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Top 10 Woody Allen movies of all time
Top 10 movies in my opinion released in 2016.
Reviews
Poziv (2023)
Suspenseful
This is a great Serbian TV show worth watching. From the acting to production value it is all high quality.
Grips you from the beginning as you are following the story's twists and turns. There are a lot of familiar faces but new actors as well living up to their respective roles.
Anica (former cop) is working in call center and she gets a call from a woman scared for her life as someone keeps harassing her over the phone. Anica dismisses it at first but the cop inside her cant let go. She soon realizes that there is a lot more than just a phone call behind it.
4 episodes in and I'm staying till the end.
Konferensen (2023)
Slow and predictable
It was a bit too slow for my taste. The production quality and acting are all pretty solid and I also like the idea of a corporate team building going south with a lot of corporate tropes that anyone who ever worked in a corporation will recognize right away , and react probably with a smirk.
However, the whole story unveils very slowly and I lost interest somewhere in the second half of the movie despite the fact that the things just started picking up.
And lastly, the identity of the killer was pretty obvious to me as soon as the one crucial information is given to us. And while they tried to steer us in the wrong direction, I believe most people will see through that fake lead.
Overall, 6 stars is a fair rating.
Chavalas (2021)
Nothing feels like home
Marta is cool, artsy and wants to break out as a photographer in Barcelona. However, its not going as planned and she comes back to the neighbourhood she grew up in and reconnects with her old girlfriends from childhood.
I really experienced this movie as genuine and heartfelt. The performances from the main cast (the four main girls) were superb and atmosphere in the modest "barrio" where Marta grew up felt so real and realistic.
The movie managed to tiptoe around any cliches and I think it was done beautifuly. I could have watched them talk about nothing for hours and wouldnt get bored.
Recommendation from my side.
La nuit du 12 (2022)
Grim reminder of how many mindless crimes there are
This movie follows a police crew trying to figure out a gruesome murder that happens for no obvious reason or motive.
The build up and atmosphere are great, keeping us engaged and wondering - who killed that young, charismatic girl? Acting is superb and the suspense keeps you on your toes till the very end with a climax that is adequate and realistic.
I am doing my best not to give away the whole plot or the ending so I'll just leave it at that.
Really worth checking out.
9 out of 10 from me.
Sevillanas de Brooklyn (2021)
Cute but flawed
Rom-com set in Seville about an American student coming to Spain on some exchange program and gets placed in a working class home instead of some high class, golf-playing rich cliche family. The poor family is not what he expected but they are all very honest, down to earth and unintentionally funny. And as the story goes, he falls in love and all the other tropes we've seen many times before.
For me personally, the biggest issue is that lead actor can not, in any way, be perceived as a born American (and from Brooklyn nontheless) since he barely speaks English language. He, and his soon to be ex, girlfriend have trouble talking in what should be their native tongue.
The story itself is nothing new, with some laughs here and there. The main family is funny and came accross as very likeable but most of the other characters are annoying - especially the lead actor.
I watched this at a festival of spanish film but was a bit dissapointed
5 out of 10.
Choose or Die (2022)
A short film idea stretched into 85min movie
I believe it would have been an interesting short film about retro game that takes over control and forces you to make awful choices.
However, the movie falls short with a regular length runtime and proves to be a drag devoid of any real excitement. As many before mentioned, it's just plain boring.
Leading duo does a decent job but underdeveloped script gives them little to work with.
Almost impossible to get through in one sitting.
Would have rather avoided it.
4 out of 10 from me.
Better Watch Out (2016)
Too far-fetched
I found it hard to enjoy this movie, not because it is particularly bad but because it is so unrealistic. Now, hear me out. It's not like I expected anything gritty and "real" but I felt like the tone was off. What I mean by that is that the situations and reactions are highly unrealistic yet the movie set up was grounded.
For example, in movie "Babysitter" from 2017 we even have ridiculous supernatural elements, but the movie set up is handled in a way that it works for that movie.
Still, in "Better watch out" there are some elements to enjoy, Im not gonna lie. Performances are fine and there are several twists worth experiencing but it all just felt out of place for me.
And also the duck-tape cliche...I mean, come on. There are more creative ways to shut someones mouth than with duck-tape, everyone knows it doesn't work.
Inside Job (2021)
Not great, not terrible
I like the idea, playing around with conspiracy theories which are now more relevant than ever (in terms of how many people believe them). And here and there some jokes really land but overall I feel that nobody put too much effort into making this series because some of the jokes are very lazy (yelling "wake up sheeple" to literal half human half sheep mutant...come on!).
In terms of animation, it's ok, nothing too special but solid overall. I think there is more potential with this type of premise but who am I to judge...
Overall I would say that it is watchable, something to pass the time on a lazy night at home and chuckle from time to time but dont expect too much.
Spontaneous (2020)
Funny, with clever dialogue yet with unused potential
I liked the premise a lot, it is absurd and exciting, and I also feel that first and second act were handled very good. However, in the final act it all slows down quite a bit and drags a bit.
I also had some trouble with students reactions to what was happening. Their classmates explode right in front of them, someone they went to school for years and in the next scene they are having a party, laughing like nothing happened. That is honesty probably not the way it would go down. They would be traumatizes and wouldnt be able to get out of bed after the third explosion (when they realize it will just continue indefinitely)
Still, I have to say that I had a good time with it. Leads were funny and likable, worth watching on a lazy weekend night.
How to Become a Tyrant (2021)
No western leaders?
I think it is pretty rich that they didnt include any western leaders. I mean, Leopold the second did unspeakable things to Kongo population but I guess it doesnt count if it happened before WW2. Also, is there any USA leader that was not included in some wars around the globe that didnt even concern them? I mean, Clinton bombed Yugoslavia just to shift focus from his sex scandal...and lets not even start with Guantanamo...
Sure, this is informative but so one sided it makes me sick.
Netflix, you can do better...
Oxygène (2021)
Predictable
I liked the production value and I think Melanie Laurent did a fairly solid job in her "one woman" show. However, the key "twist" of the story was obvious to me in the first 10 minutes making it insufferable to get to that revelation after 60 minutes. Liz, the protagonist, was constantly unable to ask the right questions which, in a story like this one, is the only thing keeping it afloat. When the audience thinks faster and is two steps ahead of the lead, it is just unbearable.
So predictable its unfortunately a dissapointment.
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
Aint it great being rich
A story about a college fraud. There is a "back door" and a "side door" and who knows how many more doors available to get anything in life, not just education for your kids.
If you have the money, your options are limitless, yet it is never enough. They have enough money for the rest of their life but they always want more. Can you imagine the audacity to push illegaly for your kids to get into schools knowing they dont deserve it? knowing they will kick out someone who actually deserves it, paying money and in the end get a joke, literally a joke of a sentense for doing so (few weeks to a few months in jail)....give me a break please. With that kind of punishment they will do the same thing tomorrow if the opportunity arrives.
Saint Maud (2019)
Very slow build up to a great but ultimatelly short finale
I liked the movie overall, the performances were great, the atmosphere dark and ominous, but the storyline is a bit underdeveloped in my opinion. The movie is not even an hour and a half long but it feels much longer. Although there were very interesting elements and scenes, I feel it was unfortunatelly a little boring, but what makes up for it is the finale. Too bad it's just too short, maybe last five minutes. Still, I would say its worth a watch.
100 Humans (2020)
Uncharismatic hosts ruined this otherwise fun ride for me
Im not sure what everybody expected from this. I mean, this is an entertainment show so yes, every "scientific" conclusion can be challenged by anybody. But I think that it was designed as a fun, "get you to think" kinda series. Overall the concept and topics that they explored were interesting to me. However, the hosts of the show themselves were surprisingly annoying, pretentios and above all not funny. It goes so far that they cant help themselves even when they are talking to science experts, a part of the show where someone educated and experienced tries to explain rationale behind the results. They are making awkward jokes even at that time. So out of place. Also, on several ocassions they were shaming the contestants...I mean..really? Ridicilous, I had to fast forward those parts.
Ferrante Fever (2017)
Solid documentary for Ferrante's fans
I gotta admit that I havent read any of her work so far but I was intrigued by this persona that kept to herself and made a career without ever revealing her (or his) identity.
The author decided that it was their work that will be the sole and only factor that will contribute to their success. An oh boy, did she succeed! The way people talk about her work is frantic, in shock even. Her success is global, but all her work is Italian. Exploring the cities, but above all characters. Friendship, spouses, doubts.
Although I would have enjoyed having heard some critics of her work, people who were not as impressed as most of the world but I suppose that was not in plans for this movie. Nevertheless, worth watching.
7 out of 10 from me.
Domain (2016)
Dystopian claustrophobic thriller
I was just lying in bed, trying to find something to put me to sleep, when I came across this interesting, if a bit overused, premise that comprises this movie. I figured it would be a low budget so and so sci-fi but I was surprised to find a well-acted, nicely shot, atmospheric dystopian suspense thriller.
There is a pandemic, and World Health Organization claims we are all doomed. Still, they have a plan. They will make half a million bunkers where lucky lottery winners will stay until the plague disappears. How long they'll have to stay inside? Could be decades!
After this opening set up we are following some of the lucky ones who made it to these small safe heavens. Dialogue is serviceable and not cringe worthy and the characters are interesting (some more and some less) while the atmosphere of the whole containment deal is pretty well presented. There are some clever ideas as to the ways those people choose to interact and keep a straight head during this unpleasant, but necessary lock up.
The film kept me interested to the very end. Some of the ideas come across as original (even if they are not really) which is very much appreciated from my side. Unfortunately, some of the actions of particular characters do seem strange and out of place which does leave a stain on the whole experience but it might be a bit unfair to hold it against the creators.
Interested to see what the Director/Writer has in store for us next. Small budget didn't keep him from making a solid first full length feature.
7 out of 10 from me.
The Place (2017)
Amazing premise - too bad it's just a remake
"The Place" is an Italian movie directed by Paolo Genovese who became more famous after his previous film - "Perfect Strangers". Good news is that the premise of the movie is fantastic. We are inside "the place" throughout the whole runtime where we're listening to conversations between a man and several guests who are approaching him with numerous wishes. To have your wish fulfilled, you get a non-negotiable task from the man that you must complete. Simple wish gets a simple task, but a complicated one... Well, it can leave you wondering if you really want it that much. Bad news is that the whole idea and stories that go with it (with a little tweak here and there) were taken from a Canadian show called "The boot at the end" which consists of 2 seasons with 5 episodes each. If you're a fan of the show, you will probably find enjoyment here, but basically the only difference is that several episodes have been merged into one cohesive story with just a few new, original ideas which you may or may not notice.
Still, that being said, performances are very good overall and movie is an easy watch. Although, it leaves one disappointed that director choose to go the safe, more light hearted route and didn't have enough courage to do what must be done and give his characters more believable closures. With some casualties, most of them get a happy ending, and unsurprisingly they are the ones we were supposed to be more sympathetic to.
With all that in mind I would definitely recommend the series first but dont be afraid to give this flick a shot.
From me - 7 out of 10.
Fun fact is that based on the director's most famous movie that I mentioned earlier ("Perfect Strangers") a remake was made in Spain, with the exactly the same premise and story and I saw the remake first. So I suppose the joke is on me.
Kupal (2017)
Very strong debut movie from a young Iranian director
Even though it certainly is funny, Kupal is not a joyful movie. At least not in that sense. We are following Kupal, who is a hunter and taxidermist, but also has a PHD in wildlife. His passion for animals is only rivaled by his love for food, and both are obvious right from the start. He seems like a funny good hearted, although a little grumpy as well, man but he will have to face both the truth about himself and regrets from his past.
Levon Haftvan is fantastic as Kupal, keeping us engaged through the whole 81 min long movie. The whole movie is shot very good, with interior design being something worth seeing. Kazem Mollaie as a director chooses to shot his scenes very boldly and without any restrictions, choosing to move us, even though some might not want to be moved in that way. But we are left without that choice and its worth it.
I saw this movie on Fest festival in Belgrade (Serbia) where Kupal competed under the category - Outside Borders.
The Sinner (2017)
What a pleasant surprise
The Sinner is an American TV series based on the popular novel of the same name written by Petra Hammesfahr.
Here we are following Jessica Biel as a leading actress (and executive producer of the series as well) in her, without a doubt, best performance to date. I have to emphasize that her portrayal of a troubled young mother with unclear past (to her and to others) is almost without any flaws. You can easily see that she was passionate about this project (even though we all know she can act - The Illusionist, London) and she is able to produce genuine and very complex feelings and emotions to the screen. But I also must say that the supporting cast is amazing as well - Jacob Pitts, Christopher Abbott, and a smaller but fantastic role played by Nadia Alexander.
Overall tone of the series is moody and ominous from the get go which I think puts us emotionally in the right spot, with audience knowing that its not going to be an easy ride. It is a mystery thriller that lets you in on the plot little by little, keeping you engaged throughout the whole 8 episode runtime.
I believe that it is worth noting that the whole series conclude with its final 8th episode providing you with a rewarding ending. There wont be a second season.
Edit: yes, there are many additional seasons since they wanted to build up on the success of the first one. Each season is worth watching :)
By the way, the song frim the first season you are looking for is Big Black Delta - Huggin & Kissin.
9 out of 10 from me.
The Punisher (2017)
Karen is the worst...really
The Punisher is overall a little bit of a disappointment. I like Bernthral as Punisher very much and I think that he single-handedly carries this whole series. But besides that I think that most of the other characters are pretty weak (with exception of Ruso, who is pretty good as well).
I also think that some episodes in the middle were too slow and just used as time fillers. The whole season would have been much better if it were done in 8-10 episodes.
But the reason why Im writing this review is because I have to share how much I dislike Karen as a character. I think that she is the most annoying part of The Daredevil series (I always hoped that somehow Rosario Dawson would have a more prominent role in the series, and that Deborah Ann Woll will somehow, in time, lose more and more of her screen time). I hate to criticize hardworking people because I really truly believe that she is giving it her best, but I just don't buy her performance at all. I think that she is very annoying and she cant convince me into anything that the show is trying to present her as - strong independent individual, fearless reporter, lovable and charismatic person etc. Her voice is always breaking and she constantly seems like she is on a brink of tears. So when I heard that she will have a role in Punisher as well I was bummed out from the start. And yes, she is ruining every scene she is in (well, almost every scene). Please, Netflix, is somewhere, somehow you see this post, please reconsider her involvement in this universe. Thanks.
6.5 out of 10 from me.
PS Finale of this season is amazing, thanks for that.
Life (2017)
Alien meets Gravity...sort of...
Daniel Espinosa (Child 44, Safe House) gave us his best effort yet in his space horror thriller which is a thrill ride executed very well.
Overall setup is pretty much already known and used before multiple times. Space station - alien life. Like many others that are mentioning this, I too must point out that it is easy to see the resemblance with "Alien" but still "Life" offers something fresh and new. It is never boring and you are at the edge of your seat throughout the most of the movies' light hour and 43 minutes run-time. Jake Gyllenhaal gives yet another fantastic performance but the supporting cast does an above average job (especially Rebecca Ferguson). Visually it was done very good (with scenes that were resembling "Gravity") and I think that the design of an alien form was done superb. There were some creative ideas concerning death scenes as well which is always a welcome surprise. Still, there have been some moments where I was afraid that scenario is going to become a little bit cheesy but luckily that never completely happened (which can't be said for aforementioned "Gravity").
With that being said, it probably won't be anyone's best movie of the year but that shouldn't keep you from seeing it. I believe that if you are a space inspired movies' fan you will find enjoyment and thrill.
Easy (2016)
You like "High Maintenance"? This will probably suit you as well
Obviously highly inspired by far better online series turned HBO jewel "High Maintenance", "Easy" takes us on a leisure ride through everyday lives of some usually ordinary people. With the same concept of loosely connected characters throughout the season we have a little window into hopes, wishes, challenges and often relatable problems that the characters face.
Every episode is a story of it's own, in my opinion, worth watching. However, High Maintenance is a superior show because of at least two reasons. First one is that it always has one more character that contributes to the story, and that's the city itself. Yes, it often depicts people just making conversation in apartments but New York is always present, effecting the narrative with it's presence. The other one is the dialogue which is much more constructed and even though it's casually presented great work is lurking behind the scenes to make it seem so effortless. In "Easy" there is more of an improvisational tone, which shows, and can be admired because it hits the mark more often than not, but lacks the depth that the other show has.
Nevertheless, it's an easy watch (no pun intended, I swear) and I trust you will find enjoyment along the way.
La isla mínima (2014)
gritty crime-thriller that is definitely worth your time
La isla minima is a Spanish movie directed by Alberto Rodriguez. The simplest way to describe the plot is to say that we follow two detectives trying to solve a case in a small town in 1980.
First of all, this movie looks fantastic. I really appreciated the cinematography and use of color pallets in order to show the desperate atmosphere that is present throughout the movie. Bleak, yellowish colors remind me of Villneuve's Enemy from 2013 which I also regard as a masterpiece, both visually and narratively. All the performances are amazing, but the strongest link is definitely Javier Gutierrez as a impulsive, high tempered and intelligent detective that steals the whole show. The entire movie is unpredictable which is a top priority for every crime flick.
I would highly recommend it! from me - 8/10
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Society? Good or bad?
Let me start off by saying that I love this movie. I love the idea, I love the actors, I love the story.
We are following a father that raises his six children completely outside of society, in a forest, while his wife struggles with mental illness while hospitalized in the city. The family is forced to start a journey and reconnect with society while facing challenges that have not been present in the past.
This movie poses ever so present question - Is society good or bad for you and your children? While home schooled, those charming kids learn several languages, they listen to classical music and celebrate Noam Chomsky Day. Children ranging from 5 to 18 years can discuss with you any relevant philosophical question, and outsmart you in process. Their physical abilities are way above average as well. But does that come with a cost? They are separated from society, so their social skills are not natural. They don't know how to interact with people on a regular basis. Not everything in life consists of philosophical discussions, some things in life consist of just having small talk. Is it too big of a price to pay? I love how we are not spoon fed the answers to these questions. Instead, we are left to decide for ourselves if we feel that one way, or the other is right? or maybe neither? maybe the answer is in balancing between the two worlds and just making sure that you help your kids differentiate between what's good and what's bad in our modern day lifestyle.
The movie concluded in a beautiful, non-pretentious way, and I love it for it.
Hell or High Water (2016)
Slow burn ride that rewards in the end
Hell of High water is a new movie based on script made be Tyler Sheridan who is mostly known as writer of fantastic Sicario.
We are following two brothers (Chris Pine, Ben Foster) who are doing what they have to in order to collect some money that is much needed and they are chased by Jeff Bridges who always delivers a great performance.
This movie is slow paced but gives us a great insight into lives of people living in the rural Texas, USA. As someone coming from Europe, fact that almost all citizens carry guns with themselves at all times is both intriguing and terrifying. Would you feel safe, for example, drinking at a bar knowing every customers has a loaded revolver at their side?
Although not as good, or as complex, as Sicario, this movie makes me want to look out for any new releases written by Sheridan. Direction (David Mackenzie, known for Starred Up) is very solid as well. In my opinion, ending is well executed as well as all the action sequences.
In the end, I would recommend this movie.