Log: week 25 / 2019
A proper, smart and effective reboot of a franchise that was in dire need of some fresh blood. This 2019 version retains that classic 80s horror charm without being too literal or derivative. Chucky himself got a welcome facelift, the kills are graphic enough and the comedy is on point. A lot better than I expected it to be.
There's no lack of great ideas here, but the execution isn't quite on par. Both Hathaway a Sudeikis look kinda lost, the monster design is a little boring and the drama doesn't really gel. The film offers a constant tug between genre appeal and unrealized potential, making it a somewhat disappointing watch, though not without a couple of memorable moments.
Fine doc that tells the story of Rohani, an old man part of a tribe that lives in close relation with the sea. While the film features stunning underwater footage, Rohani's story isn't all that interesting and the music isn't on par with the visuals. Worse though is the fact that Jago feels a little staged at times. The idea is strong, the execution could've been better.
A gritty and moody horror film that makes perfect use of its shoestring budget. The fantasy setting makes for an interesting diversion, the lack of exposition is refreshing and the execution is excellent. Think Sauna, but a little gorier, dirtier and meaner. One more example that you don't need piles of catch to make a good film.
A very pleasant and enjoyable comedy that goes for a blend of dry and quirky, without getting too absurd or outlandish. Some slight touches of drama add a little bit of depth, but it's clear that it doesn't aim to be too serious. It's a film without real highlights, yet amuses the entire time. Very fine filler indeed.
Very simple but amusing little sci-fi mystery that borrows heavily from its faux doc horror cousins. There's nothing really original here, just some documentary makers trying to debunk an alien abduction story and getting caught up in the whole ordeal. The execution and pacing are solid and on point though, which is good enough for a modest genre film.
A witty but dark and bone dry comedy that tells of the chaos that ensues when Stalin suddenly dies of a stroke. Carried out in deadpan fashion, but clearly played for laughs, Iannucci has a tight grip on story and actors. It's not a very bright or relaxing comedy, but that doesn't make it any less fun. Liked this one a lot.
Live-action adaptation of the manga. I loved the anime version of Saint Young Men, the translation to live-action is obviously a bit trickier. It doesn't help that all the sketches play inside the same little flat, but at least the dry, good-natured, and down-to-earth comedy is still very much intact. Jezus and Buddha are two respected deities, but they also need a vacation from time to time. They hook up together in Tokyo, where they share a little apartment. They don't do much besides ponder life's biggest questions, but they also explore the mundane pleasures that humanity invented. It's a delightfully absurd premise, and with Matsuyama and Sometani as leads the performances are perfect. The setting's a little limited though and the comedy gets a bit too repetitive. The anime had a little more to offer, but if you prefer to look at real humans, this film offers up a nice alternative.Read all
A new reboot of the Leprechaun series didn't inspire much enthusiasm, but Kostanski was clearly the right man for the job. Returns is a proper update of the old material, carrying enough retro charm while escaping the clutches of the past. Don't expect anything too serious, it's all played for laughs, but it's jolly good fun.
Funny for about 5 seconds, after that it become a painful trip where it's difficult to figure out who to feel sorry for the most: the actors, the people subscribing to these services or the makers for their lack of talent and lack of taste. I'm sure there's an audience for comedy like this, but I felt this would be more at home on a YouTube channel.
Horror with a juicy wink. Satan falls into the same category as Calvaire, so expect country bumpkins, strange pagan rituals and a dark and devious sense of humor. Cassel is hilarious, the other characters are the right kind of annoying. It takes a while to get going, but the finale is pure genre bliss.
A pretty dull romance with a slightly darker edge. Apart from the circus setting, there's very little that catches the eye here. The plot is minimal, the romance lacks depth and even though the film is short it still manages to feel sluggish. Unless you're a fan of silent cinema or classic horror, I just don't see the appeal.
A fun and pleasant film that inherits much of Clooney's charm and charisma. It's all very slick and light, forgoing real drama for wit and comedy, but I actually prefer it that way. These films are rarely very deep or impressive, better just make the best of the situation and go for some genuine amusement. Not bad.
A pretty faithful live action adaptation of Disney's animation, with just a dash of Guy Ritchie in there. The musical bits aren't the greatest and this version remains very faithful to the original Disney story, but the setting is vibrant enough and the pacing is pleasant. Also Smith does a way better job than Williams. Not quite my thing, but not a bad adaptation.
Comedy that relies on familiarity and puns, but none of it is very good. It's as if they originated only one brainstorm and left it at that. The visuals are below par, the voice acting is annoying and the plot is negligible. Worst of all though is that the film completely fails at being funny. It's rather short, but it's still a hellish endeavour to get to the end.