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BenvanKayz
Reviews
The Last of Us: Look for the Light (2023)
A Rushed Finale
Unfortunately, as a player of the game, I didn't find this season finale hit quite as hard as it's predecessor.
Whilst I think this episode did a great job in the beginning, capturing some heartfelt moments from the game and also adding some interesting backstory for Ellie, once we got to the Firefly's makeshift hospital things were a bit blink and you'll miss it.
It all happened so fast, there was no sense of relief that they had made it to the hospital, only to have that turned on it's head. One of the biggest problems I found with this version was Joel's demeanour during the final sequence. In the game Joel comes across as a desperate father simply trying to save his new daughter, whereas here Joel goes straight into badass commando mode, easily slaughtering the entire hospital guard. There was no subtlety, no time to breathe during this whole sequence which I think detracted from the emotional power this episode could have delivered.
Understanding that this is a TV adaptation at the end of the day and they were never going to be able to adapt the extended combat sequences into compelling TV, I still think a little bit more time might have helped this episode feel more satisfying.
Still not a bad ep overall, and it sets things up nicely for season 2.
Crash (2004)
so moving
Crash is one of the most moving films I have ever seen. I loved every minute of it, and i believe that it did deserve to win the best picture award at the Oscars. So what if it was a little unrealistic, it still faced the issue of racism with bravery and passion, and in doing so, will move a very wide range of audiences.
The film deals with the hardships of several different families and individuals all from different racial backgrounds and how they all connect with each other via a series of car crashes and crimes.
It is beautifully made and wonderfully acted. The cast is absolutely brilliant. There were so many powerful moments during the film and I think many people will find it hard to hold back the tears.
This film is not to be missed. 10/10
Without a Paddle (2004)
not as funny as i expected but still so much fun
I expected this movie to be mindless totally unbelievable comedy, but it was totally different to what i expected. It did have some hilarious moments but it still had an almost serious storyline and a good adventure story as well, and as a big fan of adventure films, i really liked the movie.
I love comedies as well, but sometimes when adventure and comedy cross together they can become really corny, but seeing as this movie is not a big budget adventure film the comedy fits in perfectly, and after all it is a comedy film.
The story follows three old reunited friends on a quest to find their deceased friends' treasure after discovering a map in their old club tree house.
The three main characters, played by Seth Green, Matthew Lillard and Dax Sheppard, are so funny together and are perfectly cast.
The film has a serious and sentimental side to it. And it even has some little morals in it, which is interesting. But none of these things totally overshadow the comedy side to the movie.
Overall this is a great fun movie, that isn't full of mindless gags and over the top gross elements. Highly recommend for comedy movie nights. 7/10
Wicker Park (2004)
keeps you hooked
Whicker park started off pretty slow, but as the film progressed the twists and turns just got more numerous and intriguing. I also watched this film not knowing much about it and not knowing what to expect, what i got was an entertaining romantic thriller.
The storyline is very clever and there are so many moments that you just can't work out for yourself, but they are always resolved and explained.
The cast was perfect and the acting was great, which was a big plus.
The way the movie was shot, with flashbacks and interesting camera views, was really great and worked so well.
This movie is nothing extremely special, but it is entertaining and will leave you guessing from start to very end. I recommend it to all romance/drama fans. 7/10.
The Longest Yard (2005)
different for a football movie
This movie was a surprise to me. I was expecting another football comedy, with a few funny gags, but i was mistaken.
Its actually surprisingly serious, sure it has its really funny moments, but i also noticed a lot of drama and sensitivity during the film, and i'm pretty sure thats a good thing. It gave the movie more appeal, to have the characters actually have emotions and goals, unlike most sport/comedy flicks.
And also, the game play is presented brilliantly, with matrix style slow motion shots and really cool stunts, it gave the game a totally different outlook.
And of course the movie is still a comedy, and it was funny.
I recommend it to all sports movie fans and anyone who feels like watching something different than your typical football/comedy. 8/10
A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)
a really moving film
I watched this movie having had no knowledge that it even existed. I think its good to watch a movie that you have heard nothing about whatsoever, because the film has no expectations to live up to.
The movie is based on a girls life after she finds out her estranged mother has died. The girl is played extremely well by Scarlett Johansson,a nd i found her character very believable.
She meets two men, Bobby and Lawson (played by John Travolta and Gabriel Macht), who live in her mothers house, and the story follows their building relationships and struggles together.
The movie is really moving and leaves you with a warm feeling inside, with a charming soundtrack to go with.
Highley recommended for those seeking a quality drama to watch on a Friday night. 9/10.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Pretty Good
'Kingdom of Heaven' was pretty much exactly what I thought it would be, a long entertaining epic movie with good scenery and special effects. But i wasn't expecting it to be so hard to follow.
The beginning of the film was promising and almost similar to gladiator in a way. But after the first few scenes i found myself getting lost in the plot. I had no idea what was going on. You would probably have to be an ancient historian, or at least have a lot of previous knowledge of the crusades and Jerusalem to know exactly what was happening, but it was still entertaining.
The film continued like this until about the last half hour where it became pretty clear what was happening. The battle scenes were well done and highly entertaining. I couldn't help but notice the extreme similarities to 'Lord of the Rings: The Retern of the King' though.
Orlando Bloom is surprisingly good in the hero role, and all of the cast fit very well into their roles. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams is excellent too.
Overall, this film is pretty entertaining and full of beautiful scenery and some great battle sequences, although a little hard to follow. 7/10.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Horrible
I watched this movie with my dad because he said it was one of the best movies he has ever seen, naturally i had high expectations because he usually has good taste in movies.
By the end of the movie i felt so sick and depressed i don't think i could ever watch it again. It was extremely violent, extremely long, extremely boring, and extremely weird. It could almost be classified as a horror film, and its supposed to be a realistic war movie. But i suppose it's message is to show how horrible the Vietnam war was and how people can really do horrible things, so i will give it credit for that.
It drags out for ages and never seems to have any storyline, just a few marines on a mission to find a crazy marine who thinks he is a god to a tribe. It is almost too violent but not in a gory way, but just horrible images of sacrifice and execution and brainwash. This film made me feel like crap. I don't know why so many people love it.
I'm giving it 2/10 because it is not a very nice film to watch but it does manage to put across its message. I can only recommend it to war movie fans who like depressing films.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
One of the best movies i have ever seen
Amelie would have to be one of the best movies i have ever seen, i loved every moment of it.
It is a feel good movie that really makes you feel good and i was laughing from start to finish and by the end of the film i just felt happy. Every character in the film has their own unique story and you just cant help but love them all, especially Amelie, who just has the ability to make everyone happy because she is always happy and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Audrey Tautou is now one of my favorite actresses and this is the only film i have seen her in.
This is one of those rare films that i can recommend to absolutely everyone. 10/10.
The Wonderful World of Disney: The Love Bug (1997)
Exceptional for a remake
I have seen this movie twice, and I was surprised to learn that this was a 'made for TV' release. I would never have guessed.
I haven't seen the original "Love bug" but I'm sure this one could be just as good if not better than the original. It is great fun to watch, with some good special effects to go with. The all star cast really helps too. I can even remember almost crying at one stage.
Bruce Campbell is great in the lead role, even if this movie is different to his usual style, and Alexandra Wentworth is a great match. John Hannah is good in the bad guy role.
Overall, this movie is anything but a 'made for TV' movie and I'm giving it 7/10.
I Highly recommend it to people who are usually disappointed with Disney's usual straight to video sequels.
Dinosaur (2000)
Extremely Underrated
Dinosaur is a fantastic movie with a great plot and lovable characters. Film critics all around have picked out this movie's faults and expanded on them to make them seem worse than they really are, but the truth is, this movie has so much to offer and should not be missed.
I saw this movie at the cinema when it first came out, and have watched it numerous times since then, and every time I watch it I notice something new about it. For me it is one of those rare movies that you can watch over and over again.
This film took 12 years to make and the amount of effort put into it was amazing. The animation is fantastic and it never ceases to amaze me, the dinosaurs look so real. Also the original score by James Newton Howard is brilliant, and I highly recommend the soundtrack.
The characters in the film are really easy to get attached to and you really find yourself worrying about them and hoping they will make it through. Even though one of the main qualities of this film is obviously the spectacular special effects, the storyline and characters are so entertaining that it is easy to forget that the dinosaurs are animated and the locations are not really from 65 million years ago.
People pick on this movie because its unrealistic, but they have to remember, movies are not meant to be realistic, they are meant to be unrealistic. Thats what movies are made for. If we just watched movies that were realistic we would be watching everyday life on the big screen. Don't we make movies to escape the real world?
Overall, this movie is great for people of all ages, especially dinosaur lovers. I give it 10/10 because of the effort put into it and the fantastic film that is the result of that effort.