Guggenheim82 Reviews

Mary and Max (2009)

A Cinematic Masterpiece That Touches the Heart and Provokes Thought

[9/10 · 3 January 2024]

When an old boulder like me is moved by something, it means something. "Mary & Max" is so delicately heartfelt that you almost don't realize how emotionally overwhelmed you become - until you find yourself sitting there at the end with a tear inevitably streaming down your cheek.

In recent years, I can guarantee that I have rarely seen a film with such a brilliantly written story. It is rich in detail, unique, without being overly sentimental or fluffy in its naivety, but rather embedded in a world that is not very funny.

Intelligent, lovable, touching, thought-provoking, with moments that make you smile, and above all, fantastically well thought out. Without a doubt, this is truly great cinema.

Foxy Brown (1974)

Classic

[6/10 · 3 January 2024]

The film is known for its gritty and violent portrayal of the urban underworld. Pam Grier delivers a powerful performance as Foxy Brown, showcasing her strength and determination as she takes on the criminals who have wronged her. The action sequences are intense and well-executed, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

However, Foxy Brown falls short in terms of its plot and character development. The story feels somewhat predictable and lacks depth, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters' journeys. Additionally, some of the dialogue and acting can be over-the-top and cheesy at times, detracting from the overall quality of the film.

Despite its flaws, Foxy Brown remains an important film in the blaxploitation genre, highlighting the strength and resilience of its female protagonist. It serves as a significant milestone in the career of Pam Grier, who became an iconic figure in the genre.

Overall, Foxy Brown is a decent film for fans of blaxploitation and Pam Grier. While it may not be the most memorable or groundbreaking film in the genre, it still offers an entertaining and empowering experience. With its gritty action and strong lead performance, Foxy Brown is worth a watch for those interested in exploring the world of 1970s blaxploitation cinema.

Firepower (1993)

Far from good - but a legend appears!

[4/10 · 2 October 2021]

Typical Pepin/Merhi B-Action Flick. Chad McQueen and Gary Daniels were definitely not hired for their acting talent, but at least they prove physical presence. Overall, though, the film is shot without much passion. However, "Firepower" has one highlight to offer: The superfighter Swordsman is portrayed by wrestling icon Jim "Ultimate Warrior" Hellwig! Apparently this is the only real appearance of the Warrior in a real - non-wrestling - movie.

Perfect Blue (1997)

My kind of Anime

[7/10 · 10 July 2021]

I'm really not an anime fan. It's just not my thing. But "Perfect Blue" is the exception. Of the rule? Maybe. But maybe it's the actual genre far away from the anime classification that appeals to me. "Perfect Blue" is a twisty, suspenseful thriller with substance. The fact that the finest 90's pop-trash music is booming at the beginning makes me - an old nostalgic - a little bit happier.

In any case, "Perfect Blue" has convinced me. Not completely, because now and then it is a bit too confused, but all in all this is an anime that appeals to me.

The Gendarme and the Extra-Terrestrials (1979)

funny flick from france

[10/10 · 24 May 2021]

Certainly not what you would call a "quality comedy." But the humor, Louis de Funes and the rest of the cast, and even the dorky story appeal to me.

Benny Loves You (2019)

Funny & fluffy

[7/10 · 24 May 2021]

Great fun with one of the fluffiest killers in Film history! There are quite a few movies with murdering toys, but most of them are pretty trashy. Even BENNY LOVES YOU has had visibly low budget, Karl Holt has worked with so much love on his "baby" that the spark jumps over to the viewer. Great job!

The Last Matinee (2020)

Bloody

[6/10 · 24 May 2021]

Nice reminiscence of OPERA by Dario Argento. The splatter effects are really bloody and handmade, with attention to detail. You can clearly see that the director himself is a fan of such films.

Cyclone (1978)

not what I had expected

[4/10 · 24 May 2021]

Well, fully fallen on the snout: I thought there was a disaster here with pretty shark attacks (yes, yes, that sounds morbid - and I mean it that way!). Unfortunately, there is very, very little predator action, but really just a bunch of people bumming around on various boats. The cast of "Tornado" is quite good - among others the Mexican acting legend Hugo Stiglitz takes part -, but there is really little action. In short: lame. There were and are dozens of better films like this.