[8.50/10] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [3D] (2012)

 The Hobbit:
An Unexpected Journey [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Unlike the "Lord of the Rings' films the first installment in the  new "Hobbit" trilogy is way more light-weighted, brighter in tone, and definitely not as action-packed as its three predecessors, as it focuses more on explaining us everything we don’t know and need to know in a humorous and relaxed way, rather than providing us with non-stop spectacle. The first half is reasonably slow-moving and lacking in action and vigor, spending all of its time on setting up the following “unexpected journey”, but as soon as the journey starts, the pacing picks up quickly, and continues to flow smoothly throughout, injecting a dose of needed energy into the storytelling. Peter Jackson once again has chosen the most breathtaking filming locations in the beautiful New Zealand, and that combined with the first-class CGI work leads to a spectacular visual result, the majesty of which will leave you in awe. The use of 3D is spot on, if not the best, but on certain scenes it’s incredibly effective, and makes you feel part of what’s happening on screen. Aside from some pacing issues here and there, Jackson’s direction is hard to fault really. As expected, he displays a tasteful visual flair, and remarkable attention to detail. Bilbo Baggins is played wonderfully by Martin Freeman, the dwarves are fun to watch, Ian McKellen returns with a bang as Gandalf, but it’s Andy Serkis as Gollum, that absolutely steals the show.

Overall summary: Sure, it lacks the grim feel, and refined complexity that turned "The Lord of the Rings" into such a classic, but "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is still a truly entertaining, visually-sumptuous and masterfully-crafted prequel, that will leave you satisfied.

Click on the screen shot above or THIS LINK, and check out the extended version of my "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" review, written exclusively for White Cat Magazine. Comments are very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[8.50/10] Argo (2012)

Argo (2012)

QuickRating: Over the last five years, Ben Affleck proved himself an extremely capable director, but he's really at the top of his game with "Argo" - a smart and thoughtful based-on-a-true story thriller, that is constantly engrossing from start to finish, and so tense and thrilling, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Affleck's direction is precise, the pacing is taut, the performances are excellent, and the retro-ish tone of the film captures the late early 1980s feel phenomenally well.

[8.50/10] Dredd [3D] (2012)

 Dredd [3D]

Brief review: Based on the British comic strip "2000 AD", Pete Travis' latest feature, "Dredd" is also a much needed remake of the lame 1995 film, "Judge Dredd", starring Sylvester Stallone. Although conceptually similar to this year's martial arts phenomenon "The Raid: Redemption", "Dredd" differs significantly in terms feel, look, and overall effectiveness. The storyline is pretty straightforward, yet well-conceived, and the script itself is reasonably smart, filled with wit and satirical humor. Director Pete Travis manages to capture the tone and mood of the source material quite perfectly, delivering one of the most visually good-looking films of 2012 - the camera work is skillful, the futuristic Mega-City One is darkly glorious, the use of the murky tower-block setting is remarkable, and the CGIs are top-notch. The 3D works as well, adding lots of depth to the already stunning imagery. The 'Slo-Mo effect' scenes, shot in super slow motion, are true state-of-the-art, and the action scenes are so loud, brutal, well-staged, and eye-poppingly entertaining, they will blow up your mind. "Dredd 3D" is also brutally violent, but the violence itself is awesomely-stylized, featuring lots of torn flesh and blood splatter. Dredd, acted brilliantly by Karl Urban, is sarcastic, tough and uncompromising, Olivia Thirlby's sweet look contrasts with her character's fearlessness, and Lena Headey is mesmerizing as the harsh drug lord Ma-Ma.

Overall summary: Grim, gritty, gory, spectacularly violent and visually-striking, "Dredd 3D" not only surpasses vastly the original in every single aspect, but also ranks as one of the best remakes ever made, thanks to its finely-written script and absolutely outstanding execution. 

[8.50/10] The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Brief review: Even if it doesn't quite meet the high expectation set by its predecessors, Nolan's long-anticipated conclusion to his "Batman" trilogy is still a great way to end the franchise. In spite of its 164-minute running time, "TDKR" never fails to entertain, thanks to the clever writing and gripping narrative, enhanced by the film's visual depth. In the same fashion as "The Dark Knight", "TDKR" has little to no 'comic book feel' about it, simply because its director tries to keep everything as realistic as possible. Unfortunately, that combined with the lack of humor makes it seem a bit too serious at times. Execution-wise, "TDKR" is nothing short of masterful, but considering Nolan's amazing skills that's not a surprise. Pfister's muted, almost noir-ish cinematography and gritty camera work match perfectly with both the movie's dark tone and Gotham City's grim atmosphere, and Nolan's refined, yet vigorous direction maintains the intensity of the story. While far from epic, the action scenes are well-shot and thrilling to watch, and the CGI work is first-rate and intentionally kept to a minimum. The acting is superb. Although a bit underused, Christian Bale turns in his best Batman performance yet. Anne Hathaway steals every scene as the seductive, yet shifty and manipulative Catwoman, Tom Hardy does an outstanding job as the astounding villain, Bane, and Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are at their very best.

Overall summary: Pretty much humorless and tad overlong, yet never boring, "The Dark Knight Rises" is a beyond satisfying conclusion to Chris Nolan's worldwide acclaimed "Batman" trilogy, that boasts a deeply thoughtful script, strong characters, and top-notch execution.

[8.50/10] Wu Xia a.k.a. Dragon (2011)

Wu Xia a.k.a.
Dragon (2011)

QuickRating: Although its story is somewhat similar to 2010's wuxia phenomenon "Reign of Assassins", Peter Chan's "Wu Xia" is still an engrossing, skilfully choreographed, masterfully directed and visually fascinating martial arts drama, that truly captivates the viewer with its compelling characters, gorgeous scenery and strong script, and showcases Donnie Yen in top form, both acting-wise and fighting-wise.

[8.50/10] Take Shelter (2011)

Take Shelter (2011)

Brief review: While not technically a horror movie, "Take Shelter" is creepier and more unsettling than any other 'scary' film released over the past year, but it also succeeds on a dramatic level. It works as both, a psychological horror story and gripping drama, because it doesn't rely familiar gimmicks or in-your-face creepiness, as instead it focuses on the confusion, silent paranoia and troubled mental state of its intriguing main character, and keeps you wondering, whether his apocalyptic visions and dreams are result of his questionable insanity, or a real premonition. Plus, there's an unexplainable sense of dread throughout the film, that creates an atmosphere of uneasiness and forbidding fear, which shows best in the startling final 15 minutes of the movie. Set in a small Ohio town, "Take Shelter" is a visually simplistic, yet still beautifully-shot and precisely-executed film with a darkly subdued tone, some fine attention to small details, and a polished and exquisitely subtle direction by Jeff Nichols. There's a minimal use of CGIs, just to increase the overall visual and dramatic effect of this uniquely grim story, which contrasts well with the calming surroundings. Michael Shannon does a truly exceptional job portraying the quiet intensity and desperation of his mentally disturbed character, Curtis, and the 'chameleon' Jessica Chastain gives another stellar performance as his confused, yet loving wife, Samantha.

Overall summary: Quietly ominous, at times disturbing, but constantly compelling, and shot with a subtle beauty and refined care, "Take Shelter" is a seamless mixture of affecting drama and unconventional horror, led by Michael Shannon's astounding performance.

[8.50/10] Source Code (2011)

Source Code (2011)

Brief review: Much to my surprise, I was slightly disappointed by Duncan Jones' debut feature "Moon", as I found it truly original, yet monotonous and rather boring. Therefore, I didn't know what to expect from his latest film, called "Source Code". What I got was a unique and stylishly-crafted sci-fi thriller with a brain. Something more than that - "Source Code" is unpredictable, tense, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking and incredibly compelling film that impresses not only with its original concept, but also with its mind-bending narrative, brilliantly-precise execution, and Gyllenhaal's exceptional performance. Despite its complicated plot, the film never gets confusing or overdone, thanks to Jones' smart and creative choices behind the camera, and Hirsch's masterful editing. The '8 minute fragments' never feels repetitive, dull or tiresome - each next scene is tauter than the previous, and the film gets more and more intriguing and exciting as the story progresses, offering many twists and turns along the way. Jake Gyllenhaal is probably this film's biggest asset - he fully inhabits his character, delivering one of the most complex performances of his career as the charismatic and bold, yet confused soldier, Colter Stevens.

Overall summary: Thanks to its unique premise, clever plot structure, flawless execution, and Gyllenhaal's top-notch performance, "Source Code" easily ranks as one of the most accomplished and skillfully-crafted sci-fi films of the 00's, and also one of the best films of the year so far.

[8.50/10] Los ojos de Julia a.k.a. Julia's Eyes (2010)

Los ojos de Julia

a.k.a.

Julia's Eyes (2010)

Brief review: With Guillermo del Toro attached as a producer, you could always expect something original and different, and "Los Ojos de Julia" is no exception. Guillem Morales' second full-length feature is a prime example of the mystery/thriller done right - an unpredictable film full of countless twists and turns, that will astound you with its cleverness, keep you guessing throughout along with the main character, and have you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning to the very end. Yes, it's that good. "Julia's Eyes" not only dazzles with its intriguing plot and the highly effective build of suspense, but it's also a technically brilliant movie. The film's flawless pacing is nicely accompanied by Vilaseca's smooth editing, and as a result, it never feels tedious or too long, despite its 112 min running time. Morales' direction is surprisingly slick and precise, the visuals are stylish, and the sharp, yet dim cinematography is as atmospheric, as it's eye-candy. Belén Rueda, known for her role in "The Orphanage" delivers yet another bravura performance as Julia - a beautiful middle-aged woman, determined to unveil the mystery behind the death of her twin sister, despite she's starting to lose her eyesight because of a terrible inherited disease.

Overall summary: Consistently tense, refreshingly unpredictable and utterly engrossing, "Julia's Eyes" certainly ranks as one of the most polished and skillfully-executed horror thrillers in recent history. Definitely one of 2010's most pleasant cinematic surprises!

[8.50/10] I Saw the Devil (2010)

Akmareul Boattda

a.k.a.

I Saw the Devil (2010)

Ji-woon Kim's sure-to-become-a-classic thriller "I Saw the Devil" follows Kyung-chul, a maniacal serial killer who drives a yellow school bus and preys on young women. He captures and kills his victims, but their deaths are not the end of his madness. While the police have been aware of his actions for some time, they have never been able to put a name or face to his crimes. When the corpse of a retired police chief’s pregnant daughter surfaces, things change gears and the hunter quickly becomes the hunted. Yet it is not the girl’s father who swears vengeance, but rather her secret agent fiancé, Joo-yeon, who decides to track down the perpetrator himself. Anyone with even the remotest information on the killer’s whereabouts is in for a bloody beating. But when his mission starts to come together, Joo-yeon morphs into quite a disturbing monster himself. The critically acclaimed Korean director of horror phenomenon, "A Tale of Two Sisters", delivers this violently brutal, yet mesmerizingly beautiful story of justice and revenge, that will linger deep in your mind long after the credits roll. The story, while slightly predictable, is wonderfully-executed, thrillingly suspenseful and enormously gripping, and it keeps you one the edge of your seat to the very end. "I Saw the Devil" is also hyper-violent, as it's filled with ruthless, gory and extremely graphic, yet thoroughly realistic scenes of violence that leave almost nothing to imagination. All this, combined with film's consistent intensity gives "I Saw the Devil" extra toughness and grit. With its pitch-perfect editing, smooth and silky editing, and Ji-woon Kim's skilfull direction, "I Saw the Devil" is near-flawless, technically. Ji-woon Kim's versatility as a director is noticeable, as he uses a wide range of camera angles and provides lots of great shots throughout the film. The opening sequence is hauntingly beautiful and it deserves a special mention. Furthermore, Lee Mo-Gae's grim, yet stunningly effective cinematography and low-key lightning add to the dark and unsettling tone of movie, and as a result, "I Saw the Devil" is not only compelling, but also a visually-atmospheric thriller, that succeeds on all levels. Acting-wise, "I Saw the Devil" is no less remarkable. Byung-hun Lee, best known to western audiences for his role as Storm Shadow in Stephen Sommers' 2009 blockbuster "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra", plays Soo-hyun - a top secret agent and one of the victim's fiancé. Lee delivers a solid and very credible performance as Soo-hyun, who led by his fierce longing for revenge, stands against the brutal murderer all by himself. However, it's Min-sik Choi's performance that makes the biggest impression. Yes, he was incredible in "OldBoy", but here, he simply outdoes himself, as he portrays the madness and cruelty of his character so believably, it's astounding. He's so intimidating, disturbing and downright terrifying as Kyung-chul , that everytime he appears on screen, you find yourself feeling like one of his victims. He's that good. Harsh, uncompromising, brilliantly-crafted and thoroughly compelling, "I Saw the Devil" is a truly riveting experience, you won't soon forget.

• My Rating: 8.50/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (4 Reviews)
  
• IMDb: 8.0/10