Kaka

One of the highlights of 2011. It is very easy to say that a sports drama is full of clichés – I wonder what kind of story and acting direction a film with this theme would have to have in order not to be clichéd. I recommend disregarding the nitpickers and considering this project as unique, which it is in many respects. The fights are unprecedented fights, I can’t remember such raw realism and kickass editing and sound. The direction of the acting is uncompromising, and the story, in relation to the mentioned superlatives, is such that it allows the actors to shine. Family problems, lack of money, seizures, etc., things that will make a person willing to break bones. And Tom Hardy and his pissed-off persona – I don't remember anything like it in a film. Performance of the year. More straightforward and simpler than Fighter and fiercer and less idealistic than, for example, Rocky. Definitely a classic in contemporary and future cinematography.

An ordinary film, I can't think of a better descriptor. The visuals are nice, like Transformers – it can't get much better. Hugh Jackman is a likeable dad and the chemistry between him and Evangeline Lilly is very good. The child in the main role is excellent, too. Otherwise, it's a pile of clichés about how a father dad becomes a good dad, how a loser and troublemaker becomes a proper man, and how the last chance usually works out. If you're expecting real emotions in the ring, better watch Warrior or a ton of other films with less family and more social focus dealing with racial issues or criticizing “humanity”. If you want a farce like Cinderella Man, that's more or less what Real Steel is, just this one is rated PG13 – money is also made from children. I don't want to say it’s a complete piece of crap, but there's definitely no deeper thought or anything that would make me want to see it again or remember it.

Very smart and cleverly directed, without unnecessary arrogance and artificially heightened emotions. A bit reminiscent of Any Given Sunday, but far less controversial. It must be said that Moneyball also relies on its actors, especially on Brad Pitt (he’s ageing like fine wine) and the young Jonah Hill (excellent potential). I lacks drive, but it's not that they forgot about it, it simply wasn't part of the plan. An unconventional sports film.

This film is so simple that it’s not even nice. Yes, Abrams knows how to ignite the protagonists, himself, and even the viewer. Yes, it is a sincere film that won't offend anyone. But everything is a cliché worn a hundred times over that often leaves you astonished, unfortunately not in a completely positive sense. It is perhaps a slightly unconventional film about aliens (from the perspective of the predominantly child main characters), but that doesn't make it valuable. But it can’t be denied that Abrams knows how to direct actors, the chemistry between the main characters is excellent. There's no need to dissect the visuals, that is already clear, but having the feeling that for 112 minutes I am essentially watching a children's film, that probably wasn't the intention (family entertainment). A quite hesitant film. The trailer was probably about 200 percent better.

Apart from the unnecessarily and artificially escalated ending, it is essentially a meticulously crafted work of art that is atmospheric, excellently acted, and fantastically orchestrated. Those who enjoy dirty Germany, the theme of World War II, and the legendary German butchers will not be disappointed. Jesper Christensen is truly demonic in his role as the main villain. Above all, the dialogues with the Mossad agents are unforgettable. John Madden has always been somewhat soft, but this is a film that might make me start to respect him. It can be watched multiple times, which is quite rare for a film with such a theme.

Typical Soderbergh, a cold, atmospheric (music, camera filters), surgically precise film. Contagion basically imposes nothing on us, it just shows the possible origin of an infection (banality) and its consequences in the context of human infection (captivating). This is followed, of course, by other things like hysteria, looting, religious problems, ethnicity, basic needs, etc. Perhaps a slight advantage for the director is the fact that he’s working with a topic so interesting in itself that even if the film wasn’t that good, its potential to captivate would still sweep away the shortcomings. Essentially, a film that is impossible to tear away from.

What initially appears to be an unconventional B-movie, full of juicy visuals (you can see the signature the director of Iron Man), gradually turns into a pile of clichés and a dull display of various forms and quality of visual effects. It's been a long time since I've seen something so conceptually and dramaturgically mishandled, like the ending of this film. Cliché upon cliché – a final battle and a classic catharsis the likes I've seen a million times before. Perhaps nobody expected much from this film, judging by the title, and they won't get much either. I don't understand the insane budget.

It is true that the MI franchise is one of the few where each episode has a completely different directorial style. The first was the most spy-driven ride, the second had an action-packed poetic feel (which many did not appreciate), the third focused on physicality and kinetic action, it is interesting to see which direction the next episode will take. Or in other words, it was a great challenge for Brad Bird to figure out how he actually wants to play this game. The fourth episode bears the closest resemblance to the third, but I’m not convinced that it reaches its quality. Cruise is insane, his stunts are over the top. The action is perfectly shot, especially the adrenaline-filled finale in Dubai and the car chase scene (both briefly shown in the trailer). There’s plenty of physicality as well, but unlike the third film, it’s more focused on details and moments. I didn’t feel immersed in the whole film, and that is a bit disappointing, but, Abrams is Abrams. The emphasis here is on the team (excellent cast and chemistry) and that is good. Facing the world alone for the fourth time would not be the same. The cameos are okay (Sawyer from Lost and Ving Rhames at the end really hit the mark). It's a ride, probably the fastest action film of the year, with Tom at his finest. Perhaps a bit too mainstream (BMW, iPhone), but that's something you have to take into account in today's marketing era. I would go to the cinema again. It's not as “real” as the previous episode, but it stands up well. Ethan Hunt on this wave – that's totally fine. PS: The sequence in Dubai is possibly the most captivating stunt scene ever.

The most mature, darkest, and most dynamic Potter film yet, with a truly mind-bending final scene. The adaptation of the book clearly suits a much darker look than in the earlier installments. If this trend continues, it can only be good.

Appearances are deceitful, Killer Elite is indeed pleasantly old-school (raw image, 80s), but it is not nearly as dynamic as I would have expected from Statham, nor is it as kinetic in terms of action as I would have wished for (the main fight between Owen and Statham is boring, only the editing is good, it lacks physicality, the punches don't hurt), there is a lack of blood, a lack of toughness and naturalism. The polished image and filters are not enough. De Niro is okay, it's a shame he has little screen time. The lady with the horses is quite irritating, I don't understand how she was taken so seriously. Similarly, some of visual effects (bullet in the hair like in Drive, etc.), borrowed from elsewhere, are just unfortunate. Hardly average.