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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach (screenplay); Roald Dahl (novel)
Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, etc.

For more information on “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Of the four (and a quarter) Wes Anderson movies I’ve seen, only this one and “The Royal Tenenbaums” did not bore me. Even so, I believe his work is original, his style distinctive, his colors and art bright. He’s talented, and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a strong proof. It’s fun to watch, quite smart, and has a cool indie vibe about it.

Highlights:
It’s an experience in itself, memorable and well-done.

Downside:
After thinking long and hard, I still can’t find a flaw to this movie.

Would I see it again? – Yes. I’ve seen it twice already 🙂

My Rating (1 to 10): 9.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
It’s a good movie for children. At least the kid I saw it with really liked it.

 

Mr. Nice

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2010
Director: Bernard Rose
Writer: Bernard Rose
Starring: Rhys Ifans, Chloë Sevigny, David Thewlis, etc.

For more information on “Mr. Nice”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
It is a good biopic. I think its average rating on IMDb is not relevant. The actors do a wonderful job, it has both funny and dramatic moments… really nothing unenjoyable, quite the contrary.

Highlights:
Nicely put together. Not to mention that both Rhys Ifans and David Thewlis have Harry Potter movies in their filmography – talk about versatility 😀

Downside:
Maybe it wasn’t promoted well enough.

Would I see it again? – Yes, someday.

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Check out the real life Howard Marks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Marks.

 

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2006
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Writers: Satoko Okudera (screenplay); Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel)
Starring: Riisa Naka / Emily Hirst, etc.

For more information on “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
I enjoyed the story, and felt entertained. The main idea is cool, and the execution of the movie is great as well. It can make your afternoon more pleasant.

Highlights:
It is beautiful, and the spark of magic helps it stand out.

Downside:
The story seems to develop slowly, but, then again, that is how it unfolds.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 7.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
You should watch the original version, in Japanese, with English subtitles.

 

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Bharat Nalluri
Writers: David Magee, Simon Beaufoy (screenplay); Winifred Watson (novel)
Starring: Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, etc.

For more information on “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Charming! Amy Adams impersonates a winsome character, a frivolous childish girl who can’t decide between what she thinks she needs and what actually makes her happy. Thankfully, Frances McDormand’s character comes to the rescue exactly when she is needed the most. The two actresses are the life of the movie, and, despite a few stereotypes and a lot of predictability, I enjoyed this sweet depiction of a day many years ago, the day Miss Pettigrew lived.

Highlights:
It is a positive movie that has the power to brighten your day, if you allow it.

Downside:
At times, it may seem syrupy.

Would I see it again? – Yes 🙂

My Rating (1 to 10): 7.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Relax, get a comforting drink, and watch it for dessert.

 

127 Hours

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2010
Director: Danny Boyle
Writers: Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy (screenplay); Aron Ralston (book)
Starring: James Franco, etc.

For more information on “127 Hours”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
I cringed at the possibility that this movie is about a guy surviving all by his self for 5 days (and nights). Thankfully, the movie is over before it becomes boring. There aren’t useless scenes, no void ornaments. It tells an amazing story of survival, with clean and perfectly balanced cinematographic means.

Highlights:
It is very well done and acted.

Downside:
May seem weird to see mostly just James Franco for the whole duration of the movie.

Would I see it again? – Not in the next few years, but yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
The man who lived this impressive experience, and then wrote about it, is Aron Ralston. You can read about him on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aron_Ralston.

 

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