ROTTEN TOMATOES: adler-s's Movie Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

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To call Odyssey a masterpiece is a mere understatement. But, neither can it be called an overstatement.

Stanley Kubrick. Brilliant. His films go ... More

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	Votes +9 +12 / -3 thumb up thumb down The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 7/22/12 02:21 AM Expectations can be damn hard to fulfill, but The Dark Knight Rises succeeds and fails. But not too worry, this should satisfy Bat-fans. Though I feel compelled after watching this (probably because of the excellent goosebumps-giving sound effects at the end), this is still reasonable doubt that TDKR just does not live up to TDK. But hey, who's complaining, right? For I doubt any superhero movie can live up to the mega-gianourmous-skyscraping standards set by TDK. To put it simply, this movie is a good, but maybe not so great. Right, enough about whether the movie is 'good' or 'bad'. Where do we pick up from TDK? Well, it's years since Batman got his hands dirty, so Bruce Wayne is in exile. But worry not, crime in Gotham City is as low as it can only wish to be. The first sequence of the film is progressive, leaving room for characters to develop. We are introduced to the usual (Alfred, Wayne, Gordon, Lucius) and new characters (Bane, who is given a brilliant opening Joker-like scene, Selina, Blake, Miranda). As we move into the middle, we learn more of Blake and Selina, both of whom are given satisfactory lines in the entire movie. But Bane, maybe not like The Joker, steals the show. His large build, semi-grotesque face, almost-mechanical voice is supreme and fitting as a villain. Mind you all, that mask is bound to be a bestseller. One might criticize though, that the 'revolution' plot seems 'used', like in TDK by The Joker, so originality might wane. Plus, there seems to be something strange and a little political to the subtle "Live so large, leave so little" message. But that is just me, I presume. A superhero movie is not without a fall-then-rise plot, and we do get that here. Is it predictable? Yes. But to hell with it. There is a Bane VS Batman scene that comic-readers should recognize, which brings up the 'rise' part of the film. Bruce Wayne is mortal but he is not without spirit, we would realize. Christopher Nolan should be commanded for this intermittent part of the movie; it is rightfully demoralizing to watch, uplifting to cheer. Which leads us nicely into the final sequence... Where we get to see Crane (remember Scarecrow?). No no, that is not the only interesting thing that happens. The final part has Nolan written all over it, which means a twist in proceedings. Overall, TDKR is good with Bane the highlight of the show. Personally*... There is desert in Gotham? 16 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 7/22/12 at 11:48 AM I got the same feeling in The Dark Knight that it had some sort of political context. I enjoyed this allot, I was surprise how fast time passed. It's easily the best threequel for a superhero movie so far. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:25 AM it is, and the darkest... but what can surpass this? maybe not surpass but at least be as crazy-complex-good as this. didn't feel like it was 2 hours either... thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/22/12 at 06:40 PM Well written review. Unfortunately, I found the film trying to be so grand that it buckled under its own weight. I also found the film hard to follow, with scenes going by so quickly, characters muttering statements I can't pick up, and new sub-plots being thrown in my face. It didn't help that I could hardly understand what Bane was saying 3/4's of the time (However, like you mention, he steals the show). In all, TDKR was disappointing in my book. And the desert part, I assumed that was another 2 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/22/12 at 06:41 PM .....another country? Lol, I was wondering how the hell did Bruce get to Gotham so quickly??? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/24/12 at 12:36 PM And come to think of it, how did Bruce even get in the city as it was isolated? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:27 AM precisely! maybe it was in Asia since the chanting was in Hindu I think. darn right, quite a few unnecessary subplots like what Catwoman wanted. though I like his voice, Bane could have been anyone, not Hardy I mean. still he is fascinating... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 7/22/12 at 08:55 PM Dark is becoming more acceptable these days... nice review, mate. Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:28 AM is that a good thing? anyway, hope you have watched this! thank you. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 7/24/12 at 06:02 PM Not yet... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 7/27/12 at 09:50 PM Yeah I thought somehow that It wouldn't be on par with TDK, however it sounds good just the same. Brilliant review Adler 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 7/29/12 at 06:19 PM Gave it the same rating; very nice review. I also personally loathed Bane's death scene. I mean, anticlimaxes are appreciated but that was downright disappointing. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 8/02/12 at 03:11 AM got that right, shoulda been a little touching... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 8/08/12 at 10:37 PM I'm waiting for the release in UAE , but I do not expect anything frankly ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 8/09/12 at 10:39 PM be patient! trust yourself! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dave M. on 8/24/12 at 07:29 AM I did think TDKR was a great film... in fact, I'd place it as superior to Batman Begins. Anyway, it did had many obvious flaws, and the whole scene when Bane and Talia tell Batman the truth, the character of Bane looses all his strenght and becomes nonsense. However, the ending itself, and particularly the scene when Batman's statue is raise at the City Town Hall had me crying for minutes. Great review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 9/27/12 at 02:22 AM Really good ending to the trilogy, great review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +11 / -3 thumb up thumb down Prometheus (2012) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 6/07/12 07:36 PM This is not an Alien prequel. Oh wait, it is. Oh wait, it is not. Who cares! The movie is a winner, in my book at least. No doubt, Ridley Scott's imaginative film into the future is brilliant - full of interesting scares and visuals. And no doubt, Prometheus would certainly pacify those geeked-out Alien fans (as I am). Do take note, however, that it might leave us pondering over more questions, rather than answering them. The plot is essentially not contrived. The main agenda here is that Elizabeth Shaw, played by Noomi Rapace, is leading a team of some not-so-merry (expendable, really) men on a space expedition to examine the origins of mankind. (But to me, this all sounds a tad farcical. Why would critics just want to watch an Alien prequel? Scott just needed a sort-of diversion to his main objective of making this film, which is to make an Alien prequel.) This expedition is sponsored by Weylan Corp. and is overlooked by the (witch?) Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). Shaw and the band reach their destination, where most of the film's action sequences would take place. But by this time, we would have been absolutely blown away by David. As you would probably have known, Michael Fassbender plays David, an android butler, who (yes, who - that is how human-like he is) primarily carries out orders of humans. Fassbender is stunning, especially when he is given a clean-shaven uber-cool, friendly look. The way he walks, talks, and shows emotions is so robotic, and yet so brilliantly human. This is prefect casting. Back to the main course, where Shaw and co. would be busy exploring a certain temple-like place. This 'place', for lack of a better word, is damp and creepy. The fascination here lies with Scott's efforts of almost reprising certain features of his Alien film. The bone-like wall structure, the dripping 'dip-dip' you might see or hear and the ominous-looking 'vases'. As the movie progresses, things get a little strange. Men get left behind, weird creatures come out of nowhere, new beings come into play, David getting all sneaky... fear not, Scott does not disappoint when it comes to leaving us anxious in our seats. I do realize however, that the plot is extremely summarized. There are sub-plots here and there about human DNA, finding where humans come from and saving humanity. All of which you should be able to gawk at interestingly when you watch the film. So, onto the flaws then. To be precise there is really only one main flaw. And it could also be Scott's own undoing. Is this part of the Alien franchise? Or is it not? Critics might say, "Every time there is a good sequence of scenes, the moment is punctuated by Scott's persistence to find a connection with Alien." And this is unfortunately, the flaw. But this is purely subjective. Towards the end of the film, we might have already decided whether this is an Alien film. The climatic ending is sublime, with its last scene being the best of all. Definitely worth a re-watch, just to see Fasssbender waxing his neat hairdo. Personally... Can someone please explain to me what the first few scenes were about? 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Eldest2005 on 6/07/12 at 07:44 PM Good review. I'm excited for this movie, but after hearing the hate it's been getting, I'm going to try to watch this as its own movie. Looking at it as a prequel (while it is) may not be a good way to go. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 08:19 PM yes, unfortunately maybe it does not have the same scares as Alien did. would be glad to read your take on the movie... thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM I didn't even know this film was considered a prequel of Alien, I thought Scott was doing a fresh project. Sounds a bit suspect to me but of course I'm gonna check this out. Brilliantly written Adler, when I see the film I'll try and explain my verison of the first few scenes . 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 08:18 PM Neither did I actually, but it seems like it is. thanks, would definitely be glad to read it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:01 PM I'm guessing that humanoid was infected by the alien and decided to kill itself but yeah, it seemed pretty random. In all, I was actually kind of dissapointed with this film but I do agree with the ending being sublime. I got goose-bumps. 2 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:18 PM After doing some research, I found an interview by Scott that states the Humanoid or Engineer sacrificed itself and its remains in order to seed the planet with life in an act of directed panspermia. Basically that was the act that created us, humans. Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:40 PM I felt the message was extremely muddled, too much sub-plots like you mention and unanswered questions though this may have been done purposely by Scott. Maybe it was different expectations but I also felt there was absoutely no character development, tension, and ridiculous plot moments. Besides the *SPOILERS**"removal of the fetus", not much suspense. The ending basically made the connection to Alien. Report Abuse peter h. on 6/08/12 at 12:23 AM Sadly one kind of all ready can guess what the end result will be with this film........despite that Scott has made a bloody good prequal from the sounds of it. Brilliant review Adler 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 6/08/12 at 06:38 AM Nice review... thanks to you - it's on my list now! Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:10 AM it very well should be since it's showing nearly everywhere. thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 6/08/12 at 07:37 PM Ridley return to sci-fi is an interesting one. It does sound better than most of the Aliens sequels. Might check this out, the atmosphere sounds intriguing. Nicely written. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:11 AM certainly better than 3 and 4. after watching this, there might even be more... thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:11 PM I Soo Wanna see this movie! Will see it soon. Great Review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM have you? thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 6/16/12 at 12:52 PM The opening scenes are the beginning of life. At least that's how I've taken it. Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM yes it they were... just seemed a little vague. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 6/17/12 at 10:54 AM I haven't seen Alien ! But i'm gonna see this tomorrow ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM hope you liked it, Ameen... and do catch Alien! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 6/26/12 at 03:40 AM Well not the epic i was expecting ! Morose and disintegrated in parts but helmed by excellent performances especially by Fassbender and Roopace ! The cinematography was something i really loathed , it could have been really better ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:04 PM maybe you could explain the parts of cinematography that you disliked? thought the main couple did not show much chemistry, but still alright... Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 6/24/12 at 10:44 PM I also loved this film so I agreed with so many of your points. Fantastic review. The intro was the Engineer sacrificing himself with the black goo. His body disintegrates into the molecular construction that turn into our DNA. Yes, it's the same black goo that turns on humans (I think this is one of the points of the film- while the goo gives life at the notion of self-sacrifice it turns into monstrosities at the touch of man.) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:02 PM is it not strange that the people who created us wanted to kill us in the end? maybe to 'rebuild' an entire race. thanks for reading! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 6/27/12 at 01:56 AM I guess we got out of hand... disappointing (or angering!) them to an extent where they felt it was right to kill us. Pretty scary stuff! And sure thing adler, it was quite a good read. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 6/26/12 at 12:26 AM thumbs up, nice reveiew :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:02 PM thanks, ray! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rostron2 on 7/06/12 at 02:03 PM Can't agree. It was weak in everything but visuals and production values. The plot isn't contrived, but every action the characters seem to take is predictable. I just didn't believe it. I blame the writers. They wrote scenarios, to fit characters into; not the other way around. Nice review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:29 AM to be honest, it may be pretty dull watching it the second time... come to think, it does seem good at first, but just weird thinking about it. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +12 +14 / -2 thumb up thumb down Marvel's The Avengers (2012) Genre: Action & Adventure 100% Posted on 5/05/12 07:46 AM Awe-inducing, funny and action-packed, this could be the superhero movie of the year (not that there are many). It is unusual for directors to modify the genre of superhero movies. To be precise, if we are looking for some popcorn entertainment, Joss Whedon could have easily turned this into a full-blown alien-versus-superhero affair (that actually would not be too bad). Interestingly to note however, he does not. With an affinity to blend action scenes with tongue-in-cheek humor, he balances the tone of the movie to be both rewarding and most definitely, superhero-themed. There are plenty of noteworthy things you can brag about this movie. The cinematography, the script, the visuals, the cast, the production design. Surely though, there would be one or two flaws, but they are not really meant to be called 'flaws' per se. Bending the laws of physics, 'saving the world' is saving the US and how Hulk manages to comply to orders are just some of the minor 'flaws'. These are probably things that you would just like to ignore for the sake of giving the director the benefit of the doubt. It is quite evident that Whedon has made this film his own. He incorporates humor into almost every scene, as if things are not to be taken too seriously in the world of The Avengers. And it should be like that. Again, the emphasis on superhero movies usually lie on destruction, life-saving and personalization of characters. But here, there is some of that, but not completely. No chessy lines. No rushed pacing. No cliche-ridden narrative. (Just Loki speaking in a not-so-sharp English accent.) The movie can also be likened to last year's Deathly Hallows (Part 2); a lot of hype, and duly delivered. At least we could expect how the last Harry Potter movie was meant to be : an emotional, epic battle. The Avengers did deliver but there is something different to the whole theme that somehow manages to change our view on how superhero movies should be in the future. Is it Robert Downey Junior's Shakespearean jab at Thor? Or is the excellent cinematography of sticking to single shots instead of quick-fire editing? Heck, it could even be Scarlett Johansson's semi-obscene display of bust. Anyhow the movie is a success, most definitely. Unprecedented, now that is one word to decribe Joss Whedon's take on a superhero movie. Personally*... Stay in your seats till the end; there are rumors that an extra scene is added to the US version of The Avengers, for compensation of the late release. 22 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Dr. ET Diego on 5/05/12 at 08:59 AM Yes, such truth. Easily one of the greatest films of the year. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:37 PM easily. definitely in top 5 bracket. thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 5/05/12 at 11:39 AM I'm seeing the movie tomorrow. I'm so excited! Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:37 PM and I'm happy you loved it too. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 5/05/12 at 03:49 PM Yes. There is an extra scene in the US version. I saw it and really liked it. In my opinion, there wasn't much of a wow factor. I was hoping for something like the first Iron Man or X:Men: First Class. Good review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:38 PM yes, maybe the focus was so much on the 'wow'... but Whedon did compensate that with some good humor, I think. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 5/05/12 at 08:01 PM Terrific entertainment. Been a while since I enjoyed so much in a movie. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:39 PM probably because it had so many different types of characters. thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/07/12 at 06:06 AM I've seen it recently and enjoyed it very much. I liked Scarlet the most, she looked good and kick ass. My only complain would probably be that Hawkeye made a better villain, he wasn't that helpful as a hero. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM his static blue-eyed look was cool indeed. well, a man with a bow can't really do much, eh? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/10/12 at 05:47 AM You do make good point. Only if has as skilled as Black Widow. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/08/12 at 03:49 PM Super hero powers...it seem you like it a lot... good review! :-) Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM definitely! super(b). thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 5/09/12 at 04:13 PM I'm glad you liked it. I enjoyed it too. But I did have some issues with it. Check out my review if you have time. Thanks! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM will do, thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/03/12 at 01:29 AM Got to see this one still. Well written review adler. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM Hope you have, thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 6/07/12 at 08:49 AM Fine write up of one of the best superhero films I've seen in recent years. Kudos! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM Ironman might be only slightly better. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 6/08/12 at 12:20 AM I need to see this asap! brilliant review Adler 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:12 AM hope so! thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Joseph C. on 7/29/12 at 02:33 PM I know this sounds douchey, but Hulk following orders isn't a flaw. It was established at the end of The Incredible Hulk that Bruce learned how to Hulk out on command. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +5 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Kid with a Bike (2011) Genre: Art House & International 90% Posted on 4/21/12 10:45 PM It always astounds us as to how kids in films make us emotional. Yet again with TKWAB, we should be very much moved. But this is not a direct emotionally-driven film. The kid, Cyril (Thomas Doret) is not the wisest kid on the block. He is not saving the world or helping aliens cross planets, but he is essentially memorable. The movie starts with him frantically grappling with his teacher, trying to call his father who has recently gone missing. But it is up to no avail, Cyril is left licking his wounds; he wants his papa, but cannot reach him. The direction, by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, is very progressive. Cyril is made to be a hardened boy with a soft inside, always on a mission but still taking time to feel the emotions of a mere boy. The "Bike" part of the movie comes from his efforts of finding his bike, which his dad possesses. Though he does find it, his dad is still nowhere to be seen. In the midst of it all, he bumps into Samantha (Cécile De France). Samantha plays an integral part here, being Cyril's foster mother. Cécile De France's performance is natural, showing the audience that she is a seasoned actress. Her scenes with Cyril are mostly filled with arguments and little fights, but in the more poignant scenes, Cécile is really in control in terms of emotional direction. Which brings us to the screenplay, also done by the directors. Mostly written to build Cyril's character, the script is short and sweet. Alright, maybe not sweet, because Cyril is not exactly the character you would root for. He is somewhat rude and impatient, with a ruthless streak to get what his wants. Then again, underneath all that, there is empathy for the child. He is made to fail in his efforts and this builds a common understanding in the viewers: he is just neglected, give him a break. The script keeps focusing on Cyril, so it is difficult not to feel for him. Other cinematic effects like background sound and cinematography are the single tone of inspiration in between scenes to ensure continuity and the shots of Cyril and the background (there are not many face-face conversation close-ups). Overall, like most films, the acting, script and direction dictates this sort of things. Not as uplifting as you had expected, but still one worth crediting for acting and good narration. Personally*... How do you fake a cut in a scene? Samantha gets a cut on the arm, but how do you edit the scenes to make it bloody? Is she really cut? 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: PantaOz on 4/22/12 at 01:10 AM Another good review for this movie... I think I should put it on the list... thanks for the excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:13 AM if you can manage, I'd be glad for it. thank you, Panta. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 4/22/12 at 09:03 AM I'm going to put this on my watch list, it sounds like something I've yet experience in another movie. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:15 AM it could be, but hard to say, really. the movie had a 'learning' vibe to it... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 4/23/12 at 01:38 AM Brillaintly written, I enjoy these types of films and will try and check it out. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:16 AM with The Avengers coming soon, do try your best to spare some time... thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 4/28/12 at 11:12 PM There is something in it that I don't feel like watching. Well written 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:13 AM it may seem a tad 'kiddy'? Who knows? Thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 5/04/12 at 09:39 AM Wow, this sounds like a quality film. Will have to throw this on the old netflix queue. Well done! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:49 AM with the films showing in the theaters these days, this could wait, but should be worth it. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 6/07/12 at 08:50 AM Sounds fascinating! I'm amazed this slipped under my radar when it was released last year. Well done! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM well not it hasn't. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +10 / -2 thumb up thumb down The Hunger Games (2012) Genre: Drama 70% Posted on 4/09/12 07:24 AM Seriously? Blockbuster? Unfortunately, this one just dies out with expectations. The good thing is : you will certainly love the premise and Jennifer Lawrence. It starts off interestingly with the introduction of The Hunger Games, but we would probably not be needing that. Thanks to proper marketing, the audience should have an idea of why and how the games are carried out. Well then, one might ask, what is the whole point of watching the movie? To watch the characters kill each other in intriguing ways? To see what this relatively fresh plot might bring? Or to simply find out what everyone has been talking about? Whatever the reason, one should at least wait and see. The first part was thankfully not rushed and boring; Stanley Tucci is excellent as an effervescent show presenter for The Games. As we make that transition into the actual sequences of The Games, things understandably get a little complicated. The film never really gets violent, just a few arrows, sword slashes and even a twist of the neck. The one big gripe would be about the characters. Other than the featured actors, there are not many lines (or even screen time) for the actual players of The Games. A few get killed early on, people whose names are barely mentioned. But these guys are bound to be dead anyway. So we move on to the 'real' baddies. Other than the alpha, Cato (Alexander Ludwig), would we be able to recall the other names? This might account for poor character development, other than the stereotypical 'bad guy'. But again, one might say the spotlight should be on Lawrence. Hence we shall focus on Lawrence - and Josh Hutcherson. Playing the roles of leads, they do well to fit the overall plot line. There is a minor twist in the rules towards the middle, which leads to some good chemistry-building between Lawrence and Hutcherson. Also interesting to note is the constant use of slightly shaky camera shots, which gives a sort-of first person point-of-view (which is how the source novel is told). Intriguing? Yes. But look elsewhere, the film does try a little too hard to stick to its source. So much so that it lingers on being unoriginal. Personally*... Very nice, sponsors... 18 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 4/09/12 at 12:38 PM I enjoyed a little bit more than you did, have yet to read the books. Once again Jennifer Lawrence gives another great performance. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:55 AM I'm predicting that the books should be a little better, since you can't cram everything into a 2-hour production. Definitely established actress now, Lawrence. thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 4/09/12 at 07:23 PM Good review. I liked this more than you did, though. Jennifer Lawrence was the best thing about the movie. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:54 AM she sure was. just had that look in her eyes. thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jeff L. on 4/11/12 at 08:13 AM Good review, I also probably enjoyed it slightly more than you, though I felt like I was easily excited because I enjoyed the books/ had them as a reference point to add in missing details. I would definitely agree that the later half of the movie was fairly undeveloped. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:52 AM at least the movie set up a great platform for the sequel. it got me pretty interested in the books, but I'll wait for the second film... thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/11/12 at 02:13 PM Excellent review... haven't seen it... waiting a little bit longer for all the excitement to settle down and people start writing more acurate reviews...:-) Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:53 AM that is probably sensible, but you should like it, I think. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 4/12/12 at 11:48 AM Good review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:49 AM not as much as some of the others did, I'm afraid... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/15/12 at 01:34 PM I had high hopes for this movie ! But it is slowly dying off ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:16 AM ah, how come? hope you see this! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:27 AM first of all - effervescent is a cool word ;) - I guess I liked the film a bit more than you although I understand what you're criticizing. I was just so blown away by the pace of the film - I couldn't really put anything that might have slowed down this pace (like character development) against it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:17 AM pace was pretty good actually, and character development was adequate - but not much for the other characters. maybe that is my gripe, unfortunately. anyway, thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 4/23/12 at 01:40 AM I'd prefer to read the source material first just because they usually inspire you to watch the films. Wouldn't be at all surprise to expect the novel was better, anyways, nicely written. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:19 AM the movie actually 'inspired' me to read the novel, so the connection is evident. thanks again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/03/12 at 01:28 AM It actually inspired me to as well, I read all three books in a week, lol. I'm ready anytime to watch this film now. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:11 PM Will Check this out as soon as possible. Great Review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +7 +8 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Secret World of Arrietty (2012) Genre: Animation 100% Posted on 4/02/12 07:15 AM Studio Ghibli has produced yet another gem, without compromising its usual spectacular visual and emotional direction. It should be thoroughly examined as to how animation can be made to be so real and engaging that the viewer can only watch in awe. Ghibli is famous for that and if Pixar films are great, Ghibli films are simply amazing. In Arrietty's case, the world of animation might seem a little restricted. Nevertheless, the world is a magical one. Arrietty is a vibrant teenager and along with her parents are The Borrowers, who 'borrow' things from the homes of large human beings. They live underground and live like their dangerous counterparts; they have a miniature kitchen, bedrooms, and even do the laundry when the sun is up. When their supplies run low, the father would sneak into the house and take what they need. But if there is one thing the "little people" should be afraid of, it is the humans. After her first encounter with a human (a boy named Shawn), Arrietty is sternly warned by her father never to talk to him again. But being too curious and adventurous for her good, she starts befriending Shawn who is all too grateful for some companion. Through slow and steady pacing, this friendship plot is well developed to provide empathy for the characters. How could someone so little be friends with someone so big? It does not matter. After all, the world in Studio Ghibli is always full of imagination. Things do get a little complicated when the house maid, Hara, finds out about Arrietty and her family. She is meant to be the 'evil' figure, but becomes comedic fodder in the end. The visuals are technically amazing. Every picture is just that: a picture. The characters always seem to be moving within well-drawn background paintings. It is almost as if we should be crying, "Wait! Let me just admire this scene for a few seconds." Every blade of grass, clump of bushes, sparkle of teardrop, movement of shadow and shining of light is drawn and displayed to perfection. The filmmakers thoroughly make use of the perk of animation: boundless creativity. Thumbs up for Ghibli! Personally*... Look under your carpets... 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 4/02/12 at 09:39 AM I have just seen Spirited Away and got blown away by it. Hoping to catch this soon and it was a pleasurable read as always. Good on details this time. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:58 PM this is different from Spirited Away in that the slower pacing gives a more subtle approach to the plot. still great! thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 4/02/12 at 12:52 PM I gotta see this since I am a fan of Ghibli. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:59 PM yes, so are millions of movie-goers! thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 4/02/12 at 02:56 PM I loved Spirited Away, I know i'll love this one as well. I hope to it soon. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:00 PM keep in mind that it might differ a little. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/02/12 at 08:08 PM I am gonna watch this ! BUt unfortunately i don't think the theatrical release will soon be there here :( 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:01 PM be patient, it is worth it... or maybe you could watch it through 'other' means! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/03/12 at 01:05 AM Excellent review... 100%...wow... must be good! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:01 PM Ghibli never really disappoints! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 4/04/12 at 08:06 PM Good review. I saw this in theaters and I thought it was really good. I gave it a 90% and am looking forward to getting it on Blu-Ray. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:12 PM should look stunning, the effects. the pictures in the film already look great as it is. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 4/06/12 at 11:43 AM Great review. Can't wait to see this. Do you think that Miyazaki could have made this movie better if he directed? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:21 AM ah, intriguing question. Miyazaki may probably turn this into a more 'adventurous', faster-paced affair. but it really does not matter, since Ghibli always makes fine films. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:28 PM I really want to see this, hopefully sooner rather than later. I've only seen one Ghibli film, but that film (Spirited Away) makes me want to see more. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:22 AM actually, so have I. I guess I have to watch more then... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 5/04/12 at 12:48 AM I went on a Studio Ghibli rampage about a year ago and can proclaim every film was brilliant (Tales of the Earthsea the exception), but yeah, I'll be seeing this one for sure. Question, is this film in the same league as Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:51 AM Critics are not putting this film in the same category as those films because this is a little slower and therefore more emphasized on the emotions. so this might be a new experience but still a good one, certainly. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:12 PM Wow looks great! Will check it out! Good Read! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:30 AM thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +6 +7 / -1 thumb up thumb down Battle Royale 3D (2000) Genre: Drama 50% Posted on 3/26/12 06:56 AM This is a must watch for those interested in killing, murdering and torturing people. What? Too harsh? That is not necessarily a bad thing for the film. The gruesome, murderous scenes are sights to behold. Yes, gory, but terrific film-making nonetheless. Chances are, we would get so hooked to the brutality of the killings that we forget we are watching this. We might as well join in the fun. Right, enough masochism. The film basically revolves around a group of high-school Japanese teens who find themselves deserted on a island with only one instruction: to kill each and every one of their mates, and -duh- survive the ordeal. To set things all off, their teacher starts killing those who think this ploy is some sort of joke. This is real. And this is Battle Royale. Protagonist? Antagonist? Everyone and no one at the same time. But there are plenty of love scenes, which is understandable considering that teens are the actors here. However, one should digress, as it is too easy to get too engrossed into the mushy, teary scenes where hands are held and sad, almost corny lines are muttered. Hence, we shall focus on the plot. It is meant to be futuristic dystopian; Japan is in disarray and the youth is depicted as useless. But is teenage violence the way to go? Yes, according to an Act of some sort, which permits (and forces) teenagers to a fight for survival. Look, as absurd as this may sound, the more we watch this the more we enjoy this. The film exploits our instincts and 'nature' of the human being: to kill and survive. Sure there is compassion and kindness in the middle, but the truth (or what the film wants us to believe) is when the time comes, all hell breaks loose. The survival of the fittest. And all the cliches, unfortunately. It is old-fashioned stuff: overblown sound effects, over-dramatic mourning scenes, over-the-top 'bad guy' leader. What is more ambiguous about him (in a strange way) is during the ending. (How the hell did he get up after being shot a zillion times?) But, one has to admit (I do, anyway) that it has been one hell of a joy ride. Violence? Bah. Unrealistic? Meh. Kick-ass? Not too bad. Battle Royale is one of those we cannot quite forget, though we would very much like to. Personally*... I believe that their parents are missing somewhere... 18 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/26/12 at 09:21 AM IF appetizer is so gut wrenching, I might skip the main course. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:18 AM Ah, but I'm pretty sure the main course is superb. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 3/29/12 at 06:52 PM I thought main course was Hunger Games..? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 10:52 PM Precisely, and it is a must-watch, isn't it? Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 3/26/12 at 01:54 PM Sounds similar to The Hunger Games, except this one is more graphic. I might still see it being a fan of Takeshi Kitano. You could do worse when it comes to graphic violence, like Cannibal Holocaust having real animals being killed on screen 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:21 AM Kitano is brutal here, but the focus is not really on him. Cannibal Holocaust, never heard of that before, but it doesn't appealing! thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 3/26/12 at 09:55 PM This is one film that I'm still keen on seeing after hearing SO much about it. With the new fad of THE HUNGER GAMES replacing the place of the won't-be-missed- vampire- romance crap, it makes prefcet sense to see this film because most folk are comparing this film & THE RUNNING MAN in thier reviews of the Hunger games. Anyway Brilliant reivew Adler:) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:23 AM Would like to watch The Running Man for Arnie, but The Hunger Games should be top priority! Thank you Peter, hope you watch all these movies! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/27/12 at 01:33 PM I am really sick of movies which are all about violence... I don't mind it if it's a part of the whole experience, but if it's violence for a sake of violence... hmmmm... not a fan of it... :-) thumbs up, anyway! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:24 AM Oh, but this is surely better than the usual 'violence agenda'! Thanks a lot Panta! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 3/28/12 at 04:27 PM I'm sticking with The Hunger Games. I won't be able to stomach this one. Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:25 AM No qualms about that! Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/02/12 at 08:06 PM Why do people talk so high of this ! I still don't buy it !! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:57 PM people like violence, that's why? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:31 PM I would like to see this one, see where the Hunger Games comparisons come from. I do love the premise, so the goriness probably wouldn't bug me too much. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:20 AM the goriness is probably not as bad as first thought. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:28 AM haven't heard too much bad about it and need to check it out some time. thanks for the reminder. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/20/12 at 12:46 AM no problem, check it out if you can! thanks for dropping by. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +6 +7 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Grey (2012) Genre: Drama 70% Posted on 3/16/12 09:12 PM This is surely one of Liam Neeson's better performances compared to his recent features. And that is all thanks to a good script and edgy action scenes. Neeson against a pack of wolves. Really, that is the movie. A group of people have crash-landed into a icy, bitter-cold unknown place, with almost no one for company except themselves - and those flesh-eating wolves. Usually, a predictable plot is just that: predictable (almost cliche all the time).But The Grey is a well-made survival film, definitely one we have been missing of late. Normally we see the survivors battle the plights of some kind of horrendous weather, but here Ottway (Neeson) and a bunch of other survivors are not battered by the cold climate. Instead, there is a new enemy (well, at least to the viewer it is). One which is given a surprising amount of depth in character: the wolf. It kills when threatened, as Ottway explains to his bunch of weary-looking followers. Unfortunately this is where things get a little too obvious. We can pretty much tell who the 'first victim' is and that there is a good chance Ottway would be the 'last man standing'. But it is always fancy to see how the director and screenwriters choose to kill off the characters. Thankfully they do not disappoint. In lieu of merely dumping out the characters, they are given some good emotional scenes (you know, campfire chit-chat about their backgrounds) before being killed. Speaking of backgrounds, Ottway's past is played in flashbacks, often depicting him caressing a woman (his beloved?). These flashbacks are smart, as they give good depth to Neeson's character and of course, the follow-up question: Who is she? Towards the middle we can fairly say, "Hey, I've seen something like that before!" Predictable or not, the film is still pretty darn gripping. Besides, there is a certain hidden twist to the overall plot. The wolves are given a somewhat different treatment than the usual predatory outlook. Here there is the alpha and omega, the "radius" around their den which they seek to protect and more wolf characteristics. Ironically we should now say, "Hey, I'm learning something about these animals!" The sound editing is amplified; every punch, bite, growl is akin to that of a lion's. In almost every scene there is music to set the tone, be it suspenseful, scary or emotional. We might also be wondering where Ottway and his group actually are. Siberia? Tibet? The scene-editing does not show the entire setting, which might be a problem. They could probably be in a controlled Truman-like experimental snow-covered forest and nobody would know. But that is probably subjective. Given the benefit of the doubt, the plot, entertainment and acting is solid. And the antagonists here are not exactly the bad ones here, are they? Personally*... Did Neeson speak with an Irish accent? 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: peter h. on 3/16/12 at 11:13 PM Neeson VS a Pack of Wolves sounds like someone had a very mild stroke of campy brilliance. brilliant review Adler thumbs up 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/17/12 at 10:11 PM that does remind me; it does look like that at first. but thanks to Neeson's masculinity, the audience should forget about that soon enough. thank you, Peter. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/17/12 at 12:52 AM I liked it... and I agree with you 100%! Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/17/12 at 10:13 PM wonder if you stayed until after the credits... thank you! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/18/12 at 12:28 AM I always stay after the credits... my wife laughs at me... :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Johnny I. on 3/18/12 at 12:19 AM Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/18/12 at 06:51 PM Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/18/12 at 08:51 PM It is Sort of cliched but still amazing entertainment ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:13 PM you're right, and that is just what we need sometimes... thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/22/12 at 10:28 PM Awesome review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:12 PM thanks, but did you watch it? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/24/12 at 10:17 PM No. It's not really my type of film. Why? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 3/24/12 at 12:33 PM Very intense film. I really loved it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:15 PM thanks to the score and the "Live and Die On This Day" theme. thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/29/12 at 12:09 AM Gonna see this soon, Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:25 AM Be sure of that! Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:55 PM I really want to see this one, maybe when it hits DVD. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:19 AM oh yeah, it will certainly one of the 'better' DVD films. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:29 AM great review - need to see that one too 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:51 AM try! thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +5 +7 / -2 thumb up thumb down Carnage (2011) Genre: Drama 60% Posted on 3/09/12 11:43 PM A play? In a movie? Sounds great. A simple plot would have sufficed for any film, but not for Carnage. Essentially, it is adapted from a French play ("God of Carnage"). Meant to be black comedy, it is, if not for the stereotypes. Simply put, Carnage is good but not great. The audience should find the approach to the movie's initial stages interesting enough. It starts fresh and friendly with both parties agreeing to put the matter to bed. Wait, in case you have not realized, the 'matter' at hand is basically about an eleven-year-old boy hitting another boy, resulting in injury. So the parents of the bully and the victim decide to meet and settle things for good. But of course, things are never settled in an ideal way. Unfortunately, as soon as the doubtful notion of whether the bully actually has any regrets comes in, the game, the fiasco, the whole play starts. A discussion-turned-argument-turned-debate ensues. To see Jodie Foster cringing in an epic display of moral super-ego irrationality is already worth watching the movie. But what about the others? As much as one would like to see John C. Reilly kick butt, most of the time the script helps him act. He does not shine as much as Foster, his spouse in the movie. Together, they are the parents of the bullied, and are determined to hold their ground when it comes to moralistic justice for their son. See how incredulous that sounds? In comes the Waltz-Winslet couple. At first glance, you can assume they are the 'all work and no play' business-like couple. But as time wears on, it is clear they are putting on a show. Just to be appear accomodating. Fake, in other words. Waltz, doing his best to hide the Basterds accent, is sensational in his sharp rhetorical manner with words. He does not speak much at first, but when he gets his chance towards the end, he talks with superiority, matched only by Foster's lines of morality. Winslet's role, on the other hand, is somewhat plunged into a hole of disorder. Thanks to the screenwriters, Winslet, though less convincing than Reilly, is certainly interesting when it comes to body language. One more interesting thing about the film is how Roman Polanski gives every actor enough screen time. Of course, with plays, you shine the spotlight on the speaker. But here, there must be a balance of shots of the whole bunch, as well as the four actors in their respective individual frames. There is even a part where scenes of the two couples are split to secretly show disdain for the each other. This type of 'play' cinematography might be double-edged, as that thought of "I'm actually watching a play" keeps coming to mind. But that is probably subjective, as Waltz might put it. Definitely worth watching given the short 80-minute viewing time, Carnage does pose some interesting questions. But if only Polanski could go deeper than modern family catastrophe. Personally*... That is a lot of wrinkly veins, Jodie. 16 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/10/12 at 10:18 AM Foster, Reilly, Winslet, Waltz, Polanski. Names have already sold the movie for me. 80 minutes, is the bonus part. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:16 PM Yes, that did it for me too. But probably the most outstanding was Foster.... Or Waltz. Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/10/12 at 11:40 AM the movie's fault is that it is too talkative and it's plus is coincidentally that too :)) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:18 PM Wait, after all, it is based on a play. Well, maybe it just got a little much as it it progressed. Boring, maybe? Thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/10/12 at 09:10 PM Great review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:19 PM Thanks, hope you watch it! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/10/12 at 09:41 PM I haven't seen it... but I like the review. Not on my list... :-) Thumbs up for the review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:20 PM That is alright, but who knows? If you do come along with the DVD, do watch it! 80 minutes! Anyway, thank you very much! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 3/12/12 at 06:19 PM This sounds intriguing. I'll give it a watch for Foster performance. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/16/12 at 09:16 PM It should be. Oh yeah, she is irritatingly great. Thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/29/12 at 12:08 AM Liked This Movie, good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:26 AM More like a play, don't you think? A good play! Thanks for dropping by. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:56 PM Ever since I saw the trailer for this, I wanted to see it. I haven't yet, but I hope to see it soon. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:24 AM heard the play was better, but this movie is alright as it is. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/09/12 at 09:52 AM I loved the play-character of the film - that's what made it a 90% in my books (plus Waltz's completely underrated performance) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/20/12 at 12:48 AM oh yeah, definitely. his slightly-awkward English accent made his character more biting. an interesting idea of a film. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +4 / -1 thumb up thumb down Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 80% Posted on 3/01/12 06:16 AM Haunting, yes, and certainly genuine textbook film-making. But is it twisted? Alas, no. This psychological drama is more dramatic than it attempts to be. Elizabeth Olsen is Martha, Marcy, May and Marlene. Well, not really. She mainly plays Martha, who as you go along throughout the movie would tell that she is having some sort of psychological problem. But that is not why we are watching this. Usually, when we see characters being dogged by their traumatizing past, there is sympathy, empathy and a sense of morality that is challenged. Here, Martha is devoid of those values. She is like the stranger amongst the crowd. So who is Martha anyway? Frankly, the film does not reveal much from the first few scenes. It opens with Martha being stranded in an unknown place, lost and apprehensive about something. As we go on, the scenes play themselves out in a mysterious past-present chronological mode that moviegoers have become accustomed to when watching psychological dramas. However, that is not to say the movie is cliche in its methods; it adeptly balances the time-frame in a way that prevents the viewer from distractedly asking 'when' or 'what just happened?'. It is subtly suspenseful at creating a sense of dread. Hence, the next question would (still) be "Who is Martha?". Now this is where the effects of psychology set in. One minute we see Martha in a rural shack with people who seem almost as strange as her. Led by Patrick (John Hawkes), this group of people are like a fraternity, who talk of 'cleansing' themselves. Here, the assumption is that Martha is at a place where people seem to have gone the 'other' way of life. But the next minute she is being taken care of by her sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and her egoistic husband Ted (Hugh Dancy). Obviously, this is the present of Martha. She is now surrounded by civilization. This dual representation of (Martha's) life is the intrigue of the film. In one scene when Ted becomes increasingly frustrated by Martha's nonchalant behavior, she questions whether success in life is measured by money and perception. This scene is important simply because it tells us who Martha is, at least perceptively. She is the girl who does not care or understand the norms of society and as a result, feels extremely out-of-place. The bleak outlook of Martha is also accentuated by the camerawork. Lighting is, of course, an essential aspect when it comes to creating that dramatic scene filled with trepidation and anxiety. And for most scenes, Martha is shot with her face against the light, so that her shadows fall to get that isolated figure. In the scenes where there is little light, the camera takes its time by slowing down the scenes and focusing on her emotional face, before moving on to the next scene. This gives Olsen a lot of room to show her acting skills. Martha Marcy May Marlene sounds like a mouthful, but it should be a surprise for viewers. Psychological breakdowns always are. Personally*... John Hawkes appears more demented than in Winter's Bone. 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/01/12 at 09:31 AM Sounds tiresome and rewarding at the same time. A 50-50 affair. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/01/12 at 02:26 PM thanks to the slow pacing, it does depress a little, but not annoyingly. should give credit to the director and the actress for creating the atmosphere. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/02/12 at 03:48 AM I read nothing but good reviews for this one... between 80% and 100%... nice! Excellent review, my friend! Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/03/12 at 08:20 PM Would like to read your review on it! Thanks a lot, Panta. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/03/12 at 09:18 AM I Love Psycho-Thrillers! Great Review man, gotta see one. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/03/12 at 08:19 PM Actually, this isn't really one. More mysterious than anything! Thank you for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Aditya Gokhale on 3/05/12 at 05:54 AM Wonderful review! I have given this a 90% as you can see. I don't know why you call Ted "egoistic". He seems like a very accommodating and kind person. It is only when she starts acting increasingly weird that he finally loses it. Glad you liked it though! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/05/12 at 04:45 PM Maybe I just thought he was being a little too pushy, especially during that dinner scene. But on a whole, I guess he was trying to be a kind sport. Thank you for the feedback! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/06/12 at 07:27 AM Amazing movie ! and a nice review +1 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/09/12 at 11:44 PM thanks to Olsen! thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:59 PM I really need to see this one, hopefully I can get it on DVD. The premise (as well as the trailer) certainly interested me, and I can't wait to see Olsen's performance. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:23 AM one of the so-called 'underrated' movies last year. hope you find this enjoyable... or bearable, at least. thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse

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	Votes +9 +12 / -3 thumb up thumb down The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 7/22/12 02:21 AM Expectations can be damn hard to fulfill, but The Dark Knight Rises succeeds and fails. But not too worry, this should satisfy Bat-fans. Though I feel compelled after watching this (probably because of the excellent goosebumps-giving sound effects at the end), this is still reasonable doubt that TDKR just does not live up to TDK. But hey, who's complaining, right? For I doubt any superhero movie can live up to the mega-gianourmous-skyscraping standards set by TDK. To put it simply, this movie is a good, but maybe not so great. Right, enough about whether the movie is 'good' or 'bad'. Where do we pick up from TDK? Well, it's years since Batman got his hands dirty, so Bruce Wayne is in exile. But worry not, crime in Gotham City is as low as it can only wish to be. The first sequence of the film is progressive, leaving room for characters to develop. We are introduced to the usual (Alfred, Wayne, Gordon, Lucius) and new characters (Bane, who is given a brilliant opening Joker-like scene, Selina, Blake, Miranda). As we move into the middle, we learn more of Blake and Selina, both of whom are given satisfactory lines in the entire movie. But Bane, maybe not like The Joker, steals the show. His large build, semi-grotesque face, almost-mechanical voice is supreme and fitting as a villain. Mind you all, that mask is bound to be a bestseller. One might criticize though, that the 'revolution' plot seems 'used', like in TDK by The Joker, so originality might wane. Plus, there seems to be something strange and a little political to the subtle "Live so large, leave so little" message. But that is just me, I presume. A superhero movie is not without a fall-then-rise plot, and we do get that here. Is it predictable? Yes. But to hell with it. There is a Bane VS Batman scene that comic-readers should recognize, which brings up the 'rise' part of the film. Bruce Wayne is mortal but he is not without spirit, we would realize. Christopher Nolan should be commanded for this intermittent part of the movie; it is rightfully demoralizing to watch, uplifting to cheer. Which leads us nicely into the final sequence... Where we get to see Crane (remember Scarecrow?). No no, that is not the only interesting thing that happens. The final part has Nolan written all over it, which means a twist in proceedings. Overall, TDKR is good with Bane the highlight of the show. Personally*... There is desert in Gotham? 16 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 7/22/12 at 11:48 AM I got the same feeling in The Dark Knight that it had some sort of political context. I enjoyed this allot, I was surprise how fast time passed. It's easily the best threequel for a superhero movie so far. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:25 AM it is, and the darkest... but what can surpass this? maybe not surpass but at least be as crazy-complex-good as this. didn't feel like it was 2 hours either... thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/22/12 at 06:40 PM Well written review. Unfortunately, I found the film trying to be so grand that it buckled under its own weight. I also found the film hard to follow, with scenes going by so quickly, characters muttering statements I can't pick up, and new sub-plots being thrown in my face. It didn't help that I could hardly understand what Bane was saying 3/4's of the time (However, like you mention, he steals the show). In all, TDKR was disappointing in my book. And the desert part, I assumed that was another 2 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/22/12 at 06:41 PM .....another country? Lol, I was wondering how the hell did Bruce get to Gotham so quickly??? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 7/24/12 at 12:36 PM And come to think of it, how did Bruce even get in the city as it was isolated? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:27 AM precisely! maybe it was in Asia since the chanting was in Hindu I think. darn right, quite a few unnecessary subplots like what Catwoman wanted. though I like his voice, Bane could have been anyone, not Hardy I mean. still he is fascinating... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 7/22/12 at 08:55 PM Dark is becoming more acceptable these days... nice review, mate. Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:28 AM is that a good thing? anyway, hope you have watched this! thank you. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 7/24/12 at 06:02 PM Not yet... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 7/27/12 at 09:50 PM Yeah I thought somehow that It wouldn't be on par with TDK, however it sounds good just the same. Brilliant review Adler 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 7/29/12 at 06:19 PM Gave it the same rating; very nice review. I also personally loathed Bane's death scene. I mean, anticlimaxes are appreciated but that was downright disappointing. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 8/02/12 at 03:11 AM got that right, shoulda been a little touching... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 8/08/12 at 10:37 PM I'm waiting for the release in UAE , but I do not expect anything frankly ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 8/09/12 at 10:39 PM be patient! trust yourself! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dave M. on 8/24/12 at 07:29 AM I did think TDKR was a great film... in fact, I'd place it as superior to Batman Begins. Anyway, it did had many obvious flaws, and the whole scene when Bane and Talia tell Batman the truth, the character of Bane looses all his strenght and becomes nonsense. However, the ending itself, and particularly the scene when Batman's statue is raise at the City Town Hall had me crying for minutes. Great review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 9/27/12 at 02:22 AM Really good ending to the trilogy, great review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +11 / -3 thumb up thumb down Prometheus (2012) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 6/07/12 07:36 PM This is not an Alien prequel. Oh wait, it is. Oh wait, it is not. Who cares! The movie is a winner, in my book at least. No doubt, Ridley Scott's imaginative film into the future is brilliant - full of interesting scares and visuals. And no doubt, Prometheus would certainly pacify those geeked-out Alien fans (as I am). Do take note, however, that it might leave us pondering over more questions, rather than answering them. The plot is essentially not contrived. The main agenda here is that Elizabeth Shaw, played by Noomi Rapace, is leading a team of some not-so-merry (expendable, really) men on a space expedition to examine the origins of mankind. (But to me, this all sounds a tad farcical. Why would critics just want to watch an Alien prequel? Scott just needed a sort-of diversion to his main objective of making this film, which is to make an Alien prequel.) This expedition is sponsored by Weylan Corp. and is overlooked by the (witch?) Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). Shaw and the band reach their destination, where most of the film's action sequences would take place. But by this time, we would have been absolutely blown away by David. As you would probably have known, Michael Fassbender plays David, an android butler, who (yes, who - that is how human-like he is) primarily carries out orders of humans. Fassbender is stunning, especially when he is given a clean-shaven uber-cool, friendly look. The way he walks, talks, and shows emotions is so robotic, and yet so brilliantly human. This is prefect casting. Back to the main course, where Shaw and co. would be busy exploring a certain temple-like place. This 'place', for lack of a better word, is damp and creepy. The fascination here lies with Scott's efforts of almost reprising certain features of his Alien film. The bone-like wall structure, the dripping 'dip-dip' you might see or hear and the ominous-looking 'vases'. As the movie progresses, things get a little strange. Men get left behind, weird creatures come out of nowhere, new beings come into play, David getting all sneaky... fear not, Scott does not disappoint when it comes to leaving us anxious in our seats. I do realize however, that the plot is extremely summarized. There are sub-plots here and there about human DNA, finding where humans come from and saving humanity. All of which you should be able to gawk at interestingly when you watch the film. So, onto the flaws then. To be precise there is really only one main flaw. And it could also be Scott's own undoing. Is this part of the Alien franchise? Or is it not? Critics might say, "Every time there is a good sequence of scenes, the moment is punctuated by Scott's persistence to find a connection with Alien." And this is unfortunately, the flaw. But this is purely subjective. Towards the end of the film, we might have already decided whether this is an Alien film. The climatic ending is sublime, with its last scene being the best of all. Definitely worth a re-watch, just to see Fasssbender waxing his neat hairdo. Personally... Can someone please explain to me what the first few scenes were about? 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Eldest2005 on 6/07/12 at 07:44 PM Good review. I'm excited for this movie, but after hearing the hate it's been getting, I'm going to try to watch this as its own movie. Looking at it as a prequel (while it is) may not be a good way to go. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 08:19 PM yes, unfortunately maybe it does not have the same scares as Alien did. would be glad to read your take on the movie... thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM I didn't even know this film was considered a prequel of Alien, I thought Scott was doing a fresh project. Sounds a bit suspect to me but of course I'm gonna check this out. Brilliantly written Adler, when I see the film I'll try and explain my verison of the first few scenes . 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 08:18 PM Neither did I actually, but it seems like it is. thanks, would definitely be glad to read it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:01 PM I'm guessing that humanoid was infected by the alien and decided to kill itself but yeah, it seemed pretty random. In all, I was actually kind of dissapointed with this film but I do agree with the ending being sublime. I got goose-bumps. 2 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:18 PM After doing some research, I found an interview by Scott that states the Humanoid or Engineer sacrificed itself and its remains in order to seed the planet with life in an act of directed panspermia. Basically that was the act that created us, humans. Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/08/12 at 09:40 PM I felt the message was extremely muddled, too much sub-plots like you mention and unanswered questions though this may have been done purposely by Scott. Maybe it was different expectations but I also felt there was absoutely no character development, tension, and ridiculous plot moments. Besides the *SPOILERS**"removal of the fetus", not much suspense. The ending basically made the connection to Alien. Report Abuse peter h. on 6/08/12 at 12:23 AM Sadly one kind of all ready can guess what the end result will be with this film........despite that Scott has made a bloody good prequal from the sounds of it. Brilliant review Adler 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 6/08/12 at 06:38 AM Nice review... thanks to you - it's on my list now! Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:10 AM it very well should be since it's showing nearly everywhere. thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 6/08/12 at 07:37 PM Ridley return to sci-fi is an interesting one. It does sound better than most of the Aliens sequels. Might check this out, the atmosphere sounds intriguing. Nicely written. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:11 AM certainly better than 3 and 4. after watching this, there might even be more... thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:11 PM I Soo Wanna see this movie! Will see it soon. Great Review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM have you? thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 6/16/12 at 12:52 PM The opening scenes are the beginning of life. At least that's how I've taken it. Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM yes it they were... just seemed a little vague. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 6/17/12 at 10:54 AM I haven't seen Alien ! But i'm gonna see this tomorrow ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/25/12 at 11:21 PM hope you liked it, Ameen... and do catch Alien! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 6/26/12 at 03:40 AM Well not the epic i was expecting ! Morose and disintegrated in parts but helmed by excellent performances especially by Fassbender and Roopace ! The cinematography was something i really loathed , it could have been really better ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:04 PM maybe you could explain the parts of cinematography that you disliked? thought the main couple did not show much chemistry, but still alright... Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 6/24/12 at 10:44 PM I also loved this film so I agreed with so many of your points. Fantastic review. The intro was the Engineer sacrificing himself with the black goo. His body disintegrates into the molecular construction that turn into our DNA. Yes, it's the same black goo that turns on humans (I think this is one of the points of the film- while the goo gives life at the notion of self-sacrifice it turns into monstrosities at the touch of man.) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:02 PM is it not strange that the people who created us wanted to kill us in the end? maybe to 'rebuild' an entire race. thanks for reading! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Double.Dubs on 6/27/12 at 01:56 AM I guess we got out of hand... disappointing (or angering!) them to an extent where they felt it was right to kill us. Pretty scary stuff! And sure thing adler, it was quite a good read. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 6/26/12 at 12:26 AM thumbs up, nice reveiew :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/26/12 at 07:02 PM thanks, ray! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rostron2 on 7/06/12 at 02:03 PM Can't agree. It was weak in everything but visuals and production values. The plot isn't contrived, but every action the characters seem to take is predictable. I just didn't believe it. I blame the writers. They wrote scenarios, to fit characters into; not the other way around. Nice review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:29 AM to be honest, it may be pretty dull watching it the second time... come to think, it does seem good at first, but just weird thinking about it. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +12 +14 / -2 thumb up thumb down Marvel's The Avengers (2012) Genre: Action & Adventure 100% Posted on 5/05/12 07:46 AM Awe-inducing, funny and action-packed, this could be the superhero movie of the year (not that there are many). It is unusual for directors to modify the genre of superhero movies. To be precise, if we are looking for some popcorn entertainment, Joss Whedon could have easily turned this into a full-blown alien-versus-superhero affair (that actually would not be too bad). Interestingly to note however, he does not. With an affinity to blend action scenes with tongue-in-cheek humor, he balances the tone of the movie to be both rewarding and most definitely, superhero-themed. There are plenty of noteworthy things you can brag about this movie. The cinematography, the script, the visuals, the cast, the production design. Surely though, there would be one or two flaws, but they are not really meant to be called 'flaws' per se. Bending the laws of physics, 'saving the world' is saving the US and how Hulk manages to comply to orders are just some of the minor 'flaws'. These are probably things that you would just like to ignore for the sake of giving the director the benefit of the doubt. It is quite evident that Whedon has made this film his own. He incorporates humor into almost every scene, as if things are not to be taken too seriously in the world of The Avengers. And it should be like that. Again, the emphasis on superhero movies usually lie on destruction, life-saving and personalization of characters. But here, there is some of that, but not completely. No chessy lines. No rushed pacing. No cliche-ridden narrative. (Just Loki speaking in a not-so-sharp English accent.) The movie can also be likened to last year's Deathly Hallows (Part 2); a lot of hype, and duly delivered. At least we could expect how the last Harry Potter movie was meant to be : an emotional, epic battle. The Avengers did deliver but there is something different to the whole theme that somehow manages to change our view on how superhero movies should be in the future. Is it Robert Downey Junior's Shakespearean jab at Thor? Or is the excellent cinematography of sticking to single shots instead of quick-fire editing? Heck, it could even be Scarlett Johansson's semi-obscene display of bust. Anyhow the movie is a success, most definitely. Unprecedented, now that is one word to decribe Joss Whedon's take on a superhero movie. Personally*... Stay in your seats till the end; there are rumors that an extra scene is added to the US version of The Avengers, for compensation of the late release. 22 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Dr. ET Diego on 5/05/12 at 08:59 AM Yes, such truth. Easily one of the greatest films of the year. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:37 PM easily. definitely in top 5 bracket. thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 5/05/12 at 11:39 AM I'm seeing the movie tomorrow. I'm so excited! Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:37 PM and I'm happy you loved it too. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 5/05/12 at 03:49 PM Yes. There is an extra scene in the US version. I saw it and really liked it. In my opinion, there wasn't much of a wow factor. I was hoping for something like the first Iron Man or X:Men: First Class. Good review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:38 PM yes, maybe the focus was so much on the 'wow'... but Whedon did compensate that with some good humor, I think. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 5/05/12 at 08:01 PM Terrific entertainment. Been a while since I enjoyed so much in a movie. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:39 PM probably because it had so many different types of characters. thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/07/12 at 06:06 AM I've seen it recently and enjoyed it very much. I liked Scarlet the most, she looked good and kick ass. My only complain would probably be that Hawkeye made a better villain, he wasn't that helpful as a hero. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM his static blue-eyed look was cool indeed. well, a man with a bow can't really do much, eh? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 5/10/12 at 05:47 AM You do make good point. Only if has as skilled as Black Widow. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 5/08/12 at 03:49 PM Super hero powers...it seem you like it a lot... good review! :-) Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM definitely! super(b). thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 5/09/12 at 04:13 PM I'm glad you liked it. I enjoyed it too. But I did have some issues with it. Check out my review if you have time. Thanks! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/09/12 at 08:41 PM will do, thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/03/12 at 01:29 AM Got to see this one still. Well written review adler. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM Hope you have, thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 6/07/12 at 08:49 AM Fine write up of one of the best superhero films I've seen in recent years. Kudos! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM Ironman might be only slightly better. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 6/08/12 at 12:20 AM I need to see this asap! brilliant review Adler 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/10/12 at 05:12 AM hope so! thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Joseph C. on 7/29/12 at 02:33 PM I know this sounds douchey, but Hulk following orders isn't a flaw. It was established at the end of The Incredible Hulk that Bruce learned how to Hulk out on command. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +4 +5 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Kid with a Bike (2011) Genre: Art House & International 90% Posted on 4/21/12 10:45 PM It always astounds us as to how kids in films make us emotional. Yet again with TKWAB, we should be very much moved. But this is not a direct emotionally-driven film. The kid, Cyril (Thomas Doret) is not the wisest kid on the block. He is not saving the world or helping aliens cross planets, but he is essentially memorable. The movie starts with him frantically grappling with his teacher, trying to call his father who has recently gone missing. But it is up to no avail, Cyril is left licking his wounds; he wants his papa, but cannot reach him. The direction, by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, is very progressive. Cyril is made to be a hardened boy with a soft inside, always on a mission but still taking time to feel the emotions of a mere boy. The "Bike" part of the movie comes from his efforts of finding his bike, which his dad possesses. Though he does find it, his dad is still nowhere to be seen. In the midst of it all, he bumps into Samantha (Cécile De France). Samantha plays an integral part here, being Cyril's foster mother. Cécile De France's performance is natural, showing the audience that she is a seasoned actress. Her scenes with Cyril are mostly filled with arguments and little fights, but in the more poignant scenes, Cécile is really in control in terms of emotional direction. Which brings us to the screenplay, also done by the directors. Mostly written to build Cyril's character, the script is short and sweet. Alright, maybe not sweet, because Cyril is not exactly the character you would root for. He is somewhat rude and impatient, with a ruthless streak to get what his wants. Then again, underneath all that, there is empathy for the child. He is made to fail in his efforts and this builds a common understanding in the viewers: he is just neglected, give him a break. The script keeps focusing on Cyril, so it is difficult not to feel for him. Other cinematic effects like background sound and cinematography are the single tone of inspiration in between scenes to ensure continuity and the shots of Cyril and the background (there are not many face-face conversation close-ups). Overall, like most films, the acting, script and direction dictates this sort of things. Not as uplifting as you had expected, but still one worth crediting for acting and good narration. Personally*... How do you fake a cut in a scene? Samantha gets a cut on the arm, but how do you edit the scenes to make it bloody? Is she really cut? 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: PantaOz on 4/22/12 at 01:10 AM Another good review for this movie... I think I should put it on the list... thanks for the excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:13 AM if you can manage, I'd be glad for it. thank you, Panta. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 4/22/12 at 09:03 AM I'm going to put this on my watch list, it sounds like something I've yet experience in another movie. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:15 AM it could be, but hard to say, really. the movie had a 'learning' vibe to it... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 4/23/12 at 01:38 AM Brillaintly written, I enjoy these types of films and will try and check it out. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:16 AM with The Avengers coming soon, do try your best to spare some time... thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 4/28/12 at 11:12 PM There is something in it that I don't feel like watching. Well written 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:13 AM it may seem a tad 'kiddy'? Who knows? Thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 5/04/12 at 09:39 AM Wow, this sounds like a quality film. Will have to throw this on the old netflix queue. Well done! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:49 AM with the films showing in the theaters these days, this could wait, but should be worth it. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bill T. on 6/07/12 at 08:50 AM Sounds fascinating! I'm amazed this slipped under my radar when it was released last year. Well done! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 6/07/12 at 07:45 PM well not it hasn't. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +10 / -2 thumb up thumb down The Hunger Games (2012) Genre: Drama 70% Posted on 4/09/12 07:24 AM Seriously? Blockbuster? Unfortunately, this one just dies out with expectations. The good thing is : you will certainly love the premise and Jennifer Lawrence. It starts off interestingly with the introduction of The Hunger Games, but we would probably not be needing that. Thanks to proper marketing, the audience should have an idea of why and how the games are carried out. Well then, one might ask, what is the whole point of watching the movie? To watch the characters kill each other in intriguing ways? To see what this relatively fresh plot might bring? Or to simply find out what everyone has been talking about? Whatever the reason, one should at least wait and see. The first part was thankfully not rushed and boring; Stanley Tucci is excellent as an effervescent show presenter for The Games. As we make that transition into the actual sequences of The Games, things understandably get a little complicated. The film never really gets violent, just a few arrows, sword slashes and even a twist of the neck. The one big gripe would be about the characters. Other than the featured actors, there are not many lines (or even screen time) for the actual players of The Games. A few get killed early on, people whose names are barely mentioned. But these guys are bound to be dead anyway. So we move on to the 'real' baddies. Other than the alpha, Cato (Alexander Ludwig), would we be able to recall the other names? This might account for poor character development, other than the stereotypical 'bad guy'. But again, one might say the spotlight should be on Lawrence. Hence we shall focus on Lawrence - and Josh Hutcherson. Playing the roles of leads, they do well to fit the overall plot line. There is a minor twist in the rules towards the middle, which leads to some good chemistry-building between Lawrence and Hutcherson. Also interesting to note is the constant use of slightly shaky camera shots, which gives a sort-of first person point-of-view (which is how the source novel is told). Intriguing? Yes. But look elsewhere, the film does try a little too hard to stick to its source. So much so that it lingers on being unoriginal. Personally*... Very nice, sponsors... 18 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Cinema-Maniac on 4/09/12 at 12:38 PM I enjoyed a little bit more than you did, have yet to read the books. Once again Jennifer Lawrence gives another great performance. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:55 AM I'm predicting that the books should be a little better, since you can't cram everything into a 2-hour production. Definitely established actress now, Lawrence. thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 4/09/12 at 07:23 PM Good review. I liked this more than you did, though. Jennifer Lawrence was the best thing about the movie. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:54 AM she sure was. just had that look in her eyes. thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jeff L. on 4/11/12 at 08:13 AM Good review, I also probably enjoyed it slightly more than you, though I felt like I was easily excited because I enjoyed the books/ had them as a reference point to add in missing details. I would definitely agree that the later half of the movie was fairly undeveloped. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:52 AM at least the movie set up a great platform for the sequel. it got me pretty interested in the books, but I'll wait for the second film... thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/11/12 at 02:13 PM Excellent review... haven't seen it... waiting a little bit longer for all the excitement to settle down and people start writing more acurate reviews...:-) Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:53 AM that is probably sensible, but you should like it, I think. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 4/12/12 at 11:48 AM Good review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/13/12 at 06:49 AM not as much as some of the others did, I'm afraid... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/15/12 at 01:34 PM I had high hopes for this movie ! But it is slowly dying off ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:16 AM ah, how come? hope you see this! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:27 AM first of all - effervescent is a cool word ;) - I guess I liked the film a bit more than you although I understand what you're criticizing. I was just so blown away by the pace of the film - I couldn't really put anything that might have slowed down this pace (like character development) against it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:17 AM pace was pretty good actually, and character development was adequate - but not much for the other characters. maybe that is my gripe, unfortunately. anyway, thank you for commenting. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 4/23/12 at 01:40 AM I'd prefer to read the source material first just because they usually inspire you to watch the films. Wouldn't be at all surprise to expect the novel was better, anyways, nicely written. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/29/12 at 03:19 AM the movie actually 'inspired' me to read the novel, so the connection is evident. thanks again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/03/12 at 01:28 AM It actually inspired me to as well, I read all three books in a week, lol. I'm ready anytime to watch this film now. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:11 PM Will Check this out as soon as possible. Great Review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +7 +8 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Secret World of Arrietty (2012) Genre: Animation 100% Posted on 4/02/12 07:15 AM Studio Ghibli has produced yet another gem, without compromising its usual spectacular visual and emotional direction. It should be thoroughly examined as to how animation can be made to be so real and engaging that the viewer can only watch in awe. Ghibli is famous for that and if Pixar films are great, Ghibli films are simply amazing. In Arrietty's case, the world of animation might seem a little restricted. Nevertheless, the world is a magical one. Arrietty is a vibrant teenager and along with her parents are The Borrowers, who 'borrow' things from the homes of large human beings. They live underground and live like their dangerous counterparts; they have a miniature kitchen, bedrooms, and even do the laundry when the sun is up. When their supplies run low, the father would sneak into the house and take what they need. But if there is one thing the "little people" should be afraid of, it is the humans. After her first encounter with a human (a boy named Shawn), Arrietty is sternly warned by her father never to talk to him again. But being too curious and adventurous for her good, she starts befriending Shawn who is all too grateful for some companion. Through slow and steady pacing, this friendship plot is well developed to provide empathy for the characters. How could someone so little be friends with someone so big? It does not matter. After all, the world in Studio Ghibli is always full of imagination. Things do get a little complicated when the house maid, Hara, finds out about Arrietty and her family. She is meant to be the 'evil' figure, but becomes comedic fodder in the end. The visuals are technically amazing. Every picture is just that: a picture. The characters always seem to be moving within well-drawn background paintings. It is almost as if we should be crying, "Wait! Let me just admire this scene for a few seconds." Every blade of grass, clump of bushes, sparkle of teardrop, movement of shadow and shining of light is drawn and displayed to perfection. The filmmakers thoroughly make use of the perk of animation: boundless creativity. Thumbs up for Ghibli! Personally*... Look under your carpets... 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 4/02/12 at 09:39 AM I have just seen Spirited Away and got blown away by it. Hoping to catch this soon and it was a pleasurable read as always. Good on details this time. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:58 PM this is different from Spirited Away in that the slower pacing gives a more subtle approach to the plot. still great! thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 4/02/12 at 12:52 PM I gotta see this since I am a fan of Ghibli. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:59 PM yes, so are millions of movie-goers! thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 4/02/12 at 02:56 PM I loved Spirited Away, I know i'll love this one as well. I hope to it soon. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:00 PM keep in mind that it might differ a little. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/02/12 at 08:08 PM I am gonna watch this ! BUt unfortunately i don't think the theatrical release will soon be there here :( 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:01 PM be patient, it is worth it... or maybe you could watch it through 'other' means! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 4/03/12 at 01:05 AM Excellent review... 100%...wow... must be good! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:01 PM Ghibli never really disappoints! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Eldest2005 on 4/04/12 at 08:06 PM Good review. I saw this in theaters and I thought it was really good. I gave it a 90% and am looking forward to getting it on Blu-Ray. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 09:12 PM should look stunning, the effects. the pictures in the film already look great as it is. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 4/06/12 at 11:43 AM Great review. Can't wait to see this. Do you think that Miyazaki could have made this movie better if he directed? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:21 AM ah, intriguing question. Miyazaki may probably turn this into a more 'adventurous', faster-paced affair. but it really does not matter, since Ghibli always makes fine films. thank you for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:28 PM I really want to see this, hopefully sooner rather than later. I've only seen one Ghibli film, but that film (Spirited Away) makes me want to see more. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:22 AM actually, so have I. I guess I have to watch more then... thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hawaiianguy2991 on 5/04/12 at 12:48 AM I went on a Studio Ghibli rampage about a year ago and can proclaim every film was brilliant (Tales of the Earthsea the exception), but yeah, I'll be seeing this one for sure. Question, is this film in the same league as Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:51 AM Critics are not putting this film in the same category as those films because this is a little slower and therefore more emphasized on the emotions. so this might be a new experience but still a good one, certainly. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 6/11/12 at 05:12 PM Wow looks great! Will check it out! Good Read! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 7/24/12 at 01:30 AM thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +6 +7 / -1 thumb up thumb down Battle Royale 3D (2000) Genre: Drama 50% Posted on 3/26/12 06:56 AM This is a must watch for those interested in killing, murdering and torturing people. What? Too harsh? That is not necessarily a bad thing for the film. The gruesome, murderous scenes are sights to behold. Yes, gory, but terrific film-making nonetheless. Chances are, we would get so hooked to the brutality of the killings that we forget we are watching this. We might as well join in the fun. Right, enough masochism. The film basically revolves around a group of high-school Japanese teens who find themselves deserted on a island with only one instruction: to kill each and every one of their mates, and -duh- survive the ordeal. To set things all off, their teacher starts killing those who think this ploy is some sort of joke. This is real. And this is Battle Royale. Protagonist? Antagonist? Everyone and no one at the same time. But there are plenty of love scenes, which is understandable considering that teens are the actors here. However, one should digress, as it is too easy to get too engrossed into the mushy, teary scenes where hands are held and sad, almost corny lines are muttered. Hence, we shall focus on the plot. It is meant to be futuristic dystopian; Japan is in disarray and the youth is depicted as useless. But is teenage violence the way to go? Yes, according to an Act of some sort, which permits (and forces) teenagers to a fight for survival. Look, as absurd as this may sound, the more we watch this the more we enjoy this. The film exploits our instincts and 'nature' of the human being: to kill and survive. Sure there is compassion and kindness in the middle, but the truth (or what the film wants us to believe) is when the time comes, all hell breaks loose. The survival of the fittest. And all the cliches, unfortunately. It is old-fashioned stuff: overblown sound effects, over-dramatic mourning scenes, over-the-top 'bad guy' leader. What is more ambiguous about him (in a strange way) is during the ending. (How the hell did he get up after being shot a zillion times?) But, one has to admit (I do, anyway) that it has been one hell of a joy ride. Violence? Bah. Unrealistic? Meh. Kick-ass? Not too bad. Battle Royale is one of those we cannot quite forget, though we would very much like to. Personally*... I believe that their parents are missing somewhere... 18 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/26/12 at 09:21 AM IF appetizer is so gut wrenching, I might skip the main course. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:18 AM Ah, but I'm pretty sure the main course is superb. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse eshwar_movies on 3/29/12 at 06:52 PM I thought main course was Hunger Games..? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 10:52 PM Precisely, and it is a must-watch, isn't it? Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 3/26/12 at 01:54 PM Sounds similar to The Hunger Games, except this one is more graphic. I might still see it being a fan of Takeshi Kitano. You could do worse when it comes to graphic violence, like Cannibal Holocaust having real animals being killed on screen 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:21 AM Kitano is brutal here, but the focus is not really on him. Cannibal Holocaust, never heard of that before, but it doesn't appealing! thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse peter h. on 3/26/12 at 09:55 PM This is one film that I'm still keen on seeing after hearing SO much about it. With the new fad of THE HUNGER GAMES replacing the place of the won't-be-missed- vampire- romance crap, it makes prefcet sense to see this film because most folk are comparing this film & THE RUNNING MAN in thier reviews of the Hunger games. Anyway Brilliant reivew Adler:) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:23 AM Would like to watch The Running Man for Arnie, but The Hunger Games should be top priority! Thank you Peter, hope you watch all these movies! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/27/12 at 01:33 PM I am really sick of movies which are all about violence... I don't mind it if it's a part of the whole experience, but if it's violence for a sake of violence... hmmmm... not a fan of it... :-) thumbs up, anyway! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:24 AM Oh, but this is surely better than the usual 'violence agenda'! Thanks a lot Panta! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Movie Monster on 3/28/12 at 04:27 PM I'm sticking with The Hunger Games. I won't be able to stomach this one. Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:25 AM No qualms about that! Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 4/02/12 at 08:06 PM Why do people talk so high of this ! I still don't buy it !! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/04/12 at 08:57 PM people like violence, that's why? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:31 PM I would like to see this one, see where the Hunger Games comparisons come from. I do love the premise, so the goriness probably wouldn't bug me too much. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:20 AM the goriness is probably not as bad as first thought. thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:28 AM haven't heard too much bad about it and need to check it out some time. thanks for the reminder. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/20/12 at 12:46 AM no problem, check it out if you can! thanks for dropping by. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +6 +7 / -1 thumb up thumb down The Grey (2012) Genre: Drama 70% Posted on 3/16/12 09:12 PM This is surely one of Liam Neeson's better performances compared to his recent features. And that is all thanks to a good script and edgy action scenes. Neeson against a pack of wolves. Really, that is the movie. A group of people have crash-landed into a icy, bitter-cold unknown place, with almost no one for company except themselves - and those flesh-eating wolves. Usually, a predictable plot is just that: predictable (almost cliche all the time).But The Grey is a well-made survival film, definitely one we have been missing of late. Normally we see the survivors battle the plights of some kind of horrendous weather, but here Ottway (Neeson) and a bunch of other survivors are not battered by the cold climate. Instead, there is a new enemy (well, at least to the viewer it is). One which is given a surprising amount of depth in character: the wolf. It kills when threatened, as Ottway explains to his bunch of weary-looking followers. Unfortunately this is where things get a little too obvious. We can pretty much tell who the 'first victim' is and that there is a good chance Ottway would be the 'last man standing'. But it is always fancy to see how the director and screenwriters choose to kill off the characters. Thankfully they do not disappoint. In lieu of merely dumping out the characters, they are given some good emotional scenes (you know, campfire chit-chat about their backgrounds) before being killed. Speaking of backgrounds, Ottway's past is played in flashbacks, often depicting him caressing a woman (his beloved?). These flashbacks are smart, as they give good depth to Neeson's character and of course, the follow-up question: Who is she? Towards the middle we can fairly say, "Hey, I've seen something like that before!" Predictable or not, the film is still pretty darn gripping. Besides, there is a certain hidden twist to the overall plot. The wolves are given a somewhat different treatment than the usual predatory outlook. Here there is the alpha and omega, the "radius" around their den which they seek to protect and more wolf characteristics. Ironically we should now say, "Hey, I'm learning something about these animals!" The sound editing is amplified; every punch, bite, growl is akin to that of a lion's. In almost every scene there is music to set the tone, be it suspenseful, scary or emotional. We might also be wondering where Ottway and his group actually are. Siberia? Tibet? The scene-editing does not show the entire setting, which might be a problem. They could probably be in a controlled Truman-like experimental snow-covered forest and nobody would know. But that is probably subjective. Given the benefit of the doubt, the plot, entertainment and acting is solid. And the antagonists here are not exactly the bad ones here, are they? Personally*... Did Neeson speak with an Irish accent? 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: peter h. on 3/16/12 at 11:13 PM Neeson VS a Pack of Wolves sounds like someone had a very mild stroke of campy brilliance. brilliant review Adler thumbs up 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/17/12 at 10:11 PM that does remind me; it does look like that at first. but thanks to Neeson's masculinity, the audience should forget about that soon enough. thank you, Peter. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/17/12 at 12:52 AM I liked it... and I agree with you 100%! Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/17/12 at 10:13 PM wonder if you stayed until after the credits... thank you! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/18/12 at 12:28 AM I always stay after the credits... my wife laughs at me... :-) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Johnny I. on 3/18/12 at 12:19 AM Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/18/12 at 06:51 PM Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/18/12 at 08:51 PM It is Sort of cliched but still amazing entertainment ! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:13 PM you're right, and that is just what we need sometimes... thanks for reading. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/22/12 at 10:28 PM Awesome review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:12 PM thanks, but did you watch it? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/24/12 at 10:17 PM No. It's not really my type of film. Why? 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Metal John on 3/24/12 at 12:33 PM Very intense film. I really loved it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/24/12 at 10:15 PM thanks to the score and the "Live and Die On This Day" theme. thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/29/12 at 12:09 AM Gonna see this soon, Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:25 AM Be sure of that! Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:55 PM I really want to see this one, maybe when it hits DVD. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:19 AM oh yeah, it will certainly one of the 'better' DVD films. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/16/12 at 10:29 AM great review - need to see that one too 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 5/05/12 at 07:51 AM try! thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +5 +7 / -2 thumb up thumb down Carnage (2011) Genre: Drama 60% Posted on 3/09/12 11:43 PM A play? In a movie? Sounds great. A simple plot would have sufficed for any film, but not for Carnage. Essentially, it is adapted from a French play ("God of Carnage"). Meant to be black comedy, it is, if not for the stereotypes. Simply put, Carnage is good but not great. The audience should find the approach to the movie's initial stages interesting enough. It starts fresh and friendly with both parties agreeing to put the matter to bed. Wait, in case you have not realized, the 'matter' at hand is basically about an eleven-year-old boy hitting another boy, resulting in injury. So the parents of the bully and the victim decide to meet and settle things for good. But of course, things are never settled in an ideal way. Unfortunately, as soon as the doubtful notion of whether the bully actually has any regrets comes in, the game, the fiasco, the whole play starts. A discussion-turned-argument-turned-debate ensues. To see Jodie Foster cringing in an epic display of moral super-ego irrationality is already worth watching the movie. But what about the others? As much as one would like to see John C. Reilly kick butt, most of the time the script helps him act. He does not shine as much as Foster, his spouse in the movie. Together, they are the parents of the bullied, and are determined to hold their ground when it comes to moralistic justice for their son. See how incredulous that sounds? In comes the Waltz-Winslet couple. At first glance, you can assume they are the 'all work and no play' business-like couple. But as time wears on, it is clear they are putting on a show. Just to be appear accomodating. Fake, in other words. Waltz, doing his best to hide the Basterds accent, is sensational in his sharp rhetorical manner with words. He does not speak much at first, but when he gets his chance towards the end, he talks with superiority, matched only by Foster's lines of morality. Winslet's role, on the other hand, is somewhat plunged into a hole of disorder. Thanks to the screenwriters, Winslet, though less convincing than Reilly, is certainly interesting when it comes to body language. One more interesting thing about the film is how Roman Polanski gives every actor enough screen time. Of course, with plays, you shine the spotlight on the speaker. But here, there must be a balance of shots of the whole bunch, as well as the four actors in their respective individual frames. There is even a part where scenes of the two couples are split to secretly show disdain for the each other. This type of 'play' cinematography might be double-edged, as that thought of "I'm actually watching a play" keeps coming to mind. But that is probably subjective, as Waltz might put it. Definitely worth watching given the short 80-minute viewing time, Carnage does pose some interesting questions. But if only Polanski could go deeper than modern family catastrophe. Personally*... That is a lot of wrinkly veins, Jodie. 16 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/10/12 at 10:18 AM Foster, Reilly, Winslet, Waltz, Polanski. Names have already sold the movie for me. 80 minutes, is the bonus part. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:16 PM Yes, that did it for me too. But probably the most outstanding was Foster.... Or Waltz. Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/10/12 at 11:40 AM the movie's fault is that it is too talkative and it's plus is coincidentally that too :)) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:18 PM Wait, after all, it is based on a play. Well, maybe it just got a little much as it it progressed. Boring, maybe? Thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bram S. on 3/10/12 at 09:10 PM Great review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:19 PM Thanks, hope you watch it! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/10/12 at 09:41 PM I haven't seen it... but I like the review. Not on my list... :-) Thumbs up for the review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/12/12 at 05:20 PM That is alright, but who knows? If you do come along with the DVD, do watch it! 80 minutes! Anyway, thank you very much! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Cinema-Maniac on 3/12/12 at 06:19 PM This sounds intriguing. I'll give it a watch for Foster performance. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/16/12 at 09:16 PM It should be. Oh yeah, she is irritatingly great. Thanks for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/29/12 at 12:08 AM Liked This Movie, good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/29/12 at 02:26 AM More like a play, don't you think? A good play! Thanks for dropping by. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:56 PM Ever since I saw the trailer for this, I wanted to see it. I haven't yet, but I hope to see it soon. Excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:24 AM heard the play was better, but this movie is alright as it is. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ray on 4/09/12 at 09:52 AM I loved the play-character of the film - that's what made it a 90% in my books (plus Waltz's completely underrated performance) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/20/12 at 12:48 AM oh yeah, definitely. his slightly-awkward English accent made his character more biting. an interesting idea of a film. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +3 +4 / -1 thumb up thumb down Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 80% Posted on 3/01/12 06:16 AM Haunting, yes, and certainly genuine textbook film-making. But is it twisted? Alas, no. This psychological drama is more dramatic than it attempts to be. Elizabeth Olsen is Martha, Marcy, May and Marlene. Well, not really. She mainly plays Martha, who as you go along throughout the movie would tell that she is having some sort of psychological problem. But that is not why we are watching this. Usually, when we see characters being dogged by their traumatizing past, there is sympathy, empathy and a sense of morality that is challenged. Here, Martha is devoid of those values. She is like the stranger amongst the crowd. So who is Martha anyway? Frankly, the film does not reveal much from the first few scenes. It opens with Martha being stranded in an unknown place, lost and apprehensive about something. As we go on, the scenes play themselves out in a mysterious past-present chronological mode that moviegoers have become accustomed to when watching psychological dramas. However, that is not to say the movie is cliche in its methods; it adeptly balances the time-frame in a way that prevents the viewer from distractedly asking 'when' or 'what just happened?'. It is subtly suspenseful at creating a sense of dread. Hence, the next question would (still) be "Who is Martha?". Now this is where the effects of psychology set in. One minute we see Martha in a rural shack with people who seem almost as strange as her. Led by Patrick (John Hawkes), this group of people are like a fraternity, who talk of 'cleansing' themselves. Here, the assumption is that Martha is at a place where people seem to have gone the 'other' way of life. But the next minute she is being taken care of by her sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and her egoistic husband Ted (Hugh Dancy). Obviously, this is the present of Martha. She is now surrounded by civilization. This dual representation of (Martha's) life is the intrigue of the film. In one scene when Ted becomes increasingly frustrated by Martha's nonchalant behavior, she questions whether success in life is measured by money and perception. This scene is important simply because it tells us who Martha is, at least perceptively. She is the girl who does not care or understand the norms of society and as a result, feels extremely out-of-place. The bleak outlook of Martha is also accentuated by the camerawork. Lighting is, of course, an essential aspect when it comes to creating that dramatic scene filled with trepidation and anxiety. And for most scenes, Martha is shot with her face against the light, so that her shadows fall to get that isolated figure. In the scenes where there is little light, the camera takes its time by slowing down the scenes and focusing on her emotional face, before moving on to the next scene. This gives Olsen a lot of room to show her acting skills. Martha Marcy May Marlene sounds like a mouthful, but it should be a surprise for viewers. Psychological breakdowns always are. Personally*... John Hawkes appears more demented than in Winter's Bone. 12 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: eshwar_movies on 3/01/12 at 09:31 AM Sounds tiresome and rewarding at the same time. A 50-50 affair. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/01/12 at 02:26 PM thanks to the slow pacing, it does depress a little, but not annoyingly. should give credit to the director and the actress for creating the atmosphere. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 3/02/12 at 03:48 AM I read nothing but good reviews for this one... between 80% and 100%... nice! Excellent review, my friend! Thumbs up! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/03/12 at 08:20 PM Would like to read your review on it! Thanks a lot, Panta. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/03/12 at 09:18 AM I Love Psycho-Thrillers! Great Review man, gotta see one. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/03/12 at 08:19 PM Actually, this isn't really one. More mysterious than anything! Thank you for reading! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Aditya Gokhale on 3/05/12 at 05:54 AM Wonderful review! I have given this a 90% as you can see. I don't know why you call Ted "egoistic". He seems like a very accommodating and kind person. It is only when she starts acting increasingly weird that he finally loses it. Glad you liked it though! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/05/12 at 04:45 PM Maybe I just thought he was being a little too pushy, especially during that dinner scene. But on a whole, I guess he was trying to be a kind sport. Thank you for the feedback! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ameens Film Reviews on 3/06/12 at 07:27 AM Amazing movie ! and a nice review +1 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 3/09/12 at 11:44 PM thanks to Olsen! thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 4/06/12 at 01:59 PM I really need to see this one, hopefully I can get it on DVD. The premise (as well as the trailer) certainly interested me, and I can't wait to see Olsen's performance. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse adler-s on 4/07/12 at 05:23 AM one of the so-called 'underrated' movies last year. hope you find this enjoyable... or bearable, at least. thank you! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse

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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The Tree of Life (2011)

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Prometheus (2012)

Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

The Kid with a Bike (2011)

The Hunger Games (2012)

The Secret World of Arrietty (2012)

Battle Royale 3D (2000)

The Grey (2012)

Carnage (2011)

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

Showing 1 - 10 of 136 Reviews