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thelarkanian · 7 years

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L'Atalante (1934)

Jean Vigo directed the French film L'Atalante ('Le chaland qui passe'). Starring Jean Dasté, Dita Parlo, and Michel Simon.

The story of the film is about a newlywed woman who is bored with her life on the boat most of the time, which is owned by her newlywed husband, who is a captain of the ship and has an eccentric crew working for him. When their boat docks in Paris, she departs the ship.

"L'Atalante" is a strong film that has the capacity to transport you onboard a little replica of the Titanic-like (but massive in volume) boat. The remainder of the movie's characters are amusing to see. It doesn't get any better than this in the end.

The character of 'Papa Jules' shines throughout the film, and he is the only one good to watch. His function, in my humble judgement, was essentially that of a central figure.

A+ (90%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Jesse James (1938)

In this picture, Tyrone Power plays the titular role (Jesse James), while Henry Fonda portrays Frank James (Jesse James' older brother). When I first started viewing this picture, I was really excited since it was in color (possibly 1939 movies were in this wonderful privilege: 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Wizard of Oz'). Furthermore, Henry Fonda (one of my favorite performers) had a little role in it.

It did entertain me to enjoy its set design of the Old West of Midland and the locations; however, there was something very important missing here because, despite the fact that the film is based on true legends of the Old West, the notorious outlaw Jesse James' historical background is set completely opposite of reality, which is distracting.

(B- 70%)

#jesse james #henry fonda #tyrone power #classics #movies #reviews #hollywood #movie reviews #western #old west

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Bringing Up Baby (1938)

The movie stars the legendary stars Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. The film was directed by the great Howard Hawks. A great non-stop comedy-romance film that is purely enjoyable.

Cary Grant's character as a naive-natured scientist is what makes this film an entertainer. A daring film, if I must say. Bringing Up Baby really keeps up with its title (as we see the rampage of mess-up that begins with collision between Hepburn and Cary).

A+ (90%)

#bringing up baby #cary grant #katherine hepburn #classic #movies #moview reviews #reviews #legends #comedy #romance #fun #entertainment

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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KONG: SKULL ISLAND (2017)

Jordan Vogt-Roberts directed this American adventure/horror film. Derek Connolly, Max Borenstein, and Dan Gilroy adapted John Gatin's story for the film. The major photography for the film began in 2015 in Hawaii (US) and Vietnam, where Larry Fong worked as cinematographer.

The star-studded movie has Tom Hiddlestone, John C. Reilly, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, etc. Made over a budget of US$185 million, the film has since grossed over US$535 million as of April 10, 2017 ('Box Office Mojo' website).

Kong: Skull Island is a supposed reboot of the previous King Kong movies; nonetheless, efforts have been made to alter and strengthen the story by giving it a touch of the infamous 'Vietnam War'!

A true entertainer! Jordan's Kong: Skull Island offers a tremendous amount of adventure and action sequences.

The movie is fast and yet detailed in its quick narrative.

B+ (80%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Arrival (2016)

French-Canadian Denis Villeneuve's science fiction "Arrival (2016)" was written by Eric Heisserer (based on Ted Chiang's short story "Story of Your Life" from 1998). It stars my favorite Forest Whitaker, Amy Adams, and Jeremy Renner. The film was made on a budget of $47 million, and it has since grossed about $162.9 million at the box office.

Arrival is a moderately robust science-fiction film that does not become subtle in its plot layout. The movie makes it quite simple to understand the idea of the visitation by aliens to the planet Earth. I've got to dive deep (here) by warmly applauding a tremendous effort by the cinematographer Bradford Young and the sound mixing and editing team involved in this film.

Here's one of the best science fiction movies from the 2010s. Go and try it!

A+ (90%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Ran (1985)

Akira Kurosawa's Ran stands out as majestic colorful phenomenon. Released in the year 1985, "Ran" stars ensemble cast including Tatsuya Nakadai as Lord Hidetora Ichimonji. Loosely based on the William Shakespeare's tragedy-drama King Lear.

Ran is simple in its layout but its subject is of magnanimous magnitude. Akira has manufactured this saga with extraordinary costume-designs and set-designing, and churned out maximal performances from the lead artists, especially Nakadai.

A++ (100%)

#Ran #Akira #Akira Kurosawa #Japan #Japanese #Movies #Movie Reviews #Films #Cinema #William Shakespeare #Shakespeare #Drama #Tragedy #King Lear #Costume Designs #Art

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Loving (2016)

An historical film by Jeff Nichols - Starring Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga and my favorite Michael Shannon in cameo-role. The film is based on true events of 1960s - about an interracial couple Richard and Mildred Loving, whose marriage was considered an act of taboo and outlawed in one of the many U.S. State, which did not recognize interracial marriage. Richard and Mildred Loving challenge the ruling in the U.S. Supreme Court with the help from the American Civil Rights activists.

Loving is nominated for the Golden Globes Award - it has won African-American Film Critics Association award for 'Best Actress' and 'Top 10 Film'. Film is filled with great photography. The film does not waste your time with scenes revolving around the court-rooms and its courtyard; rather the film is all about the trauma and fear the couple goes through. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!

B- (70%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Shin Godzilla (2016)

This Japanese sci-fi kaijo (monster) “Gojira” movie was directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. Starring ensemble cast. The film flaunts spectacular viewing of Godzilla coming ashore to wreak havoc on Tokyo and beyond. Moderate script with fast moving story. Go and enjoy it...!

B- (70%)

#shin godzilla #2016 #review #movie reviews #godzilla #gojira #science fiction #sci fi #japanese #japan #hideaki anno #shinji higuchi #tokyo #monster #sea monster #movies #asian movie #asian cinemas #asia

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Trolls (2016)

This 3D animation (musical) film was directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn. Made over budget of $125 million, the film has since grossed about $132.7 million. Voice-over by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Zooey Daschanel, Russell Brand.

The movie is about trolls who are living life full of happiness filled with songs, dancing, exhilarating fun and excitement -- until the Bergen (who live quite miserably gloomy and sad lives, and who believe that by eating "troll" during a feast, they could transform into lively and happy souls) attack their village and kidnap some of the trolls for a feast. The remaining trolls vow to go and save their friends from being consumed...

The story is beautiful and so is the musical colorfulness of it... there are but a few hilarious scenes that adhere beauty to its charming story! Give it a try!

B+ (80%)

#dreamworks #trolls 2016 #trolls #animation #justin timberlake #anna kendrick #zooey daschanel #russell brand #musical #songs

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Elle (2016)

This French-German-Belgian thriller-drama was directed by veteran Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop - Total Recall). Elle is based on the novel "Oh.." by Philippe Djian. Starring Isabelle Huppert in the lead role.

When I played this movie, I was totally unfamiliar about its narrative... and as the movie proceeded, there was more to it; it was like deconstructing Elle's life in whole. The movie and its characters pass through lapse, i-e drama, humor, sensation... A potential contender for the upcoming Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film.

B+ (80%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Don’t Breathe (2016)

Co-produced by Sam Raimi, this brilliant horror/thriller was directed by Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead 2013 - 'remake'). Starring: Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto and Stephen Lang.

Synopsis: Three local friends break into the house of an old blind veteran of the U.S. army, to steal his 300k. However, their expectations run water and low, as they are trapped inside — awakening the ruthless maniac-on-the-run...

An absolute thriller/horror that promises to entertain the audience with plenty of flabbergast scenes; full of uneasiness and at the same time filled with frustration with its pesky characterization of the actors, when stuck in horrible situation. A must watch film.

B+ (80%)

#Don't Breathe #Horror #Sam Raimi #Evil Dead #Thriller #Uruguay #Fede Alvarez #Jane Levy #Dylan Minnette #Daniel Zovatto #Stephen Lang #Breaking in

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Oliver Stone's biographical thriller Snowden (based on the actual life of the U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden who had exposed America's mass-surveillance of the U.S. public as well as the countries throughout the world)). Starring Joseph Gordon-Lewitt (played Edward Snowden), Shailene Woodley, Nicolas Cage and more.

For killing your curiosity about seeing Edward Snowden's earlier life before his revelation of the America's mass-surveillance through the NSA, then this film can be slightly satisfying your urges... otherwise, go for Oscar-winning documentary 'Citizenfour (2014)' (which contains video footage of Edward Snowden and Glenn Greenwald - their detailed conversation about the NSG and PRISM).

B- (70%)

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Captain Fantastic (2016)

Directed by Matt Ross: Captain Fantastic is a fast and gala movie - At some instance, I thought I was seeing something peculiar but at the same time, I found that movie was lacking material on some part - nonetheless, the filmmaker did his best to glue audience with frenzy that was going on around. Overall a fun-driven movie, filled with amazingly eccentric performance from Viggo Mortensen and the young cast.

Probably slated for some Oscar nods in the upcoming Academy Award nominations (2017).

#Captain Fantastic #Movie #2016 #Reviews #Movie Reviews #Movies #Films #Adventure #Drama #Family #Journey #Matt Ross #Academy Award #Nominations #Viggo Mortesen #The Lord of the Rings #Return of the King #Lord Aragorn

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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The Accountant (2016)

This robust crime-thriller was directed by Gavin O'Connor and written Bill Dubuque. Starring Ben Affleck in the title-role. Made over the budget of US$44 million, the movie has since grossed about US$145 million.

Film offers smart screenplay unlike itsy-bitsy action thriller movies that often get spawned from the Hollywood. Excellent performance from Ben Affleck - Sometime it does look like the movie is going to uncover something blasting but that's a specialty of its writing. Nonetheless, it's a good treat!

B+ (80%)

#The Accountant #2016 #Ben Affleck #Gavin O'Conner #Bill Dubuque #Accountant #Thriller #Action

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Broken (2014)

South Korean revenge drama.

About a destitute widower textile-mill worker whose only teenage daughter is brutally raped and murdered. After losing hope from the police in tracking the perpetrators, he receives hints about the perpetrators and decides to take the law in own hands.

A robust emotional drama, covering sensitive subject of 'rape', the aftermaths of which the victims' families have to go through...

B+ (80%)

#Broken #South Korea #Korean Movies #Revenge #Retaliation #Vengeance #Looming Mill #Rape #Mystery #Thriller #Investigation #Murder #Asian Cinema

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Body Heat (1981)

Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Starring my favorite William Hurt and Kathleen Turner. Body Heat remains one of the best femme-fatale film-noir to this day.

Brilliant performances from Hurt and Turner, garnished with tauntingly seductive music-score by John Barry.

B+ (80%)

#Body Heat #Femme Fatale #Kathleen Turner #Heat #William Hurt #Romance #Illicit Relations #Cheating #Films #Movies #Movie Reviews #Reviews #1980s #Classic #Lawrence Kasdan #John Barry #Music Score #Seduction

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thelarkanian · 7 years

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Blood Father (2016)

Spoken language 'English', this French thriller Blood Father was directed by Jean-François Richet. Starring Mel Gibson in the title-role - the movie is based on the novel of the same name.

Sobering but fiery Mel Gibson takes on a cartel goon, who's chasing his daughter for near-fatal injury. This mind-blowing thriller juices up Mel Gibson's timely absence from the screen - Give it a try and you will enjoy every minute of it.

B+ (80%)

#Blood Father #Mel Gibson #Rural #Mexico #Mobster #Crime #Action #Daughter #Father #Movies #Reviews #Films #2016 #Braveheart

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