Stanislaus

An average and unremarkable American popcorn action film, based on stunning visual effects and a flat script, it doesn't offend, but it doesn't amaze either. Taylor Kitsch unfortunately doesn't handle the lead role well at all, failing to be expressive in any way (like in John Carter), but thankfully this is smoothed over by the acting of Liam Neeson and Alexander Skarsgård. In short, a film that really only stands out because of how mediocre and formulaic it ultimately is.

What We Do in the Shadows is a somewhat alternative horror comedy with a documentary style, in which we get a glimpse into the lives of supernatural creatures such as vampires and werewolves. Not a bad idea, but the film probably missed me as the target audience or I don't have the right sense of humour. Despite the many imaginative scenes I couldn't help feeling bored, which is a bit unpleasant for such a short film, and somehow I found the actions of the actors more awkward than funny at times, which was probably the point, but I just wasn't amused. In short, for me, a completely average film that has something going for it, but which I was unfortunately unable to appreciate.

The horror comedy Vamps lured me to the name of director Amy Heckerling and the participation of Alicia Silverstone, who have already worked together on the great comedy Clueless. This film, however, was definitely not up to the quality of their previous collaboration. Although there were a few imaginative scenes, the overall impression was bland and it wasn't even significantly funny, which is a bit of a problem with comedy. In short, a film that belongs more in the below-average barrel, which is a shame, considering the casting of my favourite Sigourney Weaver.

Mad Money could be described simply as a laid-back American comedy with a likeable cast, where you don't have to think too much. The story is not very original, but it is unobtrusive and not as silly as the vast majority of US comedies that follow a template. In short, a film that is average in all respects, but I can still recommend it for viewing.

Oblivion had a lot of potential in the context of sci-fi films set in the future, but I can't help feeling that it could have been made and conceived in a better and more attractive way, which would have made me think about the film even days after watching it, as was the case with Edge of Tomorrow or District 9. I'm not saying it's a bad film, but rather an average one that didn't engage me enough to give it a higher rating. In short, in the final analysis, an unremarkable film that's perfect for a free evening of some unpretentious relaxation.

The funniest characters from Madagascar finally got a feature film and they serve a decent spectacle packed with both wit and proper action. The chase scene in Venice is the one that sticks in my mind the most, it was absolutely perfect, the ultimate in action and humour, and there’s also the perfect scene with the Bavarian dance in "Lederhosen", which amused me as a Germanist all the more. The second rescue team, which included other polar animals, didn't impress much but didn't offend me either. In short, a good animated film with the guardians of good facing a powerful enemy with a smile on their faces and a proper slap on the back.

Monsters University lacks the effect and impact of the first film, it is still an above-average piece in today's animated production, which does not lack funny and touching scenes, a number of bizarre characters and lines that can entertain even adults. In short, a film for a pleasant afternoon, where you can switch off, but at the same time it is not some infantile brainwashing.

I'll admit right at the beginning that I went to see Fifty Shades of Grey in the most ironic mood, because I thought it would be a good idea not to have a good time on Friday the 13th, and this film literally called for it, starting from what I heard from people who had read the book, to the numerous ads everywhere, to the first reviews here, all of which piqued my curiosity even more. I honestly expected this film to be much worse. In terms of the script, it was absolutely mismanaged. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I haven't read the book, so I don't know how things work there, but I had to laugh at some of the actors' statements, even if the scene in question was probably meant to be taken seriously, which it really wasn't. This impossible to ignore shortcoming was balanced, on the other hand, by a really great soundtrack – “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding played in my ears daily for at least a week before the premiere. At times it reminded me of a bad Twilight parody, which is actually a parody in itself, so let's call it a meta-parody. Nevertheless, I don't want to give it a Boo! rating, because there were several funny scenes, the music was perfect, and it wasn't actually as mindlessly erotic as one would expect. In short, a film that will earn its money at least through advertising and various promotional items, but will still draw lots viewers (at least female) to the cinemas, so despite its obvious mediocrity, this film will soon see a sequel.

When I learned that the 4th season of American Horror Story would be titled Freak Show, I immediately thought of the iconic horror film Freaks from the 1930s, which the entire series actually references a lot, whether it be in plot, characters, or overall atmosphere. This is for me the best season of AHS so far, after the second, and for many reasons. First of all, I liked the setting of the story in a freak show circus, and there was a lot to be made of that. Second, the series is full of memorable characters that have become deeply etched in my memory: the ambivalent Elsa Mars, the superbly technical and character-driven Siamese twins Bette and Dot, and the sleazy and disgustingly convincing psychopathic sociopath Dandy. Alongside them, it's worth mentioning the return of Pepper, whose line was drawn and tightened to the max, or the cutest character played by Ma Petite. The fourth season also features wonderful covers of well-known songs, especially my favourite “Gods and Monsters” by Lana Del Rey, which introduces another interesting character, Edward Mordrake. Thirdly, I'd like to address the opinions of many by saying that I certainly didn't find the series to be inconsistent, and that the characters were threadbare, as I found their stories from the past, present and future to be sufficient. Perhaps the only thing that surprised me at the end was the strangely brief appearance of Neil Patrick Harris, who was there perhaps just to clear the air. All in all, I can say for myself that I thoroughly enjoyed season 4, both thematically and script-wise, it's full of wonderful characters, sudden twists and turns and memorable scenes.

I've seen quite a lot of of the work of Alejandro González Iñárritu, so I was expecting another dense psychological piece from Birdman, this time also with a humorous tone, since the film is categorized as a black comedy. I have to admit that Birdman is in some ways very different from Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel. A big part of that is the aforementioned comic level and the fantasy elements that corresponded with the life of a (former) action hero. Michael Keaton excels in his role, in fact one could say that it was tailor-made for him, considering his famous role as Batman. Also worth mentioning is the performance of Edward Norton, who was seriously annoying with his egocentric behaviour, which was of course the point. The ending offers more than one interpretation of how things endd and how it actually was throughout the film. In short, an unusual film that made do almost entirely with the shrill sounds of the drums in terms of music, and whose success lies mainly in its stellar cast and a script that is both peppy and very well written.