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Bird Box

Woman tries to bring two kids to a save haven in a world overrun by a suicide pandamonium

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-01-2019
8

Original and exhilarating

My goodness: a highly original (not withstanding the similar 'The Happening'), strongly acted and nail-biting movie that is very well put together. Those are not easy to come by these days. It once again shows the strength of NOT showing or explaining everything and anything.
8

Avatar: The Way of Water

When the evil skypeople return to Pandora, JakeSully and his family seek shelter amongst the water tribe

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-12-2022
8

Too much of a good thing is still a good thing?

My predominant emotion was that it was too much. Too many magical animals, too much action, too much family values, too much Pandora, too much awe. Make no mistake though; This is still a huge achievement and a unrivaled spectacle that is a feast for the eyes and ears.
8

Chernobyl

A pretty accurate miniseries about the nuclear catastrophy

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
07-06-2020
8

Seriously good

Grim and sober, never succumbing to cheap thrills or green glow. Featuring strong acting and fanatic attention to historically accurate details. Apparently it still is not always exactly what went down, but the fact that it made me read up about this accident is a compliment in itself.
8

The Sessions

Disabled man gets sex therapy

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
22-04-2013
8

Comfortable uncomforable sex

With mixed feelings of embarrassment and compassion you are allowed to observe these wonderfully open, honest en tender sessions. These actors deliver an amazingly fragile performance and the movie keeps everything light with a good sense of humor as well.
8

Camp X-Ray

Newbie MP soldier get stationed at Guantanamo, where she bonds with one of the detainees

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
05-03-2016
8

Honest little gem

A sober yet rewarding experience, with an awesome looking and playing Stewart and very good music backing it up. I sort of missed a beat in the transition of Lector turning into a genuine nice guy, but that's ok.
8

Mad God

stop-animation about a figure descending deeper and deeper into a bizarre, dark world

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
16-08-2022
8

A bad trip that comes highly recommended

Would this be better if I understood what was going on? Probably not - better to be engulfed by the mesmerizing, dark, beautiful, sinister and imaginative trip that this is. It can be hard though to keep focus with no story to focus on, and I thought better music would have lifted it more.
8

Aniara

A spaceship transporting colonists of Mars gets way of course. Seen from the perspective of an employee running a onboard mind escapism facility

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-03-2021
8

Fresh scifi

The non-Hollywood atmosphere is a welcome change in science fiction. The happenings on the spaceship are very varied and interesting, mostly focused human behavior and group interaction in such a dire situation. Really fresh, and I quite liked the spaceship design and ending too.
8

Get Out

Black boyfriend gets to meet his white inlaws for the first time, in a mansion where something weird is going on with the black personel

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
18-11-2018
8

What's going on?

The sense that something's not right but you can't quite grasp what it is has been done extremely well and carries this movie till the end. Together with the fine actors, this was a highly entertaining movie with a dash of horror.
8

Infinity Pool

Couple on vacation in a fascistic country descend into hellish and surrealistic peril when they leave the resort

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
26-02-2023
8

A tasty shocker

Although it has plenty of bizarre and shocking scenes, this movie doesn't solely rely on them, but also is a feisty crime and science fiction story on it's own right. I was really enjoying this, and Mia is such a screen presence again!
8

Django Unchained

Bounty hunter frees slave, together they go on a violent trip set things straight and rescue the slave's wife.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-06-2014
8

Up with Tarantino's standards and trademak style

A bold, daring and violent way to address slavery, full of Tarantino-style endless chit-chat and under-the-skin tension that somehow keeps you on the edge of your seat. I thought Django himself was overshadowed and flat, but then again I am not a big fan of Foxx.
8

Zootropolis

Rabbit tries to make it as a police officer in the big city inhabited by all kinds of animals

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
19-06-2016
8

A matured quality animation

A wonderful tale that is brought to live with colorful charterers, a good sense of humor and a detective crime story that has an mature quality to it.
8

Starship Troopers

Friends sign in to combat terror from space. Both their skills and friendship are put to the test.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
26-08-2015
8

A brutal space fight that requires the right mindset

It all depends on whether you can appreciate the deeper meaning of incredibly cheesy barbie people have soap opera relationship quarrels - followed by dismembering fights with aliens.
8

Arrival

Linguist is asked to crack the language of the aliens who landed and ask them: why are you here?

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
17-11-2016
8

Elegant, deep and sober scifi, just the way I like it.

My favorite movie themes combined: science fiction and deep mystery/mind benders that will have you pondering days after. Excellent and refreshing.
8

Boyhood

Movie portraying the ups and downs in the life of Mason and his family between his 5th and 18th year

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
20-01-2015
8

There are many good reasons why this movie is nominated for the Oscars

I was suprised by the excellent casting and makeup artists that convincingly managed to make the characters look older during the movie, until I realised (read somewhere) that it was filmed with the same cast over a 12 year period. Great acting and empathetic presentation of the targeted zeitgeist.
8

Still Alice

A woman is diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease and tries to deal with it together with her family

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
02-03-2015
8

Impressive

An eye-opener for everybody, including myself, who had not been directly confronted before with the devastating consequences of Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. There are many good reasons why Julianne Moore won an Oscar for her role in this impressive movie.
8

Kung Fu Panda 3

In order to repell a new threat to peace, Panda must resort to his Panda family to learn the power of chi

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
18-04-2016
8

A very mature and excellent episode

Some fatigue may kick in, as we can sort of predict how everything it going to turn out. But the humor, atmosphere, unique blend of 3d animation and traditional artwork, the loyalty to the characters and the depth of the story remain of a very high standard.
8

Top Gun: Maverick

Maverick is called back to train a team destined to do the most dangerous mission ever

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
06-06-2022
8

The people don't work for me anymore, but the flying does

I had some trouble buying into the somewhat desperate portrayal of these pilots as beautiful, perfect, witty, slick, hip beings and the insubordinate way they go about their briefings and missions - even if this is Top Gun. But hell yes, the air footage and final combat makes up for it.
8

The Impossible

A family tries to survive the 2004 tsunami in Thailand

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-04-2014
8

Terrifying and heart shattering

A terrifying and heart shattering experience throughout. Very well done, although maybe a little over eager to bring the viewer to tears.... but goodness did they succeed!
8

Sinister

Writer and his family move into a house where horrible attrocities have taken place, so he can research these and write a book about it. To start him of, he finds a box with old 8mm films...

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
29-02-2016
8

Eerie

Didn't crawl under the skin as I thought it would (for some reason), but a very eerie, umcomfortable and stylish horror nevertheless. 8mm graininess is used to great effect together with really unsettling music.
8

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Young Han is seperated from his girl, and goes through great lengths and cosmic adventures to get back and save her

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-06-2018
8

A welcome change

Contains just the right amount of Star Wars icons to make it connect to the universe, but never lazily riding it. By focusing on a small group of people, I felt a much more intimate connection than the main movies. The portayal of the younger Han actually worked for me. Funny and exciting, too.
8

We Need to Talk About Kevin

A mother trying to cope with a son that hates her, and something horrific he is planning

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-08-2022
8

A bitter pill that is worth it

The helplessness, frustration and despair of the situation really gets to you. The way the movie gradually builds up to dreadful act of the kid, foreshadowed with flashbacks, his vague preparations and the look in his eyes is not pleasant, but most certainly very well done and well acted by all.
8

Mama

Couple takes in two little girls that have been living alone in the woods for many years. Or have they?

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
12-08-2014
8

Fine, original and well made horror

Like many horror movies, it sort of keeps you occupied with somewhat isolated scary scenes and jumpscares until it's time for the finale. But it did so in a more stylish, original, creepy and effective way than most.
8

The Night House

After her husband commits suicide, the widow starts to experience strange things in the secluded house he built

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
24-01-2022
8

A subtle but very satisfying horror

Wow, this really worked for me. The horror elements are subtle and tasteful, the evolving mystery is enticing and the element of grief is mixed in well. But mostly, I was quite stunned with the lead actress, who totally nails it and makes everything work beautifully.
8

Soft & Quiet

A group of white women is having a get together. Slowly we learn with binds them, and then we get to see how far they are willing to take it.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-02-2023
8

A gutpunch

Unaware what this would be about, I was quite shocked as it slowly unfolded from bad into worse. The staging and acting is impressive, and becomes even more intense and haunting by the single take in which it all occurs.
8

Im Westen Nichts Neues

Follows a few young German boys into the first worldwar trench hell against France

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-11-2022
8

An impressive and heavy warflick that ought to have hit harder

A film that impressive in many ways: The raw depiction of war, the insanity of trench wars in particular and the cinematography. But somehow it didn't fully manage to transfer the deep sense of fear or dread like some other war movie have. Perhaps I didn't really bond with the characters.
8

The Dead Center

Psychiatrist treates a patient that has risen from the dead

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
14-06-2021
8

An unpleasant surprise

Morgue-scenes, already my weakspot! But this movies doesn't solely rely on their creepy atmosphere. It has an intelligent, well constructed uncanny atmosphere throughout, and I love the natural acting and believable hospital atmosphere that was created. It really elevates the story.
8

I Origins

In a search for the evolutionary origins of the eye, the lovelifes of the scientists lead to an even more profound discovery

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
19-01-2015
8

A wonderfull mix science of spirituality

Appeared slighty pro-spirituality, anti-science, depicting scientist as strange, rigid, disconnected people. It's no big problem though, because it is still a very well done, nicely paced movie with an unsubstantiated premise that is nevertheless nice to see where it's going.
8

The Creator

A man is after a new weapon from AI powered robots, but when he finds it it turns things on it's head

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-10-2023
8

Familiar elements blended into something exciting and new

A lot of elements and concept are quite familiar. It reminded me of Elysium for example, both in style, looks and story. But it manages to combine it's sources of inspiration into a new, exciting story, with gorgeous visuals, great performances and it even touched me emotionally.
8

When Evil Lurks

Two farmers encounter a 'rotten' demonic curse, and must race to stop if from spreading

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
01-01-2024
8

The best possession movie I know

The macabre folklore, while slightly weird, gave this a unique atmosphere. The characters are interesting and well acted, and it has some brilliant gut-punch horrorscenes. And finally, it has a constant high tension drive, making it feeling almost like an action movie.
8

First Man

Neil Armstrong's mission to the moon

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
04-11-2018
8

But why so serious

Apparently, everyone involved was deeply serious and humorless about going to the moon, making this movie more depressing than it probably ought to be. But my goodness, those spaceflight scenes are mindbogglingly exciting and extremely well shot.
8

The Martian

Left for dead astronaut on mars tries to survive
average 8.0

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
15-01-2016
8

Mars revisited

Great visuals and rather convincing approach to the Mars hype (except for the last 30 minutes or so).
8

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-10-2015
8

It's 'gravity' in mars. Or 'Cast Away' on mars.

A splendid, sharp looking and wholefully exciting space survival adventure. It's fantasy of course, but with just enough ties to science to make you buy it. I thought maybe the high count of jokes and wisecracks sort of distracted from the gravity of the situation.
8

Enter the Void

Smalltime drug dealer in Tokyo experiences after death experience and reincarnation... while on drugs

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-01-2018
8

What a trip

I am assuming this is about the closest you can get to tripping out (or dying) in beautiful Tokyo without doing any drugs. The camera work, images an music are really extraordinarily done and it treats the 'expected' after-death events in a sort of believable way. Very long though.
8

Men

A woman retreats to an English cottage to proces a violent and traumatic divorce, but the local strange men only bring more horror

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-07-2022
8

A well thought out and intriguing horror

The simple setup gradually unfolds a lot of depth, symbolism and metaphors without being pretentious. Uncanny without cheap tricks, with a spot-on atmosphere. The finale is spectacular too; no matter how bizarre it was, it somehow made sense.
8

Soul

Just before a breakthrough live performance, a jazz musician has an accident and get assigned a quest somewhere in the afterlife

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
22-01-2021
8

Beautifully abstract and heartfelt.

Another bold Pixar endeavor that doesn't shy away from emotions, highly abstract concepts and symbolism. Apparently, kids get it instantly, but I needed some time to figure it out. Any which way, it is just lovely, beautiful and wonderful.
8

The Hateful Eight

Bounty hunter, his prisoner, and a bunch of cowboys get stranded in an inn, in a Agatha Christie kind of setting

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
15-01-2016
8

Who can be trusted? Damn those cowboys, just shoot them all...

Typical Tarantino twists, blood, gore, and humour in a successfull blend of western and detective elements. The story slowly unfolds in this somewhat lenghty movie, but manages to grasp your attention until the last second....
8

Paranorman

Not only does this kid see ghost, he is now trying to get rid of zombies and a witchcurse too.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-05-2013
8

Horror for kids, made with love and style

Unique stylish claylooks, a wonderful atmosphere, great effects and big heart.
8

Life

The crew of spacestation ISS manages to acquire a sample from mars soil... with life in it.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
01-04-2017
8

Very good space horror

It is not perfect, but overall I found this to be very solid, exciting, great looking film that reconfirmed just how much and why I love space horror. The spacestation and camerawork floating through it are first class.
8

Hereditary

The death of a tyrant grandmother does not spell relieve, but drags a family into paranormal turmoil

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
15-07-2018
8

No cheap tricks, pure dread.

While I may not have been as shellshocked as many other reviewers, I do agree think this was remarkably good under-the-skin horror that uses some common themes but threats them in a much more adult, slow and agonizing manner.
8

The Conjuring

How to get rid of a bad demon....
average 8.0

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
04-01-2015
8

Genuinely scary and expertly done

A really scary movie with agonizing tension built-up courtesy of great camerawork, a slow but deadly script and effective and sober use of sounds. I'd say it was a bit too long though. The finale is suitably terrifying, but by then I felt a bit saturated.
8

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
23-12-2013
8

One hell of a scary movie!

An excellent adaptation of the standard "creepy demon in a house" plot, that will scare the **** out of you. Sound effects and background music perfectly add to the suspense..
8

Dune (2021)

Clans fight for control of planet Arrakis and it's resources, both with other clans and with the native inhabitans

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
17-10-2021
8

What the word 'epic' was meant for

Wow, this was quite an epic experience on all accounts. Incredible spaceship designs, compelling imagery, great music and overall an enticing story. Very very tasteful. On the downside, the sterile environments and characters meant it had only a limited emotional impact and didn't really stick.
8

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

During an autopsy of a beautiful women, the cause of death becomes increasingly mysterious, as are the things that are happing to the coroners

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
17-05-2017
8

Creepy setting, creepy movie, excellent idea

Any morgue setting will instantly cater for a horror movie. But this original, focused and terrifying movie sure exploits it to great lengths. Love how the mystery unfolds and how the autopsy and dead people are straight up in your face!
8

A Ghost Story

After a deadly car accident, a man wakes up as a ghost and dwells in his former house, with his former girlfriend

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
21-02-2024
8

A unique point of view in a unique movie

The long, sometimes very long, static scenes mean this movie will not be for everyone. But for me, it neatly visualized the endless time ghost exist in, until their unresolved issue is dealt with. I also loved the ghost perspective, and it is quite haunting and even touching at times.
8

American Hustle

Con man and con woman doing a lot of conning, with Feds, politicians and mobsters involved

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
17-01-2014
8

Great acting in a movie filled with conning

Conning, trickery, treason and seduction with a thin layer of comedy showing through occasionally, in a balanced movie with great acting by the main characters
8

Inside Out

5 separate emotions in a girls' head are trying to keep it together when she and her parents move to a new city

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
31-07-2015
8

Unique, emotional, courageous and wonderful

One of the most unique, brave and original movies ever to come out of a major animation studio. A collage of symbolism en abstractions that is still child-friendly and a great experience. It made me cry as well, which I needed to hide from popcorn munching kiddies all around me in the theater.
8

Mother!

In an isolated house, a woman struggles with her husband's increasing tendency to have strangers stay over, up until extreme and paranormal levels (this description probably sucks, you tell me!)

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-09-2017
8

A different kind of horror

A reminder that horror and unrest can come in many shapes, not just ghouls and ghosts. A disturbing but very engrossing experience which I thought was fresh, well acted and intense. It felt great to see a movie again that sticks with you and leaves a goddamn impression.
8

Smile

Psychiatrist investigates a chain of people who kill themselves after have seen a smile from strangers

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-12-2022
8

Quality horror to make you smile

While the concept is quite familiar, I quite enjoyed this. On a few occasions it resorts to banal jump scares, but mostly it proves that it stands above these, with quality horror containing plenty of moments to send shivers down your spine.
8

The Beaver

Depressed man finds therapy by talking to himself using a beaver handpuppet

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
25-02-2013
8

Can I say 'great' about this much depression?

Even the premise of this movie gets you depressed, but it was a fine piece of work - courtesy of the actors in this.
8

The Northman

When his father is killed, a young viking grows up with nothing but revenge on his mind

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
17-04-2022
8

Great as a spectacle, but average in involvement

A big, brutal, sweaty and intense historic epic, that I was spectating and enjoying rather than feeling. Perhaps because all characters continuously speak in this these articulated, poetic, over-dramatic phrases, which kind of dehumanizes them. It worked in Lighthouse, here it alienates.
8

Captain Philips

An American cargo ship gets hijacked by Somali pirates (Arrr matey!)
average 8.0

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-03-2014
8

Nailbiting, sweaty and genuine experience

Maybe it is a tad too long, but for sure this is a compelling, griping and intense experience.
8

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
01-02-2014
8

Boats, pirates and a psychological battle between two captains

Highly recommended movie, at first glance simply about the hijacking of a cargo ship. But it also conveys a deeper message by implying the complex situation in many African countries, where the difference between right and wrong is not always that clear. Authentic acting by Tom Hanks.
8

Alita: Battle Angel

Man rebuilts a cyborg he found in a trashpile. A very special cyborg it turns out...

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
25-02-2019
8

Great

Fearing a hysteric and flat CGI bonanza, I was pleasantly surprised. We actually get to like the characters, it's exciting and original. It has a nice big-amazing-adventure vibe that I haven't felt for while. But yes, it does feature awesome, bright daylight CGI in every scene.
8

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