5 stars

House M.D.

It’s my second week now of being hooked to “House M.D.” series.

Yes, I’ve been warned a few times that it is very addictive, and yet I decided to watch a couple of episodes. Every day now I am staying late and waking up early just to see yet another episode. The surprising thing is that I tought I’d get bored of it pretty soon – stories in every episode are very similar, characters behave in the same way, and jokes follow the same pattern. However there is something slightly different about every episode that makes me want to see the next one.

So far, I am up to episode 11 of the 3rd season. First season was very introductory and fun, except for that episode where Dr.House explains what happened his leg. That episode alone was an excellent movie in itself, even if just 45 minutes long. Second season was a bit more boring. Third season is way more exciting, with this whole cop drama.

Also, I am sort of glad that I have the Russian version of the series. I can hear how bad the translation is and that it misses quite a bit, but listening to all that terminology in English would really bore me to death. I can’t undertand that stuff in Russian, but at least I can somewhat guess of the whereabouts.

Anyway, be warned that the series are very addictive and if you get hooked, you’ll spend a lot of time watching it – 6 seasons x 24 episodes x 45 minutes per episode adds up to a lot of time. But if it happens that you try it and like it, you’ll have quite a bit to enjoy. Make up your own mind.

Frost / Nixon

A few days ago I went to see “Frost / Nixon“. A movie with the one of the USA presidents in the title? Just a few days since the whole world has watched the most hyped up inauguration of the USA president in history? And just a few days since I’ve watched another political movie about yet another predisent of the USA – “W.“? Yes, of course. Plus there was a surprisingly high rating over at IMDB.

And it happens to be a really good movie. I’m a total loser when it comes to history, so I can’t really say how accurate the film is, but from the movies point of view it was excellent. I really liked the simplicity of the overall setup – it felt like everything happened in the single room, even though it is not true. It also felt like there were only two people in the film, even though that wasn’t true either. It felt like there was nothing else, even though that again wasn’t true. It’s just that type of a movie which has a lot of tiny details which are unnoticable on their own, but which build up the film to be what it is.

Another thing which I thought was done really well, was the drama. A big man with the weight of his mistakes and, seemingly, the whole country pointing fingers at him – yet resistent to accept his guilt, finding ways to see everything from other perspective, however feeling the burden deep inside. And then another man, much smaller one, but with his head high due to all the publicity and success around him. And like they say in the film, there is this moment in the ring where a challenger receives the first punch from the title holder and suddenly, in split second, understands the seriousness of the situation. This was built up and shown very well.

As noted above – tonnes of work went into making of this film and the result is great. Because of all the acting, camera work, light, make-up, sound work, etc, etc, etc this film is one of those fresh breezes even though it has an “oldish” touch to it.

5 stars. Recommended, even if you are not into politics.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Watched “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” in the movies yesterday. Excellent film!

First of all, an original story. Secondly, interesting historical recreaction and mix of times from beginning of the last century to these days. Thirdly, impressive technically – acting, make-up, camera work, special effects, etc. Fourthly, the film is both entertaining, as well as philosophical.

And if that all sounds like way too perfect, maybe it is. However there were a few things that could have done better. I thought that the film was a bit too long, and that the ending was somewhat unrealistic – which is fine, but just doesn’t fit the rest of the film.

Overall, an excellent experience. Much recommended. 5 stars.

Burn After Reading

I went to see “Burn After Reading” a couple of weeks ago. I had a feeling that it should be rather good, because it was directed by Cohen brothers, who directed, produced, and wrote screenplays for quite a few good movies (“No Country for Old Men”, “O Brother, Where Art Though?”, “The Big Lebowski”, “Fargo”, “The Hudsucker Proxy”, and more). Also, the cast for this film was interesting – George Clooney, John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, and a few other names you know. And, of course, there was a cool trailer.

The film was excellent, but it wasn’t quite what I expected. I thought (based on the trailer) it would some sort of comedy action, with a bit of crime. And it sort of was. But. I don’t even know how describe it. It was funny but very sad film. Or a very sad film, which was funny. I guess that just doesn’t make any sense, but that what it was.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. Especially with all the good acting, interesting story telling, camera work, and even more good acting. An 8 out of 10 and strongly recommended.

Wanted

The other day I went to the cinema to see “Wanted“. I’ve been waiting for this film for some time now, since I liked the trailer and heard quite a few positive reviews from people who saw it earlier. It wasn’t a disappointment at all. On the contrary. I really liked it. In fact, I’m planning to go and see it once again, while it is on the large screen, and then I want to get myself the DVD with all the extras and special features.

Excellent special effects, great soundtrack, and quite a few twists in the story – some of which are predictable and some are not – all these makes it into an excellent entertainment. Of course, Angeline Jolie with gun fights and car chases is a major attraction as well. Morgan Freeman is a nice addition. But what I liked the most about the movie is its originality. Not breathtaking kind, but the kind which really made me watch it in full attention. Rarely do I come across something from Hollywood and have this feeling.

Overall, 9 out of 10. Strongly recommended.