Tag: Leonardo DiCaprio

Inception

It’s been a while since I wrote  a movie review.  This is mostly because with all the crappy films that came out recently, I lost my inspiration for a bit.  I’m glad to report that my inspiration is back on track.   How could it not be, with the film like “Inception“, which I went to see in the movies on Saturday night?

We, the non-14-years-old audience, were waiting for this or similar movie for a really long time now.  It’s everything you want from a movie and more – it’s smart, it’s engaging, it’s entertaining, it’s thought-provoking, it’s pleasant to look at, and it gives you something to talk about for days after.  I’ve heard plenty of positive reviews of this movie.  And I’m sure I haven’t heard even a tiny bit of them – currently the film is #3 in IMDB’s Top 250 films of all times.

For me personally, the movie was quite a surprise.  It is similar in different details to so many other movies, yet it is unique, standing on its own, and way better than most.  While a lot of people, of course me included, enjoyed the twisted story, I was mostly taken away by the visuals.  The combination of great visual effects and outstanding photography are break-taking.  It is on par with the bullet-time photography of “The Matrix”, adjusted for a years that pasted.  In particular – two scenes that were jaw-dropping: bending of the city, which is partially seen on the poster, and the fight in the hotel corridor.  During these two scenes I almost totally forgot what the movie was about – it looked so great, that I had a huge “Wow!” sign occupying all space inside my head.

I’ll say even more.  Do you remember when the “Avatar” movie came out?  It was great, wasn’t it?  But you had to use the 3D glasses which were annoying, and you sorta had to see the movie, because there was so much hype about it.  These two things for me were a bit offsetting.  I was expected it to be great.  I had to force myself to wear the glasses.  “Inception” on the other hand was totally unexpected, and it came in 2D (thank you whoever made that decision).  I went to see a twisted story with Leonardo DiCaprio, and I what I got out of it was so much more.

Anyways, I can talk about this movie for hours.  But I’d rather do it with people who saw it.  So, don’t miss out your chance – movies of this superb quality don’t come out that often.  Do yourself a favor and see it in the cinema.  It pretty much requires the big screen.  It’s so good that I’ll probably go see it again, and end up buying a DVD or something.

Absolutely a 5 out of 5.  Highly recommended.

Shutter Island

Even though I am a fan of both Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio and most of their works together, I didn’t want to watch “Shutter Island“.  Why?  Because of the trailer.

I saw the trailer several times.  And every time I saw it, I thought exactly the same: “It looks nice, but it’s just not my type of the movie”.  Trailer seemed to show full plot and all the highlights of the movie.  And what I saw wasn’t something to bring me in.

And that’s a pity.  Because I nearly missed an awesome movie!  By pure accident did I go to see it yesterday, and, boy, am I happy that I did!  This film is excellent on every level.  There is a twisted, interesting, and engaging plot.  Just when you thought you got it, it turns and changes, and goes the other way.  Even when you think the movie is at the end and you know how it will end, it ends in a totally different unpredictable way.

On top of that there is a rich visual layer.  Scenes go back and forward between a very desaturated, almost grey-and-white setting to very vivid colours and shapes and textures.  And it happens in a very balanced matter.  It’s not a colourful film, but it’s not a black-and-white either.  Colours swing together with plot twists and character moods.  And music.

And speaking of characters, there was some amazing acting.  The cast is fantastic and these are just the people to see in the film like this.

In short, do yourself a favour – go see this film.  You’ll get a little something extra from watching it on the big screen.  5 out of 5.

Body of Lies

The other day I went to see “Body of Lies“.  I know that some people just can’t take the same actor playing similar roles in two consequtive films – in this case Leonardo DiCaprio being an undercover agent – but if you can get past that, you are probably to enjoy the film.  At least I did.

Yes, it had enough cliches and stereotypes and all, but it was also somehow fresh.  It wasn’t all that predictable, and it carried a good mix global propaganda with personal drama and plain old action.  Good acting, good shooting and explosion, twisty story, nice character development, nice camera work – all make it into a worthy film.  If you have a chance to catch it on the big screen – use it.  You’ll get some extra.

Overall, a 7 out of 10.

The Departed

How many celebrities can you imagine involved in a single movie?  Try the cast of “The Departed“.  Directed by Martin Scorsese.  Main roles played by Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and more.  Even one of the co-producers was Brad Pitt himself. There was practically no way to spoil this film.  So, no wonder it won 4 oscars plus a whole bunch of other awards and nominations.

Did I like this film?  Yes.  It was very good.  I liked the story and the way it was told.  I liked acting a lot.  Leonardo did especially well.  And Baldwin.  And Nicholson of course.  And the other ones too.

But.  Something is missing in this film. I can’t put my finger on it though.  I’d rate this film as a solid 8.5, or maybe even 9 out of 10.  But, it was so very close to 10, to a perfect movie, but it’s not.  If you have any idea of what is missing, please share in the comments.  I’d really like to know.  Because the rest of it is so good…