gudaulin

From Dusk Till Dawn is a very controversial film, where it is possible to understand a wide range of ratings from movie fans. On one hand, there is the traditional Quentin Tarantino style combining elements of extreme violence, eroticism, and classic horror with a strongly comedic exaggeration and necessary catchphrases, additionally supported by the participation of well-known and top actors. On the other hand, the screenplay is openly not among the best that have been written in this genre. Moreover, the pace of the story is quite uneven. Overall impression: 60%. In some moments, Robert Rodriguez explicitly wastes traditional horror props and begins to bore.

Unfortunately, I am disappointed, although thanks to the generous budget and the resulting set design, there is still something to see here. Given the choice of exteriors, lighting, and music motifs, there can still be talk of a mysterious atmosphere, but anyone who knows the comic book source material must necessarily be disappointed. Due to shortcomings in the script, problematic portrayal of some characters, and mediocre direction, only an average film was created, which originally had greater ambitions. Although Johnny Depp is an excellent actor, this time he had a weaker moment, and even his presence could not mask the failure of the overall concept of the film. There is no need to elaborate further, as my arguments would only repeat the criticisms of others. Overall impression 50%.

A documentary that, by means of its resources, speaks about today's Iran in the same way as A Separation. By the way, it also dares to be very open and even audacious, considering the strict Iranian censorship. Overall impression: 90%.

Recently, I visited a museum where I could admire ladies' dresses from leading tailor salons of the First Republic, which were intended for women from higher society. I say "could admire," but I didn't, because it was clear that the ravages of time had worked relentlessly not only on the faded colors but also on the once bold patterns and cuts. What used to dazzle is now just an item in the museum's inventory. I have a similar feeling about the early Bond films. The series about the unbeatable agent of Her Majesty has always been considered by me as a purely marginal part of cinema, and above all, the films from the 60s and 70s are fixed in my mind as museum exhibits. Bond films from the 90s started to become interesting with their sets, special effects, and action, but I only fully embraced their universe with the arrival of Daniel Craig - he became the first Bond whom I believed in as this invincible action hero. The trashy nature of From Russia with Love is evident, but not significant enough to make the film entertaining in and of itself. Some detachment is noticeable in the film, but it is not sufficient. It takes itself too seriously considering how naive the whole plot appears today and how clumsily it works in terms of the action. While I can choose from four genres in the film's header, the only one that would hold up today, namely comedy, is missing and unfortunately was not intended this way. I almost dozed off during the most dynamic action scene, the attack on the gypsy camp. I give the claim that Sean Connery is the only authentic Bond the same weight as the claim that little green men from Mars control us. Overall impression: 45%.

War is cruel, and it applies double to civilian casualties. The documentary For Sama reminds us of this known truth through direct contact with the wounded and dying in an Aleppo hospital. Poignantly and urgently - there is no doubt about that. These images full of pain are authentic and can penetrate the mind. So far, I understand the response to Waad Al-Khateab's film. However, there is also another level of the documentary that is not evident and understandable to everyone. Western public opinion, as well as political elites, were unable to navigate the complex Syrian political situation and too often accepted naive and incompetent positions and decisions. If I had the misfortune to live in Syria, I would be aware of Asad's responsibility as an authoritarian leader for nepotism, the brutality of the secret police, and for unleashing the war through the bloody suppression of protest demonstrations. But if I had the misfortune and did not end up as an immigrant abroad, knowing the real possibilities, I would support Asad as the lesser evil in the given situation. I would certainly be more concerned about the victory of Sunni fundamentalists, who controlled Aleppo for several years and now operate in Idlib. I would know about their efforts to place military bases in residential areas and use civilians as human shields. And I would know many unpleasant things about their treatment of non-believers and opponents. The film by Waad Al-Khateab is not value-neutral and is filmed from the position of the besieged, namely the Al-Nusra Front and similar militants. There certainly are a few subliminal manipulations found in the film, which is why it only has an overall impression of 60% for me.

It's not often that a Hollywood studio reaches for socially significant material and allows for the creation of a film that deviates from the established templates of comic book adaptations, romantic and family comedies, or other entertainment genres. Frost/Nixon is an exceptionally successful film from a technical standpoint, with careful casting, a quality screenplay, and thoughtful direction. If there is a challenge somewhere, it lies in the subject matter itself, in what the creators see as crucial, and what they want to communicate. In reality, Frost/Nixon is not a film about politics and a controversial but influential figure of the time. It is about the role of the media, specifically television, which took on a decisive influence in shaping public opinion in the second half of the 20th century. It is no coincidence that the film repeatedly mentions the famous television debate between Kennedy and Nixon, where Nixon's defeat was decided by the sweat on his face, which appeared unpleasing on camera and made Nixon look older. The decisive moments of Nixon's scandal took place out of the television cameras' view. The ant-like work of investigators, investigative journalists, and behind-the-scenes negotiations of lobbyists during the impeachment process was all beyond the scope of this film as if it didn't exist. By the time the film's story takes place, Nixon was already out of the game, and the duel with Frost was merely a symbolic end to his tenure in office. The televised duel at the political level did not signify a significant turning point, and Nixon continued to publicly function as a private individual and a veteran of the Republican Party, which even considered resurrecting Nixon and his re-candidacy after Ronald Reagan's second term. Frost was and remained just an entertainer who made a mark in media history by managing to bring these events back to television screens and turn them into a major hit several months after the government scandal and the president's resignation. Frost approached the interview as an opportunity to gain visibility and make money. He didn't understand politics, but he knew and understood television as a medium very well. Overall impression: 80%.

I have always liked East Slavic fairy tales influenced by Byzantine and Tatar-Mongol influences, and it's a shame that so few good movies have been made based on their motifs. During the Soviet Union era, there were mostly building films, today there is a lack of money, enlightened producers, and a social demand for their production. In its time, this film was something like a revelation among the Soviet non-consumable film productions. Many quotes from the fairy tale have become popular, and I still consider it to be more than acceptable and a funny cinematic spectacle. Overall impression: 80% - considering a bit of nostalgia.

American cinema often doesn't invite you to this society. The husband is a slacker and a player, the distrainor doesn't know what to take, a miserable job without prospects, and the goal of getting a decent roof over your head is out of reach. Then one fateful encounter comes along with an offer to improve a joyless life when the price is just a few hours of fear while driving over a frozen river. The nearby border offers a decent opportunity for extra income for clever smugglers, especially when the nearby Indian reservation offers a seemingly safe hideout. However, the pitcher goes to the water so many times that the handle breaks... Frozen River is not a film made for effect, it has the appearance of a typical independent American film, and popcorn movie lovers may rightly feel dissatisfied. Frozen River could have become one of the many routine crime thrillers. Instead, a psychological drama about the unique relationship between two women from different cultural backgrounds and their clash with the law was created. Melissa Leo's convincing performance ensures the film's four-star rating. Overall impression: 75%.

I admit that I don't like activists for their one-dimensional view of complex issues. Activism, at the very least, flattens and hinders discussion; I simply look at its expressions with suspicion. However, I don't primarily blame Fruitvale Station for its activist stances and emotional manipulation; the film simply falls into the category of engaged cinema. Although I somewhat identify with its goals, I also note that I haven't seen a title for a long time that so blatantly owed its victory in the festival battle to its subject matter. It is simply too unexciting and unremarkable, lacking emphasis and provocativeness, an incorrect rebellion in the style of Spike Lee. I don't find any directorial or screenwriting mastery here either. I'm giving three stars this time more out of courtesy and for the subject matter. Overall impression: 50%.

Yes, Steven Soderbergh is a successful and talented director, the film features well-known and talented actors, the budget was adequate, the producer was enthusiastic - in short, there were all the prerequisites for a good and successful movie. However, this film has one flaw - it doesn't work at all. Whether it's due to an unfinished script or the direction, and probably both together, the result is more than disappointing for me. Noble boredom in a confusing plot. Overall impression: 30%.