Kaka

After two episodes, Season 2 seems much more accessible to the classic viewer not overly familiar with the source material. This is good for many people, but die-hard fans will probably miss more juice. The truth is that so far there is not a single memorable scene, which certainly cannot be said about the first season, which had several already in the first two episodes.

Maybe in a different world or reality, where the previous three films didn't exist, it would be a wow modern and cutting-edge blockbuster with all the hallmarks that are so hot today, or that Hollywood filmmakers want to make hot. However, given the existence of the original trilogy, the fourth film is half a mockery and half a slap in the face to the entire Matrix universe with its storyline. Basically three films rolled into one completely unnecessary reboot 20 years apart – how refreshing. I hope Grandpa and Grandma won't do it again after twenty years – there's always a reason why, it's a love story.

A bit overdone and insanely talky agitprop for saving the world, which is lifted up by a strong ensemble of actors, a decent turn of phrase and depiction, or at least a hint of a lot of themes that trouble us humanity and sooner or later will have to be solved somehow. It also includes stalwarts in the style of the miserable political establishment, the negatives of social networks, etc. It's clear why DiCaprio is involved, but beyond that, it's nice to see the likes of Ariana Grande, where I want to believe she knew out why she was cast and why she's playing what she's playing. Too bad about the length and some unnecessary "off topic" scenes.

A smart biopic for the whole family; thematically appealing, well scripted, accessible and well acted. It's considerably more a feel-good-vibe movie than an ambitious and raw drama, but it's so skillfully made, with so many worthwhile and entertaining scenes, that most viewers will gobble it up like a raspberry. Will Smith gives one of the best performances of his rich career.

Solid opening. The main line of the story continues exactly where the first season left off. The first episode of Season 2 has atmosphere, visual depth and great production design. In barely 50 minutes, we get a mix of Prisoner of Azkaban and Beauty and the Beast, after which nothing much actually happens. As a technically dainty dark fantasy appetizer OK, but the next episodes should bring something more.

A completely different film than Part 1. Instead of mindless action, all sorts of mini-fights and visual gluttony, John Woo finally begins to tell a deeper story full of interesting characters with diverse motivations, great war tactics, while sympathetically portraying some typically Eastern traditions with a delicate visual poetics that doesn't disappoint. As a whole, however, Red Cliff is unnecessarily drawn out, repetitive and technically unbalanced at times, full of sloppy visual effects (especially at the end). John Woo accomplished the difficult task of making a Hollywood-style Asian action film, full of heroic moments and bloody battles, but he drowns in it a bit in places.

Ran: facelifted version. An decent historical fresco, which until the very end (the white dove again) one would not have guessed that it was made by the master of modern bloody ballet John Woo. The solid choreography and varied range of fights is perhaps surpassed only by the superbly staged battle strategy. It is clear that no expense was spared. An enormous number extras, proper camera panoramas, spectacular mise-en-scène. It’s a shame, though, that in the multitude of characters, not every viewer will be able to relate to some of them. In my case, I wasn’t able to identify with a single one of them, which is a great shame, because otherwise this is a spectacular film.

A likeable and easily digestible advertisement for the East and all that is good about it. A philosophically and artistically easier to grasp version of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Smart, unpretentious, with a focus on family values until the final few minutes, when it becomes another one of Marvel’s CGI fests about saving the world. The humour is alright and some of the action scenes are fantastic. The visual effects are a bit weaker, but it’s still watchable entertainment that, unlike other “secondary” Marvel flicks, can be sipped like good lemonade.

A harrowing two hours. Basic Instinct was also bold, unpredictable and full of eroticism, but it was made by a filmmaker at the peak of his powers, not an old man who obviously has a head full of shit even in his 80s and is trying his best to translate it to the screen in the most controversial style possible, but unfortunately that's about it.

Ridley Scott is a unique filmmaker, each of his great historical films is unique in style, concept and narrative. From classic linear swords and sandals (Gladiator), to a spiritual journey (Kingdom of Heaven), to peasants running around the woods in cool packs (Robin Hood). The Last Duel is most similar to Robin Hood in aesthetics and production design, but it is more serious, topical and layered in content. It's the story of a strong woman who was ahead of her time in thought (and courage). A breathtaking acting tour de force in an original and daring script, spiced with phenomenal visual stylisation, darkened camera filters and a fierce final sword fight. There isn't as much action as usual and the running time is a bit too long, mainly due to the fact that some shots are repeated several times due to the way the story is told – which is also basically the only flaw.