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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

Stranger than Fiction

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Stranger Than Fiction movie poster

Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2006
Director: Marc Forster
Writer: Zach Helm
Starring: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Emma Thompson, etc.

For more information on “Stranger than Fiction”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
A delectable quirky movie with just enough sugar and spice to make it complete. The premise is risky: Will Ferrell as a fictional real IRS man who falls in love. But it’s simpler than it seems 🙂 and Ferrell proves he’s a good actor in general, not only a comedian. In a way, this movie is like a fairy tale for grown-ups. It is narrated as if it was a book, and in a way it really is. For this reason, but also because it is witty, bookish people could appreciate this film more than the average movie enthusiast.

Highlights:
Nice plot, good acting, flow.

Downside:
Throughout the film, there a constancy in rhythm that may prevent a stronger emotional response in the viewer.

Would I see it again? – Haha! I’ve already seen it several times, and will probably see it again soon 😀

My Rating (1 to 10): 9

Recommended: Yes!

Suggestion:
If you happen to write, get inspired by this movie and try this exercise: imagine that your main character is alive somewhere and you can dictate the course of his/her life in detail. Interesting and fun, isn’t it?

 

Barney’s Version

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2010
Director: Richard J. Lewis
Writers: Mordecai Richer (novel); Michael Konyves (screenplay)
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, etc.

For more information on “Barney’s Version”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
“First he got married. Then he got married again. Then he met the love of his life.” No, it’s not Rodolfo‘s story :D, but that of Barney Panofsky, played by Paul Giamatti. There’s no spectacular adventure or action in this movie; only good acting and a beautiful story. It touched me. There was a moment when, crying, I just burst into even more tears. That twist is the key to the whole movie, making it special and deeply emotional.

Highlights:
Few films can pull off romance with a character like Panofsky.

Downside:
Those who don’t enjoy an emotional movie, a tearjerker even, will probably not like this one.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Don’t watch this movie while eating; it will ruin your dinner. I know from experience – food will come second, you’ll stop for wiping your eyes and nose, and, at times, you will even forget to chew 😀

 

Finding Neverland

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2004
Director: Marc Forster
Writer: David Magee
Starring: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman, etc.

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

 

General impression:
It’s a sweet movie about imagination and how reality gives birth to fiction. It’s also about J. M. Barrie finding inspiration for “Peter Pan” :). Kids should see this movie – it may inspire them to be creative and more imaginative.

Highlights:
It is charming in every aspect.

Downside:
No guns, no strippers, no car chase, no aliens 😉

Would I see it again? – Yes, someday

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Meet the real-life Peter Pan, Peter Llewelyn Davies. Not a happy story.

 

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