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L'année dernière à Marienbad (1961)

Man meets woman, woman meets man, or perhaps they didn't

hente
hente
10-10-2013
8

Time and place are no longer certain

As we are constantly cheating our memories, actual life becomes a guessing game in this stylish movie. Ultimately, all movies are addressing space and time. This one adds to the mystery like a photo of a photographer. Over-aged? How can time be dismissed as being too old? Call it matured...
8

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

In search for reality

hente
hente
10-10-2013
8.5

An unsettling study on the layers of reality

One of those movies where you wish you could intervene and wake up the main character from his dream-in-a-dream-in-a-dream-in-a-nightmare.
8.5

Die Brucke - Bernhard Wicki (1959)

There can't be enough anti-war movies
average 8.0

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
06-03-2023
7

a sad warstory, told well

After all these years, this is still a worthwhile movie, effectively painting contrast between the boys in their daily life and the pointless and violent war they end up in. Some remarkable cinematography for it's age, too.
7

hente
hente
10-10-2013
9

Armed conflict can infect us all

I saw this movie half a century ago and it is still impressive even without the usual mass scenes and shoot-outs. Make sure you watch the original version by director Wicki and not the later re-make with the same title.
9

Melancholia

Depressed woman and somewhat disjointed family retreat to a luxury countryhouse on a golfcoarse to get ready for a planet flyby
average 7.8

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-06-2014
8

The beauty of sadness

This slow, depressing but fascinating study makes global disaster 10 times more profound than Armageddon ever did.
8

hente
hente
11-10-2013
7.5

Earth is about to collide with another planet

Astro-nerds will stumble over the technical flaws in this visual treat. Not a movie to watch any time of the day or night but only when you feel down and mellow wanting to go all the way into yourself. Lesson: only the depressed can help us in times of disaster because they have nothing to loose.
7.5

The Last Stand

Sherrif spents his last working days in a quite bordertown near Mexico, until an escaped criminal plans his escape route straight to it.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
12-10-2013
7

Solid

A somewhat uncomfortable mix of blood spills and goofy humor degrade this otherwise solid and gun fun action movie.
7

Iron Man 3

Iron man takes on a terrorist

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-10-2013
6

Iron mess

Mindblowing events and technology, yet noone seems to give a damn. So neither did I. A mess of rushed storytelling, boredom, an unlikable hero, noise and so much Iron man suits that I stopped caring about any of them. Suicide by abundance.
6

After Earth

After crashlanding on a hostile planet, a boy must embark on a dangerous journey to save himself and his father.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
19-10-2013
7

Decent scifi survival adventure

I thought it was an original and good looking adventure that kept me interested all the way.
7

Gravity

When a spacewalk goes terribly wrong, astronauts need to find a way home
average 9.2

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
11-01-2014
9

Completely blown away (even in 2D)!

Seeing is believing, incredible experience!
9

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
22-10-2013
9.5

Breathtaking

Gorgeous visuals, breathtaking story and cinematics. Stunning.
9.5

White House Down

Terrorists take over White House and hunt down the president who is protected by a single security agent

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-10-2013
6

Quality goes down too

Initially there is satisfactory Die-Hard-in-the-White-house vibe going on. But as it progresses, events become too ridiculous, cliched, tedious, patriotic and unfunny - making it tiresome to watch in the end. And then it commits suicide with slomo waving flag scene. Ugh.
6

Only God Forgives

Drug dealer in Thailand gets caught up a bloody circle of revenge when his brother is killed

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
27-10-2013
7.5

Bloodred

Dark, bloody and mesmerizing movie that views like a comicbook, the way it slowly serves it's mostly static scenes one by one.
7.5

Upside Down

Two lovers, each on different but nearly touching planets with opposed gravities

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
27-10-2013
7

West Side Story turned on it's head

It's a wonderful movie with a big heart, but the lovestory in it just doesn't quite reach the same level as the visuals and original ideas.
7

Paranormal Whacktivity

Sexually frustrated couple is haunted by ghost (also sexually frustrated)

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-10-2013
3.5

A terrible movie that almost made it to being just bad

Amateuristic, improvised, messy and - worst of all - unfunny throughout. But: I think they had fun on the set, and the actors could have, in theory, pulled this off. Something actually funny was lurking in the shadows.
3.5

Skyline

Room full of pretty people must survive an invasion of ugly aliens

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-11-2013
6.5

Good looking B movie

An unusual cross between a B movie with dull actors having tedious arguments, and very decent effects and designs. Guess what's more important in the end?
6.5

The Dyatlov Pass Incident (aka Devil's Pass)

Found footage of students who went into Russian mountains to investigate the mysterious deaths of another group

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-11-2013
6.5

Too much mysteries

Has it's moments, most of them boring. Then it boldly moves on to invoke all the mysteries and conspiracy theories that these nervous paranoid teenagers could think of, making it seem like it is trying to say "you sort it out".
6.5

Skyfall

This time it's an inside job aiming for M and MI6 headquarters

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-11-2013
7.5

Dark Bond

A solid, slick and quite dark episode. Something remains, however, that keeps Bond films from rising above being good.
7.5

TrollHunter

Found footage of a filmcrew following a trollhunter in Norway

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
11-11-2013
6.5

Could have been much better if we believed in any of this

The shaky shots in darks woods are effective, as are the sound effects. But the movie is running out fuel quickly, the trolls are a bit too much to buy into the 'actual footage' thing, and the filmcrew are both scared out of their wits and rather indifferent about their adventures at the same time.
6.5

The Last Days on Mars

Mars mission is about to wrap up, when they find something in the rocks....

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-11-2013
7

So close to being great

This would have been a bomb if it had a more original, imaginative story. Now it's just a good, quite scary and beautiful looking movie.
7

Scary Movie V

Spoofs, mostly about Mama and Paranormal Activity

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-11-2013
3

A hideous collection of jokes with various degrees of failure

I actually liked 'Paranormal Whacktivity' better.
3

Planes

Planes flying around in the world of Cars (1)
average 6.0

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-04-2014
6.5

What it needs to be

Not much in the way of originality, but adept at telling an effective, colorful and easy to follow story for the target audience.
6.5

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
29-11-2013
5.5

Planes flying around, that's about it

Ok, so it looks like the world of Cars (1), but with planes in it, which could be entertaining. But actually it is not, since they forgot to write a decent story. Too bad...
5.5

The Wolverine

Wolverine visits an dying admirer in Japan, but gets caught up in evil plans (and ninja's)

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
01-12-2013
6.5

Grumpiness in Japan

It's not bad, but it is let down by too many slow scenes, a constantly grumpy staring Wolverine (yes we get it, he is a lonesome tormented hero!) and a story that feels like you have seen it many times before.
6.5

Man of Steel

Superman can no longer remain hidden when Zod arrives on earth

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
01-12-2013
7

Superman remains tough to beat, and tough to make a good film out of

They have given him some worthy adversaries other than kryptonite, resulting in some really smashing showdowns. But the storytelling is messy, and Hollywood still doesn't realize that an overdose of fast, blurry and over the top destruction only leaves viewers bored and cut off from the movie.
7

Casablanca

World war II, boy meets girl (again), Germans doing their bad-ass stuff, self-sacrifice and true love

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
07-12-2013
9

Perfect movie for a sentimental mood

Obviously this movie is a classic according to 95% of the world population, but until today I never seemed to be in the right mood to actually start watching it. The first minutes it felt somewhat dated, but soon I was fully drawn into the story. Overall an immersive experience, a classic indeed!
9

Kapringen

The negotiations that follow after a ship is hijacked by modernday pirates

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
08-12-2013
7.5

Strength by purity

Very well played and realistically shot drama, that cleverly switches between the cold, calculated negotiations and the sweaty, messy situation on the ship. It disposes of all ornaments, which makes it a honest if not somewhat sterile experience.
7.5

Kick-ass 2

The normal superhero joins a group of fellow citizin-heros and gets back into action

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
14-12-2013
7

You may not get it

It is hard to connect with this strange mixture of crazy outfits, ridiculous people, bizarre plot, lessons in life and bloody violence. But once I did - way into the movie - I started to laugh and was quite entertained.
7

We're the Millers

Smalltime drugdealer assembles a fake family as a coverup during a drug transfer in mexico
average 7.0

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
06-01-2014
7

Easy-going uncomplicated comedy

Original jokes, more than the occasional laugh, and Jennifer Anniston doing lap dances, what else could you possibly want from a movie nowadays?
7

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-12-2013
7

A feelgood wih a bite

Funny actors, deliciously embarrassing moments and some wicked jokes easily lift this feelgood movie above average.
7

Machete Kills

Even the government needs Machete

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
22-12-2013
6.5

Deliberately plain, dumb and violent fun.

I am never quite sure where to draw the line between a bad movie and an ode to a bad movie. But I am sure there's some ok fun and slashing to be had here.
6.5

Free Birds

Turkeys travel back in time to wipe their species from thanksgiving menu forever

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
22-12-2013
6.5

Somehow it didn't really work.

It's a vibrant, original, good looking adventure with plenty of good jokes... yet still it doesn't quite take off. Something flat and distant remains, and maybe relating to turkeys in a time machine is just a bit too much to ask.
6.5

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

The Croods

Caveman family must explore new grounds in order to survive

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-12-2013
7

Great prehistoric graphics and fun

Not overly successful in setting up characters you start to love, but beautifully rendered, quite exciting and good for a few laughs. I deduction half a point because it failed to make a lasting impression on my kids.
7

Dark Shadows

Vampire wakes up in the seventies and sets out to bring back wealth to the family offspring

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-12-2013
6

Surprisingly boring

Despite colorful characters and a potentially funny story, this movie is remarkably boring, and the Tim Burtonesque overacting and pacing got on my nerves here. Partially saved by a delightful Eva Green and a reasonable climax.
6

Cottage Country

When an idiot brother is about to ruin a romatic weekend of two lovers, one bloody accident leads to another

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-12-2013
7

A naughtly mixture of humor and bloody murder

Successfully plays out comedy and murder throughout the movie in an unusual but successful cocktail.
7

Olympus has Fallen

Terrorists take over whitehouse, fallen security agent comes to the rescue

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-01-2014
7

The same old mistakes

A dark atmosphere and some hefty gung-ho warfare could have made this intense, were it not for the inevitable patriotism and flag waving, annoying Hollywood plot conveniences and stereotype terrorists (oh come on - nuclear launch codes, again?).
7

Bad Milo

When people agitate this man, a demon comes out of his ass and eats them. No Shit.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-01-2014
7

Naughty and pleasantly bizarre

but the constant rectal suffering could make you nauseous.
7

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Hobbits reach the mountain and Bilbo confronts the dragon

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
04-01-2014
7

Beautiful failure

You have to admire the sheer beauty and magnitude of this spectacle. But there is also a feeling of disappointment, as I cannot really get into this movie, feel for any of the characters, appreciate the campy slapstick action or take in the wash of special effects.
7

2 Guns

Two undercovers get into a corrupt mess and need each other to fight their way out again

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
05-01-2014
7

Solid chemistry but forgetable

A solid action comedy with good chemistry between the main players. It lacks standout moments though, I have already forgotten this movie.
7

Cosmopolis

During his limo ride to get a haircut, a wealthy financial has conversations (?) with people he meets along the way.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
12-01-2014
6.5

Mindbending by chit chat

I was mad at this movie, for its pretentious, incomprehensible and endless bull (or poetry, you decide). I think I fell asleep twice. Then, the next day, I couldn't wait to see how it ended. It's a mindfuck alright.
6.5

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

When almost all GI Joe's are taken out, it's up to the remaining 3 Joe's to save he world and restore the team.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
12-01-2014
7

Succesfull action silliness for adults

Sure it's over the top silly. But there's something right about this movie. It doesn't claim to be more than it is, some of the action is just plain cool, and it has the right amount of violence and gloominess to prevent you from feeling like you're watching PowerRangers.
7

Frozen

A princess has to save her sister the queen, who has uncontrollable magical freezing abilities and brought disaster to her kingdom.
average 8.5

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
26-01-2014
8.5

Already a classic

A gem. Loaded with great moments, beautiful songs, heartfelt emotion and it looks stunning. My boys ranked it number one, despite their general disapproval of anything princes-related.
8.5

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
15-01-2014
8.5

Beautifully animated modern fairytale

This one has the whole package: incredible graphics, lovable characters and convincing storytelling. Though I am not a big fan of main characters singing in movies like this, it did not disturb me too much....
8.5

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

The Expendables 2

A simple recovery job quickly turns into something big for the Hollywood A-team of self proclaimed dinosaurs

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
18-01-2014
7

Guilty pleasure

I liked it. Brutal, dumb, heavy duty action with some laughs thrown in.
7

The Wolf of Wall Street

Fraudulent stock broker for whom the sky seems the limit eventually loses his family and fortune

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
21-01-2014
8.5

Convincing view on Wall Street life to the extreme

Memorable movie that provides a surprising but convincing view on the extreme life style of the (hopefully) atypical stock broker Jordan Belfort. At times it is difficult not to like the main character, while at the same time feelings of disgust may surface as well. Worth the 3 hour watch!
8.5

The Spectacular Now

About adolescents and the challenges and choices they have to face during the process of growing up

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
24-01-2014
7

How to deal with adolescent hardships (in a non-comic way)

No action or comedy flick, but a nice movie when you are in the right mood for an insightful trip into the world of adolescents and the challenges they have to face. Key words: future plans and careers, (badly ending) relationships, and alcohol abuse (to name just a few we all know so well ;) )
7

The Colony

Members of a colony, trying to survive in a frozen world, respond to an SOS signal from a nearby colony. But what they find...

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
25-01-2014
6.5

Frozen B-movie

The dark alley scenes: fine. The outside snowworld: even better. But the uninspired badguys and cat and mouse action is just plain mediocre. Then it secures its B-status by having desolate survivors with full make-up on, and Rammstein rockmusic during fight scenes.
6.5

Her

A man in the foreseeable future starts dating his operating system after the painful separation from his wife
average 7.8

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
16-08-2014
7.5

True love

Part of me wished the artificial intelligence and the relationship evolved more slowly, more bumpy, more clumpsy. But it still stands as a unique love story, that actually evokes that bubbly love feeling amidst a cold digital context. Johansson's irresistible voice is a master stroke too.
7.5

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
28-01-2014
8

Relationships in the digital era 2.0

An interesting movie on the role technology plays, and might play in the near future, in human life. Including a redefinition of relationships, love, emotions and ultimately the consciousness debate is touched upon as well. If you managed to finish this review, you might just like the movie ;)
8

Movie 43

Teenagers scout the internet for a movie that doesn't exist, taking them through various bizarre movies as they go

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-01-2014
4.5

fascinatingly unfunny

In itself I can see potential in the jokes on offer. But I just gazed at these clumsy, grime and bizarre sketches without laughing once, becoming almost fascinated in the process. It's one of those 'You need the right drug first' movies, but if you find which one, it could be hysterical.
4.5

The Dallas buyers club

A macho man with hiv (illegally) starts selling alternative medication to help fellow hiv sufferers

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
29-01-2014
8.5

And the oscar for actor in a leading role goes to....

Great indepth acting by McConaughey (who apparently also did some serious preparation by not eating much during the preceding year) , in a compelling movie based on a true story. Oscar winning material!
8.5

12 years a slave

Another movie on slavery

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
29-01-2014
7

An African American living in New york is kidnapped and sold as slave

Based on a true story addressing the gruesome consequences of slavery in the southern states of mid 19th century America. Although I can appreciate this movie and the message it portrays, there are other movies on this topic that I find more memorable.
7

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

The Internship

With no relevant skills, two sacked salesmen enlist for an internship at Google.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-02-2014
3.5

404 humor not found

Instead of having a ball with the funny premise, this movie is extremely generic, consisting entirely out of tiresome jokes and gut-wrenching Hollywood cliches so banal it made me look away from the screen.
3.5

The Lone survivor

A mission in Afghanistan by American navy seals goes awfully wrong
average 7.2

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
27-02-2014
8

Okay these guys are tough

As these men are battered & bruised, smashed against rocks, cornered and shot, the increasing dread of death and hopelessness comes across very well. Intense movie that stuck for a while.
8

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
05-02-2014
6.5

Shoot 'em up between navy seals and taliban

Main part of the movie consists of Americans and Taliban chasing, shooting, injuring and killing eachother. Apparently a navy seal can sustain more injury than Iron Man ("is there a bullet in my head?"). Overall an okay movie for those of us not easily scared by bloody scenes.
6.5

Philomena

A journalist and an elderly lady are on a quest to find her son who she had to give up for adoption fifty years ago

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
09-02-2014
7.5

Light hearted drama that is actually worth a watch

Sympathetic movie with a touching story based on true events (including the dubious role of the catholic church in child adoptions in Ireland), and very convincing acting by Judi Dench. Ideal movie for men who want to show their partner they actually have a sensitive side as well....
7.5

Iron Sky

Not realizing the war is over, the nazis on the dark side of the moon are preparing an invasion of earth

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-02-2014
6.5

They should have gone crazier

Smart ideas and very smart looks, but ultimately it lacks the inspiration to really succeed as either a comedy or action adventure. A b-ish flavour remains. They should have gone whack.
6.5

All Is Lost

Solo sailer tries to survive when his ship is rammed by an adrift sea container.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
10-02-2014
8

Intimate and gripping

Very good and very close portrait of a man struggling against all odds. The absence of dialogue is mesmerizing and effective. I felt guilty opening a beer while watching this. I think that's a good sign (but I still opened one nonetheless).
8

Riddick

After being left for dead on a hostile planet, a ship full of mercenaries is Riddicks's only way off the planet

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
15-02-2014
4.5

A B-movie in disguise

Non-stop pretty, but also painfully slow, tedious and full of uninspired really poor dialogue. They are too eager to portray Riddick as a mysterious, ubercool, enigmatic hero, instead turning him into an unsympathetic showoff.
4.5

Lego Movie

The insignificant life of a lego nobody turns on it's head when he is the chosen one to act against evil plans that threaten lego world

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
16-02-2014
8

Fantastic frantic

Could have gone wrong in many ways, but did not. Loaded to the brim with action, jokes, fantastic visuals and brilliant 'real' animation. I did think it was a little to nervous and restless, and overcomplicated for kids to follow comfortably.
8

The Heat

Uptight FBI agent must work with streetsmart cop - both females this time.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-02-2014
7

as is

The feminine variation on the buddy-cop theme gives it a slight edge over the expected experience: funny but not hilarious, entertaining but not engrossing, good but not great.
7

Sharknado

A storm brings hungry sharks way inland, especially those in the tornado!

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
02-03-2014
6

Succesfully bad

With a story like that, this movie needed to be bad. And it succeeded effortlessly, with an helpless actors, abysmal effects, bad editing and incoherent lighting in every scene. So if you are INTO that sort of thing, you could be sort of entertained. If not, like a said: it really is bad.
6

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The winners from the previous games are used to suppress rebellion or something

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-03-2014
4

Pretentious, boring and annoying

I found it impossible to care about this world or any of the lifeless flat characters inhabiting it. I didn't understand what they were doing or what was driving them, and was annoyed and bored out of my mind. One of the rare movies I switched off - so I guess you could say I liked Sharknado better.
4

Phantom

Russian sub must carry a mysterious crew and device along on a mission

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
16-03-2014
6

Good intentions drowned in mistakes

Some fine actors and submarine drills can't compensate for a miscasted Duchovny and slow and insecure script. Most exciting scenes are destroyed when, in the heat of a moment, Duchovny asks "what are you doing now", and the captain actually pauses his command and starts to explain!!!!
6

Blue Jasmine

Woman becomes emotionally unstable after her wealthy, cheating and fraudulent husband goes to prison, but tries to get on with her life anyway

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
17-03-2014
7

Typical Woody Allen movie?

I heard rumours that some Woody Allen movies are actually not that bad. This certainly is a movie aimed at character building and slow story telling, but nevertheless kept me interested till the last scene. Eventually, I even felt sorry for the main character, played by Cate Blanchett.
7

The Campaign

Cocky congressman suddenly faces competition from an unlikely candidate in the elections

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-03-2014
7

Nice, but could have used a smarter story

Funny and witty spoof of contemporary politics, that's probably not far from the truth either. Slightly let down by a simplistic and predictable story.
7

Independence Daysaster

Aliens strike from above and below, smalltown folk (and president) scramble into action

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-04-2014
5

Bad - but sympathetic and unpretentious

You B-movie you! With your continuous bombastic music blasting over shaky camera shots of people constantly jumping in and out a car! But it's sort of all right, it does what it can. Effects are sufficient. Fair game.
5

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

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

An office nobody frequently gets lost in his daydreams, but for a last assignement and a love interest, his adventures must become real

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
13-04-2014
7.5

Wonderfull movie that had even more potential

Great idea, beautifully done in a movie with a big heart. I thought the pacing was not quite right and it could/should have been even more magical.
7.5

Sucker Punch

Girl is institutionalized, but lives violent fantasies while dancing which help her escape it the end. Or something.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-04-2014
7.5

Violent video clip, done with much love

Easy to fault, but I was amused by the violent, fabulously stylized, unearthly, anachronistic action, as well as the moody and steamy atmosphere. Absorb it like a videoclip, then you may get it.
7.5

Thor The Dark World

Evil forces want to bring darkness to the worlds. Thor intervenes

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-04-2014
6.5

Another curious case of stellar looking boredom

I just sat around wondering how I could be so bored with so much beautiful looking stuff going on. Natalie Portman, who is dragged into celestial warfare, doesn't appear to be impressed by any of it either. Points are solely for looks and effort.
6.5

Escape Plan

A man's job is to test jail security by actually escaping from them. But then the next gig is a jail that was built on all his teachings.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-04-2014
6.5

Too cliched to be great

The characters and story are too much typical Hollywood cliches and fantasies to make this really exciting. So we are left with a mildly entertaining jailbreak flick.
6.5

Pompeii

Slave gladiator falls for girl above his league, then has to fight his way to freedom through evil romans and erupting volcanos

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-05-2014
6.5

Fine, but not all it could have been

Sort of a fine and good looking flick. Would have been much more intense if the characters weren't as 1-dimensional, the story a bit more refined, and the whole thing looked a little less clean and fabricated.
6.5

47 Ronin

A bunch of samurai revenging their master
average 6.2

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
28-09-2014
7

Classic Samurai tale, but not as exciting as it could be

Loaded with beautiful and colorful Japanese scenery, folklore and tradition. Should satisfy Samurai enthusiasts. I wasn't really sucked in though, perhaps because there's no clear character to focus on.
7

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
06-05-2014
5.5

Even one hundred samurai could not have saved this movie

Mythical Japanese story presented as cinematic fairytale with overly dramatic and generally unconvincing acting. Every now and then some nice special effects to keep the bored viewer slightly entertained....
5.5

Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines

Again, a terminator comes back in time to secure the future. Again, he is hunted down by an advanced terminator model

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
11-05-2014
7

A lesser but stilll adequate episode

Not as epic and overwhelming as the preceding parts, in part because of the rather dull main characters. Still, there's plenty of Terminator goodness in here to have a good time. Average actionmovies back then still were more fun than the soulless fx bonanzas we get nowadays.
7

Man of Tai Chi

In order to help his master and temple, a Tai Chi expert is forced to use this soft style in a hard way in illegal underground fights

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
11-05-2014
6

Dozing off during bare-handed fights to the death.... weird

Who knows: these could be some of the most complicated and extraordinary fighting scenes ever. But it is all remarkably boring, because of the unoriginal story and lack of any tension. Keanu portays one of the most dull one-trick pony villains ever.
6

Godzilla (2014)

Monsters attack (was that a spoiler already?)

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
30-05-2014
7.5

Still too much Hollywood for it's own good

Big and bold monster rampage is the easy part, making it count is hard. Some surprisingly stylish scenes are overshadowed (I think it had two artdirectors) by the usual movie laziness en cliches - like people constantly briefing each other about things everyone's already doing. A fun ride though.
7.5

Catwoman

Girl murdered, then ressurects with cat powers. Revenge.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
04-06-2014
4

Maybe girls like it

The problem is that they made this into some sort of girl movie, with girlpowermusic, a love interest with a Ken, an evil beauty make-up corporation and a bouncy and goofy main character. Worse: they managed a half-naked woman walking around in leather to be completely non-sensual.
4

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

I, Frankenstein

Frankenstein's monster's chosen profession, being alive and all, is demon hunter. Together, with gargoyles!

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-06-2014
4.5

Pointless and quite uninteresting

The creation of the monster is briefly told in flashbacks while the opening titles are still running. The fact that he is Frankentein's is hardly relevant. He is basically a strong, civilized dude fighting demons, in a dull and stiff copycat of Underworld and Van Helsing Gothic stylistics.
4.5

Edge of Tomorrow

A not so brave solider gets killed on a beach fighting aliens, but then gets to relive that day over and over again, get better at it each time

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
15-06-2014
8

Slamming scifi with a twist

A neat thrill ride based on a great story, cool action and splendid visuals. Maybe the story was over-centered at the main character and story, making it feel like the suffering of the rest of world wasn't an issue. But who cares.
8

300 Rise of an Empire

Greeks vs Persians fight slomo. Mostly on sea.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
04-07-2014
7.5

Beautiful painting of heroic bloodshed

This side effect of the wonderful style is that is also creates veil that blocks connection with the people and story. But as a glorious ode to violence and bravery, I thought it was impressive, intense and beautifully crafted. Also: Eva Green.
7.5

Eagle vs. Shark

Nerdgirl in pursuit of a nerdguy

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
07-07-2014
7

Touching

The lead actress steals your heart the minute she appears on the screen, and takes you into a funny, touching and quite unique love story. Looses some momentum as it progresses, though
7

Ender's Game

A youngster is the chosen one to be trained as spacefleet admiral and repell alien threat

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
24-07-2014
4.5

Kids in space

These kids are trained for space command by having them play a pointless Harry Potter floating game! This unwatchable movie is full of such nasty face palm moments, burying the sharp looking visuals deep beneath the surface. "He has a complicated response to authority" - who talks like that?
4.5

Carrie (2013)

Girl with telekenetic powers and a hideous religous freakmother is being bullied one time too many

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
25-07-2014
5.5

Identical yet inferior to the original

Who ordered this? A really pointless remake that does everything exactly the same, except for in the eerie atmosphere and masterful cinematography of the original. The only thing new is that the kids now have mobile phones with YouTube. Breathtaking. Moretz is overacting badly too.
5.5

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Human survivors of a global virus outbrake need access to a dam, but this is the realm of the apes

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
31-07-2014
8.5

Strong and proud

This movie is like the apes in it: strong, proud, majestic, thrilling and mystical. Very well balanced stuff. My only gripe is that the apes started talking too much with needlessly accurate grammar. The little words and hand signs were more impressive.
8.5

Snowpiercer

Survivors of a frozen world found shelter on a selfsupporting train, driving endlessly circles. But a war of classes rages.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-08-2014
7

Interesting

At first I was put off by the cliched revolt of lowerclass people in dirty clothes and low lighting conditions. But as they fight their way to the higher class front of the train, color comes in literally and figuratively, bringing to live this interesting metaphor of real live society.
7

Under the skin

Alien version of Scarlett Johannsson looking for men who will not live to tell about their close encounter
average 7.5

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
09-11-2014
7.5

A pleasant mystery

The mystery of not quite getting what is going on really adds to suspense and intrigue and this stylish scifi. Low profile in an effective way, but the many long scenes can be a bit much at times.
7.5

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
04-08-2014
7.5

Bit weird and unsettling, but nevertheless interesting and sensual

A must see for those interested in original alien movies, Scarlett Johansson, or both. Partially filmed with standard digital cameras, providing a successfull hidden camera experience. Visual effects from the eighties and creepy sounds throughout the movie provide the cherry on top.
7.5

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

Lucy

Woman gains acces to full brain capacity after a drug is accidently spilled in her body - giving her remarkable skills

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
12-08-2014
7.5

Survives its many flaws

I wish the superpowers were a little less extreme, the science a bit more refined, the pacing a but more delicate. It's also unfortunate that the superpowers are only used for fighting goons, not something more poetic. Despite all that, it still is a very entertaining, smart and quite a cool movie.
7.5

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Demigod kids confront Kronos because their precious summercamp is in jeopardy. No really.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-08-2014
6

I doubt even teenagers will really fall for it

It just - BAM- puts you in this fantasyworld with gods and magic without ever introducing us to anything, without building tension of mystery. There's some charm in the fantasy elements, but mostly it is a childish bunch of whining teenagers. There's also a lack of sea monsters.
6

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Hydra has infiltrated the safety of SHIELD, and there's a new enemy as well

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
23-08-2014
7

A really mixed bag

It's more mature, confident and less hysteric than most superhero movies, due to restrained superpowers and lots of attention to the story. But, all characters are flat and unlikable, and the brawls are a bit tedious. This quality popcorn amusement feels like it could have been more than that.
7

A Scanner Darkly

Cop (sort of) gets involved in drug business by using it himself

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
01-09-2014
6.5

Less than meets the eye

The painted looks of this movie are just great, but I don't quite get why they needed to be in this fairly plain drug story. The effect serves no clear function to me. (Well perhaps there's the shifting suites - but why don't these folks just put on a mask?)
6.5

Naked Lunch

Cockroach exterminator gets intoxicated by the poisonous gas and a surreal, bizarre story starts. Like typewriters that are mucus producing alien heads.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
05-09-2014
7.5

Bizarre, they way some like it

A little slowish perhaps, but pleasantly bizarre, strange and filthy in true Cronenberg style.
7.5

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Spidy vs electro and that green dude on the flyboard

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
06-09-2014
6.5

Stunning and tiresome

There's an abundance of slow and uninteresting scenes that somehow don't flow well, and slowly drain your ability to focus on this. By the time the vivid, beautifully done action starts, I was too exhausted to care.
6.5

The Monuments Men

In WWII, a specialized group sets out to save artworks from destruction or being stolen by the nazis

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
07-09-2014
5

A very boring movie

A moviesubject in danger of being boring. And despite the A-list of actors and undoubtedly good intentions, I am sorry to say that it is.
5

Vanishing Waves

Science team tries to save a comatose patient by connecting her brain with that of a a healthy subject.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
10-09-2014
7

Kills it's darlings

Much to my regret, this movie kills most it's wonderful, imaginative and tasteful scenes, by endlessly dwelling in them. The unprofessional and unlikely science guy and his motivations are also a dissonant I wished they had left out. Too bad, as this had potential for becoming a mesmerizing gem.
7

Escape from Tomorrow

Familyman slowly looses his mind in Disneyland

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
14-09-2014
7.5

Succesful absurdity

Successfully achieves an uncanny atmosphere without over relying on effects, instead setting an ominous mood with black and white tones. I also dig the usage of a superhappy place for something twisted to evolve. Quite exciting.
7.5

Noah

God asks Noah to built a boat to save all animals from the upcoming global flood

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
21-09-2014
7

Strong but very religious (duh!)

Strong and well made epic. Once they are on the boat, the endless contemplations about God's intentions and whether killing baby's is ok, is quite a lot to take in.
7

No Country for Old Men

A sherrif, hunter and hitman get involved when a bag of money is left after a deadly showdown in the desert
average 8.2

RockmeNow
RockmeNow
30-12-2014
8.5

Intense movie

This movie sucks you right in, forces the viewer to smell the desert and all the rotten things that will happen later on. Great acting, intense experience...
8.5

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
21-09-2014
8

Hot and involving

The Texas desert heat oozes of the screen, as does a firework display of class acting. The slow pacing only contributes to the constant feeling of stress and dredd of things to come.
8

Oculus

Brother and sister try to get even with a mysticial mirror that causes supernatural drama and terror in their childhood

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
21-09-2014
6.5

Some scares, a lot of annoyances

They sure know how to do good scares, and there's some nice ideas for the story framework as well. But the present-past alternations gets tiresome quickly, and I was totally put off by the analytical, cold and utterly unconvincing attitude and going-about of the (present day) sister.
6.5

The Zero Theorem

Man, already borderline, is asked to tackle an unsane equation on a computer

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
03-10-2014
6.5

Original and artistically sound, but lacks involvement

The colorful, bubbly and mad future scenery is highly artistic, but also makes it difficult to really pull you in. It won't rise above being a pleasant curiosity, because you can't see any of these people or events happen in real life.
6.5

Stalingrad

In WWII the battle for Stalingrad, Russians and Germans fight for a strategically situated building and the few women left in the vicinity

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
05-10-2014
6.5

Actors and story can't keep the few impressive scenes afloat

A good looking - if not over processed - movie, with some very intense scenes that will remain stuck with me. But the rest of story is struggling to bind it all together, with slow and clumsy scenes that fail to show the terror that these men must have been in.
6.5

Sex Tape

Couple makes a sex tape to spice up their sex life, but it ends up on the interclouds! Now, how to get it off?

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
14-10-2014
6.5

Little more than it's own tagline

Yes, you'll giggle. But you'll also find that the central joke is pretty much all there is.
6.5

Antiviral

In the future, loyal fans want the diseases of their idols. A broker in such sicknesses gets a bit too involved.

Wittenberg
Wittenberg
20-10-2014
7.5

Sickening - in a good way

A nasty and slightly disturbing premise that is cleverly neutralised in a clean, bright white scenery. An intriguing watch.
7.5

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