Aca-Wiedersehen bitches! “Pitch Perfect 2” (2015)

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directed by Elizabeth Banks
© 2015 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

If Monday a cappella singing wasn’t enough, let’s continue this party, shall we? Be careful, spoilers are coming in case you haven’t seen the first part. So, the Bellas are now a bit older and have won the national championships in the last three years. Aubrey (Anna Camp) is no longer the leader and instead of her Beca (Anna Kendrick) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) are managing the team. Unfortunately, during one show an accident happens (which you will see) and the girls are not allowed to perform during the upcoming national championships. However, Beca makes a deal that if they manage to win the world championships, they will be forgiven. Still, it’s a huge challenge because there are numerous talented a cappella teams all over the world and… Americans are not necessarily liked by them. But Bellas don’t give up, do they? Do they? See yourselves. This part is slightly less entertaining than the first one, but I still enjoyed the music very much. When it comes to the third part, however, that’s very disappointing. “Pitch Perfect 3”, according to me, should not have been made. They really didn’t have a decent idea about continuing the story and made it a bit too depressive in my opinion. So if you haven’t seen all the parts, I recommend you to see just numero uno and dos. Especially since the ending of the second film is incredibly touching and it would be a nice summary of the story. What’s happening in the third part is a sad mess, I’m afraid. So here we’re finishing with the Bellas and I hope your week is going on a high note now.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Acca-believe it! “Pitch Perfect” (2012)

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directed by Jason Moore
© 2012 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

This week has started with clouds, but I’m making the sun come out. And if you’re also trying to do the same, let me recommend you one of my favourite singing comedies. If you haven’t seen it, we begin with meeting Beca (Anna Kendrick), who wishes to do something with music in the future, but her father pushes her to finish university first. A bit hopeless, Beca ends up auditioning for an a cappella group called the Barden Bellas. They used to be legendary, but it seems like they’ve lost their spark in the recent years. Beca, who loves experimenting with music, could be a huge support, but she doesn’t want to deal with the group’s leader, Aubrey (Anna Camp), who’s incredibly strict and likes sticking to her own plan. Will Beca manage to stop herself from spicing things up? You have to see yourself. Perhaps I’m not very objective in this case as I absolutely love a cappella singing and they had my attention from the very beginning. Obviously, it’s a comedy, which is supposed to be a bit silly and irrational sometimes, but it’s still very well-written, it has fantastic characters and musically I was satisfied. Besides, there’s a little “snack” for film freaks there – at some point they decide to use the song by Simple Minds called “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, which is probably the most recognisable song from “The Breakfast Club” film from 1985. One day I will write you about it as it’s one of my beloved productions, but for now, just pointing it out in “Pitch Perfect”. Hope that your Monday will be a bit acca-better now.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Some things were not meant to be found. “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life” (2003)

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directed by Jan de Bont
© 2003 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

How could I leave you without the sequel? Get ready for another adventure with Lara! This time she’s taking us to Greece. During another mission, Lara loses a secret orb from the temple built by Alexander the Great as two criminals steal it from her. The woman, however, manages to escape with a mysterious medallion. Soon she finds out about Pandora’s box, which is said to be hiding some deadly plague. In order to find it, she would need that exact orb which was stolen before. Why finding it? Well, for sure because if she doesn’t, someone else will and perhaps they will decide to use this legendary box for their own purposes. I think I like this part a little bit less than the first one, but the sequel’s ending is marvellous. I remember when I watched it for the first time and I was left with my mouth wide open. And this is the part where Lara has a companion helping her getting the orb and that’s Terry played by Gerard Butler. Gerard Butler and Angelina Jolie in one film. I mean, is it my birthday? I adore them both, so it’s hard to dislike a production with them. But honestly speaking, I think Lara Croft films are actually very decent action productions. I’ve seen the reboot from 2018 with Alicia Vikander as Lara, and as much as I think Alicia is a wonderful actress, she totally didn’t feel Lara. So I’m sorry, but you won’t find my recommendation to watch the reboot, but do it if you want. I’m team Angelina and that won’t change I’m afraid.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I woke up this morning and I just hated everything. “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001)

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directed by Simon West
© 2001 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Say what you want, but I loved Lara Croft. And no, I’m not one of those people who are amazed only by Angelina Jolie’s beauty. I think that Lara was spectacular for me because she was a female protagonist who intimidated all the men around her, yet deep inside she was a lady with a very sensitive heart. And I absolutely loved it about her character. But if you’ve never seen the adventures of Lara Croft, let me invite you to her world. Lara is… hard to say who she is. She’s a fighter, an adventurer, an archeologist, an explorer and a very talented woman. She’s living with a technical assistant Bryce (Noah Taylor) and butler Hilary (Chris Barrie). Her father was lost during one of his missions and Lara decided to continue his work. One day, the woman finds a mysterious clock. Seems like this clock is actually a very important element that may lead her to finding the Triangle of Light, which according to legends allows to control time. Unfortunately, Lara is not the only person who knows about this clock so she has to keep it safe and act fast in order to find the Triangle first. I’ve seen this film several times and I’m never bored. What I find the most enjoyable is the ending. I think that it’s a nice cherry on top and after the whole film I feel satisfied. And in fact, I love Angelina in this role. There were many actresses hoping to get the role of Lara, but despite lots of criticism about choosing Angelina, Simon West, the director, said: “Lara sleeps with knives and doesn’t take shit from anybody. That’s Angelina down to a tee.” Amen to that!

My rating: 7/10
S.

We kill witches! What do you do? “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” (2013)

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directed by Tommy Wirkola
© 2013 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

To save the honour of remakes, let me present you a quite decent one, which was also based on the Brothers Grimm’s tale. Unlike the horror I wrote you about yesterday, this one, in my opinion, was actually a good idea and personally I enjoyed watching it. In this version, Hansel and Gretel (Jeremy Renner & Gemma Arterton) are adults and we find out what happened to the siblings after the events in the forest. They are currently witch hunters as they are somehow immune to all their spells. Now, that’s an idea, right? Of course, an idea is not enough, but luckily they managed to produce a pleasant thriller out of it. First, it’s fun and entertaining. Second, the actors playing main roles are chosen on point, but I might be subjective as I’m a fan of Gemma Arterton – I think we should see her on the screen more often. Third, everything looks well-prepared and the story gives you chills. It’s more of an action film than a horror, but you may have to cover your eyes from time to time, especially if you’re sensitive. Maybe it’s not my beloved remake ever, yet I liked it and I think it’s necessary to share it with you as an example. This film was made in 2013, so 7 years before the yesterday’s horror. As you can see, technical development means very little in cinema. We have to remember that cinema is primarily a decent idea and preparation. No technology can beat creativity.

My rating: 6/10
S.

That’s why children shouldn’t eat sugar. “Gretel & Hansel” (2020)

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directed by Oz Perkins
© 2020 United Artists Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy… and a girl. Some things should be left untouched, unless you really have a decent idea about remaking it. “Hansel and Gretel” tale by the Brothers Grimm is something most of us know. Two children get lost in a forest and find a mysterious candy-made house, where an old witch is living and she wants to eat the children. Sorry for spoilers, but if you’re older than 5, I bet you should know this story. Anyway, some years ago some people decided to come up with some idea to make some remake of this very special tale. And here we go. I was actually very excited when I heard about this film and I even wanted to see it at the cinema. But when I heard first reviews, I gave up and waited till it’s on some streaming platform. Unfortunately, the film seems to be a mix of very different ideas, which actually looks like there’s no idea. It’s not scary, it’s not mysterious, it doesn’t make you wonder. All I felt was confusion and I found the characters incredibly annoying in their actions. I agree that visually it’s interesting and pretty (if we may say that referring to a horror), but other than that it’s a waste of time. I’m sorry, I said that. I said that. And I guess I’m not sorry. I give a big clap clap clap for the visuals, but the rest should have stayed in the book by the Brothers Grimm.

My rating: 2/10
S.

She was like a lot of other girls. “I Knew Her Well” (“Io la conoscevo bene”, 1965)

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directed by Antonio Pietrangeli
© 1965 Titanus. All Rights Reserved.

Since Italy is the new European champion in male football, I guess we should move to Italy today. And maybe we can even move back in time, because today I have a very nice classic for you. It was made in 1965, but I feel like its message might be still very much important to remember. Which is quite concerning, but let me tell you what the film is about first. We get to know Adriana (Stefania Sandrelli) who is a young lady. She’s beautiful, but a little bit naive. Her dream is to become a celebrity, therefore she moves to Rome. And in order to get famous, she starts meeting with wrong people, whom she believes entirely and who often end up hurting her. Generally, it’s a very sad picture of a woman who keeps being treated like an object. As I said, I’m afraid this case is still way too common in our times, so I believe it’s worth watching this film and reflecting on that. But except the fact that the final message is rather depressive, the entire film seems joyful and adorable. Adriana is definitely a lovely lady and Stefania Sandrelli in this role can make everyone smile, yet the whole story can hit you well. Anyway, brava Italia and congrats for this production as well.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m a genie in a suit, just rub me and make a wish. “For Love or Money” (1993)

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directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
© 1993 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

What’s more important – love or money? Optimists will say love, realists will say money, pessimists will say “you won’t get either of them, that’s life”. Whoever you are, I recommend you to relax on this beautiful Friday and spend your evening with Michael J. Fox making his own decision. He plays Doug, a concierge working at a luxurious hotel in New York. The man is very hardworking and guests generally like him very much as he’s incredibly helpful. His dream is to open his own hotel on Roosevelt Island. In order to do that, he needs some financial support, therefore he asks Christian Hanover (Anthony Higgins), a billionaire, to help him. The man agrees and in exchange Doug has to take care of his mistress, Andy (Gabrielle Anwar). Christian is actually married and has been promising Andy to get divorced soon, but Doug realises that the man is lying. He feels very sorry for Andy, especially since she’s a beautiful and talented lady. Now Doug has to decide whether he should follow his heart or his mind. It’s one of those films that you could be watching while having dinner and discussing with your family or friends. There are a lot of cute jokes and fabulous Michael J. Fox, who never stops surprising me on the screen. Enjoy your weekend, dearest readers!

My rating: 6/10
S.

There is nothing left. “A Quiet Place Part II” (2021)

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directed by John Krasinski
© 2021 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

It’s not common for sequels to be good. Let’s face it, there are very few productions that have quality sequels. And “A Quiet Place” is one of them. For those who don’t know this story, I recommend you to read my review about it (search on the page) or just watch it, because it’s damn awesome. I guess it’s obvious, but I prefer to remind you – if you haven’t seen the first part, there are spoilers coming, so mind that. As you remember, at the end of the first film Lee Abbott (John Krasinski) dies in order to save his family. Evelyn (Emily Blunt) is left with her children Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe) and a newborn son. They need to find themselves a new home as their old one got entirely destroyed. They are left without Lee, but at least they have a new weapon – Regan’s cochlear implant hearing aid. The first film was an absolute masterpiece and I knew it’s almost impossible to make an equally good sequel, so indeed – I think the sequel is a bit worse. The previous part was mysterious and I kind of felt like it’s Spielberg who’s co-directing it as he loves presenting the monster without an actual monster. In the second part, we get a lot of those aliens and they are not that… sophisticated, I’d say. So it’s more like a typical horror film. But the acting, the camerawork, even the screenplay are still on point, so in the end it’s still one of the best horrors I’ve recently seen. There are rumours that the third part is probably going to be made, which isn’t surprising as the ending is quite unfulfilling. At least for me. So if you’re wondering if the sequel is worth your time – then yes, it is.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Run for your dignity. “Dukhtar” (2014)

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directed by Afia Nathaniel
© 2014 Geo Films. All Rights Reserved.

Today I’m taking you to Pakistan, where a very touching drama was made. It’s a story of a mother who wanted to save her child and opposed the tradition. Allah Rakhi (Samiya Mumtaz) is the wife of a much older tribal chieftain Daulat Khan (Asif Khan) and the mother of Zainab (Saleha Aref). Her husband wishes to make peace with another tribe and to do so, he offers his daughter to the leader of that tribe, Tor Gul (Abdullah Jaan). Allah was also given to her husband and got married very young, which wasn’t anyhow pleasant. That is why she wants to protect her little girl, especially since she’s only 10 years old. Discussing this issue with her husband wouldn’t make any sense, so Allah decides to run away with Zainab. On the way, they meet Sohail (Mohib Mirza), a truck driver, who agrees to help them, even though he puts himself in danger as both tribes are currently after the woman and the girl. It’s a very simple story, based on many real ones, as I’m guessing. It’s still common in many cultures to treat children as objects and making decisions for them. Some call it tradition, some others… differently. But it’s each person’s personal opinion. Anyway, this film presents the change that is already happening or will soon come. How tired people are of certain conservative actions, especially those which cause a lot of pain. As I said, this film is rather simple, but it hits with its message and I recommend you to watch it.

My rating: 6/10
S.