Film & TV Reviews

Bandersnatch (2018). Netflix.

For years Netflix has been leading the change of home entertainment, I can still remember the days in which the streaming service was not known by virtually anyone, they still hadn’t done any original shows or movies and even the phrase “Netflix and Chill” didn’t exist. Now it seems like all of this was more than a decade ago, when internet on televisions was unimaginable and the only way to watch movies at home was buying the discs or iTunes, or downloading them illegally. Today, 3 days before 2018 is over Netflix reminds us how fast technology advances every day, and with the original show “Black Mirror” it spits on our face a truly horrific present and very likely future. With “Bandersnatch” (2018) they turned everything on its head and reached the top of a mountain called creativity.

Indeed, this is the most original audiovisual production Netflix has to offer, and I would bet it is one of the most groundbreaking things television has seen, ever. I’m talking about something of truly epic proportions, like transition-from-black-and-white-to-color level of historic moment, and it’s not just about the tool that allows you to choose the story that makes this achievement extraordinary, it is the way it complements the story, it is how it blends seamlessly with transitions and music, it is how it’s indispensable to the core of the story. On top of that, there’s another layer to it that explores really profound themes like free will and healing the past in quite a successful way, the story dissects them and plays with them while at the same time delivering an intense narrative on mental health and decision-making. The key performance by Fionn Whitehead is worth at least an Emmy nomination, the music and soundtrack were perfect and cinematography was just as good.

After exploring what I think are all the possibilities I can confidently say there’s a definitive ending, and the platform actually helps you get there, of course you have the option of finishing the story right where you conducted it to, or you can continue on playing with alternative options, but you can only choose so much until it reaches the very end of the path, and you know it is for many things, the most obvious of them being that they show the credits and there’s no option to go back.

This is a truly amazing, breathtaking, nerve wracking experience that had something to say, it’s not just entertainment, it is an honest exploration of coming to terms with past, and the free will that we may or may not have to really choose our destiny. It’s something people will be talking about for a long time and will for sure change home entertainment for ever.

A masterpiece of true depth and originality that leaves a scar in everyone’s mind.

When I first read that “A Star Is Born” was going to win best picture, just after the reviews were revealed, I thought that that was absolutely ridiculous, and even asked myself what was it that made such a simple film so special. I went to the movie theater with really high expectations, even though I didn’t want to expect much from this movie to avoid feeling disappointed, and what happened was one of the best film experiences I’ve had in my life. Absolutely electrifying and emotionally profound, “A Star Is Born” was a mixture of elements I never thought would be possible to merge in a single movie, and I absolutely loved every second of it.

What surprised me the most was the simplicity of the story and the effective depth of the questions it tried to answer through photography, music and unspoken elements. The basic story is one of love, and how two people get sucked by the music business until it takes out every ounce of their soul, and not as a metaphor but in a very literal way. That transformation is so exquisite to watch that it feels effortless and simple, but beneath the picture there is a very heavy narrative full of conflict, humanity and yes, a lot of soul. That soul gives the movie color and an inexplicable emotional range that makes you feel sad, excited, hopeful, depressed and happy.

I’ve tried to put into words how this movie does the single most difficult thing in filmmaking: capture life itself. You don’t need big, long sequences of nature and people playing on the grass pretending to be happy, or really complex stories that nobody understands, to say something really powerful and ask profound questions about the essence of humanity. If you do you’re actually manipulating the film so that it can be something that it’s not, instead of letting the story unfold naturally so that it can say what it wants to say. As a matter of fact, the movie critiques this very explicitly in the music business, and it isn’t afraid of stating a fact everyone seems to be forgetting nowadays, which is actually a question: where does the meaning of art come from?

Art is not about simplistic, meaningless, vulgar and pretentious statements, just like every bad movie or song is all about in our current time. Instead, it comes from a very very deep place in the soul of a human being, it has a reason to exist, it is not obvious nor superficial. Art feeds the soul because it comes from an equally profound place. So, when you listen to a song or watch a movie that wakes up something in you, and you can’t really explain it but you know it just feels right, it doesn’t matter if it has a couple of mistakes, you forgive it and grant it the title it has rightfully earned.

“Mother!” & “The LEGO Movie” Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

Probably the two most different movies ever made actually use the same element to tell their respective stories. “Mother!” Is a 2017 film directed by Darren Aronofsky, the same guy behind “Black Swan” (2010) and “Requiem for a Dream” (2000), so judging by those two films we knew we could expect something similar. Truth is nothing can really prepare you for Mother!, a strong, bizarre, unsettling and uncomfortable experience that had never been done before, yet it’s a movie about everything and nothing at the same time.

On the other hand there’s “The LEGO Movie” (2014), a rather happy, cheerful, funny movie made for children about Emmet, an average construction worker whose life suddenly changes and must save the universe, together with a sidekick (Wyldstyle, played by Elizabeth Banks) and a wise man (Vitruvius, played by Morgan Freeman). Lord Business is the evil guy, his plan is to use a super weapon to settle everyone into a perfect position so that they can’t move. Emmet founds the Piece of Resistance, which makes him the most interesting, the most important person in the universe and gets the task of stopping Lord Business from completing his plan.

This all might sound a little bit childish, and there are in fact childish jokes throughout the movie, but once you get to the climax it all makes sense. The entire movie is a child playing with actual LEGO figures, his father comes and tells him not to play anymore because the city is his and he bought it for work, not to play, then the father starts gluing the figures to the city and then it all becomes clear. Lord Business is the child’s father, the super weapon is glue, the Piece of Resistance is the cover of the glue and Emmet is the child. In the end they both have a cathartic conversation (in both worlds) and then obviously Emmet saves the universe.

Mother! Follows two storylines, in one mother is a compliant woman married to Him (that’s how the characters are named), a strong figure that has a much more relevant presence than mother. In the other storyline Him is God and mother is Mother Nature. In the beginning of the film a guy appears in their house and asks them to stay, Him immediately agrees and mother clearly starts to look uncomfortable. Later on people start to appear in their house without permission and Him receives them without hesitation. After a while it all becomes unsettling, they’re noisy and start breaking things, mother tries to say anything but she just can’t, it all seems like a bad dream. From then it all gets worse. Everything that happens is a metaphor to what God represents and how the Mother Nature is helpless to stop everything we’re doing to her. The thing is that tho these two storylines are incredibly different, they both exist in the same reality of events, and this is where it gets interesting because this is where the movies collide. Both movies are conceived in two different realities.

Here’s how it works. A character drops a glass of water. Though we’re seeing two different storylines, the glass of water is dropped anyway, which means that the glass of water breaking should make sense in both realities. The problem with Mother! is that there are some things that happen that don’t make sense in one reality or the other, and the result is that what happens in the actual physical world of the movie doesn’t make any sense. However, in The LEGO Movie everything that happens is a perfect blend of both worlds, and every event is possible in both realities.

Now, both movies are ridiculously different, and one could argue that the nature of Mother! doesn’t allow for rational things to happen in the physical world of the movie, but we should ask ourselves what art is, and why are movies considered art.

Filmmakers construct characters in a certain point in their lives, and with the story we follow their journey. It’s their job to create a bridge of empathy between the audience and the characters so we can relate to them and reflect on our own reality by looking at their situations. By doing so we are confronted with questions of who we are and what we’re doing, and hopefully get answers. That’s what art is (Sure not every movie is art, but when they’re not I just think of them as plain and pure entertainment, yet I wonder: could an uncomfortable, bizarre experience be considered entertainment?).

BLADE RUNNER 2049 - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

A few days ago I was thinking what is it that makes movies feel so profound and impactful?, how do they immerse you so much into an unreal world?, why do they make you feel such compassion and care for a person you barely know, and that you’ve only seen in a screen?. I can never know the definitive answer, but I do know that part of it is because of the power of the story and, most importantly, how it’s told. Through acting, music, color and photography, all the cast and crew try to say something with their craft, they all play a role in telling a story in the right way. Few teams in cinema’s history have managed to do this in such a level of excellence and precision that it pushes all of that even further, creating a jewel that shines decades after its release.

“Blade Runner 2049” is the latest film by Denis Villeneuve, a director that quite simply earned to make this film. His previous works are phenomenal, including “Sicario”, “Prisoners” and “Arrival”, this last one being the most successful (nominated for 8 Academy Awards) and boldest film of his career. Blade Runner 2049 comes 35 years later from the original one, which was directed by Ridley Scott just 3 years after the hugely acclaimed “Alien” (1979). Blade Runner 2049 takes place 30 years later after the first one so it’s definitely a sequel, although it’s not strictly necessary to watch the first one to understand 2049 (but it would be better to fully enjoy it). Ryan Gosling is a Blade Runner, entities created to terminate robots who were once slaves but then decided to make a revolution. He found something and must investigate it, while also embarking on a ride to discover himself.

Slow-paced in time but not in story, this is a movie that has a lot to say, this gives it a purpose to exist; it isn’t a cheap sequel that was made just for money. Because of that, it feels like this movie was planned very carefully and you can see that they took their time to craft every little detail. Shot after shot, second after second, every single thing was organized and necessary. The dialog was exquisite. The cinematography is Oscar worthy, it’s a mesmerizing job.

I will say it until the day I day, Hans Zimmer is the best composer in cinema’s history. His work here, with Benjamin Wallfish, captured the movie’s essence and translated it to a very loud, futuristic but human score. It is time for Hans to win another Oscar, this year he enters the competition with Blade Runner and Dunkirk (more than worthy).

Sci-fi is a genre that has lost something crucial: humanity. 2049 breaks this cliché and does more than an amazing job creating the characters. The main character, K, was so compelling and genuine that you really cared for him and you wanted him to succeed. I loved the fact that he is never in a position where you say, “he can’t die”. He actually goes thorough a lot and he felt very vulnerable, the same with Harrison’s character. This helped to make the climax extra intense and stressful. I have to say this is probably Ryan Gosling’s biggest and best performance ever. Terrific.

The story as I said is very well constructed, it is always adding tension, and all of that anger and emotion is brought to the conclusion, which serves as a sensational moment to end every layer of the story. The ending is cathartic and epic, and by that moment you know everything you have to know to feel something very powerful. With just a few lines of dialog, some snow and music, the film’s final shot ended a perfect spectacle that will leave you breathless and reassured.

Something about this film makes me feel that it was made with so much love and care, it felt like a tree that Denis planted. He put the seed, gave it water and sunlight, cultivated it with love and care until it was strong and beautiful. Then, he shared it with the world so we could admire its ferocity and greatness. 

Without a doubt, Blade Runner 2049 is that jewel that shines very brightly.

Go watch it in cinemas now, it is worth it.

        ~ I know that several of my reviews in this blog have been rated with a 100    but actually out of all the 450 movies I have accounted in my IMDb profile, only 11 of them have the 10/10 rating, Blade Runner 2049 became the 12th~ 

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Directed by Denis Villeneuve – Rated R

Sci-Fi | Thriller          2hrs 43 mins

KUNG FU PANDA - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Since “Toy Story” debuted back in 1995 cinema hasn’t been the same, suddenly there was hole different way to tell stories. Digital animation opened up a world full of possibilities, Pixar decided to stay with original stories that were not necessarily exclusive for children, other studios followed a different path. DreamWorks Animation is arguably Pixar’s main competitor, with films like “Shrek”, “Madagascar” and “How to Train Your Dragon” to their name. Not all their movies are great though, some are actually really bad, but “Kung Fu Panda” is not.

What makes a movie work and don’t sound stupid or nonsense is the way it is set on its own reality, what really matters is to create rules and barriers inside that world. It is crucial to tell the audience how far the movie can go, for example if you could see blood or not or if a character could die or not. If you break the rules you yourself set then the story is on a wrong path. An excellent example to understand this is “The Grand Budapest Hotel” by Wes Anderson, it’s a very particular film but the atmosphere and the reality inside that particular world seems logical enough. Even if it isn’t for us, the way the movie is made makes us believe that that is actually happening in that reality. This rule is a must in animation. 

Animated movies, all of them, are already unreal. From talking toys to personified feelings of joy and sadness, to ants and even a fish that travels the entire sea. It is all unreal but what works is how they’re grounded to a specific reality. So, a panda that wants to do Kung Fu and is trained to fight an evil tiger, if done correctly, should not be the exception.

First of all I want to highlight the work of Hans Zimmer, yet again he delivered a perfect score that feels colorful and fresh, it gave the film a shape and a tone perfect for the story. The editing and animation are very well made, they made the film strong and gave it an impressing pace. About the story, I believe it is great, it not only has an amazing message but also deals with things that we know but seem to forget. I loved how they captured this essence of wisdom and the things that transcend us and that are beyond our comprehension. It is very hard to set the difference between destiny and manipulation in cinema, the last one is just laziness and you are only pushing the story where you want it to go. Destiny however is about facing the consequences of our decisions, and showing how everything happens for a reason (yet again the things that we can’t comprehend). Kung Fu Panda succeeded here and delivered a powerful teaching by doing so.

Of course it has flaws, but an all-star cast and a likeable, relatable hero make this film an enjoyable, hilarious and feel-good experience that screams this powerful statement throughout the entire film: You are more than enough.

Kung Fu Panda (2008) Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson – Rated PG

Action | Animation         1 hr 32 mins

INCEPTION - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

What makes a movie so special that it lives in our memory forever? What is it that calls our attention so much and makes us want to watch it over and over again? Maybe we relate to the story, we loved the music, we were surprised and entertained, or we felt inspired and emotional, even limitless. I think that in order for a movie to stick with us, it has to dig deep enough to get to the most profound part of ourselves. I believe that, when a movie ends, you can feel whether it did it or not, you can feel that this film (and this moment) is special; it's more than just a movie for you. When that boundary is left behind and a movie is this meaningful to you, that's when you know it will live in your memory forever. Inception did just that for me.

Inception's story is one of the most (if not THE most) original story I've ever seen in my life, this is the type of story in which you think, how in the world could anyone have thought about this? It seems complicated but it's actually not so much. A thief is hired to plant an idea in someone's mind through the use of dream-sharing technology. That "someone" is the son of the main competitor of Saito, the one who hired the thief (Cobb). Through Inception, Cobb and his team must convince the son to destroy his father's legacy by planting this idea in his mind. This story line makes for a nonstop, action-packed, thrilling, unforgettable, epic ride of more than 2 hours. The story gets more exciting as the film goes on but I don't want to spoil anything. 

Everything in this film is pure perfection but I'd like to highlight 2 very special things, the first one is the music. Epic and fresh, it adds so much color to the film that it becomes one more character in it. Every note is the right step forward, something very difficult to achieve in music without lyrics. Hans' statement is big and strong, helping the film be even more epic. I was very sad and dissapointed when he didn't win the Oscar, the score of "The Social Network" was very good but not even close to the level of quality and expression of Hans Zimmer's music. 

The other thing I wanted to highlight is the chemistry of the actors. This particular story required an almost-impossible-to-achieve chemistry between the group to make the story work, otherwise it would have felt broken. First of all the cast here is perfect, from Leonardo DiCaprio to the kids who play Cobb's children, every cast choice was the right one. It was so exquisite to have wide shots of them just talking on the street in different positions, it gave the film the emotional core it needed.

The best scene was the ending when the music just takes over and you have an almost silent finale, yet so vast, emotional and cathartic, it was keen and epic.

This is the type of movie that will become a classic, and a standard of cinema's truest and most brilliant quality. 

Inception is absolutely monumental. An unprecedented masterpiece.

Inception (2010) Directed by Christopher Nolan - Rated PG-13

Action | Adventure    2hrs 28 mins

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS & REVIEW OF GONE GIRL

Gone Girl's story is very simple, it's about a missing wife. Obviously there's more to it, however it is the job of the filmmaker to create tension and uncertainty so we don't know what's going to happen next. A story should be like one thing: an onion, here's the explanation. A story (or we could call it the screenplay) must have layers, the further you go the deeper you get into the story, once you remove one layer you will find another one, how do you remove the layer? By discovering something you didn't know. So, there's always something unknown, undiscovered, there's always a layer to peel off. The interesting part is when you finally get to the core of the onion and there's no other layer. Now of course there's always something left to discover, you can never know everything, but there's a special moment in every story (specially the more complex ones, or the bigger ones) in wich you finally see the full picture, for example when Harry Potter looked back through Snape's memories in "Harry Potter and Deathly Hollows Part 2", or when Bernard explains the maze to Dolores in Westworld's season finale (genius TV show by the way). I believe that every great story has that moment, what comes after it is crucial. Now, let's brake down the case of Gone Girl (Spoiler Alert).

It was simply amazing to start the film when Amy dissapears, and for 1 entire hour you know as much as Nick does, this puts the audience in a place of excitement and it helps you become more involved because you're in the journey with him and you don't feel behind or on the background, you're right in the middle. Great music, extraordinary cinematography and exquisite dialogue, peeling a layer one by one with a perfect pace. When you finally see Amy's version you're now part of two storylines, but somehow you don't peel every layer left at the same time. Sure you remove more than one but you don't get to the core just yet, you're still discovering, you're still in the middle of the action, going in a journey inward getting to know both Amy and Nick more and more. Tension was a big character here, it increased every minute. One of the best scenes, if not the best, was when Amy kills Desi, the point where all this tension led to. 

Nick's character was very well constructed from both the actor and the writer, and even better was Amy's. Both flawed, human, complicated and compelling, and somehow yes, perfect for each other. The story is very well thought out, it's very complete and it feels like it explores every aspect of the situation, without ever getting convenient or forced. The music feels very mature, it is in my opinion just as good as the Oscar winnig score from The Social Network (2010), composed by the same team. The curious thing is that Trent Reznor confesed that he didn't have very much time to do it, almost saying it was rushed. In my opinion it was precise and able to add a new color to the movie. Editing was crucial and simply perfect, starting with the narration of Amy to the killing of Desi, it all felt necessary, organized and interesting. 

Now, a lot of people had serious issues with the ending. Actually nobody told it to me in these words but I could sense that none of them got to see the "core point", the point where you remove the very last layer of the story. In my opinion you reach that point when Amy kills Desi, and what comes after is simply inevitable. It's also my opinion that the ending was indeed very very bitter, maybe even not the right one. The thing is that I just can't see other way in which the story could have gone. Ultimately, it is your call and you're entitled not to like it.

Generally speaking, I think it is a fantastic story, a trully unforgettable movie, very well made, with amazing performances and music. High quality on every level, no doubt about it.

Gone Girl (2014) Directed by David Fincher - Rated R

Mystery | Crime      2hrs 29 mins

RATATOUILLE - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

It's unbelievable to think that "Ratatouille" came out 10 years ago. The reason of it is that it's such a fresh and original story, so well constructed and so exquisite that it immediately became (just as almost every other Pixar movie) an animation classic, that in some way serves as a manual on how to not only make animated movies, but all types of films that just aspire to be in any way good. "Ratatouille" (2007) might not be the best film the studio has made, but it definitely adds up yet another masterpiece to their near-perfect history in animation, helping them to be the most acclaimed film studio in recent memory. 

This movie presents one of the most (if not THE most) contradictory things in our world: rats and food. "So, why not a rat that can cook?", the question probably Brad Bird and his team had when creating this film. This idea may sound stupid and nonsense, but somehow they managed to create such a compelling story, with human characters and dreams, that it is just irresistible to watch. 

The story starts in a rather interesting way, beginning with the turning point in our main character's life (Remy) and then going back just to get a hint of his personality and aspirations. When he gets to a professional kitchen (whose name I'd rather not say to avoid spoilers) he meets Linguini, a useless kid who has no idea what he wants to do with his life. By chance they meet and decide to partner up in a very unusual way. 

It's curious to think why Brad Bird thought this story might work, and this is why every writer and director should learn from him. He used the most denigrated animal to reflect the most important lesson any human being could learn: Be yourself. A statement that's still so important in today's world (maybe now more than ever) but everyone seems to ignore. There is so much competition for things so unimportant, and we try so hard to be appealing and liked that we just push our true selves deep inside because "I'm not good enough, or pretty enough, or skinny enough". So, a rat that wants to cook is not so different from us after all. In his way to express this, Brad uses elements to make this story a rich and enjoyable ride, with perfect, emotional and genius music by Michael Giacchino, a great cast, sensational sound effects, and off course a talented team of animators who dedicate years of their lives for us.

We can narrow it all down to the primary premise of the film: dreams; this movie serves as an inspiration. Although it is an animated film (and ultimately a Disney film which means no sad endings), Brad made a truthful and genuine statement that by itself might not be possible, but works as an analogy and a message to never give up, because yes, "Anyone can cook!"

Ratatouille (2007) Directed by Brad Bird, co-directed by Jan Pinkava - Rated G

Animation | Comedy     1hr 51 mins

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

David Fincher is probably one of the most celebrated directors working right now, and it is perhaps for his ability to create a unique visual language. If we go back in time to analyze all his films we could see a pattern. Certanly every one of his movies is very different, but at the same time they share various elements, for example a lot of them have some sort of investigation going on (Gone Girl, Zodiac, Se7en, and this particular film as well), they also have a very distinctive color and feel that makes them uncharacteristically visceral and appealing. This time, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is no exception. 

In my opinion, not all Fincher's movies are masterpieces, but they are indeed unique and very very good. This particular case is a rather strong movie in every sense of the word. It is extremely harsh (almost to the point of being unbearable to watch) and explicit, and these feelings are achieved precisely through visuals. Sure the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross helps a lot in terms of underlining the action going on (not their best work by the way), but it is thanks to the cinematography, the use of light and color and even the production design, that this movie manages to get under our skin and represent, in a very accurate way, all the situations that the characters are going through.

I do have some issues with this film (which may not even be Fincher's fault). The story was very interesting but it had various clichés in key moments. Also, the story was giant and because of that it sometimes felt overwhelming to have so much information being throwed at you, and this information was maybe some background of the characters that ultimately  wasn't useful story-wise. Everything that is said in a movie should only be there to push the story forward, rather than slowing it down just to make it sound like it's real. Another element that some people might like and some people might not is the ending, it is very bitter and could be misinterpreted as incomplete or just bad, so it is up to you to decide wich one it was.

Overall, very entertaining and undoubtedly unique.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) Directed by David Fincher - Rated R

Crime | Mystery     2hrs 38 mins

DUNKIRK - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Christopher Nolan is one of the most talented filmmakers Hollywood has ever had. "Dunkirk" is yet another masterpiece, but somehow he managed to push that hole thing even further and create something spectacular: a legendary motion picture that will prevail and endure for ever.

Since the very first second of the movie (and that is the logo of Warner Brothers) you're in the moment, and that moment lasts until the very last shot of the film. There is never a time for useless conversation or a joke of some soldier to make everyone laugh for a second, this is a fully realized event packed with nonstop action. 

Back in the WWII, in 1940, about 400 000 men were trapped in the beach of Dunkirk, waiting for a miracle to save them. The beach (due to various reasons) would not allow large ships to get close enough to take the soldiers back home. Surrounded by the enemy they had nothing to do but wait, but off course it wasn't just that. Germans were constantly bombing the gigantic lines of the British soldiers. In that terror and desperation Nolan saw an opportunity to create something unique and different. Christopher tells (as he's the writer) 3 stories, one on the beach, another at sea and the other one in the air. Each of the stories has very different (perfectly made) characters. They all have a role to play and they all are a representation of a larger group of people doing the same as them. 

One word can say it all about this film: Despair. Nolan was able to convey true despair, isolation and horror through a dreadful and endless wait. It is just mesmerizing how the story builds with perfect pace, and he holds it, and adds so much tension until you're filled with the overwhelming sensation that everything is about to blow up, and when it does (maybe not literally) you have in front of your eyes this beautiful scene that tells everything without a single word, making you feel something inexplicable and unforgettable. (Listen to the track “Home” from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer to understand what I mean) This is a particular moment in the climax that is just one of the best things I have ever experienced during a movie. It is so vast and grand yet intimate and small that will leave you breathless. This tension that builds up through the entire movie (that somehow makes you wait for a big moment) is in part thanks to the incomparable Hans Zimmer. His music in this film is so bold and affecting that it hits you like a knife in the heart, definitely Oscar worthy.

Performances are subtle and on point, cinematography is gorgeous and sound effects are just terrifyingly good. This is indeed a true masterpiece that paid homage to all of those who were there or where somehow affected by it. Nolan took everything we've ever known about film-making and turned it on its head, creating an impeccable, precise and perfect spectacle. It is an unforgettable work of art that transcends every boundary ever set by a filmmaker, proving that with talent and will nothing is truly impossible.

Dunkirk (2017) Directed by Christopher Nolan - Rated PG-13

Action | History        1hr 46mins

THE PRESTIGE - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Great stories are powerful, they reveal to us something about ourselves that we didn't even know, they change us and teach us a lesson, but it would be a mistake to think that there is always a deeper truth, something hidden, a message that goes beyond our imagination. Sometimes stories are indeed profound and creative, but there is a different kind of story, one that is pure entertainment, and just because of that it shouldn't be punished or judged, but rather understood and enjoyed. "The Prestige" is exactly that, a movie made for us to enjoy it, relax for a couple of hours and just forget about everything for a moment, and that doesn't make it any less good than other movies with complex and smart stories. 

Christopher Nolan directed this movie and co-wrote it with his equally talented brother Jonathan. Adapted from a novel by Christopher Priest, it tells the story of two magicians who were once friends but by an unfortunate incident became rivals. This contest between the main characters is what makes it so interesting and compelling. Just as every other Nolan production it's not told in a linear way, editing is masterful and key in making this movie so exciting. Since it wasn't linear it was impossible for us to tell what was happening next. The overall feeling of the film was on point.

What really makes this film shine is the acting. All mayor characters were portrayed with such convincing compassion, everyone is absolutely fantastic. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale just disappeared in their performance. Because of this, "The Prestige" is thrilling, compelling and sensational.

Absolutely recommended to have a nice time watching a really really good film.

The Prestige (2006) - Directed by Christopher Nolan

Rated PG-13     Mystery | Drama    2hrs 10min

THE REVENANT - SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I thought a lot about what movie would be the best one to start my blog, and one in particular kept coming back to my head. I wanted a movie that would represent the very essence of filmmaking, one that captures humanity at its purest and is able to truly represent our nature as a species living among others, rather than above. 

When 'The Revenant' came out I went to the IMAX theater to watch it; I remember how excited I was. Leonardo DiCaprio is my favorite actor, and after watching what Alejandro González Iñárritu (Director) and Emmanuel Lubeski (Cinematographer) had done in Birdman I just could not wait to watch it. It was late and very cold, and when I finally sat down and the movie started rolling I had no other feeling in my body other than awe. Crafted by an extraordinary crew 'The Revenant' tells the story of Hugh Glass, a man that, after suffering an unbearable accident in the 1820s, is betrayed and left to die by his companions. But more than that it's a tale of vengeance and redemption. Every person involved in the making of this film gave their absolute best, delivering excellence and extreme quality in every aspect of it. From the masterful, incomparable and Oscar-winning performance by Leonardo, to the breathtaking cinematography by the three-time Oscar-winner Emmanuel Lubezki, all the way to makeup, costume and production design, and visual effects. 

Though we do have a very simple story (sometimes criticized for being too slow), the effectiveness and overall quality of a screenplay is never (and should never be) judged based on how complex or long it is, or how hard it is to understand it, but rather on how deep it goes and most of all on its attempt (and ultimately effectiveness) to analyze the human condition, by putting a human in front and center of the story, never compromising vision and art for pure entertainment. So, what this movie gets so right it's how it is a mirror to our deepest instincts, desires and weaknesses as animals.

At 81% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh), nominated for 14 Oscars including Best Picture (winner of 3 of them) it is a must-watch masterpiece.

I do hope you like my blog, I will be posting reviews of movies and TV shows (new and old), as well as recommendations of what to watch (and sometimes what not to!). And please let me know your opinions as well!

Note: Image with illustrating purposes.

The Revenant (2015) - Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu

Rated R - 2h 36mins - Adventure | Thriller