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Very Bad Things 1998
This is one of the most nihilistic movies I've ever seen. Slater in particular masterfully plays one of the most despicable, morally depraved characters to have ever hit the screen, constantly excusing the physically and emotionally scarring of good-hearted people without a second thought. It managed to disturb and sadden me like few horror movies have achieved, by shruggingly playing utterly tragic situations for laughs. There's an unshakeable feeling of dread hanging over the whole thing and it's one of…
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The Wolf Children Ame and Yuki 2012
I saw this directly after Warm Bodies on the Imagine film festival in Amsterdam and on a thematic level this film works surprisingly well as a sequel: Warm Bodies explores the idea of a human bonding with an 'other' being and the social acceptance thereof, while Wolf Children shows what consequences and domesticated conflicts can follow from that.
The animation is astonishing, with a great amount of detail to admire in every single shot and a wonderful general art style.…
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Greenberg 2010
Stiller convincingly portrays an unlikeable but nuanced lead and him and the excellent Gerwig are an interesting, unconventional couple stuck in a social rut. While there's a certain lack of dramatic development, the loose structure works well enough for the type of film it is: a character study. Baumbach conveys a nice sense of melancholy and the awkward interactions the script is filled with are well written and played out.
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Transporter 3 2008
Pretty watchable Statham vehicle. The editing - which consists of the typical fast cuts inherent to many modern action flicks - is done in a more precise and considered way than usual. Seeing Gamer (2009) right after this underscores the fact that it never reaches the heights of Taylor & Neveldine's films, nevertheless there's a pleasing kinetic energy to the action. There's isn't enough chutzpah to the dialogue to keep the slower parts from dragging, but some fresh set-pieces and nicely choreographed fighting make sure that it doesn't overstay its welcome.
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Lawrence of Arabia 1962
Together with 2001: A Space Odyssey this is my favourite movie of all time. As a consequence I find it hard to put into words just how special it is on so many fronts. Not only do the sprawling storytelling and sense of scale put most other epics to shame, the uncompromised way the movie explores Lawrence's extraordinarily complex character is unparalleled for such a large production. The lush and wondrous imagery not only provides a jaw dropping setting but…
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The Artist 2011
A truly charming and heartfelt movie. The Artist makes the most of the unique acting and directing style required to communicate with visuals only -- There's only a text card on screen when something really needs to be said outright -- and injects its plot with some clever meta references concerning (the lack of) sound. Unlike the recent somewhat empty feeling Muppets movie, The Artist has a lot to offer on its own besides an emphasis on nostalgic values. It's…
