reidhardi Reviews

Prisoners (2013)

2013 Finally Gets it Right!

[10/10 · 25 October 2013]

Prisoners features and handles the greatest ensemble cast of 2013 (so far.) Hugh Jackman gives what might be his greatest performance, and Jake Gyllenhaal turns in the best performance of the film, playing the films most important and interesting character. Prisoners is thought-provoking and really makes people question their moral boundaries. How far would you go realistically? But what drove Prisoners home, was its honesty. It refused to go the easy route also known as Hollywood. The first half is a slow and steady build-up that adds the realism of the situation. The second half is mystery heavy and unbelievably interesting. A film has not been this involving in a long time, especially with the mystery genre. Denis Villeneuve completely breaks- out and is for sure a director to keep an eye on. Also the most beautiful cinematography of the year. (Gravity had great cinematography, but with Earth as a background a lot, it is almost unfair) It is my favorite cinematography because Roger Deakins was able to use such simple and plain locations and used them perfectly, composing impeccable imagery. Prisoners also highly deserves a best original screenplay nomination as well as other things. The score set the tone and was darkly fascinating. Favorite film of 2013

World War Z (2013)

Better then it could have been

[7/10 · 24 June 2013]

Initially I was not looking forward to seeing World War Z. Actually I was, only because I was looking forward to making fun of it. The trailers were unconvincing and it looked like they got Brad Pitt so people would see it. Luckily I saw the film and I enjoyed it without having to make fun of it. It was genuinely exciting and it's thrills were well staged and put together. World War Z's issues are there and those would be that the film is uneven. It jumps from location to location until it ends. It had good pacing and a serviceable plot but the movie jumped around more then I would've liked. The little girls did a poor job of acting, thankfully they aren't in it much. Overall the film is flawed but enjoyable popcorn summer action film without having to turn your brain off. I would even go to say that it was a surprise. 7/10

The Call (II) (2013)

Keeping it short and simple.

[4/10 · 24 June 2013]

The Call is good solid entertainment for the first 2 acts. Until the girl is taken out of the car and into the basement, it all goes to hell. The ending makes no sense for the characters and makes me wish that I had left as soon as the hour mark hit, so I could make up my own ending. That way I wouldn't have to sit through ridiculous plot twists and generic meltdowns. Halle Berry was good but her performance in Cloud Atlas was so much better, and that is probably do to the writing and direction. Brad Anderson isn't talentless and perhaps his next film will be an improvement. But the final act just screws this movie up so much. Overall I like the film to the lowest rating I can go and still go positive but the film doesn't deserve anything higher than a 5.5/10

The Pianist (2002)

My favorite Polanski film

[10/10 · 24 June 2013]

Perhaps my "Summary" is a joke because I have only seen 3 of Polanski's movies. Chinatown (9 out of 10) and Rosemary's Baby (7 out of 10) But The Pianist might as well be my favorite whether I have seen many of his films are not, for The Pianist is truly excellent. Sad but never boring or pretentious. Polanski seems to be a fan of bad (upsetting)endings so that left me worried to watch the end. I will not spoil it but watch every minute of this movie. Brody got the Oscar that he truly deserved and the film deserved Best Picture over Chicago, LOTR: Two Towers, was in the race so I choose that over this. I just cannot wait to own this movie.