MOVIE REVIEW: The Great Gatsby

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„The Great Gatsby“ is like this person you meet and you want to be friends with the person so badly cause she’s so good looking but it seems like there will be nothing more than small talk between you. Seeing this person from afar made you have big expectations, but you have to admit being handsome or beautiful is just not it.

The cinematography of this film is absolutely breathtaking. The sets are stunning, not only because the 20ies have been very well transferred to the big screen but also because everything takes place entirely in NEW YORK City of course. That makes looking at it a treat. Reading the cast, I was also convinced that I would not be disappointed here, which I certainly wasn’t – apart from the point that I really think Leonardo DiCaprio starts looking old and used (!). How sad!

For me, the highlight of the film was the music. Featuring artists such as the wonderful Lana del Rey, Kanye West, will.i.am, Emeli Sandé, Sia and even Nero, I really loved how the modern sound was combined with the old-fashioned, picturesque scenery. [Chanting “Young And Beautiful” until this day!]

However: In all the flashy lights, stunning gowns and mind-blowing sets, the movie failed to move me on a higher level. I was fine with everything that happened. I didn’t feel an overload of sympathy for anyone in particular, neither could I identify with any of them. That doesn’t mean there were no scenes that I thought were great, but it means content-wise I was never convinced. That with an excessive over-length made me question why Moulin Rouge director NEVER learns form the mistakes of his previous movie! Bummer! 3 stars for everything glittery, shiny and gorgeous to look at! 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: "Silver Linings Playbook"

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I know, by now the movie’s name is just “Silver Linings” but I went for the original name, that came before all this Acadamy Award craze surrounding the film that I thought was completely inappropriate. I saw this a while ago and thought it was a nice movie with witty scenes. However, then I got to know it was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and was happy I saw it without expectations.

Nominated for the BIG 5 as well as EVERY acting category, one must expect a brilliant, surprising, fantastic event. But what’s left is a film as simple as can be that is saved by its charm. The contents dealing with psychological disorders is quite funny especially as everyone in the film seems to have one. The dance competition in the end is quite nice. Jennifer Lawrence’s acting is superb and she was given an Academy Award win (congrats!). But what is left? 

Apart from the Best Directing category (!) where it replaced films like Argo or Les Miserables, it was also acknowledged in the Screenplay category as well as the Editing category. I’m asking myself what was so special about the editing of this film. Also, the nominees for Bradley Cooper and Jackie Weaver seemed out-of-the-world to me. Something there went wrong. Apart from that: GOOD movie. Fun. Some nice scenes. Enough for 3 stars. :)

 

 

ALBUM REVIEW: "Coexist" by The xx

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My favorite bands keep failing to make their second albums better than their debut ones. (see: Passion Pit, Mew...) Why is that. I admire the xx. Their first album is one of my favorite ones in the history of Felixen's favorite albums! Almost every song of their debut album tells a story for me such as "Islands", "Synchronized", "VCR" and "Night Time".

This time things're looking different. The debut single "Angels" took me by storm. Loved it from the first listening on and couldn't wait for the album. But OH no :( What a disappointment. Yes, I love the style and sound. It's awesomely atmospheric again but where's the recognition value? "Reunion" and "Swept Away" are amazing but the rest of the songs kind of get lost in a minimal monotone sound that the xx have obviously chosen for their new outing.

Of course, with every listening the songs get better but "Coexist" does kind of sound like a 1-hour-song. As I am 100% loyal to the xx, though, I have downloaded the album and am listening to it and when it suits the mood it's perfect.

However: I want another First Album by them. Let's make the third album better than the first AND the second one, okay?! Please.

MOVIE REVIEW: "Snow White & The Huntsman"

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Not only the anniversary of the famous fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers or the success in the United States, but most of all the superb cast drew Veronika and me to the cinema yesterday to find out what the craze is all about!

I got exactly what was promised in the trailer! A very dark and dirty, drastic and dusky transformation of the 200 year old story. I enjoyed the grown-up version and appreciate the courage to cater a target group from teenagers to mid-thirties!

Sometimes, though, the script lacked some logic and consistency and quite some parts made you laugh without the purpose of being funny! However, the cast is chosen exceptionally well, the story is changed in quite a pleasant manner, the music is well composed and the locations and settings always give you something stunning to watch!  

Watch it. But don’t take it too seriously; at least, not all the time :)

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MOVIE REVIEW: "In Time"

Just my luck I watched this movie, together with Veronika, even with everyone trying to convince me not to go see it. First of all, I was stunned when seeing the trailer by the unusual topic and the great looking sets and cinematography. Plus, there were some mentionable names acting in this futuristic movie that tore me into the cinema.

I’m dividing the movie into two halfs. The first half was just fascinating, reminding me very much of one of my favorite movies Inception. The story about a guy in the future world being given tons of money (in this case money is TIME), now being able to see the rich parts of the United States where people having more money/time live, is definitely something new and intriguing. The thrilling plot keeps you glued to the scene throughout this first half.

However, unfortunately at one point the movie suddenly becomes, excuse my words, a bit ridiculous and its credibility level decreases and decreases and decreases while its logical mistakes increase!

The whole race against time topic, plus the creative ideas for the plot, plus some nice performances by all the actors involved, kept me entertained for all the 2 hours running time, so I’m gonna forgive the futuristic, actually well-made movie all its mistake. However, for 4 stars, it’s just not enough, so…

photo sources: [disneydreaming.com], [in-time-movie-trailer.blogspot.com], [kulthit.de] & [imdb.com]

MOVIE REVIEW: „New Year’s Eve“

I liked Valentine’s Day, but not aasss much. My expectations were too high. Now they were apt and I really liked “New Year’s Eve”. Every story kind of had something to involve you emotionally and the movie seemed to be made in a heartfelt manner.

Personally, I liked Ashton Kutcher’s and Lea Michele’s story best. Jessica Biel also had some good moments, Hilary Swank’s story touched the heart. 
Also, Zac Efron and Michele Pfeiffer’s plot was quite unusual. 

Other plus points are the Christmas-New Year’s-Mood that the movie delivers and some really really funny sayings in between. 

So if you don’t mind a little “plainness” and some feel-good-fun-love story, then watch it. Be it for the tons of A-list actors, the pictures from wintery New York, the happy parts, the sad parts… It’s definitely a movie that gives you a pleasant feeling, something I really appreciate.
So happy New Year’s everyone!

photo sources: [imdb.com]

MOVIE REVIEW: "Melancholia"

Oh this movie… It all starts out with a 1 hour long wedding video of a newly married Kirsten Dunst, alias Justine. She’s seeing a red star approaching, that you don’t get to know much more about in the first half of the movie though. To be all honest with you, Veronika and me both (!) fell asleep within the first half hour of the movie.

BUT: Lars von Trier’s Magnum Opus of sorts manages to get its act together. The second half of the all in all 2 ½ hour long movie is told from Justine’s sister’s point of view and its contents immediately grabs your attention. How do people react to a quickly approaching planet that has hidden behind the sun for centuries? And what does this planet stand for?

The cinematography is outstandingly beautiful, with the sights from the film reminding me of surrealist paintings, in the most positive sense. Kristen Dunst won Best Actress at this year’s Cannes awards so that’s that. The movie got the most nominations and wins at this year’s European Film Awards (+ Best Movie). Deservedly? Hmmmm.. Please, Monsieur von Trier, next time ask the public what they think about your movie, they would have all cut the first half! However, my respects for a stunning, inspiring and beautiful movie about depression and destruction, one of the most beautifully made films of recent times. It only just passes for 3 stars…

photo sources: [imdb.com] & [melancholiathemovie.com]

 

MOVIE REVIEW: Pan's Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth surprised one and all with the 6 Academy Award nominations that it received in its release year of 2006, even though it is not a Hollywood production but a Mexican film. Eventually it won the Oscar for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup. All deserved, that’s for sure.

However, concerning the contents of the film I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed as the film seems to make promises in the promos that it can’t keep. This magical atmosphere with all the weird but fascinating creatures delivered in the trailer is not the main part of the movie. The main part is the story of a girl, her mother and her mean stepfather who is an officer during the Spanish post-Civil War in 1944. The movie is actually a political drama, but in the fantasy scenes it seems to be highly influenced by Alice in Wonderland. These scenes are quite intriguing and well made, but don’t really suit the political contents.

All in all, the cinematography is very good, as well as costumes, makeup and also the acting can’t be criticized. However, the plot is somehow fragmented in two parts whereas one captures you more than the other. Given the slow pace of the film, you wish the plot would have been more coherent. The ending including the last few sentences told by the narrator, however, convey a very comprehensible and really moving message and kind of explain what the movie was all about. Watch the movie for its last 2 minutes! 

photo sources: [amazon.de], [digitalvoodoo.de], [kulthit.de] &  [nahaufnahmen.ch]

BOOK REVIEW: "The Pact" - Jodie Picoult

photo source: [jodipicoult.com]

After watching “My Sister’s Keeper” in the cinema, I was eager to read a novel by Jodie Picoult as it turned out to be one of my favourite movies. I chose “The Pact”. The story centers on two closely befriended families whose son and daughter Chris and Emily (both 17) have been a couple ever since until one day, however, the girl commits suicide. Chris being with her during this event, he is of course suspected to have murdered her.

The story itself is very touching, even though you only get to know on the last few pages what really happened on the day of Emily departure. The story is brought to the reader on two different levels: the whole past of Chris and Emily and the history of their relationship and the present with the consequences of Emily’s death for Chris, Emily’s parents and the inevitable war between the two families who have been friends for so long. The most important aspect of the plot, however, is the process of the case in court on the last 200 of the 600 pages.

Until you reach those last 200 pages, you have to struggle to keep up your interest as some actions of certain characters are quite questionable and make certain parts of the book somehow not really compelling. The bits and pieces told from the two young people’s past fail to always make a mark, as well.

However, in the end when the whole story is clear it is actually really moving, if not heartbreaking. Things make sense that didn’t make any before and you can’t but feel with the main characters. The message is really well presented compensating for the not so absorbing middle part of the book. 

ALBUM REVIEW: "Behold" by Mads Langer



photo source: [forum.warez.ir]

 Here comes a recommendation for a very calm-natured singer-songwriter album with some good melodies and nice sounds. Mads Langer from Denmark is not known to the masses yet as his first radio single was just released a month ago and is being played on the radio just now. Some might know him, though, for appearances of some of his songs in certain drama TV shows (such as Grey’s Anatomy or The Vampire Diaries).

The album starts out with “I’m Leaving”, one of the most melodious and therefore best songs on the album that charms you with its very pleasant chorus. What follows is unfortunately the “down-phase” of the album with the next 4 songs needing a few listenings to be able to convince. They seem to be a bit too slow, too quiet, too calm to convince instantly.

However, afterwards there’s the big relief with every single song but one being really beautiful and endearing. Highlights are “You’re Not Alone” and “Remains of the Day” (first of which being the said first single of Mads Langer), but even “Drunken Butterfly”, “Last Flower” and “I Love You” have very well composed choruses. The iTunes Bonus Track “Better Place” is actually the last highlight and also the last song, making the album close on a very good note.

So all in all, had the first few songs been a bit catchier, the album would have turned out really well, however, the second half of the album ensures some very nice and pleasant listening and an enjoyable background music for this summer.

BOOK REVIEW: "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4" - Sue Townsend

photo source: [forbookssake.net]

This classic British novel by Sue Townsend set in the suburbs of 1982 which is read by almost everyone in 7^th or 8^th grade in Great Britain is famous for its highly sarcastic and cynical as well as far ahead of his age main character!

The book is written in short diary entries in the time span of about a year and a half. Poor Adrian Mole has to deal with his mother who is currently having her midlife crisis and his clumsy father who doesn’t seem to be good for many things. He only has one friend as he regards himself too intellectual for kids his age, however, he has a good relationship to his grandmother who is there for him when his parents are not.

To begin with the positive aspects, the character of Adrian manages to make you laugh at least thrice per page and his attitude is simply hilarious. His comments to himself, his perception of life and his always knowing everything better are one-of-a-kind. Townsend’s style of course supports this attitude wonderfully, as if she truly were Adrian Mole or at least a 13 ¾ year old teenager feeling exactly these puberty driven feelings.

However, I myself lost interest in the not so spectacular contents of the book and couldn’t help but ask myself if Townsend ran out of ideas at two thirds of the book. What is more is that Adrian’s oh so funny attitude slightly loses its drive and its charm towards the end of the book coming off as rather annoying by then.

All in all, it’s a very quick, fun read with a superb entertainment value most of the time, however, the story loses its focus and creativity at some point. For me, comparing it to other 4 stars books, it’s not as engaging, so…

 

MOVIE REVIEW: "The Tree of Life" (2011)

My expectations for The Tree of Life were quite high: first, because of the cast (however, Sean Penn only has a strange supporting role that seems to go nowhere..); second, because of the cinematography as seen in the awesome trailer; and third, because the movie won the palme d’or in Cannes!

Well these expectations turned out to be too high, whatsoever. The first 15 minutes of the movie leave you wanting to know what’s going on while the non-linear narrative is anything but helpful either! However, what follows is another 15 minutes of puzzling impressions, as we get to see pictures from outer space, strange galaxies, great waterfalls and… dinosaurs.. yes dinosaurs. 

Half an hour passes by leaving the audience quite bewildered by what they’d just seen. However, let me jump to the positive aspects of the movie: After the somehow failed first 30 minutes follows a story of a suburban family in the 1950s and the problems they have to deal with, seen from the perspective of an about 12-year-old child. 
 

The cinematography is nothing but stunning, every single shot is beautiful. The acting ensemble is fantastic, with Brad Pitt and newcomer Jessica Chastain as his wife acting very commitedly. There are also superb perfomances by their three sons. The story itself is quite depressing at some point, but also very realistic. What’s strongly missing are dialogues to bring us closer to the characters. There is very little talk in the movie, of course intended by director Terrence Mallick, but some dialogues and a bit less of whispered narration by some of the characters would have helped the movie to connect with the audience.

Unfortunately, the spiritual and fantasy-like narrative somehow ruins the ending  where Sean Penn has his  appearance. The audience is bound to make up their minds about what’s going on once again. Were the movie a bit shorter, we would maybe be up for it; after two hours of hardly any talking, however, the ending should not be that confusing.

All in all, the middle part of the movie is the main part, making it an appealing and intriguing watch with simply fantastic shots of the beautiful sets and brilliant acting performances, however with the beginning and the ending somehow failing and the missing dialogues you cannot but ask yourself why exactly it received the palme d’or.

photo sources: [moviesonyouko.com], [filmbabble.blogspot.com], [armchairc.blogspot.com] & [at.abinskino.com]