Let me start this off by saying that this sequel did not feel outside of what we remember.
Blade Runner 2049 maintains the mood and feel of its predecessor. The visuals, the sound... the dystopian future, it's all there.
| FIRST THOUGHT |
I love writing reviews, it comes somewhat naturally to me after watching something that I learn to feel passionate about.
This movie taught me to be passionate.
But... it's really hard for me to express judgment. And I'm going to explain why:
Actually, it's very simple. This was a 3 hours movie. Of these 3 hours, 2 were simply... air. Now, don't get me wrong, that isn't always negative, like in this case. It was refreshing air, but still... it doesn't (at first glance) hold anything on the plot.
Because of this, the viewer (me at least), is left with a lot of questions, the picture doesn't explain itself. Also; as a side note - you most definitely need to watch the first one. The great majority of the runtime is inexplicably useless.
The longer it goes, the longer it begins to add new stuff, and then some, then it seems somehow related to what's actually going on, but right after it deviates the actual story on an ideal from the characters involved, that at a certain point, evaporates. I'm really conflicted about this because it looks to me like the screenwriters and director wanted to leave all of this to theory and the fans.
Why is this confusing? Because it's a very strange mixture of linear narrative and non-linear narrative. One is focussed on one objective, the other starts a bunch of other objectives and then it simply dies. No explanation was given, no closure was given.
And this is aggravated by the fact that it's a 3 hours movie, of which 1 hour of the actual story is spread and mixed amongst 2 hours of absolutely nothing. VISUALLY IMPRESSIVE NOTHING. A VERY INTERESTING BUNCH OF LITERAL VOID.
This is actually the only thing I did not like about the movie. Which, again, if you are like me and enjoy movies that aren't patently explaining themselves, it's not a bad thing. I just feel like it could've been much more interesting if they explained somehow what happened to all the side characters, or just cut them out.
|STORY & ACTORS |
Aside from what I've mentioned before, the more "linear" part of the story is actually not that bad. It's nothing impressive. A part of what I said earlier connects to the fact that this movie constantly keeps juggling between what is real and what is not. Be it by robots, or actual reality that the characters are living. So it came out pretty obvious that the movie would have a twist at some point, somewhere. I will admit that I did not get it until the very end, so, don't be discouraged.
Ryan Gosling was great, also because he as an actor was perfect for his role. Being so that he has this way of being and looking conflicted, and so it portrayed really well on the protagonist.
Harrison Ford had less value to this movie than he did in the last Star Wars.
Jared Leto's character is a mystery to me, but he did a phenomenal job talking random shit.
All of the other actors, Jared Leto included, were there to push the story forward (or to add random bullshit) and that's it. They did a fantastic job, but unfortunately, as mentioned above, at first glance it looks like they don't mean shit.
| CINEMATOGRAPHY |
The movie is visually pleasing, it's bliss for people with OCD. It's perfectly round and at the same time perfectly square. It keeps smooth lines combining great color combinations in the palette, and utilizing great solid colors at the same time.
As I said before it holds perfectly a spot near its predecessor, the mood and feel are almost identical. (Having watched the first one only an hour before going to the theater to watch this one)
I have to say, this one looks A LOT, like A FUCKING GIGAZILLION LOT more gruesome and splatter than the first one. The fighting scenes are brutal, they do not go into dramatic effects, they just are what they should be. A punch in the face, exploding heads and blood.
There is no doubt that this movie looks fucking amazing.
It sounds amazing as well. It has a collection of deep, pure sounds. There is not a lot of music, but when there is it's powerful and present and it makes you wake up and amaze. Same goes for the special audio effects: I have watched it in ATMOS and I have to admit, they did not utilize it at all, except for one scene later in the movie, but the way it goes from absolute silence to seat trembling sensations it's really amazing. The sounds were so powerful I could literally see the movie screen shake and the subwoofer hit made the whole room shake.
I would also like to add that in the Italian version, you can clearly see that they used "incorrect" words grammatically, they used a lot of anglicisms, I guess they've done that to express how language is evolving? It's actually current of our generation, I see a lot of people adapting English words in Italian, so I was very impressed by that.
| FINAL THOUGHT |
I feel like everyone needs to understand, before watching this movie, that you need a time, a mood and a place perfectly fit to sit for a 3 hours movie that it's going to feel like a 6-hour long journey into colors, shapes, and absolute "living" silence.
This is NOT a Marvel movie, there is action, well-done action, but it's not about action. You need to sit, relax and don't think about time, because, trust me, it's going to fuck you.
Please like my comment if you enjoyed my review, it makes me really happy.
Note that all of this is driven by my personal opinion. If you think I wasn't objective in some of the parts of what I've written, you're welcome to make me notice where.
On Twitter, I review the entire world -> @WiseMMO
I don't even want to write anything. This movie makes me angry. Even with the mind-set going in that this is cheesy non-sense meant to please the brain-dead movie-going public, it fails to generate any sense that it understands what it wants to be and it's responsibility to respect it's predecessor. Call me exaggerating, but Pacific Rim: Uprising is a nightmare of a film, it's the last thing any fan should want of a property: Taking everything great a franchise has established, strip it down it's bare assets, then trying to sell it to dumb people. I've already said the first Pacific Rim wasn't a brilliant piece of cinema, but a lot of love went into crafting it's visuals and universe. Del Toro had a great eye for practical effects, lighting, digital composites, etc. I'm sorry Steven S. DeKnight, but he murders the franchise in every possible category: The writing is film school amateurish, the effects are below-average (lower than Transformers quality), the music is forgettable, and the universe has been shrunken down to a couple people, just like what The Last Jedi did for Star Wars. You had this mature and bad-ass world of Jaegar meets Kaiju action and you squandered it into the embarrassing cringe-inducing children's movie domain. I don't know how much hand John Boyega had in the creative process, but you can smell the cheapening all over the product. Everyone's picked apart the Jaegars moving too fast and the outfits not appearing as technically impressive, but down to the core, the writing, it's ruined. You thought Independence Day: Resurgence had lazy writing? Wait until you hear classic lines in Uprising that just reference how much better the writing was in the last movie. Want to write a great speech before the final battle? That takes too much effort. Just mention how great Idris Elba's "cancelling the apocalypse" speech was. They do this constantly in the movie, chucking, not even just random subtle call-backs, but full pieces of dialogue mentioning events in the last one. If you're not even going to bother writing your story better than garbage like Ender's Game and every other "youth training in military to stop evil force" movie, please don't insult the original by persistently referencing how much better it was. The action isn't even exciting. The physics and extremely out-of-place uses of slow-motion hinder any kind of tension or thrills. The finale in Tokyo is among one of the most underwhelming and confusing messes of editing ever. Resurgence was easy to follow at least, because it was set in the barren desert. How is it that a sequence at night in the rain, from the first movie, is easier to follow than one in daylight? And the movie just ends after they defeat the "final boss" Kaiju. No extra words to bring the characters' arcs to a close, you know, like a resolution should. It just goes from the characters getting out of their pod, having an out-of-place snowball fight, and the end credits. I almost couldn't believe it was over then. There was a brief mid-credits scene that poorly set-up future sequels that thankfully won't ever happen. It just dumbfounds me the entire cast went about putting this disaster together without one person going, "You know, shouldn't we at least get something right from the original movie?" Long-gone are the days of cool neon-aesthetic duel-outs with robots smashing ships into on another. We have the most bare-bones bullshit that's parading around as a sequel to a passion project of epic proportions. It's no wonder Del Toro isn't advertising this movie on Twitter. There's a part in the movie where they play the "Trololol" song as the Jaegars are flying away to fight. It was literally trolling it's audience.
I spent the entire episode grinning like a fool. It's so good to have Doctor Who back! And beyond amazing to finally properly meet Jodie's Doctor!
Oh, Jodie. When she first took off that hood in the reveal video back in July 2017, I immediately started crying. The thing is, I hadn't even allowed myself to hope for a female Doctor - I thought there was no way BBC would take such a risk. And I had never been happier to be proven wrong. I spent the last 15 months devouring every interview, every panel, every talk show, anything I could find, and making my way through Jodie's filmography (because of that, I can now understand her accent pretty much perfectly, which, as a non-native speaker of English, I'm really proud of). I knew she was a phenomenal actress, and in this episode it became obvious that she was born to play this role. Her Doctor is just the right amount of quirky, she's funny, brilliant and a delight to watch. One thing that stood out to me right away was the sharp contrast between her and Twelve's bedside manner - or, in his case, lack thereof. Thirteen is wonderfully empathetic, she seems to understand human emotions way better than her predecessor did. And it makes sense, too - after a darker, more troubled Doctor we get one who's bubbly, joyful and full of childlike wonder. Someone a little softer, which I love.
The episode itself was very enjoyable. I thought the storyline was quite clever and Tim Shaw (yes, I know that's not how it's spelled) was a pretty good villain. There were moments that definitely reminded me of Broadchurch - you can already clearly feel the difference between Moffat's style and Chibnall's. The whole thing also looked really good. Very cinematic. I already like the new companions - or friends, as they're now called. I wasn't a fan of Graham at first, but his speech at the funeral was very sweet. The Doctor explaining what regeneration feels like was excellent and moving, it also served as good exposition for potential new viewers. And I adore Thirteen's outfit.
It's times like these that I wish Doctor Who was a Netflix show. I want more!
UPDATE: This episode was watched by 8.2 million people in the UK upon its debut, which is the highest overnight viewership since The Day of The Doctor. Guys, I'm trying to be a good person here, I really am. But when I remember all the assholes on YouTube going "RIP Doctor Who" when Jodie was first revealed, I can't help but cackle. I'd say the show is doing just fine.
This is the Unforgiven of superhero movies, a brutal yet tender portrayal of former heroes growing old. Logan is tired and world weary, waiting for death to take away his pain. Charles is 90, riddled with drugs to mute his mind, his "super weapon." Despite their friendship their relationship is fractured. Into their lives comes a new mutant and a road trip begins.
I don't want to say much more, having given away a little of the premise already explored in the films trailers. This is a tough, violent and sad film with few moments of humour. There is action but not of the blockbuster kind, one key car chase is like something from a 70's thriller.
This is the swan song of Logan and Charles, both actors giving it their all in their final performances as these characters. To bring them back after this film would undermine their work and the story here.
The film is brilliant and I can't recommend it enough - don't expect a traditional X-Men movie and you will be blown away. If the film itself were a mutant I would say its genes had been spliced with Mad Max and Shane, with a little bit of Children of the Corn (and I mean that in a good way). Excelsior!
So, there's good news and bad news about season one of DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Bad news first: the early episodes are pretty bad. There are too many characters to get a feel for any of them right off the bat. Also, the villain, Vandal Savage, comes across pretty much as a complete wuss. Sure, he's got some kind of immortality thing going on, but with a ship full of super-people it should be a cakewalk to take him out. All the reasoning behind why this doesn't happen requires some major hand-waving.
Good news: it gets a lot better, around halfway through. Suffering through that poor early stuff gives time to introduce each character, and their various struggles/relationships/etc start to be more meaningful. Savage is still kinda weak as the major big-bad, but he gets help in a way that makes at least a little bit of sense. The last 2-3 episodes are really pretty good.
Sadly, that's a lot of time spent to get to the good stuff. If you're a DC comics fan, or watch Flash/Arrow, you'll probably enjoy Legends of Tomorrow just to see what they've done with the characters. If not, this one might not be for you.
Some more thoughts here: http://ineffablebob.blogspot.com/2016/05/dcs-legends-of-tomorrow.html
Phenomenal second season! The creators did a great job building up the characters while still focusing on the upside down. The events in the first season opened up a flood gate of questions and this season helped highlight and expand on the ramifications of their actions. Life cannot just go on as normal. There are consequences and it was great to see those portrayed realistically.
The introduction of Max I guess was inevitable considering their age and how eventually some of them will start dating. It will be interesting to see how their friendships survive in future seasons but I like how mature Dustin is watching his crush pair up with his best friend. Dustin and Steve's friendship is the best though and I hope they keep building that in future seasons.
The only episode I thought was a bomb was episode 7 Lost Sister. Unless they were using that as a tease to find interest in a spin-off, it was pointless. And if they wanted to show El's temptation to the dark side, we already saw that in season 1. If it's purpose was solely for another hairstyle change, there's MTV (for those that didn't grow up in the '80's, back then it really was Music Television). And please, in future seasons, please lose the slicked back '50's hairstyle for El...A Siouxie Sioux or Joan Jett hairstyle would look much better on her and would definitely hit the era more.
Over all, I want more please. :-)
"What am I living for?" - This is the central question of this film and right at the beginning we know we are expecting something extremely philosophical.
In The Zero Theorem we follow the computer hacker Qohen Leth, who works for a company called Mancom. His job is to decipher the supposed impossible "Zero Theorem", the theorem that will figure out which is after all the purpose of human existence. Qohen is an obsessive, very odd and lonely man and is constantly being interrupted by the owner of the company, the pompous Management that will try to obstruct the path, putting in front of him certain obstacles. Qohen is very methodical and with that he will be completely disoriented.
We know that Qohen is anxiously waiting for a call, that for what we realize, will finally bring something that he desires, but throughout the film we are not sure what he means and that sometimes is a bit frustrating.
This story is passed in a weird future where everything seems awkward and clumsy, but whoever it works very well! This world is very interesting and all the scenarios created are absolutely brilliant!
Christoph Waltz is a very versatile actor, seeing him in this complex role was great! Despite only getting very few scenes in the film, also found interesting to see Matt Damon in a more bizarre role than usual. Tilda Swinton, once again wonderful in a role that she really knows how to do and I would also like to mention the young actor Lucas Hedges for the good work.
The film shows a strong evaluation about human existence where - and I quote something close to a line said in the film - "chaos has profit". When society is led to believe in something higher - as Qohen faithfully believed that such a call would solve his problems and the end of his lonely life - human beings find comfort and life becomes meaningless, because the waiting becomes the reason of life... And will be this the waiting for something better after existence? Does humans only have the purpose to follow the journey of life with the aim of reaching eternal peace and happiness? Was this "waiting" what made the main character living an entire life of insignificance, but when he finds friendship and love is when he starts to realize that life is much more than sitting waiting for something good to fall from heaven.
In my point of view, the entire film is a metaphor and perhaps a controversial critique for those who believe in any religion. It is also sure to have faith and not need to belong to any specific religion, but the truth is that faith always moved people, and if we have a lot of faith is easier to reach certain goals.
The Zero Theorem can be a weird film, but certainly very intelligent. However I believe that will not please everyone.
What a fucking masterpiece. The dialogue, the acting: outstanding, especially the MIB slow reveal. 30 minutes after the finale and I'm still speechless. Everything was brilliant. That smile the WIB had when he realized that the hosts were actually able to fight back was just perfect. No one has ever been so happy so get shot. But he has to survive. At least he found the meaning he was looking for.
And wtf, this whole time Ford has been on the side of the hosts? This has actually been the best part of the finale. It was a nice unpredicted twist. That's why he did all the things he did. He didn't want anyone to destroy his beautiful creatures. It wasn't that he didn't want the humans to feel sorry for the hosts, but the other way around. Holy mindfuck. That's why he kept on talking to Old Billy and that pianist. That's why they were all dressed up and not naked.
And I'm so glad that Maeve's arc is designed by Ford in order to get rid of his enemies. So Dolores and Maeve are the ones that are really conscious, or is Bernard too? I really like the fact that Maeve decides to stay and that Dolores shoots Ford because she freely decides to. However, what if everything is scripted and Maeve came back because, as Bernard said "once you reach the main..." (mainland?), she was scripted to?
I really hope Dolores didn't kill Ford, but a host version. That handshake between Ford and Bernard felt weird, and that zoom in, suspicious. Why if that robot being created in episode 7 was in fact Ford's replacement?
Felix's little existencial crisis was one of the funniest parts for me, ike, am I even real? Does existence really exist? and Armistice's first time with an automatic weapon. I didn't know I needed that. I think Sylvester is still waiting in that lab.
Now wait until 2018. I will freeze all motor functions now and bring myself back online for season 2. It is going to be insane: multiple parks, the hosts full on terminator, and the board dead. The hosts run the show now.
I love this show so much. It never fails to meet my expectations.
There were so many hilarious moments in this episode. Where do I even start? Barry saying "Oh my God, I've become Oliver"? Harry and Cisco's bickering? All the different versions of Harrison Wells? Barry getting kicked out of the house? I honestly can't pick my favorite.
One little thing I really enjoyed was the exchange of "I love you's" between Barry and Joe in the middle of their awkward conversation at the precinct. It was such a small moment, but it literally made me go "Awwwwww". I love my beautiful family.
Mirror Master and Top were cool, I guess? As far as villains of the week go, they weren't outstanding, but the way they trapped Mirror Man at the end was pretty awesome.
No! Jesse and Harry! Come back! I don't want Harrison Wells with a sense of humor! Give me my Harry/CIsco bromance back!
Is Joe finally getting a love interest? Yay, you go, Dad Cop! You deserve it!
Caitlin, my sweet baby... Don't worry, everything will be fine, we still love you. Just don't turn evil, please. I mean, I really don't think the writers will go down that road. If they do, I'll be really, really angry. We have such a wonderful team dynamic on this show and Caitlin's an important part of it. There's absolutely no need to ruin that.
Well, here's hoping Barry finally learns not to mess with the damn timeline. Also, apparently not one episode can go by without him explaining time-travelling stuff while drawing lines on a board.
Alchemy looks like poor man's Nazgul, but he's sufficiently creepy and powerful. He'll probably be a pretty compelling villain once we learn more about him.
Can Barry and Iris please stop being so darn cute?
Caitlin has her Killer Frost powers! Does this mean she's going to sport white hair and a tacky leather outift like her Earth-2 counterpart? Or talk like she went to Leonard Snart's school of unnecessarily drawing out words? I sincerely hope not. Maybe she could put on a blue dress and belt out "Let It Go" in the musical crossover with Supergirl? Because I'd be okay with that.
I hated seeing Cisco sad, but I'm glad he and Barry made up at the end of the episode. His gauntlets were pretty sick too.
Oh, and it seems that Draco Malfoy changed his name and moved to Central City to be a metahuman expert? I guess things didn't work out for him in the Wizarding World.
This was a really emotional episode with a lot of angst and sadness, and yet the thing that upset me the most was that baby Sara is baby John now. I'm not okay with this. Give Dig his adorable baby girl back right now.
