Reviews

Neil Gaiman is so contemporarily vital, both in literature and cinema, because he more than anyone else (with the possible exception of Terry Gilliam) notes that children and adults alike are fascinated with what lies outside our observable and tangible realms of existence. He realized the reasons storytelling have been significantly important since the dawn of mankind, and devised, as the Brothers Grimm did, that fairy tales and children's stories had to be haunting and entertaining to be both memorable and timeless. This is a great film depicting the growing sense as a child approaches adolescence that their parents and their world aren't exactly as they seem, and that through their trials and tribulations (the 'rites of passage', if you will) they'll reach the 'happy medium' they need to in order to find true happiness in their lifetimes. I definitely hope that all of Gaiman's books...

Masterplan is an entertaining heist movie with an interesting story, unexpected family drama, and some fun moments. The idea of a father bringing his two unknown children together for a major art robbery makes the story more engaging. The characters have an enjoyable dynamic, and the movie offers a good mix of action, suspense, and comedy. While some scenes could have been more exciting and the story is not always unpredictable, it still delivers a decent entertainment experience. Overall, Masterplan is a fun movie for anyone who enjoys crime, heist stories, and lighthearted action with a family twist.

Petty thieves "Jay" (Victor Belmondo) and "Chiara" (Simona Tabasco) find themselves embroiled in a cunning scheme to relieve the Louvre Museum of it's most celebrated exhibit. Why? Well, that's down to arch-criminal "Roger" (Stanley Tucci) who needs their technical whizzkidery and legerdemain to infiltrate this fortress-like structure. Oh, and, by the way - he's their dad! They didn't already know this, but they quickly realise that's all a bit of an irrelevance compared to the loot they are going to make from the job, so they agree. What now ensues is a really quite bland enterprise that struggles to come alive at any stage, even during the execution of their heist - usually the best bit. I'm not quite sure who ever thought Tucci could carry a film by himself; he really can be an ultimate in charismatic supporting actors but as a lead he disappoints only marginally less than the other...

Thrillers are always entertaining, at least they are supposed to be. This one left a lot of doubt as to the final intentions as the plot progressed. The viewer would have been wrong if they thought they knew how this movie would end .. "Fast moving, with lots of twists and turns along the way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐"

A Movie Made by Dinosaurs, for the Dinosaurs I wanted to like Disclosure Day. The premise—a government agent racing to expose classified alien contact—should be tense, urgent, relevant. Instead, what we get is a film so divorced from how the actual world works that it feels like it was written by people who've been in a bunker since 1987. The core problem: when your protagonist needs to leak classified information in 2026 or whenever this is supposed to happen, why in God's name are we watching them scheme about getting it done through a news room? The movie shows thumb drives, AI, all this modern tech—and then treats a television newsroom like it's the only lever that matters. It's nonsensical. If you want to burn a government secret to the world, you don't need Walter Cronkite anymore. There are better platforms on the internet. The infrastructure exists. The filmmakers simply have...

If this film was released in 1979-85 I probably would have loved it. Now that I'm 61 instead of 14, I see the world much differently. I really wanted to like this, since CE3k is one of my all-time favorite movies and Spielberg has never let me down so far. The production was terrible. JJ Abrams style lens flares all over the place that were nothing but distracting. The CG animals looked fake. The scenes that were supposed build tension, were boring and predictable. Who could have guessed the aliens would look like that? (Sarcasm). Since I worked at NBC's 30 Rock, I just had to laugh at how fake that was. Even John Williams' sound track had no ooomf.

Director Steven Spielberg’s filmography is legendary, to say the least. Movies like “Jaws” (1975), “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial” (1982), “Schindler’s List” (1993) and “Jurassic Park” (1993) have gone down as classics in the annals of filmmaking. And, even though some of his works in more recent years haven’t quite lived up to the quality of past efforts, it’s comforting to know that he’s still got what it takes when he gets behind the camera. This is where his latest release, “Disclosure Day,” comes into play, easily his best picture in years. This sci-fi/conspiracy theory/personal discovery thriller sports a multifaceted narrative that’s probably too complex to detail here, but that’s likely to be beneficial to viewers who walk into the theater knowing little, if anything about it in advance. In fact, I’d...

Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/disclosure-day-2026-a-breathtakingly-human-paradigm-shift-in-modern-sci-fi/ Rating: A- DISCLOSURE DAY is a fascinating, deeply hopeful return to sci-fi for Steven Spielberg, beautifully championing the concept of truth as a fundamental human right. Subverting the destructive tropes of typical alien invasion flicks, it favors radical empathy and genuine human connection over blockbuster chaos. Emily Blunt delivers a sensational, potentially career-best performance that anchors a truly incredible ensemble cast. Driven by exceptional camera work and a sweeping pace, it stands as one of my favorite films of the year so far. I cannot wait to see it again!

She sings, he grins wide / Water swallows the whole screen / Talent wins the day #filmreviewhaiku

On a gorgeous Polynesian island where they all...speak...very...slowly, the young "Moana" (Catherine Laga'aia) is conflicted by her father's (John Tui) warning never to venture beyond the reef that protects their home and her grandmother (Rena Owen) who is embedded more in the tribe's ancestral and mystical roots and who has little fear of the open ocean and what lies beyond. When their crops all start to die, she is reminded of the legend of the demi-god "Maui" (Dwayne Johnson) who took the heart-stone from the benign goddess from whom all life sprang, and so she determines to find him and his magical hook and then restore the ornate stone to this font of all goodness. Perhaps that will reverse the process that is killing everything? Ten years on from the original animation and this doesn't really add very much to a story that was always a bit cheesy and thin. Here, it's at least...

Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/moana-2026-stranded-on-a-soundstage-of-pure-nostalgia/ Rating: C MOANA had every chance to expand on its animated predecessor, and it wastes almost all of it. Beat for beat identical to the 2016 original, this remake trades vibrant, sun-drenched color for green screen sterility, turning musical numbers that once felt joyously alive into stiff, mechanical spectacle. The lead performance brings real warmth to the title role, and the central chemistry has its moments, but neither is enough to disguise a film that never once asks why it needed to exist.

Ben Affleck’s Animals Is A Crime Thriller About A Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate And His Wife Who Are Plunged Into A Desperate Search For Millions Of Dollars After Their Son Is Kidnapped. With Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, And Steven Yeun Rounding Out The Cast, The Film Explores Political Corruption, Marital Secrets, Class Divisions, And The Lengths People Will Go To Protect Their Families. Affleck And Washington Provide Compelling Moments, While Anderson Brings A Chilling Presence To Her Role. However, The Film’s Convoluted Screenplay, Uneven Pacing, And Underwhelming Finale Prevent Its Intriguing Premise From Reaching Its Full Potential. Despite Its Talented Cast, Animals Struggles To Deliver The Consistently Gripping Suspense Its Story Promises.

Just another predictable, agenda-driven Hollywood production. Every time I watch something made in Los Angeles, I know it will be crap. So glad to be far away from that environment.

Anyone remember "One Man and His Dog" on the telly? Well instead of a sheepdog, this introduces us to "Odin" - an highly trained military canine that's clearly had a fairly torrid time and is now in the care of his ertswhile sergeant "James" (Brad Pitt). "James" has his own little Cessna and loves nothing more than to set off into the Alaskan wilderness to get back to nature. He, too, is not without his wartime injuries and it's while he is trying to outfly a storm that his plane ends up in a lake. Now the pair have to make it across sixty miles of inhospitable terrain and avoid some wolves and bears if they are to make it to the nearest road. What ensues illustrates the affection and inter-dependence of both of these characters as they struggle against adversity and injury but I think my problem here was that word "character". We don't really get to know much about "James" at all, and...

10/10 stars review ratings from me. As always Brad really nail it .. and he didn't even look like he is trying hard. Its just comes naturally for him to be ex vet.. special forces the usuals. But then again it is not a military movie . it's the effect and side effects.The cinematographic is stunning and although it is not the actual wild forest of Alaska. But it did the trick and still looks stunning. t manage to make yo glued to your seat and mesmerized by the journey .. the forest , river and of course the great and high mountains above. Paired with excellent story telling and the acting from Mr Pitt it just jive in almost every angle.Nature , dogs and aman thats all it is being presented to you for more and one hour plus. It is a journey worth watching escpially if you are an out door hiking person. You gonna love it .Finally a master piece ... emotions and bonding all in...

Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/heart-of-the-beast-2026-david-ayer-finds-his-gentlest-film-yet-in-a-dogs-steady-gaze/ Rating: B HEART OF THE BEAST sends Brad Pitt and his real-life canine co-star(s) into New Zealand's wilderness for a survival story you've essentially seen before: man and dog, cold and hunger, one obstacle after another. What saves it is restraint. David Ayer lets his camera simply sit with two creatures who trust each other completely, and set against absolutely gorgeous landscapes, that trust becomes genuinely moving. Predictable, formulaic, and I cried anyway.

Brave, emotional, and beautiful I had the opportunity to watch this movie before its official release, experiencing the premiere early. The film is gripping, and several scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The direction is excellent, and Brad Pitt's performance is outstanding. Although the story is set in Alaska, most of the shooting took place in New Zealand, showcasing a beautiful wilderness. The emotional scenes were well-executed, making it easy to relate to the protagonist. Not to mention, the dog also did a fantastic job. Overall, it is a great watch. While the survival concept isn't new, this is one of the most well-executed films in the genre.

Honestly, *Runner* was okay overall. The acting was decent, the pacing was fine, and the plot was alright. Nothing that really blew me away, but nothing that made me regret watching it either. A pretty solid watch if you’re looking for something decent to pass the time. 70% from me!

This is loud and pretty dumb. The main protagonist has a screen presence but doesn't command the room and the sidekick is annoying in the most perfect way. The plot is contrived and the antagonists keep shifting as more and more layers of the plot get revealed. It is entertaining, but it isn't memorable.

After the disappointment that was Onslaught (2026), I was kinda hesitant, but I enjoyed the last movie I watched Alan in, Motor City (2026), so why not? There are stupid moments that should end this movie, but the third act makes up for it. In fact, I was fully engrossed! I view this movie as "What If... Reacher in Australia, with Owen Wilson". P.S. I disliked Reacher Season 4 and gave up on Neagley Season 1 half way through.