Displaying all 2 Review

• Do not expect brilliance… — for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
  Written by aril on 23.07.2010

  Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) has not been very successful in life so far. But when he has a chance encounter with childhood friend Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan), Harry’s propensity to make the worst of a situation lands him into an old fashioned, film noir worthy, murder mystery.

  What discerns this movie from any other B-movie with an overdose of plot twists are the acting, the dialogue and the cinematography. Robert Downey Jr. and Michelle Monaghan are great as likable characters who haven’t quite made the most of their careers, but it’s Val Kilmer as Gay Perry who steals the show. Generally not known as a star in self-mockery, Kilmer plays Perry with all the seriousness and dedication that makes this character so hilarious. It’s Kilmer’s restraint that keeps Gay Perry from going over the top. All the brilliant dialogue, that may sound pretty cheesy on paper, is not wasted on these underrated actors.
  The look of the movie is, well… simply gorgeous. Highlights are the opening title sequence and the Christmas party scene, but there is much, much more to enjoy.

  One word of advice before watching this movie: do not expect brilliance. Just sit down for a low key, non-blockbuster B-movie to have yourself entertained a little, and by the closing credits you’ll realize that you have just watched a brilliant film.

• For grown-ups too — for Toy Story 3
  Written by aril on 05.08.2010

  Last weekend, I went to see this movie with my two nephews (age 5 and 6). I have to admit that I haven't seen Toy Story or Toy Story 2, but I'm generally a Pixar-lover and therefore walked into the cinema with high expectations.

  Let met tell you straight away: I was not disappointed. The animation was of amazing quality, but anything less would have probably been a letdown. What surprised me most, was the quality of the story. The plot is quite simple: Andy, the owner of the main characters (Woody, Buzz, and the other toys), is going to college and his toys end up at a day care centre, where things aren't as cheerful as they seem. So far, no 'original screenplay' oscar buzz. It's all in the execution. The story is strewn with nostalgia (various cameo's by toys we all remember), hilarious parodies (most notably Ken's fetish and Buzz's unknown latino side), and sincere emotion. As the story develops, you really start to root for the characters. In the end, you find yourself with a lump in your throat and the little voice inside your head that had been saying "Grab yourself together! It's a kid's movie!" has died out.

  I actually went to see the movie in Dutch, but I imagine that the 'grown up' jokes and references are even better in English. As for my nephews; they loved it too. The six year old turned to me during the cliffhanger and asked me "They're going to be OK, right?". I noticed that I needed a little reassuring myself, too.