matrioshka Reviews

Happy Endings (2011–2020)

Surprisingly good - will even get better!

[8/10 · 27 April 2011]

I have no faith in any new shows anymore, so I was pleasantly surprised when I watched Happy Endings. I get concerned when a new show gets slotted in between the hottest most popular shows. But I was hooked right away. There is definitely great chemistry amongst all cast members. The jokes are well written and the timing is well done. One area of concern is what's in store for the couple that fell apart at the altar - I am not sure how they will handle their relationship, but so far so good. They take risks, but they pay off. The result is sweet and funny and engaging. I think it will get even better with time. I am definitely continuing to watch it!

Perfect Couples (2010–2011)

Puke - this show will soon be axed!

[4/10 · 28 January 2011]

Not an ounce of fun, originality, good acting, or good story lines. Even in previews it looked horrid. I only caught it the other as it was wedged in between the other shows I watch. 30 minutes I will never get back. Poor script, poor delivery, poor chemistry on the set. Over the top acting where it shouldn't be, fake caricature like characters. All of that combines into a flat-lining, dead on arrival show. I can't remember a single joke from last night's episode! I can't remember the characters' names or what they did or how they know each other. I wouldn't single out any one specific person though, as they all did not impress me much! Pretty sad. Like other contributors said, what a complete opposite from Modern Family (or Parks & Rec) - same idea, horrible results. Axe it now before you bleed another dollar on this rubbish.

Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

Incredibly funny - the jokes will pop up in your head for days!

[9/10 · 28 January 2011]

Like Modern Family, this show is that fake "reality" kind. And just like Modern Family it delivers on so many levels. The writing is mostly outstanding, only on rare occasions being slightly predictable in terms of punchlines or outcomes. The delivery of lines is incredible with entire cast just fantastic (and brilliantly cast). The ensemble works wonderful but of course the most special of them all is Amy Poehler. Always amazing, always able to show us multiple sides of her character. We can't help but falling in love with her Leslie Knope! The story lines are very believable even in the most of unbelievable scenarios (marrying penguins who both turn out to be male and then standing up for gay rights and transporting them in baby car seats to another zoo - how priceless is that!!!!) You will be cracking up for days after each episode!

Modern Family (2009–2020)

I would never miss even one episode!

[9/10 · 28 January 2011]

Modern Family is simply addictive it's so good. The writers have explored a multitude of topics related to the titular "modern family" with amazing success. Gay couple, foreign born wife, three completely different kids. Every episode manages to touch our lives through their lives and make us laugh, cry, and tune in again and again. There are fights, misunderstandings, love, devotion, mishaps, and triumphs. Sometimes (rarely) it is not as "comedic" as one would expect, but it is never boring. The entire cast has amazing skills and I can't single any one in particular that is better than the other. Each character is played superbly and works in tandem with others. This show receives many praises and deservedly so. Keep it up!

Revolutionary Road (2008)

Uneven performances and dialogue, but solid overall

[7/10 · 16 January 2011]

The story is complex, emotional, multi-layered, and quite smart. Unfortunately it does not always translate in the acting, dialogue, or even the setting of the shot. I like all the actors in this movie, but sometimes Leo and Kate deliver their lines as two actors on the stage in a local production - just not convincing enough. The dialogue sometimes is too predictable, with flatness both in words and delivery. However, neither of these are so often as to ruin the movie. So overall the effect is still impressive. Michael Shannon is the only one deserving real praise - and rightly getting nominated for Oscar. A solid performer, but won't be remembered several years down the road, and is NOT the best of the decade.

We Own the Night (2007)

Mediocre and forgettable

[6/10 · 20 October 2007]

I love the actors they cast, but just not in this movie, not in this plot. It was a disaster. None of the characters grabbed me or developed an emotional connection with me. The movie moved too slow at times, and too fast at others. Simply it made no sense - did the brothers hate each other, or simply were in a power struggle? What was the purpose of the girlfriend - just to add the emotional angle, use her character for all the things that went wrong? Anyhow, too many holes, too many over-the-top emotional scenes that were not really touching at all, too many forced twists, too little mystery or drama. So instantly forgettable.

Little Children (2006)

This is another gem that everyone should see

[9/10 · 7 November 2006]

Can I simply say that this was a great movie that NO one should miss? Reading critics' and other viewers' comments both piqued my interest and made me somewhat skeptical - after all everyone loved "Lost in Translation" except me!

Anyway, moving on. Little Children is definitely different right from the start. It is unapologetic in trying to make us laugh out loud and stop short with tremendous sadness in the same scene!

No one is safe - there is NOT a single character in that movie that is a good person. The only close exception to it are Jennifer Connely's character and the old lady. However, interestingly enough, I found that both of their characters are shown to be strangely and intensely close to their sons. In Connely's instance this puts her at odds with her husband, in the second instance, it makes us wonder whether the son's "mental disorder" is due to his mom's overbearing nature! And is it only me, but is there hidden symbolism in the "Hummel" children figurines all over the mom's shelves - some with the most provocative poses!

Brad is extremely selfish and ungrateful, and just like Sarah is absolutely unaware of the treasures he has. Both Sarah and Brad are treading dangerous waters the whole film until their bold and absolutely thoughtless actions lead to near disaster.

Does it matter that they "discover" themselves and start appreciating others around them at the end? Well, not to me! The characters are so painfully cruel the whole film that at the end I had no sympathy for either of them. My heart only stopped because I thought those precious others will wound up getting really really hurt.

And that is why I loved this movie!

Go see it!

Borat (2006)

Could have been better - but only slightly

[7/10 · 7 November 2006]

I had three days to digest this movie. Let me tell you why I didn't write the review right away: the movie put me off from the start, and I barely recovered by the end of it. Don't get me wrong: I loved the character on Da Ali G show - I have been watching the episodes since they first appeared on cable. That is why I was anxious to go see the movie. But he went terribly wrong in the opening sequence. His shtick as being from the most backward place in the world works as long as he doesn't make it real. When he uses it only as a reference in his skits, to make the situations even more humorous, it creates a surreal, abstract idea of that "Weird Kazakhstan" country. It works because this detached and abstract image is obviously not meant to offend Kazakhstan. Rather it is a tool to make fun of U.S. and A. BUT, making it real, making us actually a witness to the going-ons in the village of Borat - well that kills it for me! That opening scene made me so embarrassed, so surprisingly uncomfortable, that I suddenly had a jolt of fear rip through me: Is this the sign of things to come? This is going to be horrible! Well, thankfully I was wrong, 90% wrong that is. The movie went on with the usual wit and prickly humor that made it so special in the first place. I loved most of the scenes that dealt with bigotry, hate, and uproarious naked spectacle that is human nature. At its best, this movie is a study in sociology, psychology, and anthropology all at the same time. Unfortunately, at its worst it is gross physical humor more suited to fraternity boys. This occasional swing to the realm of "Jackass" marred the otherwise flawless intellectualism of this movie. I also felt that most of the editing that was done to emphasize the point - i.e. make it seem more exaggerated than it really was (such as ALL New Yorkers were shown as rude and unfriendly - as if he didn't encounter a SINGLE one who was nice to him) - should have been done in moderation. It was obvious that scenes were edited to serve the purpose of the movie - which would have been fine - to an extent. However, the dosage we get in this movie puts everything Cohen did in America in doubt. A sort of "How much DID they cut out to make this scene work?" Thus DEFEATING the very premise of the movie - that we are supposed to BELIEVE that everyone in the represented group would always behave in the same exact fashion. Nonetheless, what makes this movie work on the whole is it's ability to create an urgent need for someone in the movie to go "Borat, what the heck is WRONG with you?" But no one ever does! And that's the greatest thing of all! Well - one star off for the wrong opening, one star off for the frat boy comedy, and one star off for the editing. And this movie is getting the most solid 7 stars - leaning towards 8.

The Departed (2006)

Short of a Masterpiece?

[9/10 · 8 October 2006]

This movie makes you speechless. As my boyfriend put it: Nothing short of a work of genius. Every single actor has played superbly. There was never a faulty moment when you felt that it was overplayed or underplayed. Of course, as you leave there are numerous unanswered questions, but not the kind where you would want to poke wholes in the plot. In fact, there was no real plot where there was a definitive "Start, middle, finish". It was a very complex, intricate development of human relationships that makes you both associate and separate from the movie. And in fact, I loved that ending was not your regular Hollywood type ending - made me fell like there is still art to be had from the big motion picture producers.

The Skeleton Key (2005)

Average at best

[5/10 · 15 August 2005]

I liked the trailer. And my theory proved once again, the movie turned out to be worse than expected. There were several times in the movie when I braced myself, gripped my boyfriend's hand, and prepared to be scared out of my wits (cue the foreboding music and the dark mysterious shadows). But, alas, I was bitterly disappointed each and every time. There was no sense of real adrenaline rush I like when I watch a really scary movie. I was never enthralled or on the edge of my seat. Once the audience knows the explanation of what one of the key items she is running around is for, you pretty much already know the ending. Although, I did appreciate the "fun" (in a horror movie sort of way) ending. But other than that, it was sort of predictable, not scary and somewhat forgettable. I am not too bitter though because I went for matinée of $4.25 (canadian $$)and watched another movie afterwards... Wait for it on DVD, tho...

The Amityville Horror (2005)

Scary in that good sort of way

[8/10 · 24 April 2005]

Previews already sent shivers down my spine, so I was skeptical - they usually put the best scenes in previews.

It turned out they left plenty more for the movie as well. Right from the start you know that this movie is not going to be your average run of the mill "based on a true story" scary flick. (even though it is, supposedly).

I enjoyed the fact that they explored psychological and emotional effects on the family. I half expected to see some unearthly ghosts taking possession of someone and turning them into a zombie. None of that, and thank god! There are no real twists to the story, and I think that this is what makes it more interesting. There are scenes in the movie that "explain" why the house is what it is. I enjoyed the main scene, but I think the culmination of it was a bit out of place for the movie.

I think the big idea was that evil lurks in all of us, just waiting to surface.

Overall, I spent half of the movie looking thru my fingers, ready at any given moment to shut them, it was so scary!

The Interpreter (2005)

Sociological study?

[6/10 · 23 April 2005]

The previews did not generate much enthusiasm in me and I thought this was a good sign. Then two thumbs from E&R and then, hmm, a disappointed review from NY Times. Nevertheless, I expected this to be a great twisted thriller, suspenseful and very yummy to unravel, worth sitting thru 2 hours. I was rather disillusioned. It is not a fast paced thriller, the twists in the plot are rather obvious and shallow. The Interpreter rocks back and forth failing to pick up speed or to enthrall us with fantastic developments. I found that this movie is more of a study in sociology, a study of people, their emotions and reactions. It has a couple of good scenes when we are treated with nice dialog and just pure human interaction. However, besides that, I found the movie uneventful, dragging and more political than entertaining. The shots of UN are incredible, though.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Worthy scary flick

[8/10 · 3 November 2003]

I think that its not the greatest scary movie, but I think that the acting was good. There were a lot of ups and downs to this film. Sometimes I felt the lines were too cheezy, but at other times the audience shrieked like I never heard before. I think I am most spooked out by chasing/hunting/searching sequences and this movie has plenty. Overall SPOOKY

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Entirely watchable and enjoyable film

[8/10 · 16 June 2002]

I am a fan of spy thrillers and mystery genre in general. However, I am always wary of Hollywood cliche movies that leave you unsatisfied if not aggravated. This film is a refreshing and enjoyable exception. The cast is picked masterfully and plays great together. Strong performances from Matt Damon and Franka Potente leave you breathless. What I was on a look out for is a shallow dialogue, thinking the movie will focus primarily on action scenes and chase sequences. I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate balance of both. You do have moments where you wonder if the script could have been improved a little bit, because of the improbability of events (I am talking about the obvious stupidity of certain agents that chase Jason and gaps and holes in CIA surveillance in general). You have numerous questions and concerns as to could that really have happened, but once you get over that little obstacle, be prepared to be entertained. Go see it in the theaters.

Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)

Light, sweet, definitely worth it

[8/10 · 21 April 2002]

I can't recall where and when it was that I saw the trailer for Kissing Jessica Stein, but I wanted to see it right away. Must have been Lincoln Center theaters. Well, usually if I am intrigued and enticed by the trailer, the movie turns out to be a dud. NOT in this instance. I loved it. Basically you know the plot beforehand. A single woman, tired of less than perfect dates and being single, decides to answer a personal ad for women seeking women. Ironically enough, the one who placed the ad, did so for pure experiment of the sexual kind. However, both women develop feelings for each other and get into a relationship. Many things happen along the way that I won't discuss so not to spoil the best parts. What I liked most about the movie was that it was a story about a relationship, not lesbianism specifically. I have nothing against gay rights movement or this theme in the movies. It's just that I wanted to see a regualar film thats all. The relationship was tender and fragile, volatile and unexpected, things that straight couples deal with all the time. The angle of this relationship being between two women one of which is from a jewish family is carefully written and executed. May be I am wrong but I was glad that there were no deep philosophical discussions about gay population, that there were no sugar sweet/heart tugging/hand me a tissue type of moments. (well there were a couple, but in a good way). I liked the way it was shot, liked the ending, I liked the way the film switched from one person's view to the other. Overall, great movie!

Panic Room (2002)

Holds its own

[7/10 · 30 March 2002]

Am I a spoiled movie-goer? Who knows, I think I expect too much in the theater. Panic room was extremely appealing in the trailers, so I did have my reservations about it. I think that partially I was right. Set aside certain concerns about why, how, and what the hell happens during some parts of the movie. I had so many of them it interfered with my viewing pleasure. When I did that and focused on just how the story developed I think I got more out of it. Jodie Foster is good, I don't think its the movie that allows her to show off her range of acting ability. Nonetheless, I can't complain. Forest Whittaker's character is so cliche as a mild hearted thief that I just couldn't even get mad at the writers, I let it go. Is Jared Leto supposed to be this stupid? Oh well, overall, I say acting was balanced out: certain weak moments were forgotten during the intense scenes. I gave it a 7 because I didn't feel that anxiety, that sense of doom, that uncomfortable feeling I associate with psychological thrillers. Or rather, that feeling was involuntary quite rarely. There were parts where I knew it was expected, where I knew what was the director's and writer's intended effect, but knowing and feeling are two different things. But I absolutely LOVED the way scenes were shot, the camera angles and movements, my praises for that. My recommendation, SEE IT, but leave your expectations at the door.

Showtime (2002)

Well, look on the good side........

[6/10 · 24 March 2002]

Just recently I was thinking, "Interesting, I rate movies as either very good (8-10) or very bad (2-4), where are the rest of them?" Well my search is OVER! I rated Showtime as a 6 because it didn't leave any kind of significant impression on me. There were moments where I chuckled, then moments where I thought, "that was cute, and then moments when I thought, "hmmm, what was that?". Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy are great actors, but look, act, and talk so stereotypical that this movie could have been done by their impersonators for a lesser fee. I could not feel the pace of the plot because the developments were really choppy. Furthermore, the cuteness of some scenes took away from what could have been an edgier and sharper comedy. I say wait for a DVD.

The Time Machine (2002)

Hey go easy

[7/10 · 24 March 2002]

Does this movie deliver the best H.G. Wells ever? NO. Does it portray the social and ethical message clearly? Hmm, wouldn't say so. Did it make me feel bored or irritated? NO. Frankly, when I saw the trailer, I said I will watch it. Then came the reviews and I was hesitant, but nonetheless gave it a chance. It was a good try. We, as an audience, have contributed to why such a great novel was turned into this adaptations. We have no patience and interest to be subjected to 2 hours of big screen social commentary. Is it any wonder then that this film is more of a sci-fi, special effect driven, simplified version? I am not so ready to blast it, like so many critics have done. MOREOVER, I say WATCH it on the BIG screen to fully absorb the effects and enjoy it. I am afraid that watching the film on TV screen will reduce it to mere comic book brought to life existence.

Ice Age (2002)

FUN FUN FUN

[8/10 · 24 March 2002]

I saw it with a friend of mine. Imagine two grown ups sitting in the theater full of kids and toddlers and laughing even more than them. Well that shows two sides of the story. First, the movie is really cute and funny. But, second, truth be told, jokes are a bit grown up. Carefully timed and executed references to things that adults would recognize elicited well deserved giggles and chuckles from the moms and dads, leaving children wondering what the fun is all about. But, in the next scene, the never failing smash into the wall leaving an outline cutout had those kids rolling with laughter. Overall, I do think it sits well with all ages. It delivers what it promises, by which I mean entertainment and lightheartedness. Definitely worth it!

Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)

ECCCCCCHHHHH

[4/10 · 2 February 2002]

Ok, I haven't seen a slapstick in a while, so I decided to check out Kung Pow. What a mistake! I tried to give this movie the benefit of the doubt over and over and over again. Even if there were moments that were remotely amusing, they have lost their originality and wit after being overused throughout the film. Now, only an hour after the movie ended I remember the gross out scenes better than the rare funny moments. It could have been a better film if the director/writer had defined his goals clearer. Poking fun at poorly dubbed martial arts movies, sci-fi, the MATRIX (of course), and even, I think, porn flicks (I don't know), this movie misses the goal. I can't imagine that spoof movies will become a genre of its own and we will be subjected to such creations over and over again. Each new one out loses more and more appeal and Kung Pow is no exception. I can only say sorry to my friend who rarely spends $9 to see a movie in a theater and I think she will remind me about this experience for a long time. May be DVD will be cooler, at least you can do more than just sit there and wait for it to end. CIAO