You are here:  Ronen Recommends

Ronen's Rating System:

***** 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...

Entries

From category archives: RonenRecommends

Coming of age

Moana (2016) ****

Moana (2016) ****

Disney’s 56th animated feature, Moana, is a 3D computer-animated musical-adventure. It is the tale of a daughter to a Polynesian tribe chief. As the chief’s only daughter, and the one to inherit his seat, she is expected to stay put and avoid taking risks. Yet, when disaster threatens her island, she fearlessly embarks upon a journey to right a wrong done to an ancient goddess. The story follows Moana from early childhood to becoming a young woman fulfilling her destiny. Accompanying her on the journey, and not much by his own choice, is a whimsical legendary demigod named Maui.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) ***

The Edge of Seventeen (2016) ***

Despite its flaws, The Edge of Seventeen is refreshing. It follows Nadine, first as child, and then as a teenager turning into a young woman, in an environment she finds, for the most part, hostile. While featuring a familiar coming-of-age theme, what makes this film work is a strong performance by its lead character, played by Hailee Steinfeld. It also relays, maybe moreso than some other films in the genre, that peculiar age, where the world seemed quite two-dimensional.
The Edge of Seventeen can be a journey on memory lane for some of us, or simply a snapshot of today’s young generation. It also makes one realize that while much had changed, a lot remained the same.

Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Sand Storm (“Sufat Chol‎‎”, Israel 2016) ****

Sand Storm (“Sufat Chol‎‎”, Israel 2016) ****

The story focuses on traditions versus modernization at the world of the Bedouin; once fierce nomads of the desert, now permanently settled throughout the Southern desert region of Israel. Providing an insight into a culture foreign to most of us, Zexer’s tale follows a young woman on the verge of adulthood, whose forbidden love puts her at odds with her family and tribe. Sand Strom is about people trapped in circumstances larger than what they feel they can handle; namely placing emotions against ancient traditions. Simple yet haunting, Sand Storm is a film to watch and meditate on. Like all good stories, the subject matter is very specific, yet one can find in it a universal theme.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) *****

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) *****

Kudus to Kubo, or, more precisely, to the storytellers behind this fine piece of animation. What sets Kubo and the Two Strings apart, aside of its extraordinary animation, is its story; a tale that feels at once ancient and original. While one will find in the film’s plot familiar elements that range from King Arthur to Indiana Jones’ Raiders of the Lost Ark, the subliminal context includes concepts pertaining to Eastern philosophy, and, of course, plenty of references to the Japanese culture, whereof the fable takes place.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) *****

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) *****

Standing the test of time, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a real classic. As far as the genre of teen movies goes, if it has a sub-category of high-school films, and then a sub-sub-category of skipping school, Ferris Bueller's Day Off likely occupies the number one spot. Perfectly cast, well-paced, and confidently directed, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the sort of film that makes us laugh and, ultimately, reminds us that, as Ferris himself so eloquently phrases it at the movie’s end, "Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!" Thus this film excels above the humdrum and novelty of fart-teen-flicks to a form of true art.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Boyhood (2014) ***

Boyhood (2014) ***

Boyhood features vignettes from an American family life, a life that is typical in some ways, yet unique in others. Some moments felt quite authentic, still, plenty a time I found myself asking why do I need to sit and watch on the big screen that which I have just left behind at home. Only reason, in my mind, to see a drama that represents real life, is if there is something to be learned. Sadly, at least for the earlier part of Boyhood, I did not feel rewarded. The intent was there but that somehow got lost in translation.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Pages: Previous123NextReturn Top

Search

Archive

Bookmark and Share

Subscription

Get the latest film recommendations by email! (we NEVER share or sell emails to marketers)

Featured Entries

Game Night (2018) ****

Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, to a screenplay by Mark Perez, Game Night is a comedy-action thriller, that delivers jokes while...

The Last Jedi (2017) ****

If I had to sum-up the experience of watching this film in one word, it would be: impressive. Although, not without hiccups. The Last Jedi counts as ...

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017) ***

A bio-drama, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women tells the story of psychologist William Moulton Marston, and the two women in his life. Martson, a...

American Made (2017) ****

Life is stranger than fiction; this paraphrase of a Mark Twain’s famous quote may come in mind, when watching American Made. It is a film based on true...

Far Western (2016, Japan, USA) ****

Who would have guessed that in Japan, especially post-WWII, American country music, including Bluegrass, will have not just fans, but actual talented ...

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) ****

Blade Runner 2049, or BR 2049 for short,  is a 2017 neo-noir sci-fi film, directed by Denis Villeneuve to a screenplay by Hampton Fancher and Michael ...

Maudie (2016) ****

An indie bio-drama, Maudie follows the life of Nova Scotia painter Maud Lewis. The film, a Canadian-Irish production, shot to a small budget of $5.6mm...

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) ****

The Guardians Vol. 2's storyline is as thin and infantile as a young twig, yet it serves one purpose – delivering perfect punchlines. And yes, the special...

Frantz (2016, France-Germany) ****

Franz tells the story of a German woman named Anna, beautifully portrayed by Paula Beer, who, in post-WWI Germany of 1919, while grieving Franz, her fianc...

Logan (2017) ***

Directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Frank and Michael Green, Logan is based on a story by Mangold. Logan introduces us to...

Authors

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

© 2024 RonenRecommends.com, All Rights Reserved. Site Developed and Maintained by Progressive Element, Inc.