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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

Fantasy

Doctor Strange (****) 2016

Doctor Strange (****) 2016

Based on the Strange Tales comics from the 1960’s, Doctor Strange, the film, can be described as House, the character from the TV series; your brilliant yet arrogant doctor, meeting Master Shifu of Kung Fu Panda. The plot is thin and consists of our bright surgeon i.e. Dr. Stephen Strange, experiencing a car accidents that ends up his career. The mishap sets him up on a quest that leads him to meet the Ancient One; a master who would instruct him in the mystic arts of the East, so that he could ultimately save the world. And if this sounds a little like Star Wars, it is because the story elements, though much simplified, are the same. Only that the evil that Doctor Strange must face is quite corny and disappointing in lack of originality.

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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.
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Star Trek Beyond (2016) ***

Star Trek Beyond (2016) ***

What Beyond lacks in essence it makes up in action squences and effects. Thus, here lies my biggest disappointment. I remember how much I enjoyed the first installment of this reboot (Star Trek, 2009,) which had both substance and extravagance. Unfortunately, it had been mostly downhill from there, with the 2013 second installment (Into Darkness,) being just okay plot-wise, and now, with Beyond, that is outright shallow. That being said, I love the way Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin (may he rest in peace,) and other cast members slide so comfortably into the roles of Captain James T. Kirk, Commander Spock, and the rest of the crew. The action scenes and special effects are, indeed, mesmerizing and the acting, engaging. The light humor threaded through the story is well-balanced.

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Captain America: Civil War (2016) ***

Captain America: Civil War (2016) ***

At two and a half hours, Captain America: Civil War feels much like its title promises – an extended chaos. If rumors are to be believed, this film is the third and final installment in the Captain America trilogy. But given its huge success at the box-office, and being it is Hollywood; Marvel and Disney, we can rest assured “surprise” sequels are on their way...
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Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) ***

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) ***

Avengers: Age of Ultron could have been a much more interesting film if Whedon would have actually followed through on the opening theme of film: Tony Stark, ignoring his friends’ advice and listening only to his inflated ego, deciding to play the role of God. But the plot quickly turns onto the usual explosions, special effects and fighting scenes, aimed at pleasing the audience and thus increasing the popcorn consumption of the enthusiastic moviegoers. Much like the empty calories of the Diet Coke that shamelessly escorts the Silver Screen’s snacks, Avengers: Age of Ultron is quickly forgotten. Consider it a preview for typical mid-Summer entertainment.
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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.
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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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