Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Les adieux a la reine (2012)

It's the summer of 1793. The first days of the French Revolution. The movie looks at he events through the eyes of a devoted  Mary Antoinette's( Diane Kruger)  reader Sidonie (Lea Seydoux).
The movie has a beautiful actor work. You almost can sense the tension in the air. tension in people's relationships, tension between nation and aristocracy.
Rating 8 of 10

Monday, September 10, 2012

Brave (2012)

I believe that the main criteria to judge a kids' movie is by kids reaction to it. My kids sat all cartoon with eyes wide open which does not happen often. They did not want anything go by unnoticed.
Princess Merida goes against her mother's will to marry one of the sons of Scottish clans. In order, to change her fate she asks for help a witch. Her action creates a turmoil in the kingdom. Only with bravery she can undo what she has done.
The cartoon has a plot that does not try please grownups as many cartoons do now but follows its line to tell a meaningful massage. The animation is powerful and beautiful. Characters are powerful and loveable. The cartoon has a good dose of fun to make the massage light.
Rating 10 of 10

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Total Recall (1990; 2012)

First I saw the new version of the movie. Then I found out that this is a remake and found the first version. I have to agree with many that plot the new movie does not bring anything new. The main difference is in characters and use of special effects. The older version is much more gruesome and  bloodier but uses many effects for the time . The new version uses loads of digital effects that are nothing new in today's standards.
Talking about the main charater, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hauser/Dag is very unsympathetic character. It's hard to feel for him. At moments itš what is needed but even at the end he still does not convinced that he has changed. While Colin Farrell's Hauser/ Dag is so nice that you never believe that he actually has planned all this and in a process has changed. With Farrell evil part in Dag was not convincing.
The new version also gave more role to women. But even in her shorter appearance Sharon Stone was much better Lori then Kate Beckinsale. You could feel in every action of Stone's Lori that she is out to kill this guy.
Was there need to remake Total Recall ? No, not really. The new one did not bring in anything worse to remember it for.If the first one is between the top movies of it's time, then this one is very average, soon to be forgotten movie.
Rating 8 of 10 and 5 of 10.