fantasy | Fifth about The Seventh

Game of Thrones – Season 4

July 23, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

Game of Thrones – Season 4: much has been written already about the production values of this series (it remains great; locations, set and costume design are top-notch once more) and the violence (this season saw an increase of it; by now it became expected and lost its shock value, as did the liberal use of nudity). While the series continue to pull-off the trick, mostly, of juggling an almost inordinate gallery of characters and story-lines (most of which should […]

Categories: Non-Film Reviews • Tags: fantasy

I Married a Witch

July 21, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

I Married a Witch: while the high concept of René Clair’s romantic comedy is interesting enough, and the central characters are attractingly played by Veronica Lake and Fredrich March, this film unfurls too quickly, too suddenly for it to be fully enjoyable. There are certainly many interesting moments, but the story seems almost an afterthought. Visually, the film has a cute solution on how to present the characters, which match perfectly the overall feeling.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: fantasy, romantic comedy

How to Train Your Dragon 2

June 25, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

How to Train Your Dragon 2: visually striking animation, with a beautifully realized world and varied, well-designed characters (both humans and dragons) and dynamic set pieces and action scenes. However, the main strength of Dean DeBlois’ film is its story; it focuses on a heartfelt, touching narrative in lieu of low-brow, easy humor. It helps that the voice acting is low-key, with character-building being its main priority. Read also: How to Train Your Dragon

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: animation, fantasy

Maleficent

May 31, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

Maleficent: Robert Stromberg’s film is able to tell an old, familiar story in a new way, retaining most of its recognizable elements at the same time as it alters enough to make it fresh and somewhat heartfelt, even if still simple. (It also avoids the pitfalls of other similar, recent endeavours, thankfully.) Angelina Jolie is able to infuse the proper tone to the title character, while Sharlto Copley chews the scenery. Beautifully designed world (costume design included) and CGI. Fun, […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: fantasy

Game of Thrones – Season 3

February 22, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

Game of Thrones – Season 3: while the third season juggles a growing number of storylines and characters and at times neglects someone for a while, paradoxically it feels more

Categories: Non-Film Reviews • Tags: fantasy

The Seventh Seal

January 2, 2014 by Felipe Rosa

The Seventh Seal: a film with this setting, group of characters and story is expected to be

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: drama, fantasy, top

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

December 31, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: this upbeat story has been told many times before; however, the mix of genres and the specifics make this a pleasant journey. It is a bit too on-the-nose on its themes, however. The film is visually slick and interesting; the locations, in particular, are great to look at and very distinctive. The cast is in fine (if not spectacular) shape and sells the concept well; Ben Stiller registers well by avoiding, both as an […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy

Frozen (2013)

December 17, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Frozen: while too hard-on-the nose thematically, this film is nevertheless a good example of the Disney machine operating at a high level; the result is a solid piece of entertainment. Beautifully animated, visually stunning, it tells a delightful story with a fun set of characters (which are distinctly designed) and harmless sense of humor. Voice acting is solid, and the songs, performed with gusto. (Particular note for “Let It Go”, a crucial song for the story.) The short that preceded […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: animation, comedy, fantasy

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

December 17, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: while beautifully realized (top-notch special effects, beautiful cinematography, great costume and set designs and, above all, outstanding make-up), this film suffers from being the middle chapter in a trilogy, somewhat aggravated by screenplay. As is often the case with adapted material from other media, how one reacts to the new work is related to how strongly one feels about the source; the film takes its time to show the world, but it also takes […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, fantasy