true2himself Reviews

2012 (I) (2009)

Some astonishing spectacles never seen before

[8/10 · 25 December 2011]

I ended up watching 2012 on the small screen, although I regretted not having watched it on the big screen when it came out originally.

2012 will most likely not make you cry, or stun you with the most unforgettable performances you ever saw. However, the acting was sill more than decent, and the story kept evolving with time, but the true highlight of 2012 is the amazing visual spectacles.

The visuals in this movie are nothing short of astonishing, and as someone who watched just about every disaster movie out there, I can say that 2012 takes it to the next level, by delivering disaster scenes that will ASTOUND you with their realism.

The scenes are SO detailed and so realistic that if you were to watch such scenes as part of the evening news, you would have found them totally believable.

Some moments in fact were quite intense, even shocking (in an entertaining kind of way), which was all part of the experience.

There is no question that 2012's depiction of disaster is an astonishing accomplishment in film history and as such is a must watch (assuming that you like this kind of stuff, of course). The movie has a fight for survival story-line, delivers some nice action scenes, a lot of drama, a good number of intense experience moments, and even several emotionally charged moments which all in all make 2012 worthy of watching. You are guaranteed some exquisite visual cinematic moments that are rarely encountered if ever on the big (or small) screen.

Lies Between Friends (2010 TV Movie)

Truly truly superb acting and directing

[9/10 · 11 December 2011]

Lies Between Friends will not flood you with a barrage of special effects, hit you with an endless stream of twists & turns or overwhelm you with an over-dramatic portrayal of events.

Instead, it gives you something that is rarely seen (in my opinion) on the screen - a bunch of actors interacting with reach other SO naturally you forget they are actually acting. Their mannerisms, personalities come through with so much natural presence, you can't help but get sucked into the dialog.

If you prefer QUALITY acting over a bunch of explosives going off like it's 4th of July, then you are in for a real treat. The characters are so convincing and the story flows so naturally, Lies Between Friends makes for a rather riveting watching experience. Kudos to the director.

The Tourist (I) (2010)

A thorough enjoyable fun getaway

[9/10 · 2 December 2011]

The Tourist is a refreshing reminder of what great film-making is all about. I felt thoroughly captivated as soon as I started watching, as if a magic wand had me glued to the screen. Jolie's presence was mesmerizing, projecting an uncanny combination of beauty, delicacy, fragility, elegance and femininity, in a way rarely seen on the big screen (or small for that matter). Combined with Depp's purity of presence and genuineness, there were some magical moments forming between the two that constitute true cinematic gems.

Great attention was given to the little things which in turn allows the viewer to experience a greater level of participation

As far as I am concerned, the genius of the director is felt every step of the way, and if you prefer a genuine mysterious interaction between people (and some riveting drama/action scenes) over a parade of special effects, then you are in for a wonderful treat.

Though None Go with Me (2006 TV Movie)

An emotional thrill ride

[26 September 2011]

This is one powerful movie. The director here is a master in capturing the emotions of the characters perfectly blending those with the spirit of the events transpiring. When watching this movie, you will find yourself getting completely immersed in the story, more so than many other titles. The acting is superb, and the story follows the life of an alluring young woman who goes through a myriad of events, most of then unexpected. The movie starts with a known feeling of predictability, but don't let this feeling fool you. Here is a director able to create a drama without giving you the feeling of continually pushing up the drama factor in an effort to create an effect.

The movie spans across a time period of some 50 years and carries the viewer through an unending emotional roller coaster shifting from intrigue to happiness to sadness to gratitude, not necessarily in that order.

The film is very well-executed, moving, and heart felt. Highly recommended.

Xanadu (1980)

A real treat for the kids

[21 August 2011]

One the most important factors in writing a review, is to define the AGE GROUP the film is for. Xanadu will be enjoyable for ages 7-17 and will work perfectly as a movie for the whole family. My rating and review are based on this age category. (and yes, if you enjoy watching kids movies, then count yourself in).

First, Xanadu is a musical, not a drama or action movie. There is a lot of innocence and beauty in the characters. The real pearls in the movie are musical performances by the legendary Olivia Newton John and Gene Kelly.

They perform one dancing sequence which is nothing but pure delight. Definitely a classic. I must say I had no idea Olivia could dance with some much grace and skill (and on high heels). That was a true gem to watch.

The music is superb by all standards, with endless hits by Olivia Newton John and Electric Light Orchestra. Many of the hits of the 80s can be found on this soundtrack. In this day and age (2011) there aren't vocal equivalents to the exquisite beauty of Olivia's voice and the magical musical harmony of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra).

As far as the story is concerning, you will have to watch and see. There is a mixture of music, some mystery, some fantasy, and old good fun.

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

One of the worst

[13 August 2011]

If you consider yourself an intellectual person aspiring for quality standards when it comes to dramas, comedies, and action films, you are likely to feel very very disappointed. If you are into crude and vulgar mentality or conduct and demand no artistic standards, then very possibly you will have a blast. For me personally, the movie lacked any tasteful element justifying the grueling watching experience. There was no acting, no drama, no comedy, no real plot, and in short, the ultimate time waster.

Was it the worse movie that I have ever seen? Hard to tell, but it's one of them. I was rather shocked that some people considering themselves intelligent actually liked it, but this is no criticism of them.

The rating given to this film is higher than the ratings given to many James Bond films made by Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and Sean Connery and many other great films. Really America? Even a drunk would have dome better. This film is on my short list of "never watch under any circumstances" unless, as I said earlier, what you consider as "high standard" has nothing to do with artistic accomplishment and focuses more about immature characters going on a vulgar uneventful ride.