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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

Coraline

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Henry Selick
Writers: Neil Gaiman (novella); Henry Selick (screenplay)
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, etc.

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

 

General impression:
Buttons, Scotties, and some Other World – I can’t say I disliked this film, but I did not like it either. Although lots of unusual things happen, the movie bored me. I think that was because it failed to touch a sensitive chord. That is the biggest element missing in this movie. Otherwise, it can leave you gasping at times, because it’s nicely done, definitely not silly, and the story’s interesting. Look out for a scene involving pillows and a sad Coraline – it’s touching.

Highlights:
Fresh and well executed.

Downside:
For me, it lacked feeling.

Would I see it again? – Better said, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again someday… in the distant future.

My Rating (1 to 10): 7

Recommended: Hmm… I really don’t know what to say… Yes, if you like the genre.

Suggestion:
“Be careful what you wish for” 🙂

 

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.

 

Whatever Works

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Starring: Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, etc.

For more information on “Whatever Works”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
I love movies that present people as they are, without villainizing any of them. After all, we have our differences, we may not be compatible, but that doesn’t mean a different attitude / outlook / background / culture etc. makes the other a villain – we’re people, we can get along somehow. It is a very witty, quotable movie, and it made me weep a bit. How can you not be impressed when the misanthrope says: “Whatever love you can get and give, whatever happiness you can provide, every temporary measure of grace – whatever works.”

Highlights:
I loved Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood; and the script is just great.

Downside:
The bad reviews (I still don’t fully understand them :))

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 9

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Ignore the bad reviews! Paying attention to those might steal you the pleasure of seeing a good movie, which, at least in my opinion, “Whatever Works” is.

 

District 9

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Writers: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
Starring: Sharlto Copley, David James, etc.

For more information on “District 9”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
There aren’t many movies that make a powerful impression and grasp you from the very beginning. “District 9” was such a film for me, sticking my eyes to the screen. I wasn’t expecting that much brilliance; it just captivated me. You must see and understand for yourself.

Highlights:
The concept and its production are AMAZING!

Downside:
It is a little too dark.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 9.5

Recommended: Yes, please watch it!

Suggestion:
Drop me a line if/when there’s a sequel I don’t know about.

 

Solitary Man

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Directors: Brian Koppelman, David Levien
Writer: Brian Koppelman
Starring: Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, Jesse Eisenberg, Danny DeVito, etc.

For more information on “Solitary Man”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
It is not a bad movie, but I’ve seen much better. Unfortunately, it doesn’t grip your attention, and it doesn’t stir much emotion. You almost have compassion for the main character, but all through the movie he keeps acting like he doesn’t want or deserve it, so it’s hard, very hard, to like this character.

Highlights:
The story.

Downside:
A tad boring, a tad annoying.

Would I see it again? – No

My Rating (1 to 10): 7

Recommended: It is not a must-see.

Suggestion:
Don’t regret not seeing it.

 

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