First one in, last one out. “The Assistant” (2019)

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directed by Kitty Green
© 2019 Bleecker Street. All Rights Reserved.

This isn’t an ordinary film. When I was watching it, I felt horribly uncomfortable. And I guess that was the point. Because “The Assistant” is about how usual sexual harassment has become, which is definitely not the nicest topic. The main character is Jane (Julia Garner), who’s a young woman that’s just begun her first serious job. She works as an assistant at a film production company and starts realising how pathological the situation there is. And it’s not just this one company. The film presents some kind of culture that has been created, which allows people to harass others and make everything look fine. I’m glad such production was made and I definitely appreciated how they presented the problem. I mean, we follow Jane for the whole day and experience everything she does. Very often those are long moments of silence, which are impossible to stand because of the constant tension there. Generally, the film may seem boring, because it’s just about a random assistant at work. What’s so special about it? She needs to take care of some papers, make calls, sit at the desk and wait till her day is over. And that’s exactly what we see in the film. However, the atmosphere is so intense that you really wish to stop watching. Not because it’s boring, but because it’s hurting you from the inside. A really strange production. Yet, a very important topic, wonderful camerawork and great idea for the story. Even though I’m recommending it, I hope I’ll never watch it again.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I’m going to burn their playhouse down. “Shooter” (2007)

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directed by Antoine Fuqua
© 2007 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

It’s Saturday and you deserve something that is more entertaining than ambitious, so I’m giving you “Shooter”. Personally, I rarely watch such films where a bunch of men are chasing each other with guns, but this one has Mark Wahlberg in it, so I gave it a try. Not sure about your opinion, but I’ve never seen Wahlberg as an actor suitable for such “badass” roles. I mean, he’s good-looking and well-built, but for me he’s spreading such peaceful vibes that it’s hard to believe he could kill someone, even in a film. But, as I said, it’s just what I think. Anyway, I found “Shooter” pretty acceptable. It is full of plot twists, because if you think you know what’s going on, you suddenly find out you know nothing and the guy who’s supposed to be the killer isn’t really the killer, and that there’s another killer, and then this one betrayed that one… and so on and on. So if you’re planning a relaxing evening, you’d need to focus for the first… 30 minutes of the film, because the biggest mess is happening there. Personally, I was a bit shocked how much Wahlberg needed to prepare for this role. I mean, he’s the main character, meaning the Shooter, so as you may be guessing, he shoots (I know, incredible deduction). Anyway, he was training with a real sniper and had to learn all those tricks which I have no idea about but you can see them in the film. Plus, Wahlberg is left-handed and he needed to shoot using both hands, depending on the scene. Some of us can’t even write using the second hand and this guy can shoot. Impressive. So even though I don’t watch such productions often, I admire the whole crew for their work, because action films require gaining new skills, usually not easy at all. “Shooter” is quite enjoyable and I’d recommend it for a Saturday evening. With popcorn. Or nachos. Or both, get crazy tonight.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Healthy people are sick. “Destination Wedding” (2018)

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directed by Victor Levin
© 2018 Regatta. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re successful in life, in a happy relationship, with a well-paid job and lucky enough to have time for your hobbies, then don’t watch this film because you most probably won’t get it. I’m sorry to be a bit rough, but I can’t believe this film has such average ratings. I’ve read some comments written by film critics and you know what they said? “IT’S UNFUNNY”. Well, if you prefer easier humour, I propose watching “Dumb and Dumber” (which is forever guilty pleasure, but nevermind). This film is hilarious, but you have to switch dark-humour-and-cynicism-acceptance on. “NOT THE BEST ROM-COM”. Really? That wasn’t even supposed to be a typical romantic comedy. That’s a film about two broken people. Again, wrong choice of film to watch. “ANNOYING CHARACTERS”. Oh, excuse me, yes, welcome to the real world, where people get depressed, have anxiety, low self-esteem and are tired of everything around them. You call them annoying, I call them “finally interesting people to talk to”. “HORRIBLE DIALOGUES”. I think the exact opposite – finally someone has written something that doesn’t make me yawn after 2 minutes of listening. I’m both frustrated and amazed after watching “Destination Wedding”. Frustrated, because even pretty valued film critics seem not to see what this whole story is about and didn’t appreciate such a magnificent rom-com-like production. It’s not about their preferences, but they honestly didn’t understand the point of it. And I’m amazed because I have no idea how to describe this film. It’s not a rom-com, it’s not a black comedy, it’s not a drama… it’s just a very good production. However, what I said at the beginning is not a joke – I’m afraid certain people might not really understand how one can be so cynical, rude or pessimistic. Or maybe people don’t want to watch such characters. Personally, I love this film and I’ll definitely get back to it several times. It made me feel much better, somehow. Yes, dark humour and cynicism make me happy, deal with it. And I’m sorry I didn’t write anything about the plot, but I hope I’ve managed to intrigue you a bit. This film is awesome. Period.

My rating: 8.5/10
S.

The people want to overthrow the regime! “Last Men in Aleppo” (2017)

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directed by Firas Fayyad
© 2017 Grasshopper. All Rights Reserved.

Today, I’ve got an incredibly difficult documentary for you. I was watching it with my eyes wide open, despite the fact I’d known what’s happening in Syria and I’d seen a lot of videos about the situation there. Still, this production is not even a slap in the face. It’s like an elephant herd crushing your entire body. That’s how I felt watching it. The producers went to Syria and filmed everything from the perspective of ordinary people. However, they mostly focused on White Helmets, who are volunteers willing to support people during the civil war. Those aren’t specially trained soldiers, those are normal citizens living there, who simply feel the need of protecting each other and helping those in need. The problem is that almost everyone in Syria is in need. For many people it’s logical that if your life or family were in danger, you’d run away and find a safe place to live. But somehow those people there don’t see it as an option. They care so much about their country and the fact they can save other people’s lives that they decide to stay. In huge danger, in poverty, in fear, but they stay. During the film you may see how much they’re struggling with this decision everyday and it’s fascinating to listen to their opinions about it. You need to watch the documentary till the very end to understand how difficult it is. Personally, I’m speechless and I feel huge respect towards all the members of White Helmets. What those people do is incredible. Be prepared to see horrible pictures in this documentary, but what’s the worst about them is the fact they are real. And I guess I will never understand why it’s like this in the world.

My rating: 8/10
S. 

Call me ‘young lady’ again and I’m gonna put my foot in a place it’s not supposed to be. “Captain Marvel” (2019)

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directed by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck
© 2019 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, you know exactly what I think of superhero films. Shortly speaking: they are fun, but if they didn’t exist, I wouldn’t care much. The only thing I’m amazed of and I’ll always respect is CGI and all those people working with it. And that’s the main reason I watch superhero productions. Because, let’s face it, the story is always the same, only some details change. So recently, I decided to see “Captain Marvel”, because why not. Free evening, no energy to watch anything mentally tiring, let’s go. I guess I don’t need to explain who Captain Marvel is, so I’ll focus on my thoughts after watching it. First of all, I’ve heard people don’t like Brie Larson in this role. And I’m not sure why. I mean, she’s acting a bit as if she was a managing director in some boring corporation, but I guess that was the point. Her character is actually an Air Force pilot, so don’t expect her to be overly cute, sexy or delicate. She’s confident, concrete , strong and brave – everything’s there. Besides, I like Brie as an actress, so maybe I’m not being totally objective, but she’s doing her job well and this time it wasn’t different. The second thing I loved was how they de-aged Samuel L. Jackson. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but nowadays we don’t have to make actors look younger using lots of makeup. Now, everything can change on the computer screen, which is equally fascinating and terrifying for me, but I still appreciate the work. And the last thing that I enjoyed in this film were jokes, but it’s typical for Mavel productions, so perhaps you’re not surprised. Basically, I had a nice evening with “Captain Marvel”. However, *SMALL SPOILER* Jude Law as the bad guy? Really? Horrible choice. He has superhero’s best friend’s vibes, not the villain’s vibes, but maybe that’s just me. *END OF SPOILER* Oh and I loved “Just A Girl” by No Doubt as the background for a fight scene. That was awesome.

My rating: 6.5/10
S.

No one had ever asked me what it felt to be me. “The Help” (2011)

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directed by Tate Taylor
© 2011 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I do not like to talk about politics and I try to be as much objective as it’s possible. However, I will never be objective about racism, because that’s something I will never accept. What’s happening these days in the USA is like a very bad sci-fi production. Still, I stand for all the people who feel discriminated and have to fight for their absolutely basic rights. In order to show my support, today I’m recommending you a marvellous film about the 60s and how African-Americans managed to raise their voices and finally be heard. If you haven’t seen it, let me say a few words about the plot. It’s actually based on a novel by Kathryn Stockett and it tells the story of African-American maids, Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer). Both ladies work for white and wealthy women. One of them, Mrs. Leefolt (Ahna O’Reilly),  has a friend called Skeeter (Emma Stone), who wishes to become a writer and is very much interested in the perspective of the maids. Therefore, she starts observing and interviewing them, which changes the lives of all the ladies involved. It’s hard for me to say something negative about this production, because I was amazed by the power of the story and how all the actresses made me feel. Sometimes people (me as well, I admit it) say that certain films get awards just because they talk about minorities, gender inequality, racial discrimination etc. And yes, I can name several films which are absolutely average, yet they were awarded just because they were somehow “controversial”. However, “The Help” is not one of them. It’s actually a fantastic production, which really crushes your heart and makes you feel angry with humans for the way they can treat each other. I hope you’ll take this one as a good lesson and keep in mind that… oh well, racism sucks. Let’s start living in the 21st century with more 21st century minds, shall we?

My rating: 9/10
S.

You princes of Maine, you kings of New England. “The Cider House Rules” (1999)

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directed by Lasse Hallström
© 1999 Buena Vista Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I like this film for so many reasons! I’m not sure where to start from… Okay, I’ll tell you about the story and then why it’s a very worth-your-time drama. The main character is Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), who’s a boy raised in an orphanage. He was adopted twice, but none of the families welcomed the boy for a long time. That is why Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine), who runs the orphanage, decided to keep Homer and started treating him like his own son. Homer is learning how to take care of patients, especially pregnant women and those in labour. One thing Homer cannot accept is the fact that Dr. Larch also performs abortions, which seems illogical and immoral for the boy. Still, the orphanage is his home and whole world. Then, a couple show up to ask Dr. Larch for an abortion. Candy (Charlize Theron) and Wally (Paul Rudd) aren’t ready to be parents yet. Homer, however, starts talking to them and finds out that Wally’s mother owns an apple orchard. The boy is offered to work there, which seems like a perfect occasion to leave the orphanage, move on and learn what the world is like. The rest you will see. And now, why do I like this film? First of all, fantastic acting. Every single actor here does a great job. Second of all, the story is well-told and I didn’t lose focus for a minute. And the most important – presenting the topic of abortion together with abandoning children. It does seem a bit ridiculous that Dr. Larch is taking care of so many unwanted children and yet performs abortions. But if you think about it and watch the whole film, you might see why he’s like that. I know that people against abortion may not like this production for presenting the topic in such way, but perhaps showing simultaneously what happens to those unwanted children may open some minds and eyes. I’m leaving you with one of my favourite quotes from this film. Dr. Larch once said: “If you expect people to be responsible for their children, you have to give them the right to decide whether or not to have children.”

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

In this profession it helps if your mind’s a little sick. “Kills on Wheels” (“Tiszta szívvel”, 2016)

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directed by Attila Till
© 2016 Laokoon Filmgroup. All Rights Reserved.

I love films showing how much we underestimate the disabled. If you’re disabled, you can’t do sports? Of course you can! If you’re disabled, you can’t find love? Of course you can! If you’re disabled, you can’t kill people and get away with it? Of course you can! (actually, you shouldn’t, but that’s just an introduction to the film, so please, don’t take it seriously) Today, I’ve got an interesting story for you coming from Hungary. The main characters are three men, each of them with a different background and personality, but all having one thing in common – the wheelchair. Rupaszov (Szabolcs Thuróczy) is a hitman, who uses his disability to compete certain tasks unnoticed. I mean, let’s face it, who would suspect a man in a wheelchair to be the murderer. I guess we all know the answer to this one. Anyway, one day he meets two young men, Zolika (Zoltán Fenyvesi) and Barba Papa (Ádám Fekete), who are also struggling with their disabilities and both searching for the reason to live. They feel useless and don’t want to be seen as people that need constant help from others. That is why those three men team up and start doing dirty work together. And here are some thoughts I have about the film… At first it was very good, I liked how they introduced us to the characters, how the story was going, but then at the end I felt like the editor had wanted to finish earlier, so he shortened the ending by a half. And, generally, the editing isn’t the best in this one (I’m sorry). However, the camerawork – that’s something worth pointing out. Besides, as I said at the beginning, I like films with show how we underestimate people with disabilities, and even though it’s a comedy and the main characters are working for the mafia, it’s still a small step forward to opening our eyes. So in the end, I’m saying “yes” to this film.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Now we will see the rainbow together. “Dhanak” (2015)

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directed by Nagesh Kukunoor
© 2015 PVR Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

What an adorable story I’ve got for you today. It’s an Indian dromedy (drama+comedy), but even though it touches a difficult topic, 85% of it is basically singing and laughing. The main characters are the siblings, Pari (Hetal Gada) and Chotu (Krrish Chhabria). Both of them are orphans, because their parents died in an accident. That is why they live with their aunt and uncle. What’s more, Chotu is blind, so he’s really close to his sister. Pari is his best friend and biggest support in life. As an older sister, she doesn’t only wish to help Chotu, but she’s also promised that the boy will see before he turns 9. The boy is soon about to have his 9th birthday and there’s still no hope for the operation he needs. Their family isn’t wealthy, so Pari comes up with an interesting idea. She wants to travel to another city where Shah Rukh Khan, a famous Indian actor, will be shooting his new film, and the girl wants to ask him for help. That is why one day those two run away and travel on their own to meet the star and change Chotu’s life. If you’re not a fan of Bollywood, you might not like this film as much as I did. I mean, it’s definitely more… western, I would say, than other Bollywood productions. They don’t sing 24/7 and the story is much shorter (normally such films take around 3 hours). However, feel encouraged to try. The main actors are absolutely adorable and I respect little Krrish Chhabria for the role of the blind boy. He was magnificent and I seriously thought he doesn’t see. Luckily, the actor’s sight is fine and he’s even more charismatic than in the film (at least in the interviews I’ve seen). This film has given me a lot of positive vibes, which I guess we all need from time to time.

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

Guns don’t kill people – postal workers do. “The Mexican” (2001)

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directed by Gore Verbinski
© 2001 DreamWorks Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Enough with erotic thrillers and erotic fantasy… creations for this week. Today I’m recommending you to see “The Mexican”, which is a great option if you like a bit goofy humour, want to see some adventure film or you just wish to stare at still pretty young Brad Pitt. The story goes like this: Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is a guy who sometimes does not-entirely-legal things. This time he’s got a task to go to Mexico and find “The Mexican”. Surprisingly, it’s not a person he needs to find, but a very old gun that, as they say, is cursed, yet incredibly valuable. It’s not that easy, but Jerry needs to do it as his final not-entirely-legal job (too much explaining, you’ll see in the film). Getting the gun doesn’t seem to be such a problem comparing to the fact that Jerry’s girlfriend Samantha (Julia Roberts) breaks up with him. She’s tired of the man’s “professional” life and lack of commitment in their relationship. Why is it important? Well, at first it isn’t, but while Jerry is in Mexico, Samantha gets kidnapped by a hitman (James Gandolfini). He wants to exchange the woman for the gun, but he doesn’t know one thing… those two are no longer together. Generally, it’s an adorably ridiculous story full of American-Mexican jokes, stereotypes and very good music. Honestly, I’m going to get back to its soundtrack for sure. People say it’s Gandolfini’s best role… well, he’s the brightest shining star in this one for sure. But for me, he’s magnificent in almost every role, so I can’t be objective here. Still, “The Mexican” is something you may want to see tonight.

My rating: 6.5/10
S.