13

It is well-known that the most notorious number is 13. Hence, I didn't expect the movie “13” be bright and hilarious, nevertheless I was shocked to find it that dark.

The film starts innocently enough – by accident a guy, who name is Vince (Sam Riley), finds out the way of earning money fast. Despite the fact that he does not know any particular detail of it he is utterly resolute to try it.

After following certain instructions he ends up in some illegal casino, where one people participate in series of Russian roulette games and other bet on who will survive. After several rounds (where the last one is a duel) and against all odds Vince becomes the winner! He gets almost 2 millions of dollars. He takes the money and runs out of that place with one wish to forget about this nightmare.

However, the police is aware of such games and pull in Vince to ask him questions about it, but Vince doesn't reveal the truth and gets out of police station hurrying to the rain station to go home.

At that moment I even believed in happy ending of the film. Alas!

Jasper Bagges (played by Jason Statham) who lost his brother in the last duel against Vince sees him and follows … Without any doubts he kills the winner mostly on purpose to steal money from him and partly to get revenge for his brother's death.

However, Jasper doesn't know that Vince sent the money to his family by post before that!

The most sad and dark movie I have seen lately. Nonetheless, life consist of good and bad aspects which we must be aware of.  

new experience

Have you ever been tired from civilization, all these technologies? If yes, what do you do to shake it off? Perhaps, you go in the countryside or do sport.

Recently, I found out about a woman, who was living in Melbourne and went in Marocco to forget about life in huge city, internet and other technologies. She not just went there for a week as a tourist to get new impressions. Mary by name went there to live permanently! She bought a house in the desert without electricity and water inside. Mary found such a house fascinating.

However, she bought it with one more purpose apart from just living there. I forgot to mention that she is an artist and her dream was to make from the house an art-studio for her and all artists who want to come in Marocco for inspiration! Therefore, to have hotel for artists and all creative people seeking for fresh ideas.

What do you think? After 18 months this place was in demand! She made it so cozy and comfortable for all guests! There were sun batteries (hence, there was electricity), new furniture, even sheeps and small plantation! The business was booming!

It goes without saying that Mary was, and still is I guess, over the moon and had no intention to leave that place.

It is worth to notice that she did all these with help of one local inhabitant who guided her through the nuances of Marocco's life.

Would you do something like that?

I do not mean to launch such a business in furthest place in the planet, but to go in far-off place without any up-to-date technologies where even electricity and water are luxury?  

Doctor Strange

There is one more movie which based on comics and … the best one!

It is known that it took a long time to make the film, but every second spent on preparation was worth it.

The film directed by Scott Derrickson and stars Benedict Cumberbatch who obviously is key reason to see the movie for Sherlock Holmes's admires. For me it was so, and he is brilliant there. Confident, bold and arrogant doctor, who might remind you Sherlock Holmes but only in the beginning of the film.

Moreover, all cast performed great. Although Tilda Swinton appeared in typical character for her - unemotial, endogenous, mysterious.

Anyway, “Doctor Strange” has fast moving plot and compels you to follow it till the end.

Of course, the fans of the comics already know the chain of events and it is pointless to build up any suspense. However, I can point out on amazing special effects of the movie. May be due to them you cannot be bored during the movie and when it ends you are surprised that 2 hours already passed.  

I can assure you of having no regrets but joy that you saw it. For romantic people, I may drop a hint about love story in the "Doctor Strange". 

So, go in the cinema. 

Back to Supernatural

Has it ever happened to you to come back to the old TV series which you used to watch some time ago?

I had such an experience.

I took up watching Supernatural 11 years ago … I was fond of that theme and two handsome brothers made this topic even more attractive to me. While my sympathy hesitated between two brothers (Dean and Sam Winchesters), both of them were fighting against supernatural creatures, ghost, demons and other evil. They were brought up by a father who was such a hunter himself. John Winchester became the hunter after one demon killed his wife Mary, the mother of Dean and Sam. Therefore brothers had no opportunity to have normal life Sam tried it though.

At first I noticed the same ideas like in X-files. I found it funny, nevertheless I kept following the TV series. I was rewarded because the imagination of the screenwriters sharply increased as well as the amount of viewers.

I was side by side with Winchester in their fight against all evil long 7 years, when I realized that I couldn't take it anymore. Do not get me wrong, I wanted to see them beating all demons, but after fifth year everything started happening in a circle. More precisely, the plot got stuck. It was evolving 5 years in a row and in 6^th year it came to a standstill. I hoped 7^th season to be the last one and did my best to watch it though to find out the end.

Just imagine my disappointment when on last minute of last episode I realized that it would be continued. I stopped watching it.

4 years passed ..

One day I turned my TV on and I saw familiar faces! Dead and Sam, who were looking as I last time saw them, were still chasing and killing all evil in the world. I already thought that it was ended. Well, I decided to watch the last episode of the last 11^th season (it isn't the final season) and it was like I was watching a new TV series with the same actors and familiar plot. It felt weird. 

Just imagine: all 11 years they have been at war with all evil! As I said it seemed that time have not touched them, in both ways - the appearance and the plot. However the scale of events have grown (even God is there already).

It is going to sound crazy, nonetheless  I want to take it up again and I will look it in the reverse order to make it more complex.

Hopefully, I will watch it till the end!

The Family

The Family. What are you thinking of? No, I am not going to talk about the royal family. I am excited to share with you my impressions about the TV series “The Family”.

Strong cast and intriguing, fast-moving plot with a lot of flashbacks to make the picture full.

In the first episode you meet the family which faces one of the toughest tragedy which parents only can be struck by – a kidnapping of their little baby. How you would handle such a situation?

And after 10 years passed the kidnapped baby appears... He was in bunker all this 10 years, alone in the dark bunker and only that monster who put him there to do the most disgusting things.

He comes back in his family. Is it still his family? How family can accept the baby they lost many years ago? Especially when this family is the family of the mayor of the city who is going to run for a governor, family which is almost fallen apart but must stick together due to the reappeared son and coming election. Also do not forget that the criminal who did this to their family is still somewhere out there.

The family has a lot thing to handle. Thankfully, there is a daughter who is always cold-blooded and extremely responsible. Perhaps, she is handling too much and even without telling all problems to rest of the family. Would she be able to be that cunning all the time? Or is it the older brother who is so unreliable would shake the situation to the edge?

There is still the coming election. Therefore the mother must think not just about her family but about the politics and turn to the gold everything what has happened. Her husband is already out of his patience with all this election campaign and having an affair.

And again – the criminal is still out there...

As you might see (I tried to put it that way) that the plot will take you with it and will not leave you till the end of the season.

Here it is a bitter pill to swallow – there is only one season consisted of 12 episodes. May be for someone it is the plus and additional motive to start watching it. Suit yourself.

Anyway, see this TV series. No doubt, you will like it.

P.S. For them who watched “The Sherlock”, you will be pleasantly surprised to see Rupert Graves in new role.  

The Terminal

If you are searching for a lovely movie to see and do not know which one to pick, you must see The Terminal!

The film includes everything what makes a movie perfect! Drama, comedy, love story, outstanding work of two geniuses - Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg!

And it is what I like the most in the film, that is not just tough drama or sparkling comedy or sweet love story. It is a bit of everything. From my point, it is close to real life movie.

The main character, Victor Navorski, has arrived in New York's airport, but he is denied to enter the USA due to militari crisis in his homeland (as a result of it he has problems with his visa). So he is trapped in the terminal of the airport! He cannot neither enter the USA nor go back home.

In addition to such a terrible situation, he has problem even with communicating with people – he does not know English at all – and he does not have money. However he is inventive in earning some money and has plenty of time to learn the language. He makes a cycle of friends and even falls in love.

Generally, the film is very touching, it goes through your skin to reach the heart. It shows human feelings, sense of dignity and honor, and rough rules of life as well.

Main character faces all sides of life and reveals his true nature, which is pure and innocent.

The film stars by incredibly gifted actor Tom Hanks. He is truly outstanding. His acting is one of the main reasons why this film is so great! He just cannot do his work badly.

Of course, the cast includes other amazing actors, as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Stanley Tucci.

Do not hesitate, watch The Terminal!

The movie last almost 2 hours, but it seems like its duration is only a moment! That is how it is great!

Fancy yourself as an interviewer

Recently I was flicking through a magazine and saw that title. It caused deep pondering. I wondered, who I would like to interview, what questions I would ask .. My thoughts were scattering in different directions and in that very moment other question occurred – what if I had a chance to interview a person who is already dead.

I was lost in my thoughts for some time. Then I realized that I prefer to spend a day (a few would be better) with a person and asking questions during the day about whatever might appear into my head.

Anyway, first of all, I decided to pick a dead person to spend a day with. No, not in the other world. In the time of this person had lived. I am fond of history, therefore I had a wide range of choices. Finally, I picked the Emperor of Russia Nikolai the Second. The period of his government is covered by some mystery. As a result, it had an impact on Russia and its fate. Hence, I would like to make things clear for me, to find out all the details of events and reasons which caused them.

Secondly, I was needed to choose one live person. I had even wider list of people to pick: from Adele to current President of Russia, from Novak Djokovic to Brad Pitt. After long contemplation I came to decision that I would interview Maria Sharapova. She is so incredible and inspiring that I would love to meet her and to know her a bit. I would ask enormous number of questions! Some of them, no doubt, would be about tennis, but most of them – to reveal her personality.

Anyway, it was engrossing just to ponder about this. It turned out that I know a large number of interesting people.

What do you think?

Who would you choose to interview?  

The Grand Budapest Hotel

No, I am not going to describe all benefits of some hotel in the capital of Hungary. I will tell about one of the most delightful movies I have ever seen!

This comedy film, written and directed by extraordinary Wes Anderson, tells you a story of a concierge Gustave, who was blamed in a murder of a woman he loved. During the film he tries to prove his innocence with help of a bellboy Zero Moustafa, who becomes his friend.

The story takes place in imaginary country – the Republic of Zubrowka.

One peculiar detail, the narrative is formed as a story within a story within a story within a story. Moreover, it is divided into several chapters.

Without revealing other important details of the plot, I can point out the visual style and direction of the film. It is so engrossing that you rivet to it.

The cast carried out an outstanding performance. All actors were incredible, specially Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave and Tony Revolori as young Zero Moustafa.

It is common knowledge that sparkling screenplay and magnificent cast's work are key factors of film's success.

In this particular case, all worked out perfectly.

By the way, the movie received widespread critical acclaim and as a result many nominations for different awards.

In a conclusion, the movie is marvelous. You must have no doubt and hesitations – watch and enjoy!

Gone Girl

“Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher. The film stars by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

Honestly, I have decided to see the film just because the director is David Fincher. He has his own very distinctive style, and even if you have seen only one of his movies, you will immediately recognize Fincher's work in “Gone Girl”.

The plot is fast moving and absorbing, compels viewers to follow the chain of events. By the way, the screenplay based on a novel of the same name written by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the script.

Turning back to the film, the day of his 5^th anniversary, Nick Dunne (by Ben Affleck) returns home and finds his wife Amy (by Rosamund Pike) is missing. Of course, he goes to the police, then calls her parents. After all, the mass media covers the disappearance of Amy. Day by day the influence of the press on Nick's life is rising. Meanwhile, we find out the details of daily life of the couple which make us change our mind over Nick. Did he kill his wife? All evidences give us broad hints about it.

Whereas, Nick convinces his sister in his innocence and tries to prove it to everyone else, it turns out that the disappearance of Amy was committed by .. Amy. But no one knows it yet.

Will someone reveal the truth?

To find out the answer you must see the movie.

You will have no regrets after all! The film is absolutely worth of watching!

Begin Again

If you would like to see a not complex movie, but with interesting content, you might like seeing “Begin Again”. 

Written and directed by John Carney, the film made in musical comedy-drama genre and stars by Keira Knightley and Mark Buffalo. Also admires of Adam Levine have an opportunity to see him there. 

The genre of the movie implies that it is full of good music. 

Moreover, whole movie is about music industry and people, who are working in it and dreaming about it. More precisely, Dave Kohl (by Adam Levine) is newly successful musician, who used to write the music with his long-time girlfriend Gretta James (by Keira Knightley). After rising to fame, he breaks up with Gretta. However, she does not drop music and encounters Dan Mulligan (by Mark Buffalo), former successful record label executive. Dan takes liking for Gretta's music and persuades her to sing for his former record label. 

Without revealing further details, I can say that the film is easy to watch and leaves nice aftertaste. You will hear music from this film a long time after watching it

Witching & Bitching

When it comes to talk about witches and craft, I recall one movie “The Craft”. As for me, it is one of the most striking films about witches. But lately I watched another one.

"The Witches of Zugarramurdi" (also known as “Witching&Bitching”) is a Spanish comedy horror film, made in 2013 by Alex de la Iglesia.

It opens by a robbery which was pondered by two street artists Jose and Tony. The robbery does not go as well as they thought it would. Nevertheless, they manage to steal a bag of golden rings and successfully run from police. Moreover, a taxi driver, who was their hostage and drove them away from the crime scene, becomes their confederate.

Thus, the beginning of the film is full of action, chases and sparkling dialogues. The singularity of the situation is that Jose has brought his son Sergio and he becomes involved into the crime and all consequences of it. Due to Sergio, his mother, who is followed by police, manages to figure out their whereabouts.

The company ends up in the Navarrese town in Zugarramurdi, which is known as witch's town since Medieval times. They meet cannibalistic witches face to face. It goes without saying, that their only aim is to run away from that place, but it is not so easy.

The plot is evolving rapidly and including a lot of supernatural and terrifying action. Some of scenes were absolutely horrific. But I really like the movie though.

Also, to my opinion, the plot of the film has similarities with “From dusk till dawn”. Bad guys are running from police and end up in a strange place facing supernatural creatures. 

Anyway, "The Witches of Zugarramurdi" is a great film.

Have you ever seen Django Unchained?

Have you ever seen Django Unchained?

If you have not, I must insist, please, watch the movie!

It is one of the best Tarantino's movies. Mr. Tarantino thought through the plot very carefully. No wonder that he got an Oscar and other supreme awards for the screenplay of Django.

After such a successful cooperation with Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds Tarantino decided to continue cooperating with this talented actor. Doctor Schultz, the new character of Christoph Waltz, was written amazingly good, thoroughly. So Christoph Waltz transformed into this character completely.

At first sight, harmless and considerate doctor turns out to be a hunter for wanted men on purpose to kill them in exchange for money afterwards. “It is flesh for cash business”, as he said himself.

Despite of seeming cruelness of the doctor, he sympathizes with Django's fate, a slave, who was separated with his wife by their owner's will. Therefore, King Schultz suggests to Django (played by Jamie Foxx) keep on hunting wanted men together and find his wife. Meanwhile, Django already obtains his own freedom thanks to the doctor. 

Finally, they succeeds to find out further destiny of Brunhilda, Django's wife. She is one of the slaves of Calvin Candie, savage and cruel plantation owner in the South. Consequently, the team consisting of the doctor and Django goes for Calvin Candie to buy Brunhilda, but they understand that they need very gentle approach in this case on purpose not to scare him away from selling Brunhilda. Ingenious Schultz outlines the plan of actions and fun begins.

In addition to Calvin Candie, starring by Leonardo Di Caprio, it is a very controversial character, but no doubt, he is vile, self-indulgent, narcissistic and racist character though. Nonetheless, Leonardo Di Caprio did a magnificent job! There was no trace of lovely Leo, there was only that evil Calvin, who you want to hate. Moreover, during one scene Leonardo hurt his hand badly but ignored this fact, continued acting and even involved his own blood into the scene. Needless to say, it was the most powerful episode in the film.

If I did not say enough to persuade you to see the film, I do not know what to say further.. Just watch! You will have no regrets after!  

Columbo + Sherlock Holmes = Patrick Jane ?

There are a lot of detective series in the world, however, just a few of them are truly remarkable. What does make them be so? Perhaps, complex criminal narratives, bewildering turns of events, but first of all, it is a main character, the detective, the one, who solves all mysteries.

To make up this character is not an easy task. This man should be an engrossing, absorbing one and no doubt very memorable.

When it comes to famous detectives, I immediately recall Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. They are so well-known, that there is no need to introduce both of them. Personally, lieutenant Columbo is my third favorite detective. This character is remarkable indeed. At first you notice just his sloppy appearance and a bit silly face, after - his liking for talking about his wife and then Bam! - he solved a crime. It turned out that all his stupid questions had a cause. Despite a lasting impression of a fool man, he has keen mind, meticulous and scrupulous approach in all his investigations.

I am of opinion that Patrick Jane (“The Mentalist”) is very close to Columbo character. Needless to say, that Mr. Jane has completely different background, nevertheless his methods, appearance and tendency to prevent being silly are referred us to the famous lieutenant. However, Mr Jane is not a police officer and due to his character he tends to act beyond the law by time to time. Moreover, he likes to provoke people rudely to make them show their true faces. These and a few other features are similar to Sherlock Holmes.

Anyway, Patrick Jane is very memorable character, who you like to observe and sympathize with.

Unfortunately, all seasons of “The Mentalist” released. On the other hand, if you have never watched this series, go ahead. 7 seasons are await you.

It is worth of watching.

In the Middle

Have you ever wanted to make an about-turn, forget about your daily problem and focus on someone else's troubles? I bet you wanted! Perhaps, it is one of the best ways to bestir yourself!

It might go even better if you can watch all this on your TV sitting at your cozy sofa at home with your favorite snack. Then you need just one – turn on TV to watch “In the middle”.

Frankly, I took up this TV series to fill the silence gap doing my household chores. But after some time I started sympathize with Franky, main female character, who is coping with everyday routine, getting by on little money, trying with her husband to bring up three their kids. I developed my liking for this series so far. They all face up with concerns which you faced some time ago. Every character seems very familiar and close, whereas they are so different.

The cast are doing a great job. 

By the way, if you were watching the Scrubs one day, you might want to start watching ''In the middle”, because one of the main actors from that TV series turned out here.

To make it short, “In the middle” is nice and kind TV series to watch.  

Inglourious Basterds

I know, perhaps, I am a bit obsolete.. but till this night I had never seen that movie. And.. I've realized that it was one of the biggest mistakes of my life!

Inglourious Basterds is an outstanding movie!

I even cannot tell what exactly I liked the most. I have nothing but praise!

 Above all, I must admit - Tarantino is incredibly gifted screenwriter and director! Judging by Basterds he put a lot of efforts in writing the screenplay. His holistic and meticulous approach is noticeable. It is hard to imagine how much time did he spend on writing the script.

 When it comes to the cast, I am full of praise for Christoph Waltz, who was magnificent as Hans Landa. Undoubtedly, he is extremely talented actor! And no wonder that he won a lot of praises for this role. The character made by him was precise, convincing, sparkling! It was such a pleasure to see him playing despite the fact that his character was negative one.

 Also, I cannot dismiss a role of Brad Pitt! It goes without saying, that he did a great job as well, however, the most striking for me was his his accent! Adorable! If I hadn't heard any American speaking, I would have thought that this is how all Americans are talking!

 Of course, all the cast did an amazing job! All actors were on their places. I mean that I cannot imagine other actors in these roles. Perhaps, it is a merit of the director too, who did all right.

 Generally speaking, the plot is intriguing, provoking an interest, carrying viewers with it. During the movie I was wondering – what is going to happen next? So the film captured all my attention. I even was afraid of breathing to not miss any important details. And in the end, I stood up and gave a big clap as a sign of respect to the crew, to the outstanding movie!

 I was not focus on historical, moral or whatever aspect of the story. I watched it as a story which was made up by one genius.

I hope, I inspired you to see the film! Believe me, it is worth it!

The Hidden Truth

If you are fond of psychological thrillers and searching for a new one to see, you would be interested in seeing a colombian thriller "The Hidden Face" (also known as "Bunker" or "Inside"). 

At first, you might be struck be a slowly moving plot. Perhaps, you will not even think of this movie as a horror one till its middle, however, keep watching and you will be rewarded. A turn of the plot will be absolutely unforeseen. 

Meanwhile, you will have a chance to look at the beginning of a love stiry, which has one dostinguished feature. The guy is a suspect in a case of his ex-girlfriend's disappearance. Would it scare you off from the guy, if you were this girl? 

Overall, if you like thrillers without blood but with psychological strain and unpredictable ending, you will love this movie. Personally, I would definitely recommend seeing it.