anon5643 Reviews

The Nice Guys (2016)

The Film Would Be Great If Not for the Cigarettes

[5/10 · 23 May 2024]

A Disappointing Cigarette Commercial Disguised as a Movie

The film had potential to be great, with an interesting plot and solid performances from the cast. However, it was overshadowed by what felt like an incessant advertisement for cigarettes. Throughout the two-hour runtime, I counted over 60 scenes featuring characters smoking. I'm not exaggerating-every few minutes, someone was lighting up, and it became increasingly distracting.

The most egregious example was during a party scene, where extras were not only smoking but wearing hats made of cigarettes. This overwhelming presence of smoking turned what could have been an engaging film into a tiresome spectacle of tobacco promotion.

It's clear that the tobacco industry's influence in Hollywood is still very much alive, and this movie felt more like a promotional vehicle for cigarettes than a piece of entertainment. What could have been a memorable film was marred by this incessant and irritating display of smoking. If you're sensitive to excessive smoking in movies, I'd recommend skipping this one.

The Skulls (2000)

Whoever wrote the plot literally have no idea how a secret associations operates

[1/10 · 21 March 2024]

The film has two main problems: Firstly, many scenes lack logical coherence. Secondly, the portrayal of the secret society is unrealistic, yet the entire film hinges on it. Whoever wrote the plot of this film literally has no idea whatsoever on how a secret society operates.

• The test to join the association is supposed to be a group effort, but in the film, only two of the protagonists take it, while the rest watch, yet all are admitted.

• The two protagonists effortlessly solve a test with minimal clues, resulting in a tedious and shallow scene.

• They're given membership before even expressing interest or taking an oath.

• The association provides them with resources (like money, cars, apartment) without their knowledge, discovered through a ludicrous scene.

• Although membership is secretive, everyone wears the same watch to conceal the association's mark, which is impossible to overlook (a skull engraved with fire measuring probably 5x5 cm on the wrist).

• The protagonist's friends become irrationally confrontational upon his joining, solely to drive the plot.

• During a scene, Caleb tells Luke, "I tried calling you and you didn't answer, and I looked for you everywhere" while Caleb was literally standing in the middle of a corridor meeting Luke who was passing by there by accident. Poor plot quality.

Subsequently, the film progresses illogically towards a predictable plot, rendering it dull.

Mafia (1968)

A truly well-crafted film, still (unfortunately) relevant after over 50 years in Italy.

[9/10 · 27 August 2023]

Italian film based on a novel by Leonardo Sciascia, explores the mystery and corruption in a small Sicilian town. If you enjoy intellectual thrillers, this film is a must-watch!

Despite being from the distant year of 1968, "Il giorno della civetta" resonates surprisingly with the present day. Tackling themes like omertà and distrust in institutions, the film challenges us to reflect on social dynamics that unfortunately persist even today, over 50 years later in Italy. A timeless work that invites us to examine the complexities of society in a new light.

The screenplay and plot are masterfully executed, keeping you glued to the screen without a dull moment. The dialogues are convincing and well-crafted. The direction and editing, considering the production era, are impeccable. The soundtrack is fitting, but what strikes the most is the final message, incredibly true and relevant.

While I'm not particularly fond of very old films, and I'm usually quite demanding when it comes to giving a rating, it must be said that this film is very well-crafted.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

A masterpiece that reminds you of the fragility of the human being

[10/10 · 6 May 2022]

As the world is about to end, in the War Room a group of people (mainly military, who already detain the power) discuss without too many thoughts about how they should sacrifice themselves to subsequently repopulate the world, sharing a slice of the future for each person in the room.

The fact that Dr Strangelove sometimes has those Nazi German tics, which are well noticeable by all the people in the room, but they aren't interested in condemning this act but rather accept them calmly, symbolizing how the human being is capable of adapting to certain situations with great ease, opportunism, arrogance and selfishness.

Dr Strangelove represents the whole Nazi´s movement: at the time, during Cold War and after the Second World War, despite the fact the Nazis have lost, Dr. Strangelove is a personification that tell us that Nazi ideas are "paralyzed" (on a wheelchair), but not dead.

His plan about the future of mankind are the same as the Nazi plans, for example, when he said that a computer could select the "perfect" men and women to go to the mines.

Dr Strangelove can´t handle his right arm in a representation of his inner battle to try to hide his past and convictions, but he fails all the time (another example is when he accidentally calls the american president as Mein Fuhrer)

After having a erection while explaining the sacrifice that men would have to do to procreate with 10 women each he comes to the final memorable line.

He is so excited because he sees that his plans are being well accepted by the americans and he stands up saying "Sir, i have a plan" and then he realizes the miracle: "Mein Fuhrer, i can walk" means that the Nazi ideas are standing up again and can walk over the world.

Amazing movie, script and performances.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This is the saddest film I have ever seen

[10/10 · 7 February 2022]

" September 21, 1945, that was the night I died." "Why must the fireflies die so young?" Rest in peace, Isao Takahata...

Literally the best movie you'd never want to see again.

Box Office 3D: The Filmest of Films (2011)

1 stella, perchè meno non si può.

[1/10 · 6 August 2019]

Imbarazzante. Chiaramente imbarazzante. Semplicemente imbarazzante.