Necrotongue

The creators stepped into the same river for the second time (which wasn’t a problem thanks to a time loop) and I thought I knew exactly what to expect of the film this time, but the opposite was true. Based on my experience with the first installment, I knew it definitely wouldn’t be a horror film, so I expected another student comedy with traces of romance. Instead, I stared in disbelief at this weird film with a blonde Asian playing Jar Jar Binks. About halfway through, I actually started having fun (especially the suicides were inventive), but then came the last third which brought a lot of annoying moralizing and lame melodrama, which caused a sharp decline in my mood and a corresponding rating.

Already when I started watching the film, it was clear to me that I couldn’t expect anything groundbreaking. The greater was my surprise at how enjoyable it was. The authors managed to create a decent atmosphere, they didn't just rely on stupid jump scares (even though they were impossible to avoid) and they added a good dose of suspense. Plus, there were two boogeymen to fight against: an undead Mexican and the American social services, and that's quite a challenge.

Although Olga Kurylenko was trying as hard as she could to ruin my overall impression with her traditionally non-acting performance, I ignored her and focused my attention on the excellent Vincent Cassel instead. It was no masterpiece, but even though I’m not very fond of French cinema, I have to admit that I had quite a good time. This was mainly due to great action scenes, although the seppuku performed with a saber was way off. But never mind, I appreciate the effort.

I would probably categorize this film as weird. To be honest, I gave four stars for the impression it left in me rather than for convincing costumes and setting. All in all, the budget was obviously limited, the apocalypse was represented by a few dilapidated buildings and the absence of men, but the marching of women through the countryside evoked villains from a cheaper version of Mad Max 2. A powerful and raw film.

I didn’t hesitate what rating to give even for a second, despite the fact that I like junkies about as much as clergymen. I didn't mind the junkies in this film, because the creators gave me enough space to hate them and even rub my hands together with glee during certain scenes. When the closing credits rolled, I realized I’d had fun the whole time, and even though the actual story of the (anti)hero must have been altered, I didn't really mind.

I remember watching a show on TV with the best of early slapstick comedy, and Laurel and Hardy were my absolute favorite. That's why I was excited about this biographical film, but... On the one hand, I really liked the film. Steve Coogan (although I’m not very fond of him) and John C. Reilly gave great performances. The film had atmosphere and portrayed the decline of fame really well. On the other hand, I was disappointed because I thought I would learn much more about the comedian duo. Anyway, I didn’t feel like going below four stars, because I had a great time.

I was excited to see this film because my favorite pair of actors Pegg/Frost were in it. I was looking forward to a silly affair the likes of Hot Fuzz, but I was disappointed. There was very little humor (just occasional flashes), the script wasn’t worth much, and I was bored all too often. The two stars might be too high a rating, but I had to give one for Michael Sheen alone.

I was so, so close to giving this film five stars. What annoyed me was the occasional moralizing and melodrama, but that’s about it. Nick Frost was perfect, his character was certainly different from his standard "suit" roles. In fact, the whole Knight family was great. I also think that wrestling was shown in a slightly different light (sure, it's pre-planned, but it's for real) and I was more than happy with the number of funny lines. // "You're a teenager and you're blind. What else are you gonna do today? Listen to porn?" 4*+

The film was long and noticeably so, which is a real problem. The story basically had two modes: 1) action film with a great atmosphere for a tough audience and 2) some sort of uninteresting thing that was dragging on and on. When I balance out the pros and cons, it amounts to a decent three stars. The film’s biggest asset was that its authors avoided the all-pervading political correctness. I was often thrilled with what I heard, which is why I had to give four stars.

Right at the outset, I have to praise Nicole Kidman’s performance. I was enjoying it for the full two hours. If the screenplay had been similarly great, I wouldn’t hesitate to give the film five stars. Well, it wasn’t the case. A great action-packed and suspenseful story alternated with slightly weaker moments that slowed down the pace, so it got a little boring sometimes. If the film had been twenty minutes shorter, the overall result would have been much better. I may have some quibbles, but it certainly wasn't a bad film, I just felt like it had more potential. 3*+