ROTTEN TOMATOES: PantaOz's Movie Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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Inception (2010)

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I know that there will be a lot of people who will say that this movie is not a masterpiece... and I would like to ask them why? Has anyone before see... More

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	Votes +1 +1 / -0 thumb up thumb down Berberian Sound Studio (2013) Genre: Horror 50% Posted on 5/21/13 03:44 AM I really don't know what to say after watching this movie described as a psychological thriller. Berberian Sound Studio is the second feature film by British director and screenwriter Peter Strickland, starring Toby Jones as Gilderoy, a British foley artist working in an Italian horror film studio. It is a weird movie with good acting, and the director explained that he wanted to make a film where everything that is usually hidden in cinema, the mechanics of film itself, is made visible! This artistic result was a "film which is out of view, and you only see the mechanics behind it" - well, lots of people liked it - while my opinion is that I could use my time wiser! I know that there is a reason why a British movie is happening in an Italian studio - British men always have issues with Italian Macho approach to life... and here, not very potent man, is somehow a hero at the end! Of course, there is a support from the whole industry: movie was previewed at London FrightFest Film Festival in August 2012 and at the 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival, where The Daily Telegraph described it as the "stand-out movie". Yes, it was a stand out - like a streaker on a cricket match - not always pleasant viewing! Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian has described the film as "seriously weird and seriously good" and said that it marks Strickland's emergence as "a key British film-maker of his generation". Sight & Sound film magazine listed the film at number 5 on its list of best films of 2012. The film tied with A Royal Affair as Mark Kermode's best film of the year. The film won awards at the 2012 British Independent Film Awards Best Director, Best Actor, Best Technical Achievement (Sound) and Best Achievement In Production. In 2013, the film obtained the Best (International) Film Award at BAFICI. Did you notice something(?): all awards are British! I have to say - just an average piece with good acting and to a degree - impotent! 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:
	Votes +2 +2 / -0 thumb up thumb down Let Me In (2010) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/20/13 09:12 AM If you think that romantic horror is a genre you could handle well - this is the real thing! Outstanding work of art written and directed by Matt Reeves and starring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloë Grace Moretz based on the 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in), directed by Tomas Alfredson, and the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Real art of story telling of a bullied 12-year-old boy who develops a friendship with a vampire girl in Los Alamos, New Mexico in the early 1980s. I enjoyed every minute of it! Compared to the original version there were few changes like altering the setting from Stockholm to New Mexico and renaming the lead characters but the plot was very similar to the original. This was one of the rare Hollywood remakes which stayed true to the original film from which it was based, but had enough of its own not to add insult to inspiration. Everything was just right! Especially the feel of intimacy without too much complexity. If you are ready for a dark and violent romantic love story this should on your list... it is a beautiful piece of cinema, indeed. 1 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:26 PM I saw this back in 2012 and loved it. Romantic and horror goes so well in this. Especially the young two leads that were perfect. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +8 / -0 thumb up thumb down Iron Man 3 (2013) Genre: Action & Adventure 70% Posted on 5/20/13 12:27 AM Another superbly done superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, directed by Shane Black. Robert Downey, Jr. Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle reprising their roles as Pepper Potts and James Rhodes, respectively, and they do that the best possible way. When joined by the incredible Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, and Ben Kingsley - the principal cast could pick up praises only. I really like the introduction into the story where Tony Stark recalls a New Year's Eve party in 1999 where he meets scientist Maya Hansen, inventor of Extremis-an experimental regenerative treatment intended to allow recovery from crippling injuries. Everything was executed clear and simple for us to understand the story in which disabled scientist Aldrich Killian is offering a place in his company Advanced Idea Mechanics, but is humiliated by rejection of the offer from Stark... and many years later is the time for his revenge. The Chinese version is a little bit different than the other versions around the world. In what I had a chance to see in the cinema the film features scenes shot in Beijing, product placement for Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL and co-star Wang Xueqi - and there is a "specially prepared bonus footage" and an appearance by megastar Fan Bingbing. It was an enjoyable movie but emotionally flat - and that could be an advantage when is a superhero movie... but for my taste was far from perfect. Pact with action and visual effects it will satisfy audience with appetite for "fast and furious" - others could enjoy it to a degree, usually with a complain attached that could be "a little bit shorter". 3 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Bram S. on 5/20/13 at 04:15 AM I might watch this, but I'd have to watch the first ones first. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:28 AM all the reviewers I follow rate this the same - solid, but flawed - still worth the watch, I take it. Interesting info re the Chinese version - that's pretty whacked. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:29 PM Am interesting in seeing the Chinese cut. Agree its emotionally flat, but does a great job exploring Stark. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +4 / -0 thumb up thumb down Holy Motors (2012) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 5/19/13 11:58 PM What a feast for eyes and mind this fantasy drama is. French and Germans made a wonderful work of art, written and directed by Leos Carax, starring Denis Lavant and Édith Scob. After so many years without making mnovies (it is Carax's first feature film since 1999) this director went to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. It is really petty that prior to the production of Holy Motors, Leos Carax had for five years tried to fund a big English-language film but financiers were reluctant to invest! And now I'm glad that happened! That's how we got this moving art which initial concept started with a trend Carax had observed where stretch limousines were being increasingly used for weddings. He thought that these cars are bulky, that they're outdated, and that they mark the end of an era, the era of large, visible machines... and from that concept was further developed the idea about the increasing digitalisation of society; a science fiction scenario where organisms and visible machines share a common superfluity. This movie got me with its artistic richness regardless the strangeness or madness! Full kaleidoscope of black humour and bizarre situations filled with emotions and surprises... it is very hard for a movie to surprise me - this one did it with ease! 5 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/14/13 at 03:01 PM wow, sounds cool! will have to check this out- thanks for the heads up Panta 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:22 PM No worries, mate. Enjoy it! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 5/15/13 at 05:09 AM I haven't seen this film, but it sounds interesting. From what I've heard, this sounds absolutely bizarre and up for interpretation... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:22 PM You can enjoy it whatever approach you take! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:31 PM I didn't like it as much. Had fun with it seeing where it go and what the next random scene could be. Definitely only for a specific audience. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +3 / -0 thumb up thumb down The Hunt (2013) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/19/13 08:22 AM If you like movies to challenge you, I think this Danish drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen, can do just that. I found some of the injustice even overwhelming to follow the story calmly but that's just confirmation of the well used skills of this outstanding director to personally involve the audience. The story follows a man who becomes the target of mass hysteria after being accused of something he never did, and is set in a small Danish village around Christmas... yes, when the "good will" is in its heights. The Hunt focuses on the shocking lie, and its galvanising effect on a close-knit Danish community. The director views this drama in terms of a Hans Christian Anderson tale: "It's a film about the evil from outside, the splinter of glass that enters a community and turns everything blue and fearful." For me, this was one of the better movies from 2012 and there is no wonder that it was chosen for the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and competed at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival where Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor Award for his excellent performance. His achievement was well deserved, especially knowing that this is the first Danish-language film in the main competition since 1998 - 14 long years! And it came from Vinterberg - a guy who likes drinking, nakedness, freedom of expression... a man who despises the rules and regulations of a well-ordered society. "The mediocre, rational world is my enemy," he declares. "Well-adjusted is the thing that I hate. Well-adjusted means fearful and cowardly. Some of my best friends are crazy, they don't give a shit." Thumbs up, Thomas! 2 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:32 AM Mads is on a role - his excellent portrayal of Hannibal Lector on American TV almost has me forgetting Anthony Hopkins (but not quite....) sounds terrific, will have to check it out. Love your comment on the irony regarding Christian "good will" - yeah, when it's convenient.... thanks for the review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:36 PM Well I occasionally prefer using my brain when watching a movie every now and then. Hope I like it as much as you do! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +3 / -0 thumb up thumb down La Grande Bouffe (Blow-Out) (Blow Out) (1973) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/14/13 03:35 PM Today was the third time I watched this movie over 40 years span! And it's still delightfully wickedly funny! This French-Italian film directed by Marco Ferreri deserves much more than it received from the audience. I still wonder why wasn't so popular in US because stars like Marcello Mastroianni, Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Piccoli and Philippe Noiret, should be famous there as well. They are from the top of the European acting class! And they showed why are they on the top. Marco Ferreri won the FIPRESCI Prize given by the International Federation of Film Critics at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival... and here on RT there is no rating for it!? Sad... In 2 hours and 15 minutes you have an avalanche of life happening around you in the story of four friends who gather in a villa for the weekend with the express purpose of eating themselves to death! Black humour, lots of indulgence, regrets, questions and half answers... Sex and overeating - is that what the life is all about? Watch this movie, and let me know! 1 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:22 AM over the top, and yet there's a certain something to this film - perhaps the overt method of its madness turned off the more prudish American audience - I've seen it twice (once recently) and though I didn't rate it as highly, can appreciate it; if nothing more than how it raises the curtain on the experimental time in which it was filmed. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +4 / -0 thumb up thumb down Lost In Thailand (2013) Genre: Comedy 70% Posted on 5/11/13 12:42 AM I went on the premiere of this comedy (and waited until now to see the film listed on RT) of the director Xu Zheng and I have to admit that I'd never been in such full cinema in China. Usually half of the theatre is empty but this time there was no spare seat which resulted in our row collapsing at the end and we had to watch the remaining 10 minutes seating on the floor! The good thing is that nobody left and we all laughed big time until the closing credits. It was almost identical atmosphere from the last Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang project from 2010 "Lost on Journey". A crazy story of two colleagues from the same company trying to find their boss to sign a power of attorney for an international contract for a newly invented "super gas", started in China and followed in Thailand where most of the action was happening. A screenplay full of action and funny situations included a third character, confused onion cake maker who doesn't seem all there, trying to fulfil a list of dreams... while leaving his tour group to follow his new "friend" who is just using him. The trio Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang, and Huang Bo were perfectly cast and chemistry between them was so obvious that the atmosphere created had to be fun - no other result was possible. Be ready for laughs all around 105 minutes while watching this action filled Chinese comedy perfectly suited for any age (most of the time)... if you are watching the movie with elderly or youngsters maybe there is a need to explain the ladyboys in some of the scenes! Have fun! 2 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:25 PM Appears the positive reaction I've been hearing on this were right. Though sounds like a uncomfortable way to watch a comedy in theater. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 5/13/13 at 04:28 PM "Ladyboys" huh? I won't ask. I'll look for this on Netflix. Not sure how else I would see it here in midwest America. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +5 +5 / -0 thumb up thumb down Oblivion (2013) Genre: Action & Adventure 70% Posted on 5/11/13 12:36 AM This American post-apocalyptic science fiction movie is produced and directed by Joseph Kosinski. The story is based on his unpublished graphic novel, and it stars impressive cast: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo, Zoë Bell, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. With Tom Cruise it's hard to loose - this is his twentieth film to gross in excess of $200 million worldwide. Of course, I cannot but praise his acting performance, but there is plenty to say regarding the story. Everything is happening in the year 2077, where Tech 49 Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last drone repairmen stationed on Earth, which was nearly destroyed 60 years earlier due to the destruction of Earth's moon and an invasion by "aliens" known as Scavs. His base - "Tower 49" is standing above the remains of New York City, and he shares it with his romantic partner Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), They work as a team to secure and send Earth's remaining resources to a massive space station that became humanity's escape vessel. Jack and Victoria had their memories wiped five years prior for security purposes, but somehow Jack has recurring dreams about a mysterious woman (Olga Kurylenko), at the Empire State Building in a time before the war... which will appear later in the movie. Enough of the story, I don't want to spoil it for you, but I found it somehow unfinished and underdeveloped. I enjoyed the photography which was suited for a poetic romanticism but it was very often in odds with the heavy sci-fi action. If you take it as a visual experience you could enjoy it, but if you start analysing scenes your enjoyment could be flattened. 5 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:26 PM Felt the same way. You can never go wrong with Tom Cruise. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 5/13/13 at 04:26 PM I'm not such a fan of Tom Cruise as you seem to be... I think he's fallen into a safe pattern lately. Still the trailer was interesting and I usually like science fiction films. Will give it a go. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/14/13 at 02:54 PM seems so interesting, and yet.... well, your review has me wanting to check it out - well done! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse SecondBest on 5/18/13 at 05:27 PM Good review, agree with you on a lot of points. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 5/19/13 at 09:16 AM Gave it the same rating. Good review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +2 +3 / -1 thumb up thumb down One in the Chamber (2012) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 40% Posted on 5/03/13 07:04 PM If you never even heard of this movie, there is a reason: One in the Chamber is a straight-to-video release starring Cuba Gooding Jr and Dolph Lundgren, and it was directed by William Kaufman. Very lame story happening after the fall of the Socialism in Eastern Europe. Dealers of weapons and drugs have turned Prague into their headquarters and they were happy to make millions of dollars by selling weapons to various gangs. In this story our "hero" Ray Carver (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is an assassin who works for two rival mafia families. After Carver fails in his assignment, another assassin is hired known as Alexei "The Wolf" Andreev (Dolph Lundgren), a legendary Russian hitman who is rumoured to be fictional. Alexei is out for Carver, but soon they both realize that they have to work together in the middle of a gang war... of course, there is some kind of a love story going in the background which, like the movie itself makes no sense from the first scene. Just imagine: an African American who doesn't speak Czech language runs around with a huge metal case, enters a building and there is a woman cleaning the floor - it looked like a hospital - and she doesn't even look at him! Mate, who ever wrote this lives in another world - this scene alone is impossible to happen. Even if it was a Gipsy with much lighter skin colour that woman would scream her guts out for walking on her wet floor... That is real Prague! For some reason, reviews are not all negative and I suspect that it was made for US market and portrays that part of the world the way American imagine it. Lots of shooting and action and substance free! I could use this time better. 9 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: SarfarazAbbasi on 5/04/13 at 02:51 PM Comprehensively understandable with your summarization of film in such clear analysis. I remember meeting Czech tourists visiting Moenjo Daro (6000 years old Indus Civilization of the world in my hometown) in 1999; when I tried to talk to one of the males, his girlfriend (I believe) kept looking at me suspiciously. Thumbs up! 2 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/04/13 at 09:40 PM Sad... but true...thanks for the comment! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/04/13 at 09:41 PM P.S. Visiting that place is one of my next trips... not many places on Earth left... :-) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse SarfarazAbbasi on 5/05/13 at 02:11 AM Welcome anytime Mr. Panta! Don't forget to notify me, I'll take you around the ruins it's in my hometown (Larkano). 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/07/13 at 04:56 AM Best offer I ever had in my life! Thanks! Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/07/13 at 01:15 PM love your commentary - yeah, catering to the myopic viewpoint of the unenlightened American. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Danijel J on 5/09/13 at 01:41 AM Wow, I haven't seen Cuba Gooding in anything recently, but I didn't know he's doing straight-to-video now. That Oscar seems to be long forgotten. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:33 PM A badly written action movie and it went to straight to DVD. I'll pass. Can't imagine how bore you must have been seeing this. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/11/13 at 10:32 PM I had it for 6 months before watching it... run out of movies...:-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +10 +10 / -0 thumb up thumb down Solyaris (Solaris) (1976) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 4/23/13 05:24 AM I decided to watch again one of my favourite movies of all time because I actually never reviewed it! Originally, as a kid I read the novel Solaris by Stanislaw Lem which was very popular in the old Yugoslavia where I lived at the time and I was so fascinated that had to watch the movie as well. Of course didn't take long to start adoring Andrei Tarkovsky as a director. It was fascinating in the 70's and it is even more now to watch this meditative psychological drama about a stalled out scientific mission on a space station where psychologist Kris Kelvin travels to evaluate the situation. But he is not immune to the strange phenomena happening above the ocean of thought... If you love sci-fi movies, be prepared for something completely different! This is completely opposite to the American science fiction films... there is no fast narrative pacing, special effects, weird gadgets and talk to communicate character psychology and an imagined future... nothing like that. Slow paced, psychologically complex story is taking us on a journey of deep thinking which will be enjoyable the whole 2 h 46 minutes. Unforgettable cast: Natalya Bondarchuk (Hari), Donatas Banionis (Kris Kelvin), Jüri Järvet (Dr Snaut), Vladislav Dvorzhetsky (Henri Berton), Nikolai Grinko (Kris Kelvin's Father), Olga Barnet (Kris Kelvin's Mother), Anatoli Solonitsyn (Dr Sartorius), and Sos Sargsyan (Dr Gibarian), made this experience even better... and there is no question that this was the best movie in 1972... Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix Spécial du Jury was a proof for that. 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: SarfarazAbbasi on 4/23/13 at 10:28 AM I have this film in my cupboard but never touched it. Thanks for reminding me, and yes I do love science ficition films. Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 02:07 PM Thanks Sarfaraz... very slow paced, but I think you'll enjoy it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jordan A. on 4/23/13 at 03:16 PM Great review. I'll have to see this soon. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 03:29 PM Please, do! And try to enjoy it in full! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 4/23/13 at 05:34 PM Very good... one of my favorites... I've purchased it in two formats: VHS and DVD A question: Do you remember the long driving sequence in the beginning? What do you make of that? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 11:04 PM Old fashined cars with no driver? :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 4/23/13 at 06:54 PM Yes! This film, and all of Tarkovsky's works, keeps you thinking the entire time. Not only challenging but also extremely rewarding. A masterpiece. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 11:04 PM You said it ... I agree! Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 4/24/13 at 10:36 AM another unforgetable film - exploring the boundaries of phychology and the human experience - sweet review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/24/13 at 08:34 PM Thanks Max... waited long for my review... :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Danijel J on 5/09/13 at 01:35 AM Thanks for reminding me I still haven't seen anything by Tarkovski! :) I think I'm going to start with Ivan's Childhood and work my way up.. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:24 PM I know that you'll be hooked up! :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse

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	Votes +1 +1 / -0 thumb up thumb down Berberian Sound Studio (2013) Genre: Horror 50% Posted on 5/21/13 03:44 AM I really don't know what to say after watching this movie described as a psychological thriller. Berberian Sound Studio is the second feature film by British director and screenwriter Peter Strickland, starring Toby Jones as Gilderoy, a British foley artist working in an Italian horror film studio. It is a weird movie with good acting, and the director explained that he wanted to make a film where everything that is usually hidden in cinema, the mechanics of film itself, is made visible! This artistic result was a "film which is out of view, and you only see the mechanics behind it" - well, lots of people liked it - while my opinion is that I could use my time wiser! I know that there is a reason why a British movie is happening in an Italian studio - British men always have issues with Italian Macho approach to life... and here, not very potent man, is somehow a hero at the end! Of course, there is a support from the whole industry: movie was previewed at London FrightFest Film Festival in August 2012 and at the 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival, where The Daily Telegraph described it as the "stand-out movie". Yes, it was a stand out - like a streaker on a cricket match - not always pleasant viewing! Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian has described the film as "seriously weird and seriously good" and said that it marks Strickland's emergence as "a key British film-maker of his generation". Sight & Sound film magazine listed the film at number 5 on its list of best films of 2012. The film tied with A Royal Affair as Mark Kermode's best film of the year. The film won awards at the 2012 British Independent Film Awards Best Director, Best Actor, Best Technical Achievement (Sound) and Best Achievement In Production. In 2013, the film obtained the Best (International) Film Award at BAFICI. Did you notice something(?): all awards are British! I have to say - just an average piece with good acting and to a degree - impotent! 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:
	Votes +2 +2 / -0 thumb up thumb down Let Me In (2010) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/20/13 09:12 AM If you think that romantic horror is a genre you could handle well - this is the real thing! Outstanding work of art written and directed by Matt Reeves and starring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloë Grace Moretz based on the 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in), directed by Tomas Alfredson, and the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Real art of story telling of a bullied 12-year-old boy who develops a friendship with a vampire girl in Los Alamos, New Mexico in the early 1980s. I enjoyed every minute of it! Compared to the original version there were few changes like altering the setting from Stockholm to New Mexico and renaming the lead characters but the plot was very similar to the original. This was one of the rare Hollywood remakes which stayed true to the original film from which it was based, but had enough of its own not to add insult to inspiration. Everything was just right! Especially the feel of intimacy without too much complexity. If you are ready for a dark and violent romantic love story this should on your list... it is a beautiful piece of cinema, indeed. 1 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:26 PM I saw this back in 2012 and loved it. Romantic and horror goes so well in this. Especially the young two leads that were perfect. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +8 / -0 thumb up thumb down Iron Man 3 (2013) Genre: Action & Adventure 70% Posted on 5/20/13 12:27 AM Another superbly done superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, directed by Shane Black. Robert Downey, Jr. Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle reprising their roles as Pepper Potts and James Rhodes, respectively, and they do that the best possible way. When joined by the incredible Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, and Ben Kingsley - the principal cast could pick up praises only. I really like the introduction into the story where Tony Stark recalls a New Year's Eve party in 1999 where he meets scientist Maya Hansen, inventor of Extremis-an experimental regenerative treatment intended to allow recovery from crippling injuries. Everything was executed clear and simple for us to understand the story in which disabled scientist Aldrich Killian is offering a place in his company Advanced Idea Mechanics, but is humiliated by rejection of the offer from Stark... and many years later is the time for his revenge. The Chinese version is a little bit different than the other versions around the world. In what I had a chance to see in the cinema the film features scenes shot in Beijing, product placement for Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL and co-star Wang Xueqi - and there is a "specially prepared bonus footage" and an appearance by megastar Fan Bingbing. It was an enjoyable movie but emotionally flat - and that could be an advantage when is a superhero movie... but for my taste was far from perfect. Pact with action and visual effects it will satisfy audience with appetite for "fast and furious" - others could enjoy it to a degree, usually with a complain attached that could be "a little bit shorter". 3 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Bram S. on 5/20/13 at 04:15 AM I might watch this, but I'd have to watch the first ones first. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:28 AM all the reviewers I follow rate this the same - solid, but flawed - still worth the watch, I take it. Interesting info re the Chinese version - that's pretty whacked. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:29 PM Am interesting in seeing the Chinese cut. Agree its emotionally flat, but does a great job exploring Stark. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +4 / -0 thumb up thumb down Holy Motors (2012) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 5/19/13 11:58 PM What a feast for eyes and mind this fantasy drama is. French and Germans made a wonderful work of art, written and directed by Leos Carax, starring Denis Lavant and Édith Scob. After so many years without making mnovies (it is Carax's first feature film since 1999) this director went to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. It is really petty that prior to the production of Holy Motors, Leos Carax had for five years tried to fund a big English-language film but financiers were reluctant to invest! And now I'm glad that happened! That's how we got this moving art which initial concept started with a trend Carax had observed where stretch limousines were being increasingly used for weddings. He thought that these cars are bulky, that they're outdated, and that they mark the end of an era, the era of large, visible machines... and from that concept was further developed the idea about the increasing digitalisation of society; a science fiction scenario where organisms and visible machines share a common superfluity. This movie got me with its artistic richness regardless the strangeness or madness! Full kaleidoscope of black humour and bizarre situations filled with emotions and surprises... it is very hard for a movie to surprise me - this one did it with ease! 5 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/14/13 at 03:01 PM wow, sounds cool! will have to check this out- thanks for the heads up Panta 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:22 PM No worries, mate. Enjoy it! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 5/15/13 at 05:09 AM I haven't seen this film, but it sounds interesting. From what I've heard, this sounds absolutely bizarre and up for interpretation... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:22 PM You can enjoy it whatever approach you take! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:31 PM I didn't like it as much. Had fun with it seeing where it go and what the next random scene could be. Definitely only for a specific audience. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +3 / -0 thumb up thumb down The Hunt (2013) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/19/13 08:22 AM If you like movies to challenge you, I think this Danish drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen, can do just that. I found some of the injustice even overwhelming to follow the story calmly but that's just confirmation of the well used skills of this outstanding director to personally involve the audience. The story follows a man who becomes the target of mass hysteria after being accused of something he never did, and is set in a small Danish village around Christmas... yes, when the "good will" is in its heights. The Hunt focuses on the shocking lie, and its galvanising effect on a close-knit Danish community. The director views this drama in terms of a Hans Christian Anderson tale: "It's a film about the evil from outside, the splinter of glass that enters a community and turns everything blue and fearful." For me, this was one of the better movies from 2012 and there is no wonder that it was chosen for the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and competed at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival where Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor Award for his excellent performance. His achievement was well deserved, especially knowing that this is the first Danish-language film in the main competition since 1998 - 14 long years! And it came from Vinterberg - a guy who likes drinking, nakedness, freedom of expression... a man who despises the rules and regulations of a well-ordered society. "The mediocre, rational world is my enemy," he declares. "Well-adjusted is the thing that I hate. Well-adjusted means fearful and cowardly. Some of my best friends are crazy, they don't give a shit." Thumbs up, Thomas! 2 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:32 AM Mads is on a role - his excellent portrayal of Hannibal Lector on American TV almost has me forgetting Anthony Hopkins (but not quite....) sounds terrific, will have to check it out. Love your comment on the irony regarding Christian "good will" - yeah, when it's convenient.... thanks for the review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/20/13 at 06:36 PM Well I occasionally prefer using my brain when watching a movie every now and then. Hope I like it as much as you do! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +3 / -0 thumb up thumb down La Grande Bouffe (Blow-Out) (Blow Out) (1973) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/14/13 03:35 PM Today was the third time I watched this movie over 40 years span! And it's still delightfully wickedly funny! This French-Italian film directed by Marco Ferreri deserves much more than it received from the audience. I still wonder why wasn't so popular in US because stars like Marcello Mastroianni, Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Piccoli and Philippe Noiret, should be famous there as well. They are from the top of the European acting class! And they showed why are they on the top. Marco Ferreri won the FIPRESCI Prize given by the International Federation of Film Critics at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival... and here on RT there is no rating for it!? Sad... In 2 hours and 15 minutes you have an avalanche of life happening around you in the story of four friends who gather in a villa for the weekend with the express purpose of eating themselves to death! Black humour, lots of indulgence, regrets, questions and half answers... Sex and overeating - is that what the life is all about? Watch this movie, and let me know! 1 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: maxthesax on 5/20/13 at 11:22 AM over the top, and yet there's a certain something to this film - perhaps the overt method of its madness turned off the more prudish American audience - I've seen it twice (once recently) and though I didn't rate it as highly, can appreciate it; if nothing more than how it raises the curtain on the experimental time in which it was filmed. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +4 / -0 thumb up thumb down Lost In Thailand (2013) Genre: Comedy 70% Posted on 5/11/13 12:42 AM I went on the premiere of this comedy (and waited until now to see the film listed on RT) of the director Xu Zheng and I have to admit that I'd never been in such full cinema in China. Usually half of the theatre is empty but this time there was no spare seat which resulted in our row collapsing at the end and we had to watch the remaining 10 minutes seating on the floor! The good thing is that nobody left and we all laughed big time until the closing credits. It was almost identical atmosphere from the last Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang project from 2010 "Lost on Journey". A crazy story of two colleagues from the same company trying to find their boss to sign a power of attorney for an international contract for a newly invented "super gas", started in China and followed in Thailand where most of the action was happening. A screenplay full of action and funny situations included a third character, confused onion cake maker who doesn't seem all there, trying to fulfil a list of dreams... while leaving his tour group to follow his new "friend" who is just using him. The trio Xu Zheng, Wang Baoqiang, and Huang Bo were perfectly cast and chemistry between them was so obvious that the atmosphere created had to be fun - no other result was possible. Be ready for laughs all around 105 minutes while watching this action filled Chinese comedy perfectly suited for any age (most of the time)... if you are watching the movie with elderly or youngsters maybe there is a need to explain the ladyboys in some of the scenes! Have fun! 2 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:25 PM Appears the positive reaction I've been hearing on this were right. Though sounds like a uncomfortable way to watch a comedy in theater. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 5/13/13 at 04:28 PM "Ladyboys" huh? I won't ask. I'll look for this on Netflix. Not sure how else I would see it here in midwest America. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +5 +5 / -0 thumb up thumb down Oblivion (2013) Genre: Action & Adventure 70% Posted on 5/11/13 12:36 AM This American post-apocalyptic science fiction movie is produced and directed by Joseph Kosinski. The story is based on his unpublished graphic novel, and it stars impressive cast: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo, Zoë Bell, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. With Tom Cruise it's hard to loose - this is his twentieth film to gross in excess of $200 million worldwide. Of course, I cannot but praise his acting performance, but there is plenty to say regarding the story. Everything is happening in the year 2077, where Tech 49 Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last drone repairmen stationed on Earth, which was nearly destroyed 60 years earlier due to the destruction of Earth's moon and an invasion by "aliens" known as Scavs. His base - "Tower 49" is standing above the remains of New York City, and he shares it with his romantic partner Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), They work as a team to secure and send Earth's remaining resources to a massive space station that became humanity's escape vessel. Jack and Victoria had their memories wiped five years prior for security purposes, but somehow Jack has recurring dreams about a mysterious woman (Olga Kurylenko), at the Empire State Building in a time before the war... which will appear later in the movie. Enough of the story, I don't want to spoil it for you, but I found it somehow unfinished and underdeveloped. I enjoyed the photography which was suited for a poetic romanticism but it was very often in odds with the heavy sci-fi action. If you take it as a visual experience you could enjoy it, but if you start analysing scenes your enjoyment could be flattened. 5 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:26 PM Felt the same way. You can never go wrong with Tom Cruise. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 5/13/13 at 04:26 PM I'm not such a fan of Tom Cruise as you seem to be... I think he's fallen into a safe pattern lately. Still the trailer was interesting and I usually like science fiction films. Will give it a go. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/14/13 at 02:54 PM seems so interesting, and yet.... well, your review has me wanting to check it out - well done! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse SecondBest on 5/18/13 at 05:27 PM Good review, agree with you on a lot of points. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 5/19/13 at 09:16 AM Gave it the same rating. Good review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +2 +3 / -1 thumb up thumb down One in the Chamber (2012) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 40% Posted on 5/03/13 07:04 PM If you never even heard of this movie, there is a reason: One in the Chamber is a straight-to-video release starring Cuba Gooding Jr and Dolph Lundgren, and it was directed by William Kaufman. Very lame story happening after the fall of the Socialism in Eastern Europe. Dealers of weapons and drugs have turned Prague into their headquarters and they were happy to make millions of dollars by selling weapons to various gangs. In this story our "hero" Ray Carver (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is an assassin who works for two rival mafia families. After Carver fails in his assignment, another assassin is hired known as Alexei "The Wolf" Andreev (Dolph Lundgren), a legendary Russian hitman who is rumoured to be fictional. Alexei is out for Carver, but soon they both realize that they have to work together in the middle of a gang war... of course, there is some kind of a love story going in the background which, like the movie itself makes no sense from the first scene. Just imagine: an African American who doesn't speak Czech language runs around with a huge metal case, enters a building and there is a woman cleaning the floor - it looked like a hospital - and she doesn't even look at him! Mate, who ever wrote this lives in another world - this scene alone is impossible to happen. Even if it was a Gipsy with much lighter skin colour that woman would scream her guts out for walking on her wet floor... That is real Prague! For some reason, reviews are not all negative and I suspect that it was made for US market and portrays that part of the world the way American imagine it. Lots of shooting and action and substance free! I could use this time better. 9 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: SarfarazAbbasi on 5/04/13 at 02:51 PM Comprehensively understandable with your summarization of film in such clear analysis. I remember meeting Czech tourists visiting Moenjo Daro (6000 years old Indus Civilization of the world in my hometown) in 1999; when I tried to talk to one of the males, his girlfriend (I believe) kept looking at me suspiciously. Thumbs up! 2 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/04/13 at 09:40 PM Sad... but true...thanks for the comment! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/04/13 at 09:41 PM P.S. Visiting that place is one of my next trips... not many places on Earth left... :-) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse SarfarazAbbasi on 5/05/13 at 02:11 AM Welcome anytime Mr. Panta! Don't forget to notify me, I'll take you around the ruins it's in my hometown (Larkano). 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/07/13 at 04:56 AM Best offer I ever had in my life! Thanks! Report Abuse maxthesax on 5/07/13 at 01:15 PM love your commentary - yeah, catering to the myopic viewpoint of the unenlightened American. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Danijel J on 5/09/13 at 01:41 AM Wow, I haven't seen Cuba Gooding in anything recently, but I didn't know he's doing straight-to-video now. That Oscar seems to be long forgotten. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/11/13 at 07:33 PM A badly written action movie and it went to straight to DVD. I'll pass. Can't imagine how bore you must have been seeing this. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/11/13 at 10:32 PM I had it for 6 months before watching it... run out of movies...:-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +10 +10 / -0 thumb up thumb down Solyaris (Solaris) (1976) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 4/23/13 05:24 AM I decided to watch again one of my favourite movies of all time because I actually never reviewed it! Originally, as a kid I read the novel Solaris by Stanislaw Lem which was very popular in the old Yugoslavia where I lived at the time and I was so fascinated that had to watch the movie as well. Of course didn't take long to start adoring Andrei Tarkovsky as a director. It was fascinating in the 70's and it is even more now to watch this meditative psychological drama about a stalled out scientific mission on a space station where psychologist Kris Kelvin travels to evaluate the situation. But he is not immune to the strange phenomena happening above the ocean of thought... If you love sci-fi movies, be prepared for something completely different! This is completely opposite to the American science fiction films... there is no fast narrative pacing, special effects, weird gadgets and talk to communicate character psychology and an imagined future... nothing like that. Slow paced, psychologically complex story is taking us on a journey of deep thinking which will be enjoyable the whole 2 h 46 minutes. Unforgettable cast: Natalya Bondarchuk (Hari), Donatas Banionis (Kris Kelvin), Jüri Järvet (Dr Snaut), Vladislav Dvorzhetsky (Henri Berton), Nikolai Grinko (Kris Kelvin's Father), Olga Barnet (Kris Kelvin's Mother), Anatoli Solonitsyn (Dr Sartorius), and Sos Sargsyan (Dr Gibarian), made this experience even better... and there is no question that this was the best movie in 1972... Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix Spécial du Jury was a proof for that. 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: SarfarazAbbasi on 4/23/13 at 10:28 AM I have this film in my cupboard but never touched it. Thanks for reminding me, and yes I do love science ficition films. Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 02:07 PM Thanks Sarfaraz... very slow paced, but I think you'll enjoy it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jordan A. on 4/23/13 at 03:16 PM Great review. I'll have to see this soon. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 03:29 PM Please, do! And try to enjoy it in full! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Earth Giant on 4/23/13 at 05:34 PM Very good... one of my favorites... I've purchased it in two formats: VHS and DVD A question: Do you remember the long driving sequence in the beginning? What do you make of that? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 11:04 PM Old fashined cars with no driver? :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 4/23/13 at 06:54 PM Yes! This film, and all of Tarkovsky's works, keeps you thinking the entire time. Not only challenging but also extremely rewarding. A masterpiece. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/23/13 at 11:04 PM You said it ... I agree! Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse maxthesax on 4/24/13 at 10:36 AM another unforgetable film - exploring the boundaries of phychology and the human experience - sweet review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/24/13 at 08:34 PM Thanks Max... waited long for my review... :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Danijel J on 5/09/13 at 01:35 AM Thanks for reminding me I still haven't seen anything by Tarkovski! :) I think I'm going to start with Ivan's Childhood and work my way up.. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/15/13 at 03:24 PM I know that you'll be hooked up! :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse

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Inception (2010)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 826 Reviews

Berberian Sound Studio (2013)

Let Me In (2010)

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Holy Motors (2012)

The Hunt (2013)

La Grande Bouffe (Blow-Out) (Blow Out) (1973)

Lost In Thailand (2013)

Oblivion (2013)

One in the Chamber (2012)

Solyaris (Solaris) (1976)

Showing 1 - 10 of 826 Reviews