Monday, January 30, 2012
Luck
I just checked out the first episode of HBO's new show Luck, and it seems really promising. But then again, with Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte as two of it's stars, and Michael Mann directing the pilot episode, how could it really fail? Will keep my eyes on this show for a while I think.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Descendants
The Descendants
Review: I love both About Schmidt and Sideways, so hearing that Alexander Payne were directing and also involved in the screenplay for The Descendants made me want to see it. And I can't deny it, I like George Clooney. And Payne sure has a special skill when it comes to telling stories. There's no big gestures, just the humanity in his characters. This film is warm, subtle and gentle with great acting from both Clooney and Shailene Woodley. And that is what is so special about Payne's movies. He lets the actors build up believable characters that you love, with or without their flaws. A heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking story about love, death, duty and responsibility.
Rating: 8/10
Review: I love both About Schmidt and Sideways, so hearing that Alexander Payne were directing and also involved in the screenplay for The Descendants made me want to see it. And I can't deny it, I like George Clooney. And Payne sure has a special skill when it comes to telling stories. There's no big gestures, just the humanity in his characters. This film is warm, subtle and gentle with great acting from both Clooney and Shailene Woodley. And that is what is so special about Payne's movies. He lets the actors build up believable characters that you love, with or without their flaws. A heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking story about love, death, duty and responsibility.
Rating: 8/10
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Anonymous
Anonymous
Review: A film about an alternative history. A history were Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, was responsible for the writings of William Shakespeare. Interesting idea, weak and boring execution. Always nice with a bit of costume drama though.
Rating: 5/10
Review: A film about an alternative history. A history were Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, was responsible for the writings of William Shakespeare. Interesting idea, weak and boring execution. Always nice with a bit of costume drama though.
Rating: 5/10
Moneyball
Moneyball
Review: In many ways this is your typical story of the underdog beating the odds. But the way that sets this movie apart from most of them is the acting and the subtleties of the story telling. It's not over the top, but quite slow paced and without all the big gestures. And that's what makes this a really good movie. I just wish I understood baseball.
Rating: 7.5/10
Review: In many ways this is your typical story of the underdog beating the odds. But the way that sets this movie apart from most of them is the acting and the subtleties of the story telling. It's not over the top, but quite slow paced and without all the big gestures. And that's what makes this a really good movie. I just wish I understood baseball.
Rating: 7.5/10
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Review: If you want a high paced movie about secret agents with a lot of action, you shouldn't watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. You're probably better off with one of the Bourne movies. But if you on the other hand want a well made, low key spy drama featuring some of Britain's best actors, then this is the movie for you. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name. As I said, the film might feel slow, but it also feels authentic and it's setting in the smoked filled 1970's works very well if you ask me. The director Thomas Alfredsson have done a good job creating a classic spy movie that is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 7/10
Review: If you want a high paced movie about secret agents with a lot of action, you shouldn't watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. You're probably better off with one of the Bourne movies. But if you on the other hand want a well made, low key spy drama featuring some of Britain's best actors, then this is the movie for you. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name. As I said, the film might feel slow, but it also feels authentic and it's setting in the smoked filled 1970's works very well if you ask me. The director Thomas Alfredsson have done a good job creating a classic spy movie that is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 7/10
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Review: This film is a compilation of archival footage shot by Swedish television journalists who came to the United States in the ‘60s and ‘70s to chronicle the state of race relations, radical politics and social change. The tapes of those reports were recently uncovered and edited into a full-length film by director Göran Olsson. As you might understand from the title, what you get is more snapshots of history than the telling of the whole story. Here we get to see interesting interviews and behind-the-scenes shots of people such as Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton and Louis Farrakan, mixed with commentary from temporary personalities like Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu and Harry Belafonte. This documentary is a very nice addition to the history of these years, but at the same time it's light-weighted. It demands that the viewer knows much more of the history already before seeing it. The highlights of the documentary is meeting Angela Davies in prison and the interview with Stokely Carmichael's mother. Including people like Erykah Badu and Questlove on the other hand feels uncalled for, but I guess they help attract young people to watch it. All in all I think it's a commendable piece of work, even with all it's flaws.
Rating: 6/10
Review: This film is a compilation of archival footage shot by Swedish television journalists who came to the United States in the ‘60s and ‘70s to chronicle the state of race relations, radical politics and social change. The tapes of those reports were recently uncovered and edited into a full-length film by director Göran Olsson. As you might understand from the title, what you get is more snapshots of history than the telling of the whole story. Here we get to see interesting interviews and behind-the-scenes shots of people such as Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton and Louis Farrakan, mixed with commentary from temporary personalities like Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu and Harry Belafonte. This documentary is a very nice addition to the history of these years, but at the same time it's light-weighted. It demands that the viewer knows much more of the history already before seeing it. The highlights of the documentary is meeting Angela Davies in prison and the interview with Stokely Carmichael's mother. Including people like Erykah Badu and Questlove on the other hand feels uncalled for, but I guess they help attract young people to watch it. All in all I think it's a commendable piece of work, even with all it's flaws.
Rating: 6/10
The Mighty Boosh
I know The Mighty Boosh might not be something for everyone, and I'm also aware that this show is quite old. Either way, it has kept me entertained for the last week.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Napoleon Dynamite the TV show
I loved the movie Napoleon Dynamite when it came out in 2004. Quirky with a dark sense of humour. Now Fox have produced an animated show about him, and I just saw the first episode. If it was good? Not really, I will at least not follow it after watching this. There's really no point for this show's existence.
Sherlock Season Two End
I just watched the last episode of the second season of Sherlock, and I can say only one thing. This is the best show I've seen in years! I loved Sherlock Holmes as a kid, and I love this version of him. I'm happy to say that a third season will come, and I can't wait for it to arrive.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Nathan Barley
One thing that I love is to discover new television shows. And they don't necessarily have to be new ones. Like Nathan Barley. A six episode British sitcom from 2005. Weird, over the top and very funny. There was rumours of a second episode being made, but I'm quite happy with just these episodes. They've given me a couple of afternoons with entertainment, and that's all I was hoping for.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Warrior
Warrior
Review: The storyline for Warrior is far from unique. In many ways it feels really cliche to be honest. But even considering that, this is one of the best movies I've seen in quite a while. Why? The acting is brilliant. Joel Edgerton, but especially Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte, are doing superb performances. They all make their characters believable, warm, strong and honest. Definitely a must see.
Rating: 8/10
Review: The storyline for Warrior is far from unique. In many ways it feels really cliche to be honest. But even considering that, this is one of the best movies I've seen in quite a while. Why? The acting is brilliant. Joel Edgerton, but especially Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte, are doing superb performances. They all make their characters believable, warm, strong and honest. Definitely a must see.
Rating: 8/10
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Debt
The Debt
Review: The Debt is not a bad movie. The story is good and most of the acting also. But for some reason I got bored with it quickly and was having trouble focusing on it. Maybe I'm not the right person to say anything about it, but if you ask me it was nothing special at all.
Rating: 5/10
Review: The Debt is not a bad movie. The story is good and most of the acting also. But for some reason I got bored with it quickly and was having trouble focusing on it. Maybe I'm not the right person to say anything about it, but if you ask me it was nothing special at all.
Rating: 5/10
Friday, January 6, 2012
Holy Flying Circus
Holy Flying Circus
Review: This TV movie is about the response to Life of Brian when it came out in 1979. It's not true to what actually happened, but I think that it's still an enjoyable watch. The casting is good, and it's very obvious that the creators of this movie know their Monty Python history very well. The film is full of references to sketches and characters. What I don't really understand though is the point of making this movie. If you ask me, if you want to really know more about the controversy that Life of Brian caused, then you should check out the real debate between John Cleese and Michael Palin vs. Malcolm Muggeridge and Mervyn Stockwood. It is way more entertaining and interesting. I included the YouTube clip below for you all to enjoy.
Rating: 5/10
Review: This TV movie is about the response to Life of Brian when it came out in 1979. It's not true to what actually happened, but I think that it's still an enjoyable watch. The casting is good, and it's very obvious that the creators of this movie know their Monty Python history very well. The film is full of references to sketches and characters. What I don't really understand though is the point of making this movie. If you ask me, if you want to really know more about the controversy that Life of Brian caused, then you should check out the real debate between John Cleese and Michael Palin vs. Malcolm Muggeridge and Mervyn Stockwood. It is way more entertaining and interesting. I included the YouTube clip below for you all to enjoy.
Rating: 5/10
In Time
In Time
Review: This was one of those movies which I decided to watch simply to have something to pass the time with (no pun intended). I have to admit that this film about a world where time is the only real commodity was slightly better than expected. If you're looking for some easy entertainment that don't demand any real brain activity, you could always check out this one.
Rating: 5/10
Review: This was one of those movies which I decided to watch simply to have something to pass the time with (no pun intended). I have to admit that this film about a world where time is the only real commodity was slightly better than expected. If you're looking for some easy entertainment that don't demand any real brain activity, you could always check out this one.
Rating: 5/10
Melancholia
Melancholia
Review: What's so good about Lars von Trier's movies is how he time after time manage to create psychological dramas that are quite hard to watch but at the same time difficult to forget. He has over the years created real masterpieces such as Riget, Idioterna and Dogville. After Manderlay he kind of of lost it if you ask me, and Antichrist was hugely overrated and he felt like he was only after the shock value instead of producing a good and interesting movie. Melancholia doesn't come close to his best work either, but is still a return to good form, much thanks to a great cast. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg really impressed and were without a doubt the true highlight of the movie. A beautiful movie about the end of the world.
Rating: 7/10
Review: What's so good about Lars von Trier's movies is how he time after time manage to create psychological dramas that are quite hard to watch but at the same time difficult to forget. He has over the years created real masterpieces such as Riget, Idioterna and Dogville. After Manderlay he kind of of lost it if you ask me, and Antichrist was hugely overrated and he felt like he was only after the shock value instead of producing a good and interesting movie. Melancholia doesn't come close to his best work either, but is still a return to good form, much thanks to a great cast. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg really impressed and were without a doubt the true highlight of the movie. A beautiful movie about the end of the world.
Rating: 7/10
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Treasure Island
I just watched the first episode of the new mini-series Treasure Island. It is an adoptation of the novel by the same name written by Robert Louis Stevenson. I must admit that I was a bit sceptical when I heard that Eddie Izzard was playing the role of Long John Silver, but I think he actually did a good job. Will sit down to see the last episode soon, but I can already say that this is way better than those terrible Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Dylan Moran: Yeah, Yeah
Dylan Moran: Yeah, Yeah
Review: I can only say one thing. I love Dylan Moran. I can't even say who many times I've watched his shows so seeing a new one is like Christmas to me. My favourite comedian without a doubt. Never seen his stuff? Are you stupid? What are you waiting for, go ahead and watch some and be a better person.
Review: I can only say one thing. I love Dylan Moran. I can't even say who many times I've watched his shows so seeing a new one is like Christmas to me. My favourite comedian without a doubt. Never seen his stuff? Are you stupid? What are you waiting for, go ahead and watch some and be a better person.
Homeland
I recently began giving the much hyped tv show Homeland a chance. So far I've watched 4 episodes, and even though it's quite good, I already have the feeling that this is a never ending show that I will get bored of quickly. One thing I do know is that Claire Danes character annoys the crap out of me.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Our Idiot Brother
Our Idiot Brother
Review: Silly, kind of annoying movie. At times I can actually appreciate these kind of movies for what they are, but not today.
Rating: 3/10
Review: Silly, kind of annoying movie. At times I can actually appreciate these kind of movies for what they are, but not today.
Rating: 3/10
Margin Call
Margin Call
Review: Margin Call is thriller involving the key players at an investment firm during a 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It's like a less flashy version of Wall Street, and feels much more realistic and honest than I could have expected. It humanizes the people behind it all without trying to paint them as good or even decent, just real. A good movie with an excellent cast.
Rating: 6/10
Review: Margin Call is thriller involving the key players at an investment firm during a 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It's like a less flashy version of Wall Street, and feels much more realistic and honest than I could have expected. It humanizes the people behind it all without trying to paint them as good or even decent, just real. A good movie with an excellent cast.
Rating: 6/10
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
This Must Be the Place
This Must Be the Place
Review: Sean Penn as a character that looks and moves like a mix between Robert Smith and Ozzy Osbourne. When I first saw the trailer a few months back, I knew I wanted to see This Must Be the Place. It is a quirky, warm and funny movie, that is worth checking out. The storyline is quite weak, but it's always a pleasure seeing Sean Penn and Frances McDormand on the screen.
Rating: 7/10
Review: Sean Penn as a character that looks and moves like a mix between Robert Smith and Ozzy Osbourne. When I first saw the trailer a few months back, I knew I wanted to see This Must Be the Place. It is a quirky, warm and funny movie, that is worth checking out. The storyline is quite weak, but it's always a pleasure seeing Sean Penn and Frances McDormand on the screen.
Rating: 7/10
Contagion
Contagion
Review: Finally got around to watching one of the most talked about movies this last year. I can't say that it was amazing or anything, but it was a well made movie with some good actors. I like how the timeline of it was constructed, but at the same time it felt like we've seen this kind of movie many times before. Nothing special, but well worth checking out.
Rating: 5.5/10
Review: Finally got around to watching one of the most talked about movies this last year. I can't say that it was amazing or anything, but it was a well made movie with some good actors. I like how the timeline of it was constructed, but at the same time it felt like we've seen this kind of movie many times before. Nothing special, but well worth checking out.
Rating: 5.5/10
Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris
Review: There really is something special about Woody Allen's movies. They might not always be the best, but there is always a warmth and a special charm to them that always keeps me in a good mood. Midnight in Paris is really a kind of silly and simple story which on paper wouldn't have worked for me. But the settings, the storytelling and the actors still make it worth it all. A feelgood movie.
Rating: 6/10
Review: There really is something special about Woody Allen's movies. They might not always be the best, but there is always a warmth and a special charm to them that always keeps me in a good mood. Midnight in Paris is really a kind of silly and simple story which on paper wouldn't have worked for me. But the settings, the storytelling and the actors still make it worth it all. A feelgood movie.
Rating: 6/10
New Blog
For people who usually follow the blog beats, breaks & big smiles 2.0, here is the new blog dedicated strictly to movies and television. I felt that the movie posts on the previous blog felt more and more out of place, so I decided to throw this little thing together. Nothing special, more or less just a diary covering the movies and televison shows that I enjoy. Before we get this thing rolling, I just want to thank Linakim Champagne for the header. I owe you one!
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