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Reviews
Archetype (2011)
Amazed and hungry for more
I came upon this short by accident, and it was definitely a lucky one. Now, I must admit, I am a big SF-fan, so my judgement is a bit clouded. But: Wow! In just 7 minutes a whole interesting landscape of characters, time-lines and current state of society is depicted with stunning detail.
Aaron Sims and crew made this short as a low-budget cry-for-attention-of-Hollywood. Luckily, it worked. The amazing work they portrayed and showed in this has earned them the opportunity to make a full feature. I will be one of the first to watch it, and hope all who try this short as a teaser will feel exactly the same.
I couldn't give it a 10, because of the painful feeling of I-need-to-see-more it left me with.
Zero (2010)
Nicely done
A short with an easy but still very much needed message created in a very nice stop-motion style.
The story should not be new to anyone over the age of twelve, but is brought with such an elegance it is worth watching anyways. The animators did a splendid job of creating a variety of characters within the limits they gave themselves. This makes for an enjoyable watch even for grown-ups.
The narrator's voice is pleasant and clear, the scenery simple and yet complete, and the music simple yet supporting.
I hope the creators will use their techniques to also make some more off-the-beaten-track stories.
Rare Exports (2010)
Not your everyday (christmas) movie
This is one surprising movie.
That it isn't a Hollywood production is clear from the very beginning. Nothing is clean, clear-cut, perfect English or filled to the brim with CGI. But that doesn't make it in any way a bad movie. To the contrary. It is this rawness that helps you get the feeling you are really up there in the harsh winter of northern Finland.
The story is also just a bit off the beaten track for any Hollywood production. This is definitely no Coca-Cola Santa we are talking about. The pace of the story is just right, if you ask me. The small bits where there might have been some more tempo gives you just enough time to form your own misconceptions about how the movie will progress. Only to be shaken awake once again, and hugging the edge of your seat with your buttocks.
Besides the nice story, the amazing landscape is by itself a wonder to behold. To bad you don't get to see to much of it. Also, the music is of a very high standard, underlining the mood very well.
Downsides to this movie? OK, the acting is not the very best I have ever seen, but good enough to not irritate. Oh, and they used some easy way outs for scenes that would have cost them loads of money. They just don't show them and leave it up to you to fill it in. But again, this doesn't irritate.
All in all, a very nice production definitely worth watching. Just don't be hoping to see several nice long Finnish blonde ladies frolicking in the snow. Then you'll be sorely disappointed. :D
Shank (2010)
I hope you read this before you watch(ed) the movie...
OK, this will be a very short review.
Only watch this movie if you are really, really into gang-type movies and just have to watch them all.
And then do so with full knowledge that this might just be the worst you ever saw.
Otherwise, save yourself the waste of time, I wished I had.
And yes, the basic idea of a city like London being extremely divided in a poor and a rich segment is not that bad. But they could have made a way better movie about that if you ask me.
Nothing good then? Well, the camera-work is not too bad, and use of colour is reasonable. But that really is it, in my humble opinion.