Reviews

(might include spoilers)

A tedious, slow-paced drama that even trustworthy solid performances from the leads can not save from drowning. "Young Adam" mingles with reality but consequently bores with its dullness. It is predominated by explicit intimate scenes which speak volumes for the characters involved but unfortunately also drag and exhaust. A man struggling with conscience is not appealing either. Dostoevsky's Raskolnikov eloquently suffered for 542 pages before he eventually turned himself in. What must be noted though are the flashbacks, through which past events unfold and some early scenes seal the meaning they were deprived of initially. Basically, flashbacks are what keeps one involved in the movie, which tries hard but ends up being a depressing study of human nature.

(might include spoilers)

A purely sincere contemplation of an emotional reunion of a stern father and his two teenage sons. Father-Son relationship all of us can easily identify with or relate to. "The Return" is a masterfully filmed, perfectly structured hell of a movie. On the surface we have conflicting personalities of a trio clashing, as we witness their larger than life journey through a magnifying glass. As we broaden the horizons, haunting religious themes and images emerge. Single out a scene which depicts Ivan and Andrey gazing at their sleeping father, who does not just resemble Mantegna's "Dead Christ", what I initially presumed, but is in fact its vivid materialization on screen. Thus, a parallel with Jesus is drawn. But what does this violent man has to do with Jesus? Does he sacrifice himself in order to develop the masculinity, independence, and other valuable character traits of his children or is he nothing but a freaked out tyrant? "The Return" does not indeed answer some questions but instead throws them at us to consider and analyze. Entirely acceptable with me, if you please. What is hidden in the mysterious box? Why did father leave the family and why did he suddenly reappear? Those points are of minor importance. Answers to those questions would have generated more questions and apparently interfered with an exquisite flow of an artistic movie. "The Return" is a captivating work of art which culminates with an array of engaging snapshots, occupying a throne of all time classics as soon as the end credits start to roll.

(Includes spoilers)

I never did admire Chris Rock's acting capabilities so I approached this movie in a rather prejudgemental fashion. Nevertheless, this definite draw back did not prevent me from liking it. "Bad Company" moves smoothly and is entertaining enough due to its constant use of humour and comic situations characters are put into. (though, humorous remarks seemed to be overdone in some scenes). Cinematography and music deserve the separate mention. And not to the lesser extent, Anthony Hopkins, who is remarkable as usual. But, why? Why the bomb's timer (or whatever it is called) has to be stopped when there is only one or two seconds remaining before everyone is blown to pieces? And why a director like Joel Schumacher has to opt for a such ridiculous, irrational unwritten Hollywood rule is beyond my comprehension. If you are ready to face and overlook the above mentioned minor flaws of the movie you will most likely enjoy its company.