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johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (2020) list
Notes: I have to admit that it was only when the film started that I discovered that it was actually directed by Youssef Chahine, the great Egyptian director. In fact, I have to admit I have seen only one of his movies and it was more than 20 years ago so it was really neat to rediscover this master, especially since this movie is considered as his magnum opus. And, indeed, the damned thing was really intriguing. Basically, you spend one single day at the Central Station in Cairo with a multitude of colourful characters and Chahine definitely didn’t sugarcoat their living conditions, that’s for sure. Still, most of the people working there remained fairly cheerful so there was a fine balance between dark and grim realism (reinforced by the black and white cinematography) and the light banter between the characters. However, there was a shift in the tone, I’m not sure if it was sudden during the final act or if it was a slow progression, I should rewatch it to be completely sure. Anyway, at some point, it became a rather nail-biting psychological thriller and I wonder if we will ever see a Hollywood production showing so much compassion towards a psychopath. Apparently, the Egyptian audience hated the damned thing so much when it was released and, eventually, it is not surprising that something so dark would be ban for 20 years in Egypt. 6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (2020) list
Notes: I haven't seen this one yet...6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to Top 10 worst movies 2013 list
Notes: I was surprised that it was actually a Spanish movie produced by Antonio Banderas but, even though it was an honorable attempt, to be honest, it wasn't really good, I'm afraid. I mean, I have to admit it, for a CGI animated feature produced in Europe, the animation was actually not bad at all but that was pretty much the only positive thing about this movie. Indeed, above all, the main issue was that the story was just so boring and generic and, to make things worse, the main character was even rather pathetic. Of course, I understand that the whole thing was basically about an average boy dreaming to become a knight but they could have chosen someone slightly more charismatic. Coming back to the story itself, as I said before, it was just really generic and most of it was pretty much lifted from some far superior movies. 6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe posted a review of Justin and the Knights of Valour
“I wasn't expecting much from this flick but, somehow, I still ended up watching the damned thing. First of all, I was surprised that it was actually a Spanish movie produced by Antonio Banderas but, even though it was an honourable attempt, to be honest, it wasn't really good, I'm afraid. I mean, I ” read more
6 years, 3 months ago
6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (2020) list
Notes: By now, I have seen almost all the movies directed by Jacques Tati (I’m only missing ‘Trafic’) but, to be honest, even though I can say I’m quite familiar with his work, I’m afraid I never became a huge fan. Basically, with Tati, I actually understand more or less what he tried to achieve and I truly think the guy was an artist, it’s just that his art never really appealed to me. Well, this movie was not an exception but it doesn’t mean that I think that it was not enjoyable though. The most intriguing thing was probably the juxtaposition of a vintage version of the French way of life (I mean, it does feel ‘vintage’ now but, when it was released, it might have been actually quite contemporary) with a ultra-modern house. Of course, you might think that Tati hated this cold ugly house but I actually think he was actually fascinated by the future and what it would be like for the rest of us. Concerning the rest of the movie, I have to admit that I do like Tati’s vibe, the way that there is no real conflicts in his movies, no real bad guys, just some average people going on with their everyday life. So, there is something really harmonious in this movie and his work in general which is quite refreshing. Still, even though monsieur Hulot is a cute whimsical character, after all these years, I still don’t think he is fascinating or really entertaining though. The fact that the other characters were even less interesting probably didn’t help either. Anyway, even if it didn’t really blow me way, it is still a classic though. 6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe posted a review of Welcome to the Punch
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this flick but since I have a weak spot for James McAvoy, I was quite eager to check it out. On top of that, the title did sound really cool. Well, the beginning was really promising with a kick-ass intro and I really enjoyed how they made this cop and this” read more
6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe added 2 items to 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (2020) list
6 years, 3 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (2020) list
Notes: I actually already saw this flick but it was such a long time ago, I thought it was really time for a re-watch. The first time I saw it, I must have been a teenager and, even though I did like it, I can’t say it really blew me away. For many, it is considered one of the greatest comedies ever made and it has obviously become an inspiration for many other features, especially the ones about men dressed in drags like ‘Tootsie’ or ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the genre but, I have to admit it, they really nailed it here. Indeed, not only Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon were actually rather convincing as women but, above all, they were really hilarious and the whole thing is still really fun, even after more than 50 years. Still, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the whole thing. I mean, to start with, Marilyn Monroe looked positively charming but, honestly, her character was just a brainless sexpot and , even though it was indeed quite funny, the premise is still terribly silly. 6 years, 3 months ago