught in the Act". The headline was more than enough.
7/10 - DirectorLars von TrierStarsCharlotte GainsbourgStellan SkarsgårdWillem DafoeThe continuation of Joe's sexually dictated life delves into the darker aspects of her adulthood, obsessions and what led to her being in Seligman's care."The human qualities can be expressed in one word: hypocrisy."
26.01.2019.
In the second film, Charlotte Gainsbourg takes on the lead role from Stacy Martin. These two actresses, both in appearance and in spirit, are so different that it was impossible for me to see them as the same person, which completely breaks down the continuity of the story. I literally had the impression that I was watching another film, about another woman, on a similar topic. And in addition, the protagonist of the first film, despite everything, was quite likable, while I felt repulsive and disgusted towards a disturbed masochist from the second part. Trier returns to his recognizable style of shooting scenes with the sole purpose of upsetting your stomach. No one will convince me that an explicit and extremely detailed view of a woman who performs an abortion on herself in any way contributes to a better understanding of the story or a stronger dramatic effect. It's simply there to shock you, upset you and maybe even make some of you give up on further watching. Controversy for controversy sake, which, in my opinion, is a feature of the egomaniac who must at all costs be at the center of attention. The story becomes more morbid, crueler and much darker, and technically too stretched, less convincing and more boring. Seligman's digressions got weaker and the overall impression was that actors too share my experience of the film and that they are already bored, and now they are only getting to the end.
Although it is single five-hour film, subjectively I experienced it as two films, of which the first is a masterpiece of drama, while the second is a weaker sequel that vainly tries to mimic the greatness of the first one. And yet, when my impressions settled, all the flaws of the film can not diminish their strength. If I ignore the parts inserted just for the sake of shock and controversy, what remains is one of the most powerful dramas I've ever seen in my life, and to which I simply can not give anything less than the highest rating.
Seligman: "You shouldn't use that word. It's not what you call politically correct."
Joe: "Well, excuse me, but in my circles, it's always been a mark of honor to call a spade a spade. Each time a word becomes prohibited, you remove a stone from the democratic foundation. Society demonstrates its impotence in the face of a concrete problem by removing words from the language. The book burners have nothing on modern society."
Seligman: "I think society would claim that political correctness is a very precise expression of democratic concern for minorities."
Joe: "And I say that society is as cowardly as the people in it, who, in my opinion, are also too stupid for democracy."
Seligman: "I understand your point, but I totally disagree. I have no doubt in the human qualities."
Joe: "The human qualities can be expressed in one word: hypocrisy. We elevate those who say right but mean wrong and mock those who say wrong but mean right."
10/10 - DirectorJoseph L. ScanlanStarsMarlee MatlinRobert WisdenLarry DrakeImplants that should've allowed deaf Jennifer Winter to finally hear cause her to receive a binary message no one else can hear. Her husband thinks she's insane. Her friend on meds, Robert, thinks it's an alien distress signal."The faintest of whispers, when spoken in silence, can resonate across the universe"
26.01.2019.
The hearing implant had not regained her hearing, but it enabled her to receive a binary SOS message from aliens in trouble. Her husband and doctors think it is schizophrenia, which rather complicates the situation. This SF drama is one of the best-written and most beautifully completed episodes not only of this series, but of anthological SF series in general, and Marlee Matlin completely charmed me with her performance. A feel-good episode that I warmly recommend.
8/10 - CreatorChris CarterStarsDavid DuchovnyGillian AndersonMitch PileggiTwo F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts."What you don't see is actually scarier than what you do see" - Chris Carter
28.01.2019.
As a kid, I watched occasional episodes of this cult series now and then, and I could say I liked it, but without continuity, I could not get the right impression, nor did it matter to me then. As they decided to revive it, I decided to watch it properly.
"The X-Files" is an SF mystery-thriller based on unresolved FBI cases that in one way or another involve extraterrestrial life. Some episodes deviate from this template and deal with other supernatural and unexplained phenomena, but the series as a whole concentrates on the relationship of two agents, one of which believes in extraterrestrial intelligence, while the other is a skeptic, believing only in scientifically proven facts. Among them, of course, there is strong chemistry, but they persistently remain only partners, and over time friends, which further boosts the power of stories.
Gillian Anderson is quite antipathic to me personally, but I admit that I can not imagine any other actress in that role. On the other hand, the majority of the audience identifies actor David Duchovny with the character of Fox Mulder and for years I was convinced that in every other role he would always be Mulder to me. Until the series "Californication" appeared, in which the character of Hank Moody completely wiped out any identification with "The X-Files". This is one of my favorite series, and Hank Moody is definitely my favorite television character, so when I started to rewatch "The X-Files", I was surprised how easily he became Agent Mulder again. This level of credibility and commitment to such different roles made him one of my favorite actors.
From today's perspective, the series is quite outdated, but in its time it fascinated both with originality and special effects extremely imaginative and quality for the television budget. But what gave it the greatest strength to achieve the high tension and even horror effect, is the motto of its creator Chris Carter, which I used as the title for my review. There is no such technology, such budget, and such special effects that can be measured in the intimidation of the audience with the imagination of the viewer. A hint of horror will always achieve a stronger effect than explicitly shown alien or monster, which in most cases, however well-done, only weaken the credibility of the situation and turn terrifying into ridiculous, or miserable. I must also mention the fantastic music by Mark Snow. "The X-Files" theme is one of the best out there. It's spooky and mysterious and it echoes deep into space, like the music itself is trying to reach distant worlds.
So far, I saw the first season and I'm not particularly thrilled, but, if I remember correctly, the series keeps getting better. For now, I'm rating it
7/10