Change Your Image
Jose Guilherme
Reviews
Sex Education (2019)
A must see series... so well done (seen up to Season 3)
I rarely review series on the IMDB. But the 3rd Season has been even better than the previous that were spectacular. They deal with these topics in a tactful and funny matter. Even for an old geezer like myself it made me think a lot about many things.
The actors are outstanding and a lot of future talent will have their start in Sex Education! Despite being young it is full of talent and brought back some old talent. Filming and writing is top notch. Felt compelled to give their due credit... this series deserves all the praise given. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Stop reading and see it.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Bad writing and a lot of money spent
Great visuals and a lot of money spent. Somehow they didn't think contracting good writers or scriptwriters was worth it though. Nor reading the source material. Not surprisingly the result is a mess.
The story jumps all around... characters inspire no love... the main protagonist is unlikable and a bit of a jerk actually. Random things happen and dictate the story. Some actors did a bit better but overall bad direction didn't help. Saw it to the end but I must confess it was just hoping for an improvement that never came to be. So despite the excellent production and visuals... its a snoozer best avoided. Sadly so.
Tuntematon sotilas (2017)
Interesting movie with great characters
So this is not at a Band of Brothers level of course... yet it does remind us of that film. I thought it was worthwhile seeing as it is a good representation of war from a soldiers point of view. I like the characters especially Korkolla and Rokka. From what I've read they are almost national symbols in Finland. Rightfully so. The actors did a good job I think.
So though long... I saw the 5 part movie... its captivating and well shot.
Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
Protests in Ukraine that lasted for months... absolutely incredible
I don't even know where to start as regards the events portrayed. Such courage in the face of adversity and death. The Euromaidan protests changed the path the country was going and instilled a sense of patriotism in a whole generation.
This documentary is very balanced and complete. My Ukrainian friend says its spot on as regards their fight for freedom. Some of the best footage of this historical event. Even if you are not specifically interested in the Ukraine... certainly how a peaceful protest can get big and persist for months should be worth seeing. I certainly drew parallels to protests in my native Brazil... though my people do not have or need the same courage. Watch it... learn...
Our World War (2014)
Puts you in 1914 and you can feel the tension...
Reading some of the previous reviews I feel them to unjustly pick on the music used. I thought it helped and gives the right emotional tone. Its modern yes... so is the audience. Using the music from back then might be awkward.
Be it the music or the camera work... the program gives a fresh view of WW I and of the people who fought it. You feel like you are in the trenches waiting for battle. The actors look very much like the men they portray. I am very glad this is now available in Netflix and I sure hope to see a 2nd season. If you haven't seen it do so... this is some very very good directing and filming.
Flores raras (2013)
Interesting characters and some very good acting...
Overall had a very good impression of the movie. I think it balanced well certain aspects... especially in the portrayal of their romance. They avoided being overly prudish and that made the romance seem more real. Without getting too kinky and losing focus. The contrast between the two characters is really interesting.
The actress Gloria Pires who portrays Lota de Macedo Soares has worked in dozens of soap operas and that sometimes comes through in her films, but not this time thankfully. She so embodies the force of nature that was Lota and this comes through the screen very well. I felt like I was seeing a member of my old Rio family... so her amazing portrayal was certainly the highlight of the film for me.
PS: Being a Macedo Soares myself (but too young to have known Lota)... there might be a bit of bias in my review.
Páre, Escute, Olhe (2009)
Documentary with a sense of humor
Rarely can one say that a documentary brings quite a few laughs and many chuckles. This is the case of this film/documentary.
The film style is hard to define but it basically follows the daily life of a few local people and how their poor region in Portugal is far and forgotten by the capital and government. The once historic and touristic train line is gradually abandoned, then used as a local metro and is now menaced by the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam that would flood the aging rail line and leave them without any public transport. At the same time it shows the political vote that will decide the future of the dam, region and the Tua rail line.
So that seems like boring stuff ? Well they actually manage to show some really colorful characters, especially the old man who lives in the former train station of Ribeirinha. Some of the dialog is very "colorful" and some of the newscasts from the past are mixed to very humorous effect. Its a rare look at a rural and laid back part of Portugal and how progress brings some problems.
I think anyone can enjoy this film even if a few references might be lost to those that are not Portuguese or acquainted to them. Quite enjoyable for what otherwise might have been another boring protest issue... yet very well made mix of funny and informative. Well worth seeing.
The Tree of Life (2011)
Maybe over pretentious... certainly slow...
I really want to like this movie. Its almost the new "2001" at times with visually stunning scenes... yet lacking in a stronger story. Some very good acting...
Yes, it will bring childhood memories (of boys for sure)... and family... but when the film finished I was just numb... of going through such a long movie.
So be aware before watching that it is slow and long. That it has some spiritual tones... if you are warned before it might be better. Its not a popcorn movie for sure... and from the comments in the IMDb it does work for many. It just didn't touch me sufficiently.
Brestskaya krepost (2010)
Well done... but lacking in story
There are some impressive explosions and deaths. Some of this stuff must have been dangerous to the actors. That is the best of the movie. They seem to have used a lot of explosives. Uniforms and guns especially the German ones are very well made.
Militarily there is some stuff that is nonsense... just to give it more drama. The actors are OK.
It's a bit long too... and overall its the same old Soviet style propaganda which gets tiring fast.
So its a competent war movie. Good for fans of the genre only.
Rating 6/10
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Bbbooorrrriiiiinnnngggg....
I was aghast to see this movie rated 8.0 here... its a 6'er maybe if it had some narrative.
The main character is lame to a point of being annoying. I was cheering against him... he has nothing likable. The story is very flat and silly. The video game thingy is cute but gets tiresome quite fast. The Exes though (which I was cheering for) were quite funny... there as some good one liners... some funny moments but otherwise overall it's weak.
I think only teenagers, full time videogamers and indy/alternative people might appreciate this film. So if you've had sex and you are over 18... avoid this movie... please.
Prayers for Bobby (2009)
A must see film for Christian families
Sigourney Weaver hits the mark as a true story mother Mary Griffith. Great acting. The family too. The movie might seem a bit slow, but in fact it takes it time to show how Mary and her son Bobby eventually took life changing decisions.
I read so much on the internet from fundamentalist christians and what they think about gays. It's hard for them to have a level headed view of homosexuality. I think this film is a unique opportunity to think about how they deal with gays and their religion that should be about love and acceptance.
The movie certainly is a tear jerker and I hope it has a wider audience. I recommend it.
Avatar (2009)
Great visual... but could have a better story... "Pocahontas in Space"
So it's visually great and action filled. Yet nature documentaries also give me great shots of exotic places.
Somewhere they delved too much into the technical "Let's make new visual sensations" and forgot to make a story that would really capture our imagination.
As for the Na'Vi culture and Planet Pandora... during the film I had this constant impression that the director underestimates the public's intelligence. So he kept things nice and easy to understand. The aliens are basically North American native Indians transported to a night glowing jungle. Elves mixed with Indians... same hair cuts and weapons. The big bad Na'Vi guy even has the voice of the iconic native American actor Wes Studi ! They even have hands, nails and all sorts of human features. Basically blue big humans.
So does "Pocahontas in space" hold up ?! Kind of. Its fun. Its an eye full. In 3 years we won't remember this film anymore. Why ? Because it doesn't really grab my imagination. Still worth watching... but a better script writer and a bit more effort in making the Na'Vi really alien would have made this a true classic.
P.S. I Love You (2007)
Could have been so much better...
This films seems like those paintings or drawings we spoil because we try to put too much into it. Until the middle it seemed like a really good film... the couple seemed almost real... a good story about getting over the loss of a loved one.
Then come the corny parts in Ireland... a way too perfect "how we got together" scene written it seems by a 13 year old girl. That totally sunk the movie... getting to the end was torture by then. Yet it so came close to being a good movie... that is the saddest part.
The last scene with her mom laughing was so so corny it prompted me to write this review. Please stop script writers from doing this damage to films... drama stories can be good... but do try harder.
Your Sincerely
PS: I hope some producer reads this
Warriors (2008)
Great fun and interesting stuff
I'm a typical history and military history fan. I've seen and read a lot about the stuff that this show presents. So I it was a pleasant surprise to learn some new stuff. Especially how the weapons were used... some of the tactics and how they were wielded.
Initially I thought the host was goofy and overly enthusiastic. That he was being silly about saying "cool" all the time. Yet after a few episodes I'm actually part having fun at this style and partly actually feeling that he REALLY is enjoying getting to learn about their culture. It grows on you and you get carried away by the host's antics and slang.
Something I also always enjoy are the so called weapons and history specialists that seem like nerdy middle aged men with an over the top hobby.
So don't mind the silly parts... you might actually learn something. You certainly will have fun watching the history or the host. It is very well produced, interesting and sometimes might surprise even the hardcore military history buff.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Bad script, bad ideas and OK action.
First I must say that I enjoyed the first Underworld movie. I was intrigued and curious to learn about Vampires and Lycans and so forth. In this last part (hopefully) of the series I just feel sorry for how pathetic the vampires are. At least in the first part you had the tight leather clothes... now vampires seem like besieged victims of bad pest control problem. They look and act like haughty white pasty humans.
Some ideas were neat... the whole thing with human nobles was interesting. Pity the acting was abysmal. The slave thingy too was feasible.
Other things just hit me as pathetic. Spoilers now. Castle walls that can be jumped over in a few steps ? Enemies that don't attack during the day ? Big bad ancient vampires that take ages to join combat and then run away from a fledgling lycan leader after a minute or so ? Werewolves that den close to their enemies ? Lycans that raid armouries... for what ? They don't use axes and swords or armor ! A vampire leader so inept he manages to have just about everyone against him ? The romance is so unconvincing its sad.
So I don't recommend this film unless you get it online or buy a very cheap movie ticket. Some of the action is good to OK. Certainly the vampires armor and weapons are interesting. Otherwise a very weak script that was badly put together and uses all sorts of inane plot twists.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Bond... James, Bond... not.
Is the action good like Rambo ? No.
Is this Bond sophisticated and smart ? No.
Is the story coherent ? No.
Is the direction good ? No.
Are their any spy gadgets ? No.
Does Bond have sex with 2 or more women ? No.
Is this a James Bond movie after so many "No's" ? NO ! To make it worst... its not like the other Bond movies were great script and direction pieces. Still somehow they managed to flunk this movie. The Bond brand is SO EASY to follow. They only got the exotic chase sequences in right.... and even then its somehow not exciting.
The movie loses so much time whining about Vesper from the last movie in the end you become fed up.
Sadly this seems to be the worst Bond...
Taken (2008)
Step aside Bond and Bourne... Niam is better !
Yes, its only an action movie; Yes, the script has more holes than the victims of the main character! Yes, Neeson's rampage in Paris is very implausible; Yes, its not Oscar material... no great acting.
Still... its a very good movie. I gave it a solid 8. I left the movie feel very satisfied... its that kind of movie that is fun and thrilling and brainless at the same time. Doesn't get tiresome. When its outrageous its funny... when the action gets going you feel right in it all.
When you finish seeing the movie you do wonder why Bond and Bourne aren't as macho or mean. Niam's character Bryan("B" letter too) beats up baddies way better and he looks more scary and real somehow than those other pansy agents.
Wanted (2008)
Fun but empty...
I actually had fun watching the movie. Never sure if I was laughing at the absurdity of it all... or the fact that I managed to have fun even if the film's script is non-existent.
Weavers that form an assassin's league ? A machine that spits out target names ? Curving bullets ? Flying in circles ?
At some point they decided a cohesive script would get in the way of the special effects. The story is so silly and without reason that in the end of the movie you feel unsatisfied. Its not like Matrix or other movies where you feel immersed in a different reality. That the "magic" of it all makes sense.
I'm specially sorry that such a promising young actor is losing his time making such a silly movie.
The action is still good... matrix wannabe in many ways... but fun. Just don't bring your brain along.
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008)
Its not only about Steroids... but American winner mentality
A Great Documentary. In a very earnest, humble and honest manner. Focusing on his family made this film especially endearing.
I had to write a review. I highly recommend this to Americans especially. Having lived many years in an American High School environment, I know how obsessed with being winners and not being losers has made Americans eternally unhappy. Not everyone is going to be a movie/rock/muscle star. 95% of people will be "losers". So what is wrong with being an "underachiever" ? Apparently everything in the USA.
Several reviews seem to focus only on the main issue of the steroid use... but its clear that the Director gives us a great glimpse of the American psyche and how that has lead to a massive use of drugs and double moral standards on their use. Who are our heroes ? Why ? Why aren't people ever satisfied with who they are ? Fame obsession is making people feel bad about themselves... and the director in a masterful way showed how his heroes aren't all they seem to be. Great Job !! Seems Americans are becoming great documentary makers ! Congratulations and I hope to see more stuff from this director.
Zeitgeist (2007)
Interesting but maybe misguiding...
It is hard to evaluate this "documentary". It certainly starts out very well... they debunk Christianity's basis very well... but to the end they start flying into fantastic conspiracy theories that actually seem to contradict the current manipulative techniques.
How can you divide and conquer... if you have one world government ? Duh.
I certainly can understand elites of various countries suckering people in... but coordination of disparate elites in such an effective way ? Very hard to believe.
Watch it. Somethings are real eye openers and its the best case yet presented on how 9/11 simply doesn't add up.
Sukkar banat (2007)
Enchanting film... really captivates... those eyes...
I just saw this film in the International Film Festival in Brasilia, Brazil. I thought one more non-lebanese comment might actually be helpful.
I gave it a 8 out of 10 because I'm very fussy about giving 9's and 10's to movies. It is a great movie... enchanting... beautiful...it feels homely and intimate quite fast. The acting is good... especially of the director/actress Nadine Labaki.
One cannot avoid being seduced by this woman's eyes and beauty. Labaki is a stunner. She is so great in her role, best actress in the movie. Her character comes across very believably... and those eyes ! I recommend seeing this movie... and I'd keep an eye on future projects from Director/Actress Nadine Labaki.
The Fountain (2006)
Beautiful but complicated movie... a mixed review
I'll give a mixed review of the movie.
Part of me was quite touched by the life-and-death-and-love aspect of the movie. As a romantic story it is one of the best I've ever seen. Both actors did an incredible job and Rachel Weisz certainly gives her role the very necessary emotional and human tone. Wolv... I mean Hugh Jackmann, at last seems to have a challenging role and comes out very well indeed. Very touching story and images.
Another part of me felt the movie tried to spin way too much and at times seemed confusing. The future part seem way too much "Buddhism" and spirituality mixed with sci-fi images. It gets tiresome eventually. I was always thinking the could get on with the main story.
The movie is no doubt visually stunning. Pity that the director didn't give the Conquistador part of the movie more screen-time.
Its not an easy to movie to understand or appreciate. If you want an entertaining movie go watch something else. If you want a movie that makes you think a bit... and touches your heart I recommend watching "The Fountain". I still haven't digested all the movie has to offer... and as times passes I feel better about the movie and what it stirred in me.
Inconscientes (2004)
Funny and engaging film. Great pace and well written
I normally reserve 10 out of 10 to films that really mark me. Films that make one think or learn something new. Yet I think this film deserves a 10 for being an excellent comedy, excellent script and having excellent dialogs. Rarely have I seen such a well rounded film. It lacks nothing and delivers much.
I loved the main female character "Alma" and she sweeps us into the story with her unlikely companion, a very stiff and uptight brother in law. One also gets a feel for the time period when many new theories and thinkers were coming of age... of the new revolutions to be, conservative Spain and sexuality of the period. Even if in a comic way.
I highly recommend this film. Have a good laugh at psychology, passion and self analysis.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Script writers gone dumb... ?
I can't say how disappointed I am with Episode III. Its been quite a while since I've seen such weak plot devices, bad script and awful acting. Sure its better than Episodes I and II but that isn't exactly praise worthy.
Its a good action movie... and nothing more. If you really enjoy the Star Wars universe see Clone Wars or the original trilogy only.
Without giving spoilers... I wasn't convinced at all by the conversion of Anakin... or Palpatine's silly approach to corrupting Anakin. During the film they repeat it over and over like 10-15 times in a vain attempt to convince the viewer its important.
Good things ? Well the jokes and comic breaks were quite funny. The droid voices and actions were hilarious. So please neglect bad script writing, senseless dialog and weak directing... and focus on the fun action, beautiful CGI of planets, and naturally the real hero of the series: R2D2.
Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei (2004)
A film about innocence and idealism...
Having read all the comments before I would just like to reinforce that the film is about innocence and idealism. I don't think the director really is doing "propaganda" for leftist ideas or revolutions. The "leftie" characters were aptly shown as naive and even outright dumb. The capitalist wasn't a monster or inhuman either.
I don't think the "alternative" end explanation for Hardenberg being an accomplice makes any sense. He obviously remains "establishment". The message on the wall is clearly for him. In the end I was saddened that Hardenberg didn't have some empathy or learn a bit himself. I think he really was once a SDS member and a revolutionary himself, though naturally he played it up a bit to save his skin.
It also shows that life and the system eventually get us all. We end up boring and all about conformity. Our youthful rebellion becoming a comfortable obedience. We just want our paychecks and suburban homes.
Its also sad to read so many commentaries about "lefty" film... the film is so much more than just the politics in it.