We’re kids, not monsters. “Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams” (2002)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Robert Rodriguez
© 2002 Dimension Films. All Rights Reserved.

And here we go again. “Spy Kids” were actually a success, so why not making another part. Be careful, there will be some spoilers if you haven’t seen the first film. So in this one Carmen and Juni (Alexa Vega & Daryl Sabara) are working for OSS and are even more advanced than their parents. Oh well. During a banquet for agents, someone drugs all adults and steals the Transmooker – a device that can shut off all electronic things. Somehow everybody blames Juni (I don’t get that part, but okay) and the siblings aren’t allowed to take an important mission. Instead, their enemies in the OSS Gary and Gerti (Matt O’Leary & Emily Osment), also spy kids, get the job. However, Carmen and Juni wouldn’t be themselves if they didn’t trick everyone, so they actually go to that mission and get lost. Soon the whole OSS find out about it and their parents go after them. But they’re not going alone… Personally, I liked this part almost as much as the first one. It’s still funny, entertaining and still made me want to be a spy. However, this isn’t the last film in the series. In 2003 they made “Game Over”, where Carmen and Juni are trapped in a video game. It looks horribly awkward if you’re watching it now and I didn’t like this part much, but I have to say it was a big deal back then. It was in 3D and I remember watching it at the cinema with those cool paper glasses. And back then it was an awesome experience, even though the film itself is rather lame. Come on, Sylvester Stallone as a bad guy… or even guys… give me a break. Oh and in 2011 they made another part with different actors, but considering the ratings, I’m glad I haven’t seen it. So I propose you to enjoy the first two parts and may your spy heart grow.

My rating: 6/10
S.

We are definitely gonna be late for school. “Spy Kids” (2001)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Robert Rodriguez
© 2001 Dimension Films. All Rights Reserved.

This film reminds me of my childhood. I used to be watching it very often, so when Netflix added it, I was thrilled. I could feel like a child again, who always wanted to be such spy. But first things first. It’s a story about Carmen and Juni (Alexa Vega & Daryl Sabara). They are sister and brother living with their parents, Ingrid and Gregorio (Carla Gugino & Antonio Banderas). One day, their parents go missing and the siblings find out that Ingrid and Gregorio are in fact secret agents. Now, they are in danger, so their children decide to step in. Carmen and Juni have to learn how to be spies immediately, because otherwise, a crazy man named Floop (Alan Cumming) will change their parents into FoOglies – weird creatures appearing in his show for the youngest. As I said, I was a big fan of this story when I was younger, but maybe I will surprise you now. Normally, I’m team subs, meaning that I always prefer to watch films with subtitles (or in English without them). Recently, I decided to rewatch “Spy Kids” and I played it in English. How strange that experience was! Because in my country, this film was dubbed, and I have to admit that our dubbing made the whole story much more entertaining. Perhaps it’s because we have wonderful dubbing actors here and I’m always impressed when I compare animations (which are mostly dubbed) language versions. Still, Camen and Juni are still in my heart and I’m still laughing together with them. And I have to admit that I still wish to become a spy, so if OSS is reading this – please consider my application!

My rating: 7/10
S.

It could be another Jigsaw copycat. “Spiral” (2021)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
© 2021 Lionsgate. All Rights Reserved.

I promise you that one day you will find my “Saw” recommendation on this blog, as it’s one of my (if not the most) favourite horrors. I know that a lot of people see it as a pointless film where people are just cutting themselves or being cut, but I hope to change your mind about it. But today I’m sharing with you a film that didn’t actually steal my heart, yet it’s somehow connected to “Saw”. “Spiral” is supposed to be some kind of continuation of the “Saw” series, but failed incredibly, in my opinion. I feel like the new crew that was working on this part didn’t actually understand the idea of “Saw”. And if someone watched this newest part without knowing older ones, I wouldn’t be surprised if they hated it. “Saw” was very mysterious, it was playing with our minds and making us think “what would I do if I were there?” While in “Spiral” I felt like the killer is actually some bored teenager who’s watched too many slashers. The fact that Tobin Bell, who played Jigsaw in the previous parts, didn’t come back in this film speaks for itself. There are a lot of known actors, such as Chris Rock or Samuel L. Jackson, yet that doesn’t save the production. You see, if you want to make a good horror, you have to have a good idea. Here, the idea is the weakest point, which leads to a rather lame film. I’m really sorry to be saying this, especially since I adore the “Saw” series. But to me, this part doesn’t exist and I wish to forget about it.

My rating: 2/10
S.

Just give me time to grow up. “Malèna” (2000)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Giuseppe Tornatore
© 2000 Medusa Distribuzione. All Rights Reserved.

Today I’ve got a unique erotic drama for you, which I still have in my mind. We’re moving back to 1940, to a small Italian town. There, we meet a boy named Renato (Giuseppe Sulfaro), who falls in love with a local woman. Her name is Malèna (Monica Bellucci) and she’s currently living alone as her husband is a soldier fighting in Africa. The woman is incredibly beautiful, naturally stunning, so a lot of men in the town wish to spend a night with her. And also because of that, other women feel hate towards Malèna. There are a lot of gossips and stories about her, while the woman is just a lonely person, trapped in a gorgeous body, wishing for her partner to come back home. Renato keeps observing her, but unlike other boys who see only a hot woman, he notices her pain and loneliness as well. At first I thought it’s a film about a boy falling in love with an older woman, but not really. In my opinion, it’s about the idea of beauty. We believe that if you’re pretty/handsome, everything is easier in life. We use photo filters, make up, even aesthetic medicine to look better and better. But we rarely think about life from the perspective of someone incredibly attractive. Yes, people notice them, but on the other hand, the appearance is all that matters. That is why such people have trust issues, often get played or, like Malèna, are discriminated by society. I think it’s a very interesting topic and the whole film was indeed sensual and thought-provoking. So here’s my recommendation to see “Malèna”.

My rating: 8/10
S.

What’s the title of that film with Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando? “Old” (2021)

SashLeave a comment
directed by M. Night Shyamalan
© 2021 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Let’s make it clear that I’m a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan’s work and each of his films is very memorable to me. So when I found out about “Old”, it was sure that I need to see it on a big screen. Oh boy, that was a good decision. You may notice that this film has rather average ratings, but I hope to encourage you to see it. What is it about? Well, we’re following a couple who come to a tropical resort with their two children. Soon, the manager offers them an exclusive trip to a secluded beach, to which the family agrees. Two more families join them and the whole group ends up on a beautiful, absolutely empty beach. I mean, almost empty, as they notice a man who was there before. Nothing seems unusual, they’re enjoying their time, until… they find a body of a young woman. Hoping to find help, they try to get back to the resort, but it seems like the beach won’t let them leave… And what’s even more disturbing – they realise that time is passing way faster in that place. Way, way faster. I have to tell you that this film is a very specific experience. At first, I was a bit lost and slightly annoyed how strange everything looked. But the longer I was watching, the deeper I was sinking into this madness. And for the whole time I was wondering what’s going on, is this some joke? Is it a dream? Some illusion? Obviously, everything becomes clear at the end, but I’m not going to spoil it to you. Personally, I absolutely loved the idea. Perhaps I would make the ending a bit shorter, but I still felt awesome at the end. Some people say it’s illogical, some people say it’s messy and doesn’t make sense, but to me it’s an exceptional production, very well-done, the camerawork is on point and I felt disturbed for the whole 2 hours, which in this case is a huge plus. I’m totally buying this film despite few elements I’d personally change. I hope you’ll let Shyamalan take you to that beach as well…

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

It’s still a tribute. “World Trade Center” (2006)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Oliver Stone
© 2006 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Continuing the topic from yesterday, I’d like to you to notice this title as well. It was also made in 2006, yet it tells the story from a different perspective. In “United 93” we could see how the passengers of one of the four flights were possibly reacting, but in today’s film we can see what it all looked like for the police officers. In fact, we can learn about a group of officers who not only tried to save people, but at some point also themselves. During the attacks, they got trapped in the rubble of the collapsed Towers and the film presents the whole process of rescuing them. On the one hand, it’s a tragic story which took place during even more tragic circumstances, but on the other, it’s also a decent tribute to the officers that risked their lives to save as many as it’s possible. Obviously, we could say it was their job, but I don’t think that every person would be ready to do what some of them did back then. The same with firefighters, medics, paramedics and everyone involved in rescuing. I know there are different opinions about that day and how it all happened, but one thing happened for sure – a lot of innocent people were put in danger and needed help. And I’m glad that there are some survivors, because one saved life is already a big success. I must agree that this film wasn’t anyhow spectacular as a film and I know why a lot of critics were negative about it, but I still see it as an important tribute to all officers and let’s finish my post with that.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Beware cockpit intrusion. “United 93” (2006)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Paul Greengrass
© 2006 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

When that tragedy took place, I was still a child. And recently, I sat down to think what I remember from that time. To be honest – almost nothing. I mean, I don’t even remember the news, or adults talking about it. All I remember is my friend who told me that his mom was lucky, because she’d seen both towers. She was a flight attendant and was often flying to the USA. And nothing else. Just that short conversation with my friend is all I’ve got in my head from that period. So when I grew up, I wasn’t much curious about it. It was something that took place in the past, it was a tragedy indeed, but to me it was just one of many that I’ve heard of. So excuse my ignorance in this case, but I didn’t actually know many details. Today’s film is about one plane, United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked during the 11th of September 2001. It was one of four planes that were attacked on that day. And to be honest with you, I didn’t know there were four of them. Before watching this film I was completely sure there were three planes. So I kind of watched this film not knowing the story behind the flight 93. If you know exactly what happened back then, then you may experience this film differently. But for me, it was like watching a very well-written thriller/drama/action film, which gave me chills at the end. During the film we may see what most probably happened on board of that plane and also among the air traffic control personnel. Not sure how you’ll feel while watching, but I felt horrible helplessness that I cannot do anything for those people. Of course I knew it was a film, but they made it so emotional and dramatic that it hit me very much. I’m aware of the fact that it’s not nice remembering such tragedies, but I honestly recommend you this production because of cinematographic reasons. It’s a very good film.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Nothing lasts forever. “Black Widow” (2021)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Cate Shortland
© 2021 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Is there someone among my readers who can actually follow, understand and remember the whole plot of all Marvel films? If you are such person, let me congratulate you sincerely. Whenever I watch a Marvel production, I just turn it on, they inform me where in the story we are and I accept it. No deep thinking what was before or next or was happening simultaneously. “Okay, this is happening after that big action back then, and before that other one. And now the protagonist is a woman in a silver costume. Alright, let’s do it. Amaze me with your expensive CGI”. And I’m aware that all Marvel fans reading this are having a heart attack right now. But you know me, honesty first. Still, the fact that I keep getting back to those productions means something, okay? I still find them a decent entertainment. And what can I tell you about “Black Widow”… hmm slightly cringy at first, especially since Scarlett Johansson (who’s American, just in case) plays Black Widow, who’s Natasha Romanoff, who’s Russian, so obviously she has to be speaking with a weird and unnatural accent. But oh well, did we expect anything else? Still, it’s a visually attractive film, which I would say is an action film from women to women (mostly). Female power is screaming at you, which is actually pleasant. Plus, I love Scarlett for her more dramatic and less “superhero” roles but, in my opinion, she does very well as Black Widow. A lot of critics say that this film is one of the least Avenger-like ones, and I have to agree with that. At some point I felt like I’m watching some independent production, because the whole atmosphere was more thriller-ish than most films about Avengers. But I’ll let you judge it yourselves.

My rating: 6/10
S.

You’re all mine. “The Roommate” (2011)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Christian E. Christiansen
© 2011 Screen Gems. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine that Blair Waldorf is your roommate and she’s a little bit obsessed with you. That would be an interesting situation, wouldn’t it? Just in case if you haven’t seen “Gossip Girl” series, Blair Waldorf was one of the characters played by Leighton Meester, who in today’s film plays the villain. Doom, doom, doom. But let’s start from the beginning, shall we? We’re actually following Sara (Minka Kelly), who’s about to start her student life. Soon she meets her new roommate, Rebecca (Leighton Meester), who’s incredibly similar to her. Those two get on with each other pretty well. A bit too well, because at some point Sara realises that she cannot really bond with anyone else but Rebecca. In fact, a lot of strange things occur around her, yet Rebecca is always there for her. I have to be honest with you – this thriller is rather predictable and written in a classic way. Still, what I loved about it was the choice of Leighton Meester as the dark character. There’s something specific about this actress that no matter if she plays a cute and wealthy lady from the Upper East Side, or an inconspicuous roommate with an obsession, she always gives me chills. But don’t feel discouraged – it’s not like it’s a bad film, otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it to you. Just if you watch a lot, then it won’t be much surprising. But other than that, it’s a decent thriller for a cozy evening. Especially if you’re living with roommates…

My rating: 6/10
S.

Don’t change your view, change the reality. “Behind the Curve” (2018)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Daniel J. Clark
© 2018 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Here we go… I wasn’t sure how to recommend this film to you, because I’m afraid a lot of you are sceptical about it, but I’ll try. And no, nobody’s making me do it, Netflix is not paying me for promoting it or anything. I actually find this documentary fascinating, but first let me tell you a few words what it’s about. I’m sure you know that people are different and each of us has different opinions. Some of us like rock music, some others like pop. Some people prefer mountains, others going to the beach. Some are living on a planet, and others on a flat plate. Today’s film is about a group of people who believe that Earth is actually not a sphere. They are called flat-Earthers (how obviously) and… well, yes, they exist. What’s more, they write articles, organise conferences and try to prove that their beliefs are true. And as much as I don’t want to comment on that, because I think each of us has their own head and views, I have to say that this documentary hit me. And not because there are people believing we’re living on a huge vinyl, but just think about – how any idea can become something that a huge group of people will start believing in. All you need is good marketing, a nice suit and free T-shirts. And you can say that grapefruits are actually eggs of huge galactic birds from Mars. And people will believe you. I mean, isn’t that terrifying? Because I had a long reflection after that documentary. If you think it is creepy, now think about religions… Doesn’t it sound familiar? I know, I know, starting to be controversial here. Sending lots of love to all my readers, no matter if you believe in a flat Earth, some specific god or yourself. Just take a moment and think about what’s around you, maybe that will open your eyes for something.

My rating: 6/10
S.