CallmeOlia Reviews

Elemental (2023)

I am in love!

[10/10 · 17 February 2024]

This is such a lovely work of art!! What really surprised me was the consequense a specific moment in this animation had in my psychology. I have never said "f* off" that many times in myy 27 years of life and it was such a slap in my face. It was brilliant!!

This animation stole a little part of my heart and if I ever become a bit more crazy and full of fire, the protagonist Ember would be one of my future tatoos! All of the characters reminded me a part of myself or people around me and it's nice to watch something full of emotions and meanwhile not be able to predict the next move.

I would recommend to watch it alone or with someone you can feel free to be yourself and cry your eyes out if you feel the need! Certainly I wouldn't prefer watching this by accident in the first dates with someone, although it would be pretty eye-opening experience!

Nimona (2023)

More important to my heart, than I would ever guessed

[10/10 · 3 July 2023]

Let me first make clear that I just began to read another critc and I just found out about the story behind this movie, the web comic etc. So maybe I am not the one to tell you if this movie represents well the past versions. But with certainty I can talk to you about this one.

I have just finished watching it and let me share that I cried in a way that I am not used to. I cry a lot, especially when I get mad or feel overwhelmed, but usually not in this deep-deep way. That cut deep. Deep into the feelings, deep into my past, deep into all those moments in time that my brain tries to make them dissapear. We all have those.

Don't take me wrong, this is not an animation which will break your heart and leave you feel broken or sad. Ok maybe a little sad, but also hopefull. It will make you laugh and most importantly feel like you are seen, while it will gives you food for thought and growth.

I am trying to think if I was in the creative team behind it, if I would change anything, and I can not think of something important. I sincerely am so so amazed of their work and the life they put in it. Lastly, I have seen a lot of movies,animations etc and most of the times I can guess the plot twists, but I am more than happy to tell you that this one (I hadn't seen any promo video before) surprised me in many moments and I was.. quick to judge.

Give it a go! And if you can, be alone or with someone who makes you feel safe to be around you if you wanna cry your eyes out!

Thank you to everyone behind it! This is a perfect example of how a piece of art can make a change in someone's life!

Disenchanted (2022)

Dissapointed

[3/10 · 7 June 2023]

I have seen the original movie once or twice before many years, but I wanted something to make me forget a tiny bit about reality tonight. I didn't have high expectations, but I did have SOME expectations and unfortunatelly, I got didssapointed Big time.

Firstly the whole movie is giving me ''we are very very low in budget, but all the big names agreed, so what the rainbow.. it will go great''. For those kind of movies with the fairy tale and magical clue in them, you must think out of the box and have the budget to play along.

So with no budget, I could go past the very forgetable clothing section (big hit for me), the mundane make up/ hair section (except the ''Queen's'' hair) or even the fact that the crowd choreographies were giving the ''not well prepared'' feeling.

But I can not get past of how bland the songs felt and most important of all; how poor the acting was from all of them! I mean surely they are great actors and have plenty of experience, but that gave me ''I've got it, so I will not try at all because I am a natural'' vibes. It was deeply dissapointing because they would be the only ones to save this movie, but they literally amplified how poor written the scenario was (with a few very clever points here and there and a nice plot twist on a certain point!).

In the end, I want to comment that nostalgia for the old fairy tales is quite different with wanting to watch parts of them being copied and relived by different characters! Allusion is always welcome but is quite different, from taking that ''safe'' path!

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

How love should be

[10/10 · 8 May 2023]

No one wishes for a mental illness or psychological problems or baggages from past trauma, but we all do have them, more or less. If only we had these kind of stimuli, if only the previous generations had been raised with this level of acceptance and love. Nothing in this life is easy, but having as a fellow traveller, a teammate who respects you and gives you light and rain and ground and wind to blossom they way Queen Charlotte was shown to love, in these series, well I am sure our world would be much happier, less violent and heartbroken in this cloudy present.

About this series, I was wondering in many moments, what went wrong with the direction of the movie and if the director and his team (for example the music supervisor) were the same team with the one who created the Originals, but other than that, the scenario was wonderful!

The second factor leading to success, is the great talent of the acting cast (everyone, but especially Arsema Thomas, Freddie Dennis and Sam Clemmett). I couldn't possibly, not mention the magnificent Corey Mylchreest. The way he managed to portray his character (King George), makes me sure that many doors have already opened for him and we will see him A LOT! His performance on such a pluralistic role, could either make the viewer love him and be his teammate, or dislike him for not having studied enough his role. He didn't dissapoint. Not even a little bit.

In the end, fellow viewer, I notify you: this is the most romantic series in comparison with the other two Original Stories.

Such an amazing way to show the world how being a team in romantic relationships, looks like. What an incredible way to remind that each one of us have to do their own personal work, but love can norture and love and let you breath and make you.. climb or be glad you didn't!

Don't Look Up (2021)

Comedy? More like a Wake Up Call to all of us.

[7/10 · 15 January 2022]

They told me I should see this movie cause it was supposed to be fun and a satire and they thought it would be in my interest. Oh my!

Ok short version: If you believe the scientists and people who have an opinion based on facts, years of personal studies etc etc, maybe I wouldn't recommend this movie, cause anxiety and depression may also hit your door. HOWEVER, IF you are one of those who is always trying to not have the serious conversation, because they destroy your "good vibes and mood", I would recommend it, with the hope you will realise that by ignoring something or saying it is a lie, it won't go extinct.

In my point of view, being a person that realises just a tiny bit how harmful we are for the planet the last years of our HUGE (techincal mostly) evolution, that has seen some documentaries and in the same time DOESN'T pretend (firstly to myself) I know absolutely anything about subjects I LEGIT have no basic knowledge of... You know I am not the person who is gonna believe someone who has an opinion about, for example, cooking, while NEVER EVER has cooked and maybe has studied a recipe or two back in school, but some ''details'' have been forgotten. Are we that stupid? And don't even realise it? Seriously?

So this is not a comedy for me. I din't laugh! At all. On the contrary, I wanted to cry, many times actually, because the movie IS REALISTIC. It is showing us shallow we choose every day to be! This is why I think they chose this cast. To make people watch it, with the hope some may wake up. But there are people finding it amusing, just another popcorn movie.. Please don't get me wrong. This is a movie with a VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE. But it's not a comedy. It's the most realistic drama that you can pinpoint it in every day life.

How I could I laugh to the enormous stupidity of our species that even DARE to think we are the best on this planet? We are either so afraid to even admit to ourselves that we have no knowledge and the right skills for judgement or we are doomed to continue being the greedy clueless narcissists that know it all and don't care, because after all everyone only cares for their own approximately 80 years of life on this planet and think life owes them anything and not ever the exact opposite.

Onward (I) (2020)

Out of the blue love

[10/10 · 4 January 2022]

This one.. Oh.. I am going to be honest, I wasn't expecting anything of what I just watched. I never see the traileres or read in advance the reviews and after so much watching experience, well.. I feel that many times it can get preetty anticipated what is gonna happen.

This story though doesn't let you get bored and the moment you think you know the next step.. well if the movie.. had a face? It would laugh, because the movie knows!

But the most important, the thing that makes it steel every inch of your.. or at least mine heart, is that It gives you perspective, reminds you of gratitude, the purest kind of love, the one in which one sacrificies his egotistic needs. (Oh I hope my grammar over there didn't make you blind! Sorry!)

So this is a movie about real heros. Those who doubt themselves enough to self-reflect, the ones that keep on trying to become a better version of themselves no matter of how hard it gets on some points , those who believe in other people's possibilities and try to encourage them (even if they may not do the same thing to their own selves usually, BUT still try to unlearn that), those who recognize the love and sacrifices of others, no matter their faults and flaws, those that show trust and let others be their unique self, no matter who they want to be and lasty for all those who let their existence free to love, to make mistakes, to fall, to stand up just to fall again and then smile, rest, lift their invisible magic power of the ground and try again!

If Anyone that had any role in creating this movie, Ever reads that; Just another teared up (25 years old) girl, this one from Greece, wants to say a big big thank you and.. I hope you can see with clear eyes that you created a little.. gem!

PS. I can't wait to have kids, students in my class or nephews/nieces and watch this movie with them!!

Bridgerton (2020– )

Oh my; I'm in love!

[10/10 · 13 January 2021]

Words couldn't possibly explain how much in love I feel with this Tv Series. Where do I begin? The story? The directing? The clothes? The places chosen? The actors? Ok; one or two could have better performances, but the final result is so magnificent!

To make this critic basic though and in the same time, as honest as it's gets, it reminded of this pop song lyric: "I am mad at Disney, they tricked me; had me wishing on a shooting star" and that's exactly what this piece of movie art, made to me. I was on my toes during every episode, I gasped so many times, it made me believe again and dream and it even make me hope again!

In case you wonder about the reason why "I am mad", it's because of the fear of never living this dream they created! Some may disagree, some may want different things; but in my eyes this is the kind of love I seek and value! Getting over the difficulties and falling in love with the real self, even the flawed one.. But please don't take this in the wrong way, these series were not a Cinderella movie, it was speaking truth and that's exactly what makes you fall over heels in love with it, the fact that you can see parts of yourself in every single character and feel their needs, lust, passion, feelings, while opening a window to the past!

Anyway, Everyone who has worked for this amazing creation, should be proud for what they have made and I and I am sure many many MANY others wait for more!!

Hollywood (2020)

Oh I cried and fell in love multiple times..

[10/10 · 9 June 2020]

I wish they had more episodes, so we could learn the characters even better, but in general this is another small piece of art.

I love the complexity of the characters and the plot twists. The hidden power each one of the characters have and how relationships change and are unstable. How we are terrified, believing that change is only found to the "Dreamland" (see what I did there?) and how we need to take the risks to make a change! Although it's kind of sad how such an old story, how the story of Peg's Entwistle back in 1932, is so d*mn relative in 2020!! In the days the whole planet protests about Black lives matter.. That gay people still can't hold hands without worries.. Still we are fighting the same fights..

But this film.. I imagine it as a person, strong, with a smile on his/her face, I don't see his/her race or color or accent or height or weight, but I can see that he/she can change the world! (Ok I may see a she, but maybe that my need as a woman!!)

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Ahm.. Well..

[5/10 · 23 May 2020]

So I just finished watching this movie and I feel weird. Yes, weird! There are for sure some very beautiful moments in this film, but the acting of some actors and the songs, the plot twists and the fact that although the movie was filmed in 2018, still it shows Greece in such stereotypical ways that most are cheesy and.. old!! And how do I know? Well I'm a 24 year old Greek girl, who really wanted to like this movie, but the "whatttt?" Feeling came up too much! And actors who are supposed to be Greek or live in Greece for a LOT of years speak Greek in this accent? Wear those clothes? Come on!! The opa thing? I mean it feels like they didn't do enough research or they just cared to show a nice image, which you could tell doesn't seem realistic, even in the movie! So, I'm really sad to say that, but I'm disappointed and I don't even get easily disappointed!! But please take the time to watch this movie and maybe share your thoughts!

The Half of It (I) (2020)

Oh I will watch this many times

[10/10 · 6 May 2020]

I'll find a place in my heart for this movie. I can love it, just like it made me feel a little bit seen and understood and it made me dream. You should give it a chance!

Jane (II) (2017)

Jane. This should be the only headline ever.

[10/10 · 24 March 2020]

If I could use the best quality of words in English and any other spoken language ever existed, to make sure that everyone should begin their lives or at least stop everything for one and a half hours to watch this, I absolutely assure you I would! No words I may say can describe the tears in my eyes! Jane! A human being that makes me proud for our species and I can't thank the Universe and any God you may believe in for her existence.

Hopes and prayers out there, in your hearts and minds and God's mind and whatever, to have more people who really love animals and take care of them, without taking in consideration that they are somehow lower in the pyramid.

Her words: "Sorry. I didn't care what anybody said.. I couldn't watch an animal suffering anymore than I could watch a human suffering and not help if I could. I see no difference between helping a human and helping an animal".

For me this is God. This is faith, equality and love. Thankful to the creators of this documentary and of course Jane and Louis and Hugo and.. and.. and everyone following her message! Thank you!

Klaus (2019)

Now this became a Christmas classic movie for me!

[9/10 · 5 January 2020]

Nowadays I do believe that everything is psychology. Behind everyone's actions, there is a reason, a need he tries to feed, but I deeply believe most of us are unconscious. We do things, but we don't really know the reason! We don't really question ourselves and our inner thoughts and feelings.

And probably, by now you may think all the above have absolutely nothing to do with this film and they are irrelevant, but let me disagree. Let me, also, explain to you.

On one hand this beautiful story, comes to break the magic about Santa Clause; as a child that believed in his existence until.. well 13?15? (Can't remember) in the beginning I really did not appreciate destroying this bits of happiness and magic he brings with his existence.

However this film comes and creates sense in all these things you've been sure all these years that were just part of a beautiful fairytale for kids. It brings logic and reality in each little thing, explaining everything you know about him.

..And by the moment you're so sure that's all, by the moment you think it's the end, then happens the unexpected and it gives you back the magic, the faith, the hope.

So in the end they made Claus even more real, no matter if you want to believe in him or not!

PS. The movie, technically could have some slight changes which would make it even more complete and not predictable on some points, but overall, it deserves for suuure your time and attention!!

Sense8 (2015–2018)

All (good) things have to end..

[10/10 · 30 December 2019]

But I wish this one didn't! Series and sci-fi isn't usually my cup of tea, but I can't imagine anyone watching Sense8 and not falling in love with it, or at least like it!!

You find pieces of yourself, of your hopes, your dreams, your fears inside every person and the feeling of union feels so warm, so beautiful.. Feels like home. Reminds you how we should behave, no matter how big our differences are!

I usually never watch series a second time, but for this one, I already dream about the third time I'll watch it, in the future, and how, even then, I will understand and discover "new" things and aspects!

I feel so glad there are so many talented, in such different ways, people that when they unite, when they connect (see?!) they create.. Art ! (And I feel so grateful even for this feeling alone!!) Because what you're, so easily, watching nowadays in your screen, is the result of the evolution and the development of what you can see in the museums, behind windows.

Sense8 is a window, to a whole new world and in the meanwhile, it's only a pair of glasses; it gives you the chance to look at the world, you've been living all this time, but seeing it from another perspective!

Thank you, really!

Collateral Beauty (2016)

If I write a review, things are serious

[9/10 · 29 October 2019]

It feels like a warm hug or a punch in the stomach.. I've seen a lot of movies and nowadays I feel that I can predict storylines and endings.. But in this one it didn't cross my mind to predict another rather usual continue to the story. And even the two or three times I did, it proved me wrong. Now don't take it the wrong way, maybe if you have the same virus as me to predict movies and then feel a little disappointed, there is always possibilities you may find out the plot twists, before they happen, but until then I think you should give it a go. Not the predictions, the movie. I think it's worth your time. Take some tissues by your side, you may need them.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Right into my heart

[10/10 · 29 September 2019]

First review after many movies I've rated and seen through the years. But I have this weird feeling on the stomach and the tears have almost dried on my cheeks, so I have to speak my truth. It's such a bittersweet story for two people that are wondering if they should "speak or die". It's such a worthy experience going through this emotional trip with them as the main characters. It's like holding the hand of the person, you have fallen in love in the past, but he/she broke your heart into pieces, because.. well because of one thousand reasons. It's bringing you back memories of all the moments that passion has overruled every inch of your logic, your heart was racing and your breath, except of getting faster, was here and then cut. So, this movie May break your heart and if you're a bit like me, you may beg for endings full of smiles, flowers, rainbows and everything colorful, but the realism comes silently and hugs you from the back, trying to give you the comfort to cry on her shoulder (the realism's) and in the same time find your forgotten, just a bit broken, smile. So this is a sweet, realistic, must see, brilliant, with amazing power to make you feel the passion and even more amazing actors, movie!!

The Little Prince (2015)

A "thank you" note

[10/10 · 20 January 2019]

I never really understood why this book was so loved, why little prince was selling so much and I still find kinda sad that business get money through using art so cheaply.. I understood this book had beautiful meanings but it never really touched my heart.. This movie did.. it touched me in so many ways, that if someone told me before seeing it, I would have my doubts.. I had some unanswered "why"s and this movie comes to hug them, to tear my eyes and soft my wedges.. The child in me thanks the creators so much, with tears in it's eyes..