Really excellent movie. Fantastic actors, and great performances by Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman. The chemistry between Jean Reno and Natalie Portman was a highlight of the movie. Dialogue was minimalistic, but meaningful. The standout scene for me was when Mathilda (the character played by Natalie Portman) sought refuge from Leon (Jean Reno). At the first viewing many years ago, the scene seemed to last forever - there was that much tension to the scene. But on re-watching the movie, I noticed that the scene was actually just one minute only.
Reviews
6 Reviews
The Animatrix
(2003)
An interesting accompaniment to the Matrix universe
22 February 2020
Gave this movie another watch a few days ago. I recall the first time I watched it, soon after it came out, I was completely blown away by the CGI animation for the first segment. That segment still holds up really well until today, despite the amazing advances in computer animation since then.
As for the whole movie... Hmm. How shall I review it? It is a completely animated movie, made up of several segments which are all inspired by or expands upon the Matrix universe. Each segment is animated differently, so the quality is radically different from one segment to another. That itself isn't a bad thing, as each style of animation was interesting in its own way. But each story, on the other hand, was also all over the place... I think I might have enjoyed this movie a lot more if all the segments were better interconnected. Some segments were really interesting, and gives meaningful background to the Matrix universe. Some other segments, however, seemed rather pointless - with storylines that were neither interesting or properly linked to the Matrix universe.
Overall, I guess I can rate this a 6.5/10. The first half is relatively better structured, but as the later segments kick in, I was rapidly losing interest.
As for the whole movie... Hmm. How shall I review it? It is a completely animated movie, made up of several segments which are all inspired by or expands upon the Matrix universe. Each segment is animated differently, so the quality is radically different from one segment to another. That itself isn't a bad thing, as each style of animation was interesting in its own way. But each story, on the other hand, was also all over the place... I think I might have enjoyed this movie a lot more if all the segments were better interconnected. Some segments were really interesting, and gives meaningful background to the Matrix universe. Some other segments, however, seemed rather pointless - with storylines that were neither interesting or properly linked to the Matrix universe.
Overall, I guess I can rate this a 6.5/10. The first half is relatively better structured, but as the later segments kick in, I was rapidly losing interest.
Shin Godzilla
(2016)
A Godzilla movie with very interesting ideas. As others have pointed out - it feels more like a crisis movie than a monster movie.
22 February 2020
The overall plot and pacing of the movie was pretty good. I appreciated the fact that the movie put together an origin story of sorts. I liked the drama aspects to the movie, rather than making it an out and out action flick.
Things I disliked. Some of the soundtrack was awful, especially during the fight sequences. The soundtrack was a distraction rather than an accompaniment to the movie. The special effects was also pretty bad. I'm kind of wondering if that was intentionally done - like to give the impression that this movie was "retro" in nature... Think 1970s special effects, and that's probably the closest approximation I can give for how bad the effects were. Godzilla seemed to have googly eyes for the most part! I don't know whether it was meant to be a joke or if they honestly thought the effects were convincing... I also generally don't really like stories with overpowered characters (whether they are the good guys or the bad guys) - unless the power levels are really done in a meaningful way.
Still, overall, the movie captured some interesting ideas and takes on how to make a Godzilla movie... Ideas which perhaps can inspire Hollywood to build on.
Things I disliked. Some of the soundtrack was awful, especially during the fight sequences. The soundtrack was a distraction rather than an accompaniment to the movie. The special effects was also pretty bad. I'm kind of wondering if that was intentionally done - like to give the impression that this movie was "retro" in nature... Think 1970s special effects, and that's probably the closest approximation I can give for how bad the effects were. Godzilla seemed to have googly eyes for the most part! I don't know whether it was meant to be a joke or if they honestly thought the effects were convincing... I also generally don't really like stories with overpowered characters (whether they are the good guys or the bad guys) - unless the power levels are really done in a meaningful way.
Still, overall, the movie captured some interesting ideas and takes on how to make a Godzilla movie... Ideas which perhaps can inspire Hollywood to build on.
Shrek
(2001)
One of the best animated movies of all time. Brilliantly funny. Never a dull moment!
22 February 2020
One of my all time favourites. Loved it from the first time I watched it, and it still never ceases to make me smile.
The humour in this movie is wickedly irreverent, and generally appeals to adults more than children; but I think children will still enjoy this movie.
The voice cast delivers a fabulous performance. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow, Cameron Diaz - all perfect voices for the characters they played. The characters themselves were just perfectly illustrated, in an animation style that was rather realistic, yet remaining firmly in the "cartoon" realm. To me, it was in a sweet spot. I especially loved the buddy chemistry between Shrek and Donkey. Overall, this movie had heart.
The pacing of the movie was brisk, with a nice duration of about an hour and a half.
The songs and the soundtrack in this movie was also quite perfectly chosen, and was an excellent accompaniment to the story.
This movie is really fun to watch, stands up to repeated viewings, and I really can't find any fault in it.
The humour in this movie is wickedly irreverent, and generally appeals to adults more than children; but I think children will still enjoy this movie.
The voice cast delivers a fabulous performance. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow, Cameron Diaz - all perfect voices for the characters they played. The characters themselves were just perfectly illustrated, in an animation style that was rather realistic, yet remaining firmly in the "cartoon" realm. To me, it was in a sweet spot. I especially loved the buddy chemistry between Shrek and Donkey. Overall, this movie had heart.
The pacing of the movie was brisk, with a nice duration of about an hour and a half.
The songs and the soundtrack in this movie was also quite perfectly chosen, and was an excellent accompaniment to the story.
This movie is really fun to watch, stands up to repeated viewings, and I really can't find any fault in it.
Shrek 2
(2004)
A great follow-up to Shrek!
22 February 2020
This is an excellent follow up to the first movie. It still retains the brisk pacing and lovable irreverent humour.
But the family problems during the first third of the movie was a bit of a downer. Nevertheless, I can understand its inclusion to further the story.
The songs in the movie were still very good, although a touch behind the absolutely perfect selection of the first movie.
It was great to see the same high quality of the animation, as well as the absolutely perfect rendition of the characters. The voice cast remains spot on.
The highlight of this movie was the addition of Puss in Boots, voiced perfectly by Antonio Banderas. And the (not so) friendly rivalry between Puss and Donkey added another wonderful dimension to the series.
But the family problems during the first third of the movie was a bit of a downer. Nevertheless, I can understand its inclusion to further the story.
The songs in the movie were still very good, although a touch behind the absolutely perfect selection of the first movie.
It was great to see the same high quality of the animation, as well as the absolutely perfect rendition of the characters. The voice cast remains spot on.
The highlight of this movie was the addition of Puss in Boots, voiced perfectly by Antonio Banderas. And the (not so) friendly rivalry between Puss and Donkey added another wonderful dimension to the series.
Shrek the Third
(2007)
Great entertainment for Shrek fans
22 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a big fan of the Shrek movies, and really enjoyed this entry as well. But I feel the pacing wasn't quite as brisk as the first two entries, the song selection also probably dropped a notch... Having said that, the use of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" intro for the transition of Snow White into a badass was inspired!
I felt the way the "girl power" themes were handled in this movie was also done right. It was not "forced", and felt organic, given the groundwork done in the earlier movies. Many more recent movies can take a cue from this (I'm looking at X-Men Dark Phoenix and the Disney Star Wars trilogy).
And I must say that Baby Shrek clearly predated Baby Yoda in bringing a baby version of a green creature with pointy ears to life (note to self - get around to watching The Mandalorian soon!).
I felt the way the "girl power" themes were handled in this movie was also done right. It was not "forced", and felt organic, given the groundwork done in the earlier movies. Many more recent movies can take a cue from this (I'm looking at X-Men Dark Phoenix and the Disney Star Wars trilogy).
And I must say that Baby Shrek clearly predated Baby Yoda in bringing a baby version of a green creature with pointy ears to life (note to self - get around to watching The Mandalorian soon!).
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