Edge of Tomorrow: while calling an adaptation (particularly one that is so clearly inspired by another movie as well) “original” may seem like a stretch, there is enough illusion of originality in this high-concept summer film to warrant that. Part of it comes from the playful tone that Doug Liman imprints in most of it; part from the smart way the high-concept is dealt with. Tom Cruise fits the role nicely, as does Emily Blunt; Bill Paxton chews the scenery […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi

Godzilla: when summer starts, the expressions “developed character” and “rich plot” usually go down the drain, as does logic. Needless to say that such is the case here: the star of the show is supposed to be the giant creatures, so human characters are left to second plan. That’s not to say that it’s not an interesting cast (there are plenty of good names around), but all they do is run from one crisis to the next or stare at […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi

Divergent: wearing its influences in the sleeve, this film results both a minute variation and a minor version of them. The main problem is that the dystopian society portrayed in the film is dull, and its dynamics don’t seem very relevant. The lack of imagination extends to the visual aspects chosen by Neil Burger: costume and set design, as well as the action scenes, are all pedestrian. Shailene Woodley doesn’t have much to do with her role (the rest of the cast, needless […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi

RoboCop: this is a well-crafted film; the sound design, visual effects and Lula Carvalho’s camerawork (for the most part; there are a few handheld shots that stuck out like a sore thumb) are solid. 

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: some sequels are content in repeating the story of the original work with minor variations (these generally make for less attractive experiences); others continue (in an organic way) and expand the story and the world where it takes place. This film (at least to those not knowledgeable about the source material) starts as one of the first type, but morphs into the second; the story got richer and more emotionally involving. The discomfort with the […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi