Showing posts with label Oscar Isaac. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oscar Isaac. Show all posts

Monday, 8 May 2023

Dune (2021)


 

The son of a noble family is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

Despite stunning visuals and excellent production this version still doesn't come up with a convincing interpretation of the epic novel. 



 

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

Annihilation (2018)



 

A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.

Visually brilliant sci-fi mystery with a bleak atmosphere and a complex ending, but a bit short on character development.

On re-watching: Great sci-fi drama reveals more details with a second viewing. 



Monday, 15 February 2021

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)



 

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

On rewatching:  Although visually stunning in some sequences, this episode is in fact more generic and less entertaining on a second watch.



Friday, 31 July 2020

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)



The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order once again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peak bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

This final Star Wars episode  has a heavy load wrapping the whole saga up in feature length and unfortunately packs too much in to make this a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi adventure; however, along its convoluted way, there are lots of sets of breathtaking visual appeal.


Saturday, 4 May 2019

Operation Finale (2018)



A team of secret agents set out to track down the Nazi officer who masterminded the Holocaust.

Due to good production, period detail and an appropriate ensemble this is a watchable, but not too sophisticated depcition of the historical events.


Saturday, 27 April 2019

At Eternity's Gate (2018)



A look at the life of painter Vincent van Gogh during the time he lived in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

Intense. captivating and thorough analysis  of the artist's personality and art; Willem Dafoe's extraordinary performance makes it even more convincing.


Thursday, 13 September 2018

Suburbicon (2017)



As a 1950s suburban community self-destructs, a home invasion has sinister consequences for one seemingly normal family.

George Clooney's satire is clearly and successfully exploring Coen Bros territory, this time there's more darkness and dread than humour; the racism subplot, however, seems grafted and has hardly any reasonable connection to the main story.


Wednesday, 5 September 2018

The Two Faces of January (2014)



A con artist, his wife, and a stranger flee Athens after one of them is caught up in the death of a private detective.

Solid Highsmith adaptation with a touch of Hitchcock, nice settings and a good cast for the complicated mindgame play.


Wednesday, 8 August 2018

A Most Violent Year (2014)



In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history.

Stylish and unhurried period businees drama is worth a look just for watching Oscar Issac emulating Al Pacino's Michael Corleone in dress and conduct.


Saturday, 14 July 2018

Annihilation (2018)



A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.

Visually brilliant sci-fi mystery with a bleak atmosphere and a complex ending, but a bit short on character development.


Thursday, 24 May 2018

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)



Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

Sunday, 23 April 2017

Agora (2009)



In Roman Egypt, a slave who turns to the rising tide of Christianity in the hope of pursuing freedom falls in love with his mistress, the famous philosophy and mathematics professor Hypatia of Alexandria.

Despite of all well intentions in production and performance the highly rousing biography of the historic Hypatia is buttered down to a sword and sandal spectacle.

Maltin**: "Potentially interesting tale of science and humanism in conflict with religious intolerance (with obvious to the present day) is too simplistic and melodramatic to make an impression."

Friday, 6 May 2016

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)



Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises as the First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Successful rejuvenation of the Star Wars saga marrying its original antics with a modern view and a great, likable cast of new young heroes.


Sunday, 3 May 2015

Ex Machina (2015)



A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

A simple plot is masterfully turned into a fascinating and multifaceted parable; an instant classic of intelligent science fiction cinema.


Thursday, 23 April 2015

Drive (2011)


A mysterious Hollywood stuntman, mechanic and getaway driver lands himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbor.

What would have been another (violent) action flic is successfully given an artsy treatment and the feel of an existentialist drama with a tight-lipped, hard-boiled anti-hero.

Maltin**: "What some see as a prime example of postmodern cool strikes us as a pretentious hogwash from the word go. The bursts of gruesome violence are equally hard to swallow. By the way, Gosling seems fully articulate when he sets up his first gig, but spends the rest of the film nearly silent (and striking poses). Only bright spot is a juicy supporting role for Brooks as a savvy gangster."