It's a Wonderful Life (1946 movie)- Review

Directed by: Frank Capra
Released: 1946
Country: United States

Main cast: James Stewart, Henry Travers, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, H. B. Warner, Gloria Grahame

Genres: Drama, Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

''It's a Wonderful Life'' is a charming film with an immense significance- be it it's story, be it it's emotions, or be it it's qualities. But one thing to be remembered is that, while the film is not a deeply serious one, it's depth, story and message make it one of the best movies ever made.

I just finished watching this movie, and I- you can say- fell in love with this movie. An awesome movie it is. ''It's a Wonderful Life'' presents it's subject matter so deeply and wonderfully (the excellent screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling and Frank Capra contributes much to the brilliance of the film) that I believe, you cannot dislike this film. Rather, I think everyone would love this movie.

James Stewart plays George Bailey. He has spent all his life making sacrifices and contributions for the welfare of the people whom he loves. His contribution for the development for the hometown and the people of this hometown has been immense. He always had the dream to leave Bedford Fall, and to explore the world. But his humane heart and his love for his relatives has always made him ignore this wish. His contributions for the happiness of other people has been so immense that on Christmas Eve, everyone is praying for him.

But George is terribly depressed and nervous. After his uncle Billy had lost a large amount of money belonging to their bank, everything seems to go wrong. George feels his life is awful, his life is terrible; he decides to commit suicide.

But however, an angel named Clarence is showed what George had did all his life, and Clarence is sent to earth to help George realize how beautiful his life actually is. In return, Clarence would get his wings.

Clarence shows George how the lives of his dear ones would have been if he had never been born, what his importance is in this world, and how wonderful life really is... would George realize, after all?

The storyline is so wonderful and pretty that it makes us staring at the screen. We see each and every actions of George, wondering how good people can be. And when he is so depressed, we feel sad, we feel bad. That's among the greatest things about this movie. It is such a great movie that has the power of moving us deeply.

Henry Travers gives the one of the best performances in this film. As Clarence, Travers is great, sometimes amusing, sometimes childish, sometimes loveable. He is physically present in this film only for about twenty minutes, more or less. Earlier, we hear only his voice. But within that time, he makes us adore his character. The background music of Clarence is the tone of ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star''.

The others also give great performances: Donna Reed as George's wife Mary who had admired George since they were kids, Lionel Barrymore as the evil and greedy antagonist Henry F. Potter, Beulah Bondi as George and Harry's mom, Todd Karns as George's younger brother Harry, Thomas Mitchell as the uncle of George and Harry, Frank Faylen as Ernie the cab driver, Ward Bond as Bert the cop- and so many more actors who give great performances... Praises to them all!

Life is wonderful and it is to be enjoyed. Sacrifices for others, when made, make us satisfied for what we did for them. And this company, sacrifices, and contributions, and friendship, make life so beautiful. Sometimes, we get depressed thinking of something depressing, but why not take a look at the bigger positive and great things that come in our life?

Lastly, one thing I'd strongly recommend you is that watch this one with your family. It's a wonderful movie with a strong and beautiful message. Capable of bringing tears at the eyes, it's a beautiful movie, and definitely not to be missed.

5 out of 5

''Death Defying Acts'' (2008 movie)- Review

Directed by: Gillian Armstrong
Released: 2008
Country: United Kingdom, Australia

Main cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Guy Pearce, Saoirse Ronan, Timothy Spall

Genres: Romantic-Drama, Thriller

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Review

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American escapist, and perhaps the most famous escapist ever. The 2008 movie ''Death Defying Acts'', directed by Gillian Armstrong, is a historical fiction movie. It's major story is fictional.

''Death Defying Acts'' lacks in depth. Yeah, truly. I expected to see a touching love story, or a good thriller, but what did I see? The romantic and thrilling elements are weak and not much developed.

Nevertheless, don't think that it's a bad movie. Rather, I think it's so-so. Indeed. While the screenplay is not that good, the acting and background music, and the atmosphere that it creates, makes it a relatively okay film.

Mary (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her daughter Benji (Saoirse Ronan) are tricksters. They trickily make people believe that they have psychic powers. But now their theater having closed down, they live a miserable life at a little house situated in a graveyard.

Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) is a famous escape artist. He has hundreds of fans. His mother having died, he wants to know what were his mother's last words. He promises to reward a huge amount of money to the psychic person who can tell him what his mother's last words were.

When Houdini arrives in Edinburgh, Mary thinks she might have a chance into winning the reward using her fake psychic powers and acting. She and Benji, after much difficulties, manage meeting him. Houdini is, after some time, convinced at her powers.

But a while later, Mary realizes that she is in love with Houdini...

What this leads to is quite unpredictable. The movie isn't predictable at all. That's a positive thing about the film. But it has loads of problems. It is unable to bring satisfaction. While it's subject matter does seem interesting, the overall presentation is hardly satisfactory.

Oh no, don't take me wrong. I did enjoy this film at parts. And it wasn't quite worth watching, though, but I think the work put on this film was successful. While the screenplay and overall presentation may seem not up to the mark, they are successful at some points. Especially, some of the last scenes. Without giving away anything, the last scenes were probably the only heartwarming and emotional parts of the film.

The love story lacks in depth. When we see Mary is in love with Houdini, we continue watching, without giving a smile or something. Yeah, the love story is not moving or something.

One of the few charming things about this movie is the background music. The background music is, in a word, excellent! Simply excellent! From the very beginning of movie, the background music that we hear is without a doubt wonderful, and I have no negative comments on the scores.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Guy Pearce are both so-so in their roles. Despite being so talented actors, they seem to give not that much good performances. Yeah, they do perform well, and their performance do deserve praises, but however, Guy Pearce, I thought, didn't bring his character to life. Catherine Zeta-Jones gave a better performance than Pearce.

The most praises should go to the performance of Saoirse Ronan as Mary's daughter Benji. Really. Her performance is simply tremendously excellent. It is Saoirse Ronan who brings her character to life. Among the actors in this film, it is Ronan who gives a superb performance. (Saoirse Ronan the narrator of the film as well).

Then there is Timothy Spall in a supporting role as the manager, Mr. Sugerman, who doesn't approve Mary. Timothy Spall gives a considerable support.

The overall movie is dull, with infrequent charms, but the ending is heartwarming. Basically the film is a clumsy one, but it is watchable and is generally not boring. Finally, this is a simple time-pass movie. Not worth watching, but you will not feel boring while watching it. But however, it is not a memorable experience.

2.5 out of 5

''The Intouchables'' (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
Released: 2012
Country: France

Main cast:  François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Clotilde Mollet, Audrey Fleurot

Genres: Comedy Drama

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

Friendship and company plays a very important role in our life. That's exactly what The Intouchables, directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, deals with. Friendship is the main theme of the movie.

Of course, ''The Intouchables'' is a wonderful motion picture, but it's slightly overrated, I think. But more of that later; first of all, let me speak something in it's favor! ''The Intouchables'' is a heartwarming tale of friendship, and though it is slightly cliched and slightly predictable, it is a powerful and skillfully made motion picture; a beautiful film, to tell the truth.

Phillipe is a very wealthy but paralyzed man who needs somebody to take care of him. Among the people who have come for the interview, there is a black man named Driss, who is with a little rough attitude. Nevertheless, Phillipe takes him for trial. Driss is amazed to stay in the lavish and big house of Phillipe. In course of time, a beautiful friendship develop between the two people. With this friendship, both of them rediscover the beauty of life.

While Driss is, without a doubt, not an excellent person, we always do feel a bit of sympathy for him. He has just been released from prison after six months, as he had stolen jewelry. His aunt, with whom he lives, orders him to get out of the house. That's an emotional scene. In attitude he is quite rough, but however, he is not hot-tempered. Though initially irritated for what he has to do for Phillipe, the friendship that gradually develops between them is wonderful; it leads him do so many things that make Phillipe's life enjoyable, that makes Phillipe find company. It helps him to understand the beauty of life.

The friendship also helps Driss to acquire many virtues and human qualities. His background story is revealed in course of the movie. Omar Sy plays his role so well that it seems that the character is brought to life.

Phillipe, played excellently by François Cluzet, is just as wonderful. He is paralyzed and is very wealthy. He appreciates music and art. His background is also revealed later. Just as Driss's company makes Phillipe's life entertaining, similarly Phillipe also helps Driss to enjoy his life as well.

Basically, the film is both comedic and dramatic. But however, it never gets overly sentimental. That's a wonderful thing that I liked about this film. 

The film is full with wit. Some mentionable funny scenes include when Driss applies foot cream in Phillipe's hair, mistaking it for shampoo. Another hilarious scene is when Driss threatens a neighbor not to park his car in front of the gate of Phillipe's home. Loads of funny incidents are scattered throughout that gives a laugh. Driss's flirtations with Phillipe's secretary Magalie (played by Audrey Fleurot) is also quite hilarious. Magalie keeps resisting Driss's attempts to seduce her. Magalie turns out to be, in fact... well, that would be a spoiler; I won't reveal that!

Oh well, if I continue mentioning the humors, it would become a long list, so let's go to another topic.

The movie's background music is generally subtle and gentle. Music has an important role in this film. Phillipe appreciates classical musics, which Driss does not.

The film has lots of pretty scenes. Some of the early pretty scenes: After Driss's aunt orders him to get out of the house, we see him getting out of the house, chatting grimly with friends, riding on vehicles. Soon, the sun rises. It is morning. Driss is walking on the streets. This may sound simple, but these scenes are shot so wonderfully, with the subtle background music, and how wonderfully it is shot- oh, it can't be explained in words!

This is a well-made good film. Not without flaws, but it is an impressive film that is heartwarming and will bring a smile. It is a gentle comedy-drama dealing with friendship, and with the beauty of life.

3.5 out of 5!

The Godfather: Part II (1974 movie)- Review

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Released: 1974
Country: United States

Main cast: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Robart Duvall, John Cazale, Lee Strasberg, Talia Shire, Michael V. Gazzo, G. D. Spradlin, Richard Bright, Morgana King, Marianna Hill, Gastone Moschin

Genres: Crime drama

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

The story of the powerful Corleone family continues with The Godfather: Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film itself is as powerful as the first film, only it is not as engrossing as it's predecessor.

But more of that later. First let's discuss the basic aspects of the movie. While the film continues the tale of Michael Corleone's leadership over the Corleone family, it also shows us, through flashbacks, about the youth of Vito Corleone. The young Vito Corleone is played by Robert De Niro.

There are frequent flashbacks in the movie showing us about the youth of Vito Corleone and how he became engaged in crimes. As such there is a mixture of both a sequel and prequel in The Godfather: Part 2.

Some characters get more importance in this movie. Connie, Michael's sister, played by Talia Shire, who had remained not so important in the first movie, gets a little more importance in this movie. Like the first movie, Vito Corleone's wife, played by Morgana King, remains a minor supporting character.

But a real surprize is given by Fredo Corleone, played by John Cazale. In The Godfather we had seen Fredo as mild, getting not much attention. But in this movie his role gets bigger. And in fact, he plays a crucial role in the plot. He helps an enemy, Hyman Roth, in a plan against Michael.

It all starts like this. A failed assassination attempt on Michael Corleone leads him to take safety  measures so that his dear family can remain safe. He is sure that the assassination attempt has been done by Hyman Roth. But he doesn't let Roth realize he knows all this. Instead, in front of Roth, he pretends that he believes that the assassination attempt was planned by Frank Pentengeli, whom Michael trusts a lot.

On this context, while a conversation with Pentengeli informing him that he is certain that Hyman Roth is the antagonist, Michael says these famous words: ''Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer''; which had been taught to him by his late father.

But one man in his own family has been helping Hyman Roth. Who is he? When he finds out that it is none but his beloved, weak, and mild older brother Fredo, he is terribly shocked and saddened. What does it lead to?

While this story continues, the youth of Vito Corleone shown in flashbacks, is interesting in it's own way. We come to know more about this character.

It is surprising if you compare Michael from the beginning of The Godfather, with the Michael of The Godfather II. At the beginning of The Godfather, Michael Corleone was such a sweet, calm young man. His character started to change by the middle of The Godfather, and by the end of the movie, he had become a completely ruthless man. This transformation of Michael Corleone was an important aspect of The Godfather. And in The Godfather: Part II, Michael has become such a very ruthless, coldhearted man. Yet, he does remain devoted to his family. The character is played brilliantly by Al Pacino, who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his performance.

A character whom I started to sympathize was Michael's wife, Kay, played by the talented Diane Keaton. Kay doesn't like the criminal activities her husband is engaged with. In a scene she tells her husband that he had once said her that he would make the family business legitimate within five year; it has been seven years since he said that but still the family business is not legitimate. Her husband says that he has been trying. How much he is trying, in fact?

Robert Duvall reprises his role as the family consigliere and informally adopted brother of Michael Corleone, Tom Hagen. His role remains just as important as it was in the first film. There is also the presence of Lee Strasberg as the villain, Hyman Roth. James Caan briefly reprises his role as Sonny Corleone, in a flashback scene.

It is, without a doubt, among the best gangster movies ever made, and obviously, a masterpiece. Then why did I give it 4 out of 5, if it is indeed one of the best films ever made? Why didn't I give it a 5? That I am explaining below.

The film starts looking very promising. And it turns out to be an excellent and powerful experience. There is no doubt in that. But, some of the very first scenes seem boring. It isn't engrossing. But then, after a few scenes, all of a sudden gets so very exciting and engrossing, and then you start enjoying it. Really. From that parts, you seem to enjoy it.

It being very enjoyable, but I thought one thing. The Godfather was as well a slow-paced movie. But however, it was engrossing in each and every scenes. The Godfather: Part II is, excluding some of the first scenes, very enjoyable, very much engrossing, highly interesting. So overall, comparing the two films, I think The Godfather was a better film, but however, The Godfather: Part II is a very much excellent film as well.

The dramatic cinematography and scores, and the editing, all of them, along with the story, screenplay, acting- make the film an excellent one. So, high praises to all of them!

Overall, ''The Godfather: Part II'' is a brilliant and excellent film by Francis Ford Coppola. The slow-paced film may not be entirely enjoyable, but watching it you will have a wonderful cinematic experience. Longer than it's predecessor, it is a little less interesting than the first film, but however, it is as excellently-made film as it's predecessor. Itself a great movie, ''The Godfather: Part II'' is, without a doubt, a classic!

4 out of 5

In Bruges (2008 film)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Released: 2008
Country: United Kingdom

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Dark comedy

Main cast: Colin Farrel, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy, Thekla Reuten, Jordan Prentice, Jérémie Renier

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review 

Dark, funny, thrilling, ''In Bruges'', the first feature film by Martin McDonagh, is a black comedy-drama crime film. The film is written and directed by Martin McDonagh. The film tells the story of a hit man who kills an innocent little boy and the consequences that come after.

Hit men Ray and Ken are sent to Bruges, Belgium, by their boss Harry, and they have to wait for Harry's next orders. While the middle-aged Ken enjoys the place, Ray doesn't like the place much. Ray meets the production assistant of a film, Chloe Villette, and they become close, and it is revealed that she herself is engaged in crime: she is a drug dealer and robber. 

Ken gets a phone from Harry, who gives him an order hearing which he is shocked.

Ray regrets very much about killing a little boy. He is very much remorseful, and though he enjoys himself much in Bruges, he is never able to take that incident out of his mind. He is shocked because of what he did and cannot forget it.

Harry, their boss, believes that killing a child is a terrible sin, and orders Ken to murder Ray. But will Ken forget their friendship? Will he kill his friend, or save him? And what happens after all?

Often using witty and light dialogues (and often crude language), the film is easily a dark comedy film, but there is emotional content aplenty. It is easily visible. Ray's remorse for what he did, Ken's feeling for friendship- all these make the film emotional as well. 

The film starts simply as a comedy regarding two hit men, and we don't have any idea of what is going to happen next. But then everything changes. The film turns out to be dramatic, often thrilling, with bits of action and bits of humor. And it is effective. It makes us laugh, feel emotional, and get thrilled. Such an effective and well-made film it is.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play Ray and Ken respectively, two hit-men and friends to each other. Their performances are remarkable. As the antagonist, Ralph Fiennes gives a praiseworthy performance.

There are several subplots. For example, Ray's affair with drug dealer and robber (and production assistant of a film about a dwarf) Chloe ( Clémence Poésy). Ray shoots Chloe's partner in crimes, Eirik, making him blind at one eye, and Eirik turns to be a secondary antagonist. Another subplot is about a dwarf, Jimmy, played by Jordan Prentice.

In a small supporting role, Thekla Reuten plays Marie, co-owner and operator of the hotel where Ken and Ray stay.  Elizabeth Berrington (who played Jane in Mike Leigh's ''Secrets & Lies'') is present in a tiny role as Harry's wife.

While there is so much humor making you laugh out, there are also many moments when you feel thrilled and emotional. Very good movie, well-made, praises to it!

4 out of 5

127 Hours (2010 movie)- Short Review

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Released: 2010
Country: United Kingdom, United States

Genres: Biographical, Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Main cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clémence Poésy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Short Review

Intense, emotional and touching, Danny Boyle's ''127 Hours'' tells a true story. And truly, it's one of the most emotional, most impressive movies about a true story of survival. It has an excellent screenplay, and with the excellent background music, stunningly great cinematography, great performances (especially by the lead actor, James Franco), and truly excellent editing, it can easily be said as among the best movies of 2010. It tells the story of Aron Ralston, a young man, who, while canyoning, gets trapped. One of his arms get trapped in a big rock. He cannot move. He cannot escape. Thus begins his journey of survival. How will he survive? How? Throughout the film, he thinks that he would die soon, but his efforts to escape and survive doesn't end. He tries and tries. Along with this, he records something in his camera, thinking someone would send it to his parents if he dies. Along with this, there are beautiful flashbacks of his childhood, youth, family life, along with memories of his girlfriend. There are several other supporting characters, but they just remain mere supporting characters. For example, two lost hikers (played by Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara). Aron's girlfriend Rana (played by Clémence Poésy, who appeared as Fleur Delacour in the Harry Potter film series) is present in flashbacks.t   Impressive, powerful, and engrossing, and Often intense, ''127 Hours'' is a beautifully-told movie. It is a must-watch. 

Note: The film is very intense and is rated 'R' for ''language and some disturbing violent content/ bloody images.''

Sleepy Hollow (1999 movie)- Review

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Directed by: Tim Burton
Released: 1999
Country: United States

Cast: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Marc Pickering, Christopher Walken, Jeffrey Jones, Casper van Dien, Ian McDiarmid, Michael Gough, Richard Griffiths, Christopher Lee

Genres: Mystery, Horror

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

The mysterious Headless Horseman and his purposes are scary and mysterious. Everybody in Sleepy Hollow are afraid of the Headless Horseman. The Headless Horseman is the main antagonist in Tim Burton's ''Sleepy Hollow'', and the character is with a past and purpose, which is revealed in course of the film.

Dark, scary, mysterious, violent, but overall beautiful, ''Sleepy Hollow'' is an overall good film by Tim Burton. But it's main fault is that at the middle of the film, when the solutions to the mystery start, there are so many details that we actually get a bit confused.

But more of that later, first let's discuss the storyline. Ichabod Crane is a handsome young Police Constable, and is sent to a place named Sleepy Hollow, to investigate for three mysterious murders that have taken place in that place. The bodies of the three murdered persons have been found with their heads separated from their bodies, and when he arrives at Sleepy Hollow, people inform him that their heads are not just separated, but also missing. They are taken away by the Headless Horseman, a ghost and the film's antagonist.

Ichabod comes to learn about the Headless Horseman's past. As the murders continue, he works hard to solve the mystery. 

But that's exactly when the film gets puzzling. In solving the mystery, Ichabod comes across so many facts that we actually get confused. The film looks promising at first, but this is where it gets confusing.

But, however, these confusions go away when the twist starts. And the twist is a complete solution to the mystery that makes us amazed and wondered.

The film is not as empty as I have described in the storyline above. There are many more characters involved in the mystery, in some way or the other. In Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod is sheltered by Baltus van Tassel, played by the brilliant Michael Gambon. His wife, Lady Van Tassel, is played by Miranda Richardson, another brilliant actress. Baltus Van Tassel's daughter, Katrina is played by Christina Ricci. Another major character is Young Masbeth, played brilliantly by Marc Pickering. Young Masbeth is the son of a murder victim, and helps Ichabod. And there are some more character, such as the other murder victims, but let's not go into more details.

The film is amazingly beautiful with the excellent cinematography, and the scares and thrills easily comes. Like other movies by Tim Burton, this film also deserves special praise for it's wonderful set decorations.

The movie is based on the short story ''The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'', written by Washington Irving, and first published on 1820.

With touches of humor, great background music, amazing set decorations, good acting, a good story and screenplay, the dark and violent ''Sleepy Hollow'' proves to be an overall impressive movie. All in all, a pretty good movie, and except some of the confusion at the middle parts of the movie, it's a generally good experience, what do you say?

3.5 out of 5!

Let Me In (2010 movie)- Review

Directed by: Matt Reeves
Released: 2010
Country: United States

Genres: Horror, Drama, Romantic

Main cast: Kodi Smit-Mcphee, Chloe Grace Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Elias Koteas, Cara Buono, Dylan Minnette

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review

In a snowy, cold, and a chilly weather, the whole story of ''Let Me In'' takes place. ''Let Me In'' is yet another film about the romance between a vampire and a human, but it is not as what we have seen in Twilight. Instead, ''Let Me In'' is in nature a sophisticated film, a film of friendship, and love, and all the beautiful things that comes in friendship. To begin with, I simply loved ''Let Me In'', but, however, the film is not completely flawless.

Directed by Matt Reeves, ''Let Me In'' is a remake of the critically acclaimed Swedish film ''Let the Right One In'', based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. I personally haven't seen Let the Right One In.

All the violence, blood, and horrors in this film are quite disturbing. But there is greater significance in the friendship between Owen and Abby, two lonely, introverted kids, who find friendship, and find company with each other. The deep bond that develops in between these two young people is one of the sweetest things I have seen in a while.

The film starts in 1983, in New Mexico. Owen is a 12-year-old boy. Lonely and introverted, he is frequently bullied by a few boys of the school. He lives with his mother, who will soon be divorcing his father. To make it simple, life for young Owen is not happy.

A young girl, Abby, and her father, move next door. One evening, Owen and Abby talk with each other, the latter saying that they cannot be friends. Owen doesn't understand why Abby doesn't want to be friends with him, but however, over the next few days, they develop a deep friendship, a deep bond, that ultimately turns into romance.

But however, Abby and her father are guarding a secret, that Abby is, in fact, a vampire. Often, Abby's father goes to kill people in order to feed Abby.  Meanwhile, a local policeman has been searching the reasons behind the murders.

Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Grace Moretz bring the two protagonists to life. The two young actors are simply remarkable, and their performances are simply brilliant.

Though a vampire, Abby is not evil. She isn't evil at all. She isn't like the evil antagonist of Dracula. Instead, she is the sweet protagonist of ''Let Me In''. But while she is drinking blood, she gets truly vicious. And scary as well.

Many times, the violence in this film, as I mentioned before, gets disturbing. But then, however, the bondage between the two protagonists are much more deeper, much more remarkable, that it makes us forget the violence that we see in this film. Their bondage is a beautiful thing in the film. They help each other, they care for each other, they are true friends.

The two adult supporting characters who get some importance in the movie are Abby's seeming ''father'' and the local policeman, played respectively by Richard Jenkins and Elias Koteas. Abby's ''father'' truly cares for Abby. The policeman investigating the murder give considerable support.

Cara Buono is present as Owen's mother, but she doesn't get much importance, to tell the truth. We can hardly see her face in the film.

Dylan Minnette plays Kenny, the leader of the boys who bully Owen. In his antagonistic role, Minnette gives an excellent performance.

The background music is sweet at times, dramatic at times, but overall the music is awesome. The snowy, cold, chilly weather makes the film look much more artistic.

Maybe I should see ''Let the Right One In'' someday. ''Let Me In'' is a remake of ''Let the Right One In'', and I have heard that ''Let the Right One In'' is much more touching.

Overall, this film is touching, sweet and wonderful. It is a unique horror film, a horror film that has a beauty, that is sophisticated, that, despite it's violence and horrors, gives more emphasis on the main theme of the movie: Friendship: friendship between the two protagonists, one humans and the other vampire, but bonded by their similar feeling of loneliness, and the bond deepens, and we see a deep and true friendship. Sometimes disturbing and violent, but these violent contents are forgotten when we see this beautiful theme of friendship. This is a great film that shouldn't be missed.

3.5 out of 5!

Rear Window (1954 movie)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1954
Country: United States

Main cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr, Wendell Corey

Genres: Thriller,  Mystery

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

Alfred Hitchcock creates a suspenseful, scary, and thrilling atmosphere in his masterpiece, ''Rear Window''. This is another great movie Hitchcock made. With ocassional humorous touches, ''Rear Window'' is almost a perfect thriller film: scares, thrills, suspense, mysteries- all are in this film.

James Stewart plays a Jeffries ''Jeff'', photographer with a broken leg, and has to stay in his apartment for two weeks. Since he has almost nothing else to do, he sees what his neighbors do all day. The neighbors keep their curtains open since it is too hot. He amuses himself by watching all these, and one day, he comes to suspect, because of a number of reasons, that a neighbor, Lars Thornwald (played by Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife. His girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and nurse Stella  (Thelma Ritter) comes to believe him and helps him to find out what has indeed happened. And as time goes by...

There are multiple subplots in this film, all regarding Jeff's neighbors. One neighbor, nicknamed Miss Lonelyhearts (Judith Evelyn), is a very lonely woman. Another, nicknamed Miss Torso (played by Georgine Darcy) is a good dancer and he sees her dancing every morning. Another is a songwriter (Ross Bagdasarian). A couple (Frank Cady and Sara Berner) owning a cute little dog. And also, a newlywed couple (playing Rand Harper and Havis Davenport).

We see most parts of these subplots with Jeff's eyes, we see what he sees his neighbors doing. The camera work is simply awesome. And the presentation that the film has is simply wonderful. The whole film takes place on the neighborhood of Jeff, and almost all the scenes take place in Jeff's house. As I mentioned before, we see his neighbors and their activities throughout the film, but those scenes doesn't take place in the houses of the neighbors. Instead, we see all these through the point of view of Jeff.

The first few scenes of the movie move a bit slowly, as we are introduced to Jeff, his girlfriend Lisa Fremont, his nurse, Stella, and his neighbors. But then, the moment Jeff comes to suspect that his neighbor has killed his wife, the movie actually gets far more interesting. It slowly gets scary, mysterious, suspenseful and thrilling. Humorous touches are present here and there.

As Jeff, James Stewart is, in a word, great. Grace Kelly plays his girlfriend, a lively and brave young woman. As the caring nurse Stella, Thelma Ritter is perfectly superb. Wendell Corey gives considerable support as a detective whose help Jeff takes. And as Lars Thornwald, a good performance is given by Raymond Burr.

My conclusion is simple: Watch this movie!!! Full of entertainment, thrills, suspense, mystery, and scares, ''Rear Window'' is a great choice if you want to watch a good thriller film. Excellently made by the brilliant Alfred Hitchcock, this is, without a doubt, one of his best films.

4.5 out of 5

"The Artist'' (2011 movie)- Review

Directed by: Michael Hazanavicius
Released: 2012
Country: France

Main cast: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, Uggie, James Cromwell, Missi Pyle, Penelope Ann Miller


Genres: Romantic Comedy-Drama

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

If you are thinking of a movie which will touch your heart, and make you smile and shed a tear, then watch ''The Artist''. Yes, I started the review by writing this as it is just what I felt about ''The Artist''. I saw this movie yesterday and I liked it- maybe not just I liked it, in fact I loved it! The film is not very lighthearted, yet not complicated, yet very deep.

The film's protagonist is George Valentin. He is a famous film star of the silent era. He has many fans. Everybody knows him. An aspiring young actress, Peppy Miller, is selected to be an extra in one of his films. Having met her (who was just an audience) in the premiere of one of his films and humorously receiving a kiss from her, George and Peppy are delighted to see each other. Slowly, Peppy begins to earn success, her roles eventually become minor roles, then supporting roles, and then eventually to major roles.

The year is 1929. As sound films are becoming much more popular, the studio stops making silent films. George, however, refuses sound films. After his own silent film (directed, produced and acted by himself) becomes a big flop, he slowly loses his wealth and even his wife divorces him. He isn't able to pay his servant so he fires him. While his times are so difficult, Peppy goes on impressing people and stars in so many different sound films, and she becomes one of the most famous stars. But then what happens?
  
The film explores life, ups and downs of life, sorrows, and love. It is a gentle romantic comedy, perhaps one of the sweetest, deep and powerful films released in 2011.
 
A thing I haven't pointed out yet: ''The Artist'' is a black-and-white silent film. In almost all the scenes, you hear only music, not a single dialogues. Intertitles are frequently present. It is a homage to the silent films and the silent era. Remember ''Hugo'', the film which was a tribute to the brilliant filmmaker Georges Melies? ''The Artist'' is a tribute to the silent era as a whole.

George Valentin loses his wealth and almost fame. But however, many people still do remember him, his works. Jean Dujardin plays his role well and sometimes his strong performance brings the character to life, and his sorrow may bring a tear in your eye. Bérénice Bejo is similarly wonderful as the rising star. John Goodman and Penelope Ann Miller give considerable support in the roles as the boss of the studio and George Valentin's wife respectively. 

But a very remarkable performance is given by Uggie, as Jack, the dog of Michael Valentin. The dog remains faithful forever, never leaving his master's side. I was impressed by the faithfulness of this dog.

The black-and-white cinematography is quite charming. The background music is simply wonderful. 

''The Artist'' is a mixture of romance, comedy, seriousness, and overall, it is a tale of life, it is a tale of the ups and downs that come in our life. While it is able to bring tears in your eyes with the sorrows that come in the life of the protagonist, similarly it will also bring a smile in your face. And finally, don't miss ''The Artist''! It'll will be one of the most exciting and amazing romantic comedies!

5 out of 5!