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***** A must watch
**** Worth seeing
*** If you must watch a movie and there is nothing else out there
** Don’t bother
* It’s so bad its almost good... not... These are films I walked out on, or just fell asleep
(K: stars) Rating by my children. As they are easy to please, would typically be higher than mine...

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From category archives: RonenRecommends

Romance

The Lobster (2015) ***

The Lobster (2015) ***

The Lobster is a semi-surreal satire, incorporating romantic comedy elements. If this sounds complex, maybe it is because this film, much like its form, does not fall into one specific genre. Directed by Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, to a screenplay by Efthymis Filippou and Lanthimos, it is Lanthimos’ first foray into English language filmmaking.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Trainwreck (2015) ***

Trainwreck (2015) ***

While Trainwreck starts with some originality, placing its protagonist, a woman, as a manizer (that is the female equivalent of a womanizer,) a rule typically reserved for men, the film quickly derails into a trivial romantic comedy with a yawning plotline. I giggled, even laughed hard on occasion, but when it was all over, this film felt more like a shallow quickie than a one-night stand, let alone a long-term relationship.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
The Age of Adaline (2015) ***

The Age of Adaline (2015) ***

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger to a screenplay by J. Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz, The Age of Adaline is a romantic drama with elements of fantasy. It stars Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, and Ellen Burstyn.
The Age of Adaline may feel epic at times, yet ultimately it ends up saying close to nothing. While having its moments, this film is neither a science fiction flick nor a historical period piece; it has not much in terms of a great romance nor is it a commentary about time, karma and the role chance has in our lives. Thus I recommend you save yourself precious time: no need to rush see this one at the theater.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Into the Woods (2014) ***

Into the Woods (2014) ***

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales of "Little Red Riding Hood", "Cinderella", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and "Rapunzel", Into the Woods is a fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall, adapted to the screen by James Lapine from his and Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award–winning Broadway musical of the same title. The story is focused on a childless couple who finds themselves cursed by a vengeful witch. In their attempt to break the evil spell, the couple gets mixed up with various characters of other fairy tales.
Whether Into the Woods suffers from a poor adaptation or issues existed already in the original stage version, the film lacks the charm of a fairy tale and the simplistic wits of the original Grimm Brothers.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Top Five (2014) ***

Top Five (2014) ***

Top Five is a comedy-drama written and directed by Chris Rock, who also stars in the leading role. Additional cast members include Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, J.B Smoove, and a whole lot of comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler and Whoopi Goldberg, to mention only a few.
Top Five tells the story of a famous NYC comedian turned film star, who tries to abandon comedy in favor of more serious roles, only to find out that his past character, friends and deeds will not easily let that happen.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Begin Again (2014) ***

Begin Again (2014) ***

Begin Again does enjoy several sincere moments, a few decent pieces of music, and an occasional laugh, but all in all, it is a disappointment. It tries too hard where flow is needed, it is overdramatic where a lighter touch is called for, and it lingers on and on where better pacing could have saved the day. Once it is not; begin again, it should.  
Currently rated 1.0 by 1 people

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Latest Comments

    Re: Logan (2017) ***

    I agree about the relationship with Logan and Charles - added a lot of depth, especially with the next...

    -- ed

    Re: Eye in the Sky (2015, UK) *****

    Great Review Ronen!

    -- Scott

    Re: Top Five (2014) ***

    wonderfully expressed review and very accurately describing the movie...

    -- Zoes mom

    Re: Begin Again (2014) ***

    such great performers - would have expected more of.... very disappointing to hear....

    -- mother of four

    Re: Waltz with Bashir (2008) *****

    Stunned. Speechless. This is a powerful movie. Its objectivity and lack of judgment IS its power, and...

    -- Monroe Movie Lover

    Re: Inception (2010) ***

    Special effects are more than ever present even in drama movies, its almost normal that an action thriller...

    -- Alvaro

    Re: The Real Dirt On Farmer John (2005) ***

    Interesting though i was expecting more of the film.

    -- rondnor

    Re: Midnight Run (1988) *****

    great movie indeed

    -- rondnor

    Re: The Bounty Hunter (2010) *

    wont bother then

    -- superair

    Re: Stardust (2007) *****

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :-)watching Robert De Niro in a dress what could be better.Enjoy

    -- YRD

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