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6/10
Good "whodunit", but a bit simple in its process.
1 November 2023
"A Haunting in Venice" is a visually captivating, as you'd expect from Branagh, and suspenseful thriller that takes you on a chilling journey through the iconic city of Venice. With its blend of supernatural elements and a historical backdrop, this movie manages to strike a balance that keeps you interested.

The cinematography is outstanding, capturing the enchanting beauty of Venice's winding canals, historic architecture, and the eerie atmosphere of the palazzo at night. The use of lighting, or lack of it, and camera angles creates a sense of foreboding that adds to the film's eerie ambiance. I don't know if it's the inclusion of Tina Fey, but there's a thin veil of unpronounced comedy hanging around too.

The cast delivers decent performances, with the lead actors trying to convey the mix of fear and curiosity essential for this genre. The chemistry between the characters isn't really palpable, making it a bit difficult to get invested in their fates as the story unfolds.

The plot is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing. The incorporation of Venetian folklore and legends adds some depth to the story and gives it a unique cultural flavor. The film also does not explore the characters' backstories and motivations much, other than casual mentions to support the story, making their actions less relatable and understandable.

The pacing is generally well-maintained, with moments of tension and suspense interspersed with slower, more character-driven scenes. The sparse musical score complements the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.

However, a few minor issues prevent "A Haunting in Venice" from achieving greatness. Some plot points could have been further developed to provide a more satisfying conclusion. Additionally, a couple of scares might feel a bit clichéd for seasoned horror enthusiasts.

Overall, "A Haunting in Venice" is a good one for fans of atmospheric, slightly supernatural thrillers. It manages to bring the beauty and mystique of Venice to the forefront while delivering a good dose of suspense and mystery. If you're looking for a film that keeps you engaged and occasionally might send shivers down your spine, this one is worth a watch.
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Dune Drifter (2020)
4/10
Not that terrible, not great.. Never an 8 or 9.
2 December 2020
A budget take on sci-fi, and it shows. The various components of ships, weapons and suits are very recognizable and does not look like advanced technology. But ok, maybe that's what they were going for. The story is paper thin, there are some suspenseful moments that work well, and the little acting involved isn't horrible from the main character. The CGI is cheap, and I keep thinking things are too repetitive, lumpy and cumbersome. A lot of it is probably due to what we are used to seeing in more expensive sci-fi. I read a review where someone said it could have been a short movie, and it would have covered everything they needed. I second that opinion. A 25 minute feature wouldn't be out of place.
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Human Capital (2019)
4/10
I admit it; I watched it because of the ratings.. Big mistake.
21 March 2020
The rating MUST be fake. There is no way that this many people rated a mediocre movie this highly. I give it a 4, but it feels like I am doing readers of this a disservice. The acting is terrible, the plot is thin and you figure out the ending WAY too early in the story if you have watched a few movies before. It brings absolutely nothing to the table. I took a minute to think through if there is any redeeming features in this film, and there is none. I can't think of a single thing I thought was cool or interesting or funny or even mildly entertaining. "Bland" is the word I am left with.

I'm sorry if you watched the movie before reading the reviews.
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