Meest bekeken genres / types / landen

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Recensie (2 274)

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Star Trek (2009) 

Engels The intro blows you away both emotionally and in terms of special effects. Abrams combines eye candy with the inexorability of fate with masterly skill. Nero’s passage through the wormhole is appropriately monstrous (thanks to the marvelously designed ship) and destructive. Since I had the chance to look at the comic book preceding it, the second part of the story and the storyline around the red matter and preventing the destruction of the galaxy are all more than familiar. For me, Nero isn’t such an incomprehensible character. And Eric Bana moreover imprinted incredible charisma into him. In fact, I thought it was rather a shame the movie didn’t focus on him more. But this is all made up for with storyline about young Kirk, who is really cool in Pine’s delivery. That loud-mouth, constantly spouting snappy lines is just about right opposite Quint’s “rebel" Spock and these two (along with the superb space battles) are the powerhouses of the movie. And for me, time travel has a special aura and I just have to give the full five. Abrams proves that he seriously has skills like nobody else (I hope he proves this again tomorrow during the finale of season five of Lost) and I’m pleased that he was chosen to bring us King’s fantastic saga, Dark Tower.

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The Illusionist (2006) 

Engels A Czech fairy tale with Edwad Norton in the lead role. Neil Burger obviously learned the style from other, and mainly cheaper, Czech productions.

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Under the Hood (2009) 

Engels A very well-made “documentary" which is an excellent accompaniment to the movie, but can stand alone as well. The history of the Minutemen was sidelined in the movie and some of the events in the movie make greater sense after watching this. The actors slipped perfectly into their roles and finally we get a chance to enjoy Carla Gugino and Stephen McHattie, who just flitted past in Watchmen.

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The Keep (1983) 

Engels An atmospheric, not completely traditional B-movie with a superbly gloomy story. Mann’s style starts waving at you already in the title sequence with the arrival of the Nazis at the fortress and peeps out in each really good scene. I was a little surprised with the strange work with music, because that is usually Mann’s strong side. But here, crazy synthesizers boom away in pretty weird passages and sometimes it is disruptive more than helping to complement the visual action. No flaws in terms of acting, but apart from McKellen and Glenn the remaining ensemble didn’t get much of a look in. I mean, Jürgen Prochnow and Gabriel Byrne could certainly have got more involved in the action. As for effects, they seemed pretty impressive for a movie from the 80s.

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Scarecrow (1973) 

Engels An excellent drama about friendship with the great Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. Relaxed pace in the beginning, making one think that life can be nice after all, is replaced in the middle by harsh reality, which, by the end, almost crushes you, mainly due to the performances of the two protagonists. I'd like to believe they eventually opened the carwash.

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Valkyrie (2008) 

Engels Singer did a good deal of work on this and everything is in the right place. He literally delights in the authenticity of the setting and the event. Cruise’s acting is good and his performance as Colonel von Stauffenberg will win you over. Simply because of what a good guy he was. It was excruciating knowing how his assassination attempt worked out.

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Frost/Nixon (2008) 

Engels An enthralling conversational drama that goes from a simple interview to an event with potential unexpected consequences. The acting performances are at times breathtaking and Langella is utterly convincing as Nixon. And Howard knows exactly what he's doing, thickening the atmosphere immediately during the first tape when Nixon takes Frost down, and escalating it twice, first on the phone and then during the last 20 percent of the movie. I don't understand why he did the Langdon series when he is much better at this sort of thing. Plus, Zimmer's music is once again top notch.

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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) 

Engels Another action comedy full great lines by Shane Black, who this time also sits in the director's chair. The incredible screenplay, full of twists and excellent lines, is complemented by great acting performances. Robert Downey Jr. acts like his life depends on it and "faggot" Val Kilmer complements him brilliantly. If it weren't for the slow pace and too many exaggerated jokes in some places, it would be perfect. Still, I'm even more sorry that the fifth Lethal Weapon won't happen after all because I feel that Black's screenplay could have given the series a much more dignified ending.

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The Hurt Locker (2008) 

Engels Finally, a proper movie about a bomb squad. Excellently filmed. The opening scene with the robot is flawless. Kathryn Bigelow creates an incredibly exciting atmosphere, and every “disposal" has an ace up its sleeve. I liked Renner in S.W.A.T., and it's a good thing he's sticking to these badass roles. Ralph Fiennes and a small cameo by Evangeline Lilly is also delightful. If there were fewer scenes, I wouldn't hesitate to give it five stars.

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The Penguins of Madagascar (2008) (serie) 

Engels The penguins are rocking again, despite the presence of a “mega-stupid" lemur and lackluster animation (it's a good thing penguins don't have hair). I was afraid that after a few episodes, the jokes would start to dwindle and get worse and worse, but it hasn't happened yet. So I keep my fingers crossed and hope one day to see Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico on Czech Television's kids’ bedtime TV show.