tkatsoufris Reviews

The Black Dahlia (2006)

Decent rendition!!!

[7/10 · 26 January 2024]

Let me start by saying that given the notoriety of the case,the spine-tingling book by James Elroy and the excellent LA Confidential that came before, this movie could have been better.

It is not the actors. The actors are more than fine although definitely not Russel Crowe,Kevin Spacy or Guy Pierce.

It is not the direction. It is smooth and befits a James Elroy story,although admittedly inferior to LA Confidential.

It is the whole ambience that somehow does not work Instead of exuding menace and impending doom it ends up looking cartoon-esque and like a puffed-out Sin City.

Even so the story is so good and the technical aspects are so way above average that the movie is more than enjoyable and interesting.

Glass Onion (2022)

Clever and entertaining "Whodunnit"!!!!!

[7/10 · 25 December 2022]

Over-hyped movies,generally speaking, have a tendency of disappointing viewers especially when the first installment has been so fresh and enjoyable. An essential revamping of Agatha Christie style mysteries right down to the all-star casts that characterized the Poirot movies starring Peter Ustinov. The famous detective this time is Benoit Blanc featuring an excellent Daniel Craig playing New England dandy. Sure enough Ed Norton,Ethan Hawke,Hugh Grant,Kate Hudson play their part in the cast embellishment but it is an excellent beyond expectations Janelle Monae that steals the show. The second protagonist is the superb savvy screenplay,the exotic scenery,the unwinding and twists of the plot. A thouroughly enjoyable movie not to be missed..

Poker Face (2022)

Enjoyable!!!

[6/10 · 8 December 2022]

I really don't get the people who did not enjoy the film. Nobody claims that it is a masterpiece. Not even that it is remarkable in any way. Nevertheless,the cast and the plot make it entertaining at least. I think,though I am far from sure the the idea belongs to him, Matthew Arnold once said that any art to be enjoyed begs for suspension of disbelief. Suspend,therefore, any disbelief and go and enjoy a non-demanding,well acted,adequately directed film without compulsively seeking compulsively more where there is not any. Or,alternatively,don't even bother attending the movie. Easily a 6-7 grading. I have seen quite a lot far worse!!!!

Top Gun (1986)

I feel the need....!!!

[7/10 · 12 September 2022]

Impossible to be completely objective. This mega hit from the bygone era when I entered adolescence achieved legendary status all over the world back then. Tom Cruise was a bona fide superstar. He took up a cue ,kids wanted to become pool players. He worked as a bartender,kids wanted to become bartennders and mix cocktails the same way. No doubt after Top Gun many a kid wanted to become a fighter pilot. The cast is great,the stunts are formidable,the military lingo and spirit are fine,even if slightly dated. The plot is predictable but ok. The music memorable. The lines legendary!!!One of the most enjoyable films of my generation. The 202(?).. sequel is a better film but it builds upon the freshness and the legend of this unforgettable blockbuster!!!

Intrusion (II) (2021)

Run of the mill Thriller!!!

[6/10 · 22 September 2021]

A run of the mill movie of the genre In every aspect. All parameters that make a movie(script, acting, plot, pace) is just adequate!!! Not unwatchable by any means though. I've seen jokes other terribly worse movies In my life.

Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror (2021)

Unforgotten!!

[8/10 · 8 September 2021]

A detailed chronicle of the events of that day that changed the world. The impact of the day has not been forgotten in the least and should not be forgotten. Amazing, well-crafted documentary!!!!

Beckett (2021)

Enjoyable!!!

[7/10 · 5 September 2021]

I have to admit that being a Greek adds some extra spice to the enjoyment of this film. Not that it needs it though. Beautiful shot and with spectacular scenery from the region of Trikala this is a typical me against superior evil forces chase movie. The protagonist and Alicia Vikander are relatable, the Greek actors are credible the plot is predictable but nice. Extra Credit to the direct or for depicting Greek urban areas as they really are, that is mostly ugly!!!

Flatliners (1990)

You're going to bring me back!!!

[7/10 · 17 July 2021]

Maybe it was the impressionable age I first saw the movie (17) but 30 years after it still remains a very original idea, interestingly realized by Joel Shumacher and an interesting nursery for future stars. It touches upon a universal and perennial issue and has a fine pace as a movie. Quite engrossingvand entertaining!!!!!

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Visually spellbinding!!!

[7/10 · 14 July 2021]

A visually commanding twist on the story of Snow White!! The choice of Charlie Theron as the evil witch consuming young flesh and souls to achieved immortality and eternal youth proves to be inspired. She is a pleaure but so is the rest of the cast, the well-known but always riveting storyetc. Highly recommended!!!!

Warcraft (2016)

Monster galore!!!

[7/10 · 13 July 2021]

A pretty decent fantasy movie with all the necessary creatures, characters, stereotypes, stories, twists of plot, heroisms and falls from grace that make for a good movie of the genre. Top class if slightly unexceptional entertainment!!!

Katla (2021)

There is a lot under the volcano

[8/10 · 27 June 2021]

A nordic atmospheric mystery series which is top notch on many levels. Atmoshere, acting, story, direction, plot!!! Recommended!!!

Nomadland (2020)

Desolate mirror of post-recession America!!!

[8/10 · 23 May 2021]

Deep, disturbing but also cathartic look to post recession America through the impossibly expressive face of this great actor called France McDormand. Essentially a road movie around the yearly teajectory followed by fellow nomads and a concurrent, revelatory emotional journey for the heroine. Great, if a little bit tiresome because of its realism, movie on every level.

Crawl (I) (2019)

Typical Creature Thriller!!!Loads of fun!!!

[7/10 · 18 May 2021]

Thoroughly enjoyable creature Thriller with the usual norms and a very credible and fun heroine in Kaya Scodellario. The digital gators are well made. I enjoyed it quite a lot.

Deadly Class (2018–2019)

Rollercoaster ride!!!

[8/10 · 9 May 2021]

As far as comic series turned movies go Deadly school is top drawer. Think of it as Sin City for post-adolescents. Violence, destitution, drugs and a pinch of sensitivity and a quest for true love. Nice cast, good direction, intermingling with real and comic in the vein o Sin City. Very Enjoyable!!!

The Honorable Woman (2014)

Top notch!!!

[8/10 · 17 April 2021]

Excellent spy series!! Top performances, top plot, top dialogues, nice build up. Quality all the way!!! Top tier!!!

Four Brothers (2005)

Took me by surprise!!!

[7/10 · 15 February 2021]

I've always liked action movies with Mark Wahlberg!! This guy brings to his characters a down to earth, funny, essentially good Al though on the wrong side of the law. This one is one of better movies. The story is simple but great and the show steal-er is the hilarious dynamic between the brothers. Escapist action movie of considerable depth. Do not pass it by!!!

The Cuba Libre Story (2015–2016)

Very good!!!

[7/10 · 2 February 2021]

A very interesting documentary, well researched and rather seamlessly delivered!!

Fire with Fire (II) (2012)

Average but certainly not bad!!

[6/10 · 26 January 2021]

This is certainly not a movie to write home about. That said, I find it to be a decent action, one against all movie. D'Onofrio makes for a great villain and the cast is sympathetic. Action scenes are OK, Willis is dead cool. Nice entertainment!!!

The Wave (2015)

Excellent!!!

[8/10 · 25 January 2021]

Excellent natural disaster movie, at least on a par with its American counterparts. Understandably, it was a smash hit in Norway. The natural disaster it predicts is within the realms of possibility. Something, quite worse than thathat hit Alaska in 1958.

Poirot: Five Little Pigs (2003) Season 9, Episode 1

Brilliant!!!

[9/10 · 17 December 2020]

One of the best Poirot stories splendidly adapted!!!! Eric Satie's gnosiennes provided a most fitting musical background to the events unfolding. Brilliant!!!

Mar de plástico (2015–2016)

Fine, but not great, on many levels!!!

[7/10 · 15 December 2020]

A totally likable police series from a country that has developed a tradition in the genre. Nice story, nice characters (a little too histrionic for my taste maybe), nice if slightly too long unravelling of the plot. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable-but not a great-series.

The Other Me (2019–2023)

At long last!!!

[8/10 · 14 December 2020]

At long last a Greek crime movie which is at least on a par with its foreign counterparts. Good story, realistic depiction of crimes, atmosperic music, good pace. For someone who has been waiting for such a development for almost a lifetime(since the 90's Greek series "The 11th commandement") it was thrilling to watch!!!

Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express (2010) Season 12, Episode 3

A quiet triumph. Brilliant and superior remake of a Christie classic!! !!

[8/10 · 12 December 2020]

I can unreservedly say that the recent version is superior to the older movie with Albert Finney. That is not to say that the classic version was a bad film to begin with. As had been the tradition in the past it had star-studed cast. Ingrid Bergman was even nominated for an oscar for her performance. Albert Finney was OK if a little bit over the top. The new film has only Barbara Hersey and Jessica Chastain and of course David Suchet as top tier stars yet it is a wonder of atmoshere, pace and dark undertones. Suchet's performance is among his best as Poirot. He conveys perfectly the ambivalence between his utter dislike for the victim and the evil he represents and his staunt objection to, however rightfully, taking the law into one's hands. He comprehends, not without sadness, that justice is not always served. Through his mesmerising performance the film acquires more gravitas. As usual all production point are faultless as is the representation of the 30's. Delightful and edifying movie!!!

Poirot: Evil Under the Sun (2001) Season 8, Episode 1

There is evil always under the sun!!

[8/10 · 12 December 2020]

This Suchet edition is excellent in spite of the lack of an all-star cast or a cosmopolitan Adriatic background. Ustinov's movies habitually aim for grandeur and glitz (even in the delightful way Ustinow imposes his own flamboyant personality and comic improvisations on the role);. Often this happens at the cost of staying faithful to the book. The current production has it all in perfect balance. Suchet is, as always, impeccable and easily the living embodiment of Christie's creation. The production is suitably lavish. Japp, Hastings, Miss Lemon and all the secondary roles are certainly up to the task. Highly recommended from a life long Christie fan to like-minded Christie fans!?!

Poirot: Death on the Nile (2004) Season 9, Episode 3

Solid rendition!!!

[8/10 · 5 December 2020]

This rendition is much more faithful to Agatha Christie'S book than the larger than life 1974 Production. There in lies its strength but, may I say, its weakness as well. Where in almost all circumstances David Suchet is super and the absolute Poirot, Peter Ustinov's delectably idiosyncratic Poirot impression the all-Star cast of the old movie, its unforgettable music score provided it with an almost mythical aura that simply cannot be surpassed. Consequently, the new Death on the Nile is a better Agatha Christie installment but a lesser movie as a whole.