Reviews

Saw 'Napoleon" today (Fri , nov.24th) with my son (age 14). Wow. We both LOVED it! Ridley Scott's highly anticipated film, "Napoleon," is a cinematic masterpiece that sets a new standard for historical epics. From the moment the opening credits roll, tp the opener of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, it's clear that Scott's vision for this ambitious project is nothing short of extraordinary. Joaquin Phoenix and a stellar supporting cast & their attention to detail in recreating the grandeur of Napoleon Bonaparte's era is awe-inspiring, transporting audiences back to a time of opulence, intrigue, and world-changing events. The film's cast, led by Joaquin Phoenix's mesmerizing performance from the talented actor chosen to portray Napoleon, captures the complexity and charisma of the historical figure flawlessly. The character development is exceptional, allowing the audience to empathize with Napoleon's struggles and triumphs on a deeply personal level. Scott's direction is a tour de force, seamlessly blending breathtaking battle sequences with intimate moments of reflection and vulnerability. The result is a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film's runtime. Visually, "Napoleon" is a feast for the eyes, with sumptuous costumes, lavish set designs, and stunning cinematography that make every frame a work of art. The attention to riveting battle scenes -- especially Napoleon's march on Russia and the Battle of Waterloo with Wellington and the British -- has a real world historical accuracy that is commendable, and it adds an extra layer of authenticity to the storytelling. The musical score, composed by a maestro in their own right, complements the film's emotional depth and elevates the overall experience to a cinematic symphony. In conclusion, Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" is a triumph of storytelling, craftsmanship, and sheer cinematic prowess. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates the magic of the silver screen. With its stellar cast (esp. Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte & Vanessa Kirby as Empress Joséphine, Empress Consort and the first wife of Napoleon), meticulous attention to detail, and a director at the peak of his creative powers, "Napoleon" is destined to become a classic and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on audiences for generations to come. Highly recommended! Definitely a Best Picture contender!

Saltburn (2023) Edit your review Check out your profile on Google Phoenix Thottam just now I just saw Emerald Fennell's latest movie, "Saltburn," and wow, it's an absolute knockout! A modern Great Gatsby! This film's visual richness & script brilliantly satirizes Oxford/British wealth and extravagance while uncovering the depths of its characters in a way that's just captivating. It's like watching a train wreck you can't turn away from, with each scene revealing more about what's really going on. The acting is across the board truly top-notch - absolutely one of the best ensemble performances I've seen this year. Rosamund Pike is phenomenal, and Alison Oliver shines bright. Carey Mulligan's cameo? Simply unforgettable. And Barry Keoghan? He's outdone himself, delivering a performance that's bound to get Oscar buzz. What really struck me was how the film takes themes that might seem repulsive on the surface and turns them into a mesmerizing display of artistry. The aesthetics, acting, and writing all come together perfectly, making even the most grotesque scenes somehow relatable. That bathtub scene? It had me feeling a mix of emotions I still can't quite explain. The tone of the movie is dark but compelling, with every cast member bringing their A-game. And the score? Absolutely majestic. Fennell has outdone herself with this one. After this and "Promising Young Woman," I'm convinced I'll watch anything she directs. I'm also betting on Oscar nominations for Production Design and Costume Design. And a special shoutout for including "Murder on the Dancefloor" in the soundtrack - that song was my jam in elementary school! The movie is a rollercoaster of emotions - it's funny, dark, twisted, and utterly captivating. I found myself laughing, gasping, and even shrieking alongside everyone else in the theater. Fennell's unique and inventive approach really shines, making "Saltburn" a film that begs for multiple viewings. As a movie lover, I left the cinema completely amazed and satisfied. For anyone who loves cinema, this is a must-watch. Emerald Fennell has really cooked up something special with "Saltburn."

Saw it last night. Outstanding. Oscar Issac is brilliant. Not long. Just brilliant. Compelling, thoughtful. Abu Graib -- incredibly well done flashbacks. Haunting and authentic script. Redemption meets Camus, The Bible & Chomsky. All actors playing their best "A" games. So well paced... The film is great and definitely OSCAR material. So long overdue as a testament to what happened "over there" (here). Highly recommend to all. See it. Think about it. Share it with others.

Extraordinarily well made. Real period piece with some sharp cultural and historic insights (France, ruling class, court processes & ajudication, etc.). Masterpiece w/r to Scott's artistic risks and use of state-of-art filming fact action motion-picture photography. Damon, Comer, Driver & Affleck are all brilliant in their performances. Highly recommend for history buffs. The final duel sequence between Damon and Driver is heart pounding and tense. Very realistic.

Plot is all over the place. Way too much political messaging flying all over the place too. Stay away.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED : "STILLWATER" (Matt Damon, Camille Cottin) Go See This Film -- Beautifully filmed. Sharply written script & Extraordinary Acting by Damon & Supporting Cast. This is arguably one of Matt Damon's best works to date. The plot of the film keys off the foundational metaphor story for Amanda Knox's past trial & tribulations in Italy --- but it is much more. Its a window into the soul of a man, his relationship with his daughter and the architecture of his world (in which he is a journeyman contractor) and that of other words he crosses into. Damon plays an off-again/on-again contract oil-rig worker who is on a rescue mission for his daughter who he believes is wronfully serving a 9 year term (half-way through it) in a French prison for someone else's murder crime. Damon goes on a journey of self-discovery as he overcomes cultural and legal barriers as well as the limits of his own language and cultural background. We watch as he gradually rearchitects/rebuilds his own world. His dawning realizations as a contractor and revising of his prior tightly held views & life 'truths' throughout the film are artfully done. Damon is a master of his acting craft consistently throughout the film. Camille Cottin and her daughter portray the two women from Marseilles France who actuate transformation in Damon's Hero's Journey. The dialog is real. The transitions and cultural viewpoints exquisitely put together. Go see this film. Support it. Tell others to see it. Stillwater is a diamond in the rough in so much of the nonsense that comes out of Hollywood these days.

Don't bother. Big downer after the first one which was so much better. This is a huge flop. Don't waste your time. Nothing insightful and nothing compelling. Just a bunch of nonsense.

Its a very well done and innovative film with a slick script. A bit violent but realistic and gritty. Some good messages about character, class, graft, temptation and police security. Thin walls between all of this.

This film is terrible. Poor scripting and visual effects coordination. Chaotic nonsense that just doesn't hold together. Wanted my money back and was very tempted to walk out half way through the film. Junk film. Will bomb at the box office.