IN THE FADE (AUS DEM NICHTS) - Movie Review

Title: In the Fade (orig.: Aus dem Nichts)
Running Time: 106 min
Director: Fatih Akin
Writer: Fatih Akin, Hark Bohm
Starring: Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto, Numan Acar, Samia Muriel Chancrin, Johannes Krisch, Hanna Hilsdorf, Ulrich Brandhoff

Review:
Fatih Akin is one of the most renowned directors in Germany. The award-winning film maker of Turkish parentage is known for being the cinematic voice of people with a migration background as he has often put their reality of life on screen. Thus, it comes to no surprise that a series of murders of nine immigrants committed by the far-right German terrorist group NSU (National Socialist Underground) inspired the story of his latest project. Especially when you take into consideration that the investigation and trial let to the conclusion that the NSU's network spans into government authorities.
"In the Fade" is a fantastic blend of personal drama, trial film and revenge thriller. It tells the story of Katja Sekerci whose Kurdish husband and son are killed in a racially motivated bombing. Akin starts his story with Katja and Nuri marrying... in prison. It's somewhat cute, but first and foremost a clear statement by the director. You should empathize with these victims, even if you don't sympathize with them. Nobody deserves this. The protagonist is imperfect and Akin refuses to manipulate the audiences through dramatic music cues or other similar cinematic tricks. As a result the movie has a coldness to it at points. This, as well as the fact that this is a rather quietly told film, add to its somber atmosphere.
But Akin's directorial voice is loud and clear. Because he has perfectly internalized the famous rule "Show, don't tell".  His images hold more explanatory power than any piece of dialogue could. Katja crying her lungs out in the brightly colored bed in her deceased son's bedroom, says everything about the deepness of her mourning in a single frame. Her getting a tattoo in an incredibly painful spot without even flinching, expresses her emotional numbness better than any variation of the phrase "I feel so empty." would. A courtroom with Katja sitting in the background, fighting the urge to burst into tears while a medical specialist quotes the autopsy report with brittle professional detachment, chokes you up. And then there is a particular tracking shot through a bathroom that will chill you to the bone. It is excellent craftsmanship.
Of course, leading lady Diane Kruger is the pivotal element in all of these shots. While I have found her acting a little superficial in the past, she is a revelation in this movie. Displaying unbridled raw emotions and embracing her characters flaws, she gives one of the strongest and authentic performances of this year, as well as the best of her career. She and Akin are a fantastic pairing.
However, the film is not exempt from possible criticism. If you were looking for a nuanced exploration of the NSU's structure and a differentiated look at their place within the system of government, you'll come away empty-handed. Akin has no interest in making this a film with documentary qualities. Nor does he want to provide moral guidance. It seems that primarily he wanted to vent his anger and express how infuriating such a mindless and hateful act of violence is. In that sense, it is not a rationally designed movie, but one driven by emotion. As a result, one could argue that in the third act, the film undercuts its own message. But it is likely that Akin wants to present chaos rather than order, and thus, doesn't care for making sense of it all. To show the senselessness of such an atrocity is the message itself.
So even though "In the Fade" is not the investigative movie some had hoped for, it is not one bit less powerful. On the contrary, it is one of the most thrilling films of the year that will captivate you from its first minute to the last. This ingeniously constructed piece of cinema surely leaves an impression and will stick with you long after you've left the theater. A movie that is most definitely worth your time and money.

For Fans Of:
Taxi Driver (1976)
Prisoners (2013)
Léon: The Professional (1994)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
Head On (2004) [orig.: Gegen die Wand]

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BLADE RUNNER 2049 - Movie Review

 Title: Blade Runner 2049
Running Time: 164 min
Director: Dennis Villeneuve
Writers: Hampton Fancher, Michael Green
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista, Sylvia Hoecks

Review:

Late sequels to old classics are a mixed bag at best. While some film makers manage to reinvigorate a series like Ryan Coogler did with "Creed", too often we get lifeless rehashs that fail to capture the original's spirit (think "Indiana Jones 4", "Die Hard 5" or whatever the hell Ridley Scott is doing with his Alien franchise). 1982's "Blade Runner" was one of the few old gems that had stayed untouched. Then however, a sequel was announced with none other than up-and-coming director Dennis Villeneuve attached. So has the creative mind behind critically acclaimed films like "Sicario", "Prisoners" and "Arrival" managed to give us a worthy continuation of this beloved sci-fi classic?
"Blade Runner 2049" is indeed an excellent piece of film making that can be enjoyed by fans of the original and newbies alike. Although a knowledge of the first movie certainly enhances the experience, Villeneuve managed to create a film that completely stands on its own. Including an omission of Hollywood's bad habit of setting up a possible franchise. Instead, he trusts the material he was given and displays his thorough appreciation for the original. This truly feels like the same dystopian version of 2019 that Harrison Ford wandered through, with the only exception that technology has advanced over the past three decades. But Villeneuve and his team don't only develop the concepts of the original further. They also broaden this world by going beyond the gloomy neo(n)-noir urban core of Los Angeles, and they explore new and never before seen aspects of it. As a result, many different sci-fi ideas, themes and elements are touched upon. Our relationship with technology, the ethics of our scientific evolution and the question of what makes us human.

Guiding us through it all is Ryan Gosling's short-named protagonist "K". Though this Blade Runner is much less cynical than Rick Deckard, he is just as efficient at his job as a detective/assassin. Gosling is perfectly cast, since he has proven time and again that he especially shines when playing ass-kicking introverts. We follow K‘s path as he tries to solve a mystery that leads him deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole. It is a puzzle that seems to get bigger with every piece he finds. It is only at a much later stage that Harrison Ford steps into the picture. And although this might be his best performance in the past decade, the movie is wise to focus mostly on Gosling’s character. Because in true Blade Runner fashion, our protagonist‘s journey is not only a search for the truth, but also a road to self-discovery. 

This series stays ‘the thinking man’s science-fiction‘. And Villeneuve stages it with poetic beauty. Just as he previously did with „Arrival“, he puts you in awe as you marvel at everything that unfolds on screen. His cinematographer Roger Deakins delivers breathtaking shots. Long, wide, and each of them distinctly colored. You could put this movie on mute and it would still be an absolute joy to watch. Then however, you would be missing the grandiose score by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch. Reusing the synth sounds from the '80s and adding Zimmer‘s trademark drums creates a soundtrack that goes from meditative to vibrant whenever the story demands it.
Everyone involved is contributing to make this movie the artistically precious blockbuster that it is. The set- and costume designers, the lighting technicians, and of course the stellar supporting cast. Thanks to "House of Cards", Robin Wright has become the go-to actress for strong female leaders and so she seems to be playing her part with the greatest of ease. Ana de Armas shows that she is ready to get her big break in Hollywood, and even former wrestler Dave Bautista gives a performance that is unexpectedly vulnerable.
All this makes "Blade Runner 2049" one of the best movies of the year. Although it has a considerable length of two hours and 45 minutes, the masterful execution makes this film worth while. A magnificent piece of intellectual sci-fi that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. Watch it on the largest screen you can get your hands on to be fully engulfed by its elegancy. If (like me) you can't get enough after watching it in theaters the first time, watch it again (seriously, it is criminally underperforming), or fill in the gaps between 2019 and 2049 with the three in-universe short films that Warner Bros. Pictures released on YouTube.

For Fans Of:
Blade Runner (1982)
Children of Men (2006)
Inception (2010)
Her (2013)
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Minority Report (2002)
Ex Machina (2014)
12 Monkeys (1995)
Macbeth (2015)
Arrival (2016)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

BABY DRIVER - Movie Review

Title: Baby Driver
Running Time: 113 min
Director: Edgar Wright
Writer: Edgar Wright
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamm,  Jamie Foxx, Eiza González, Jon Bernthal, CJ Jones

Review:
There are only a few directors who can leave a fingerprint as unique as Edgar Wright. The creator of "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" and the so-called "Cornetto-Trilogy" (including "Shaun of the Dead", "Hot Fuzz" and "The World's End") has made a name for himself by putting certain trademark elements into almost all of his films. Firstly, he puts everyday normal people into outrageous scenarios. Not only does this create humor, but Wright actually uses these ludicrous events to support his characters' personal growth. Secondly, he has a slick and inventive way of editing as well as framing his scenes. Thus, he can create comedy, excitement and style almost completely independent from the words in his script. And lastly, Wright fills his films with a lot of details, foreshadowing and pop-culture references, so that you can pick up something new every-time you rewatch it.
By now, it has been four years since the director brought his ideas to the big screen. After he left Marvel's "Ant-Man" project very publicly, the world was wondering what this film-maker would come up with next. "Baby Driver" is the answer to that question. And a damn great one too. Although it isn't as distinctly Edgar-Wright-ish as you might expect.
The movie revolves around Baby, a young getaway driver who has had an accident as a child that left him with a tinnitus. To drown out the squeak in his ear, he listens to music, an art-form that has always played a central part in his life. For Wright's standards the basic plot is unconventionally conventional: Boy is in the bad guy business, boy meets girl, boy wants to get out of the bad guy business to drive off into the sunset with girl, boy has to do one last job. So far so simple. It is a classic Hollywood tale. Wright however gives it enough little twists and turns to make it feel like a fresh homage rather than a resort to cliché. But what actually truly elevates this story is the musical element mentioned above:
The soundtrack consists almost exclusively of licensed pieces of music and features fantastic songs from Queen's "Brighton Rock" all the way to a cover version of "Tequila". It is much more than a great listen, though. While in other films the action is simply accompanied by the music, here, it is the other way around. The music dictates the action. Yes, everything that happens in "Baby Driver" is in perfect sync with the songs you hear. The stunts, the driving, the gunshots, even the beeping of ATMs in the background. Whether it is putting down a coffee cup or tapping someone on the shoulder. Everything fits the rhythm. You know these moments you sometimes have, when you walk through the streets with your headphones on, when you imagine this was the soundtrack to your life? That's what this movie is all about. But it's more than just a gimmick. Often times it is subtle enough that it isn't too on the nose (although you never not notice it), and moreover, it serves the purpose of reflecting the protagonists view of the world. When he has to restart a song in the middle of the action, you know that this is not going how he had planned. It's an ingenious character moment.
By itself, this whole element would already make an entertaining motion picture. If you then take a look at the cast, the entire film steps up its game even further. Everyone seems like they had a blast on set. Oscar-Winners Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey are excellent (it becomes clear Spacey has perfected his typical arrogant and powerful mastermind by now), but also Jon Hamm gives his character an unexpected depth through his performance. And then of course there is our leading man, Ansel Elgort, who is as charismatic as he ever was. He has to carry most of the film and fulfills his task masterfully. You believe his passion, his coolness and his pain. While I am curious to see what Alden Ehrenreich has to offer, I immediately thought it to be a shame that Elgort didn't get the role of young Han Solo as soon as I saw the first 6 minutes of "Baby Driver".
The whole film is an exhilarating ride that you can appreciate more and more every time you watch it. This movie has action, humor, romance and maybe the greatest car chase sequences of the decade. Edgar Wright proves that he can deliver an endlessly creative product even when he plays around with a classic Hollywood formula. Meticulously crafted, brilliantly edited and perfectly cast, this music-video-motion-picture-hybrid is one of the best films of the summer. Buy the ticket and take your friends. You won't regret it.

For Fans Of:
Hot Fuzz (2007)
RocknRolla (2008)
The Town (2010)
The Italian Job (1969/2003)
Victoria (2015)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Fast Five (2011)

Click Here To Watch Traier!

SWISS ARMY MAN - Movie Review

Title: Swiss Army Man
Running Time: 97 min
Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
Starring: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Review:
To some people Daniel Radcliffe will forever and always be Harry Potter. A shame, really, because the young man has since evolved as an actor, giving excellent performances in a very diverse list of projects. Drama, Rom-Com, Horror, Thriller, Action-Adventure, Theater, Biopic, you name it. Radcliffe is more than a one-trick pony. And now the man who became famous for playing "the boy who lived" stars in an independent comedy-drama in the role of, well, "the boy who's dead." Yes, the movie at hand revolves around a stranded young man who is about to commit suicide, when he sees a corpse washed ashore. A corpse that does not only turn out out to be able to speak, but also proves useful as a multifunctional tool (there is for example his ability to be used as a vehicle powered by his postmortem flatulence). It is a ludicrous concept, and 'Robinson Crusoe meets a farting carcass' is a plot-summary that might not win everyone over.
"Swiss Army Man" is however a truly special and unique movie. In a good way. In a world where sequels, prequels and reboots are the norm, this film dares to be different. Daniel Radcliffe's Manny has no idea about what life is, and in beautiful irony the only person he has to teach him about it, is a man who was just about to kill himself before they met. The unlikely mentor is played by Paul Dano, who himself has quite an impressive résumé. His body of work reaches from "Little Miss Sunshine" to "There Will Be Blood" to "Looper" and he is especially excellent in giving his characters a very genuine vulnerability. As is the case with his portrayal of Hank, who is shaped by everything he was never allowed or never brave enough to do. Manny on the other hand looks at the world with adorable simplicity and questions conventions that we do not even really think about anymore. The friendship that develops between these two characters is based on a level of impartiality that seems much needed in today' society. While some critics have acused the love story that is woven into the plot of being plain, it is merely a gateway to access the character's deepest wishes, hopes and feelings. As they get more intimit with each other, they allow themselves to be childish, to be crazy and to be creative. And this is exactly what the film makers do as well.
The Daniels (as the directing duo calls itself) have created an endlessly imaginative film. As much as the dialogue sticks with you, it is their visual realisation of the themes and concepts of the film that make it stand out. The cinematography is gorgeous. Their shot compositions are inspiring and informative at the same time, and they often manage to convey feelings and thoughts simply through camera work. The score is no less interesting. Relying almost exclusively on atmospheric accapella sounds, it contributes an additional level of enchantment to a film that is already engaging. And even here, the directors don't miss out on making a joke, having the word 'montage' being sung in the song that plays (you guessed it) during a montage sequence.
As a whole piece, "Swiss Army Man" is an engaging celebration of life and the beauty it holds in the strangest places. Yes, there are sex and fart jokes, but they are the most philosophical fart jokes you will ever see. The film breaks conventions, and is therefore unpredictable until the last minute. It speaks especially to those who have seen themselves as misfits at some point or in some way in their life. To people who hold on to their inner child. In all its oddness, it is incredibly honest. And while some people say the concept is just too bizarre to get behind, I say: If people can get behind the fourth movie about space robots that can shapeshift into humans and toasters, and destroy entire cities that then miraculously appear unharmed in the sequel, then why the hell not this?
So if you were looking for something you haven't seen before, something that thinks outside of the box, something that is bubbling with imagination and refreshingly strange, then search no more: This is the film for you!

For Fans Of: 

Simple Simon [orig.: I rymden finns inga känslor] (2010)

Captain Fantastic (2016)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Weekend at Bernie's (1989)
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Cast Away (2000)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC - Movie Review

Title: Captain Fantastic
Running Time: 118 min
Director: Matt Ross
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, Frank Langella

Review:

Viggo Mortensen could have been a glamorous Hollywood celebrity. When the then 41 year old Danish-American replaced Stuart Townsend last-minute in a little trilogy called "The Lord of the Rings" he showed the world what a fantastic actor he was and all of Tinseltown's doors suddenly stood open for him. It seemed however that Mortensen didn't want to become that kind of movie star as he continuously turned down big blockbuster roles. Since his last appearance as Aragorn in "Return of the King" the man has played the leadrole in only above a hand full of movies, all of which got very limited media attention, but had one thing in common: Viggo on the top of his game. So whenever the guy finally decides to flex his acting muscles once more, you are almost obliged to watch it, since you never know when you will get to experience his prowess again.
"Captain Fantastic" joins the ranks of Mortensen's outstanding works, but is enchanting enough that it satisfies even beyond his brilliant performance. It is the story of a man, Ben, that brings up his kids in the woods, shielding them from what he thinks is a reprobate society, teaching them to survive in the wild as well as to understand the complex nexus of the world through studying books of different humanists and philosophers. When his wife passes away and his father-in-law denies him attendance to the funeral, the whole family jumps into their rusty tour bus to go there anyway. However this of course constitutes the first time Ben's children come into contact with the "normal" world. Complication are bound to occur.
Accordingly to its premise the movie has a lot of that charmingly innocent kind of humor where characters encounter a world that is so different from their own. It is one of the reasons the first Thor movie worked so well for example, and it made me laugh out loud multiple times. Wrapped under the funny bits however is a critical look at our society that really gets you thinking. But unlike some more radical indie flicks, the film doesn't hit you over the head with its message. On the contrary, the strength of "Captain Fantastic" lies in the fact that it shines light on multiple sides of the story. Of course our main character is made to be sympathetic as we mainly follow his path, but more than once his worldviews are reasonably questioned by other characters in the film, and every now and then he even comes across as a little too full of himself, holding on to believes that seem somewhat irresponsible. The perfect world he thought he built is not perfect after all, but it isn't all bad either. The exploration of this realization makes the film an interesting character study and so this family's physical and psychological journey gives the film its more than solid framework. The performances are great across the board and at one point the child-actors play a rendition of a Guns'n'Roses song that keeps running on repeat on my soundsystem since I first heard it. Unsurprisingly though, Mortensen stands out with a lot of heart and genuineness. Finally the cinematography tops the movie off to a perfect cinematic experience as you will get beautiful nature shots as well as some accentuated visual comedy.
To people who are not into that kind of indie stuff or already sighed when reading the premise, this film might still come across as obnoxious. But if you are open for it and found the idea of the film even just a little intriguing then "Captain Fantastic" can take you on an engaging trip that will stick with you for days after watching it. Funny, clever, surprising, charming, thought-provoking and heartwarming: This movie gets a definite recommendation!
 
For Fans Of: 
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Into The Wild (2007)
Lost In Translation (2003)

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WHIPLASH - Movie Review

 Title: Whiplash
Running Time: 107 min
Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist

Review:
Just a week ago, the "Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences" honored the best of the best in the film industry once again. One of their little golden statues went to J.K. Simmons, who gave one of the sweetest acceptance speeches by saying that everyone should call their parents and tell them they love them. Ironically so, the reason he recieved the Oscar that night was his portrayal of what IMDB describes as "a ferocious, bullying music teacher" who pushes his students beyond their limits to realize their full potential, or so he claims.

In any case, the film "Whiplash" has realized its potential by all means. It is a supremely riveting and endlessly thrilling movie that will leave you in awe once the end-credits roll. For a start, there is Miles Teller. He plays Andrew, who is a rather quiet guy, but once he holds sticks in his hands the instrument becomes his way of expression. Impressively so, Teller did all of the drumming himself. He sweats, he screams and he bleeds on the drumset, and when his final performance starts it really feels as if he puts his whole life on the line. But the stakes wouldn't nearly seem as high if it wasn't for J.K. Simmons' cruel and spine-tingling Terence Fletcher, whom he plays to perfection. Everyone knows the kind of shame and tension that you feel when you are chewed out by a mad authority figure in front of everyone, and thus, you can completely comprehend what is going on in Andrews mind when his band teacher torments him. But Fletcher goes even beyond that, and so eventhough music is featured prominently (and performed awesomely) in this picture, it isn't a music film a là last year's "Begin Again" at all. Instead, it is a psychological thriller, that shows how far people go for artistry. Because our main character also has his reason's why he endures such suffering.

All the drama, the emotions and the tension in this film are beautifully directed by Damien Chazelle, whose various shots, angles, and edits are almost like a composion on their own. Every frame seems to serve a purpose, and most of the time it is to get you inside of Andrews head or amplify the already amazing chemistry between Simmons and Teller. 

To sum up, I can honestly say that "Whiplash" deserved all the Academy Awards it got and maybe even a few more (Best Adapted Screenplay, anyone?). It is a cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. You don't want to be missing this one!

For Fans Of:
Black Swan (2010)
Birdman (2014)
Grand Piano (2013)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

And check out my friend's review over at B.A.'s Screentest for a second opinion!

BIRDMAN - Movie Review

Title: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Running Time: 119 min
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan

Review:
For today's kids, the name Michael Keaton will probably not ring any bells. Yes, the actor who was the original Dark Knight to a whole generation including myself has slowly vanished from the spotlight after turning down a third Batman film twenty years ago. Thus, you can't overlook the self-irony in this film as he plays a faded Hollywood actor who had been famous for his superhero role and even explains at one point that he said no to a fourth installment twenty years ago.
Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Birdman" however is special in so many more ways besides its meta casting. The director has truely created a piece of art. And not that conceided pseudo-sophisticated kind of art, but rather a matchless mix of comedy and drama, complexity and simplicity, imagination and reality.
Firstly, there is the astonishing fact that the movie is filmed to look like it is one big continuous shot. Apart from being incredibly complicated (as the film still uses minor time jumps), this technique puts the viewer right there with the actors and you are immediately sucked into the world of the film. You follow the characters on their way from one room to another, and stripping the cast off the ability to cut between lines seems to have brought out the best in them. Everyone in this film is phenomenal, from a perfectly cast Edward Norton to an Award-worthy Emma Stone to a terrific Zach Galifianakis who is surprisingly credible in a serious role. But the man of the hour is, of course, Michael Keaton who has found the role of a lifetime. His performance makes every struggle and every emotion so truthful that it is simply breathtaking.
This leads me to the second big strength of the film: characters and dialogue. If someone asked what "Birdman" was about, you would only scratch the surface if you summed up its plot. Ultimately, it is about everything. Not because it tries to jam so much in there but because it feels so very real, and real-life doesn't have just one theme. Every character is completely fleshed out and in their conversations you'll find an endless number of topics. Family, love, art, the movie business, film criticism, our relevance in life, our legacy, fame and the different masks we wear everyday. The movie wears one on its own, as it might be an arthouse film, but still pays great tribute to big blockbusters. It gives us so many images to interpret, but at several occasion it says that interpretations simply don't matter.
It is this duality that makes "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" absolutely perfect. A thought-provoking film, without ever hitting you over the head with a wise message. It stirred up something within me that I haven't been able to shake off. Extremely powerful and endlessly captivating: A masterpiece!

For Fans of:
Black Swan (2010)
Memento (2000)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

INTERSTELLAR - Movie Review

 Title: Interstellar
Running Time: 169 min
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Sir Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy, Wes Bentley, David Gyasi, John Lithgow, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace

Review:
When "The Dark Knight Rises" is the worst movie you've ever made, you are pretty god damn good. Yes, even outside of his game-changing Batman Trilogy, Christopher Nolan gave us brilliantly twisted and intelligent films like "Memento", "The Prestige" and of course the modern day masterpiece "Inception". By now, you have probably noticed that he is my personal favourite when it comes to film-makers. Thus, I was waiting for his new original project "Interstellar" like a child for Christmas, and now, it is finally here. So did he manage to blow my mind again?
Yes. Yes he did. Big time! Leaving me speechless for the whole ride home from the theatre, "Interstellar" wasn't a movie to me, it was an experience. It is a true science-fiction film, that revolves around a man, who leaves his family and the dying earth behind, to find a new inhabitable planet in a different galaxy. Nolan, knowing exactly when less is more and when more is more, astonishes us with breathtaking visuals and manages to make you feel like you are actually part of this amazing space adventure.
But not only the director is fantastic: While all of the actors are doing a great job, leading man Matthew McConaughey is outstanding. Proving that he really did deserve the Academy Award, he can move you to tears merely with his facial expressions. The relationship between his character and that character's daughter (portrayed by a suprisingly talented Mackenzie Foy) is the emotional core of this film and brings the humanity to this intergalactic story.
It should be mentioned, however, that a lot of elements I loved, might not be everyone's cup of tea. With their script, Chris Nolan and his brother Jonathan go full theoretical astrophysics on you. Including wormholes, blackholes, the relativity of time and even the fourth dimension in their story, they try to make you grasp the incomprehensible. So even though acclaimed physicist Kip Thorne wasn't only an advisor, but even executive producer on the film, these element that are based on real science might come across as far-fetched for the lesser versed viewer. Especially towards the end it seems like Christopher Nolan put everything his imagination had to offer in this film, with some philosophical questions in the mix as well. So what I found to be pure brilliance, might seem convoluted to others.
Still, "Interstellar" might be the greatest science-fiction movie I have ever laid my eyes upon. It is an incredible piece of art and will take you on an unforgettable ride. A film everyone should watch, for so many reasons, but also simply because its themes and contents can start a great discussion. So all that's left for me to say is: Buy your ticket now!

For Fans Of:
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Apollo 13 (1995)
Moon (2009)
Gravity (2013)
 
Click Here To Watch Trailer!

And check out my friend's review over at B.A.'s Screentest for a second opinion! 

EDGE OF TOMORROW - Movie Review

 Title: Edge Of Tomorrow 3D
Running Time: 113 min
Director: Doug Liman
Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson

Review: 
Tom Cruise might be the most controversial actor of our time. Thus, everytime a new project of his is released, there are a lot of people who wish to see him fail. But he has yet to do so. With lots and lots of audience favorites and box office hits in his filmography, he is one of the most successful people in Hollywood right now. So is Edge Of Tomorrow the epic fail Cruise Haters have been waiting for? Or is it another great piece of movie entertainment?
Well, it most certainly is the latter! Edge Of Tomorrow is a terrific action sci-fi piece that, in spite of a familiar concept, stays incredibly fresh and exciting. Following the Groundhog Day routine, this movie is about a guy who unvoluntarily finds himself at the battlefront against an alien invasion. When he dies, he suddenly wakes up a day earlier and the whole thing happens again... and again and again. But what makes this movie special, is the way it plays with that idea. You don't really get a counter on how many times our main character has done this before, which keeps you guessing, and in contrary to other movies of that type, he knows what to do to get out of the loop very early in the movie. As he learns new things with every repitition, he gets closer to his goal everytime, taking new routes, reaching new places and surviving a little bit longer each try.
Doug Liman really knows how to shoot action and the visuals are gandios. This is one of the more "dirty" science fiction films, where the new technology isn't all shiny and bright. The armour of the soldiers really looks like it has been used before, and setting the film in europe and the main battle at a beach really gives you some World War II vibes. The aliens are very unique, and after they were described as "working like one organism", I immediatly saw that they were exactly how I'd imagine giant neurons to look like! The 3D was not ground-breaking, but really didn't feel like a waste of money.
The actors are all doing great jobs as well. Tom Cruise is once more 100% committed to the action and you can really see and appreciate that he does his own stunts. Then there is Emily Blunt's Rita Vrataski aka. "The Angel of Verdun" who is probably one of the most bad ass chicks in cinema. She really owns that role and I'd love to see a spin-off for this beautiful ass-kicking lady.
The humor is very well placed, and the action and dialogue sequences take turns so nicely that you do not get bored with either. The last two minutes startled me a bit and I personally wished they had ended the movie just before, but this didn't have an impact on my over-all enjoyment of the film.
Edge Of Tomorrow is a big surprise, one of my favourite action films this year and will most definitely find its way into my DVD Collection. So go out and watch it! 

For Fans of:
Source Code (2011)
District 9 (2009)
Mission: Impossible 4 (2011)

And check out my friend's review over at B.A.'s Screentest for a second opinion!