Reviews
Taxidi sta asteria (2021)
A great sports movie, made in Greece
As a PANATHINAIKOS fan, I found the film very interesting and the effort of all the cast, special. Especially Danis Katranidis who portrayed the legendary club's owner and Greek businessman Pavlos Giannalopoulos was great. The plot talks about the whole history and the establishment of Panathinaikos, until the glorious days when Zeljko Obradovic won five Euroleague trophies with the team. Also presents the emotional contrasts between wins and defeats among the owners till the first European trophy back in 1996, when the breathtaking last phase of this game justified the struggle of years for the team and also for them. Give it a shot, even if you aren't a PANATHINAIKOS fan, it is worthy!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
A very good movie
I' m talking about the Ultimate Edition, probably. I don't know further information about the theatrical cut, but, what I watched was extremely good. The plot was easy to understand, and I think, I got used to Ben Affleck in the role. I didn't put 10/10, because the movie had some gaps in the scenario, like the sudden appearance of Wonder Woman, although I enjoyed Gal Gadot's performance. Only one point for this and the strange Luthor's hair😂. He's not Joker. At the end of the day, I believe that the theatrical cut wronged the idea of a grand DC Civil War, especially to the fans. To finish it, Cavill had an outstanding performance and the universe's Alfred was amazing. If you want to spend 3h watching a decent movie, this is the right choice!
Wonder Woman (2017)
My favorite DC movie!
Director Patty Jenkins' "Wonder Woman" stormed into theaters in 2017, redefining the superhero genre with its blend of compelling storytelling, strong performances, and breathtaking action sequences. Gal Gadot's portrayal of Diana Prince, the Amazonian warrior princess who becomes Wonder Woman, is a standout in a film that manages to balance heartwarming moments with intense battles.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, the film opens on the mystical island of Themyscira, where Diana is raised among fierce Amazonian warriors. Gal Gadot's portrayal of Diana is both charismatic and earnest, capturing the essence of the character's curiosity and determination. Her innocence and determination to make the world a better place become the driving force of the narrative.
Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, a World War I spy, provides the perfect foil to Diana's optimism. Their chemistry is palpable, offering a genuine and heartfelt dynamic that grounds the film in humanity. Pine's portrayal is charming and endearing, balancing humor and vulnerability as he navigates the unfamiliar world of Themyscira and beyond.
One of the film's greatest achievements lies in its portrayal of female empowerment. The Amazonian warriors, led by Connie Nielsen's Queen Hippolyta and Robin Wright's Antiope, showcase strength and resilience in every scene they appear. The film takes these empowered women seriously, avoiding the pitfalls of objectification that often plague superhero movies. Instead, it portrays them as multi-dimensional characters who contribute significantly to the narrative.
The film's first act on Themyscira is a visual feast, immersing the audience in the breathtaking landscapes and epic battles of the Amazonian island. The choreography of these action sequences is impressive, and Jenkins doesn't shy away from showcasing the prowess of the Amazonian warriors. The training montages and combat scenes are not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant, highlighting the themes of courage and sacrifice.
As the story shifts to the war-torn world outside Themyscira, the film maintains its momentum with thrilling set pieces and a sense of urgency. The World War I setting adds a layer of historical significance, serving as a backdrop for Diana's journey from idealism to understanding the complexities of humanity's darker nature. The film's themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for justice resonate deeply, making it more than just a traditional superhero flick.
The film's main antagonist, General Ludendorff (Danny Huston) and his accomplice Doctor Poison (Elena Anaya), provide a sinister counterpoint to Diana's idealism. While they may lack the depth of some other superhero villains, they serve their purpose in driving the conflict forward and showcasing Diana's moral compass.
The third act, where Diana fully embraces her role as Wonder Woman, delivers on the promise of a superhero spectacle. The No Man's Land sequence, in particular, stands out as a defining moment not only for the character but for the genre as a whole. The scene is a masterclass in blending action, emotion, and symbolism, and it's a testament to Patty Jenkins' directorial prowess.
"Wonder Woman" is not without its flaws. The pacing at times feels uneven, and the climactic battle against Ares, the God of War, veers into more familiar superhero tropes. Additionally, the film's choice to rely on slow-motion shots during action scenes, while stylistic, can occasionally feel overused.
In conclusion, "Wonder Woman" (2017) is a landmark film that shattered expectations for superhero movies. Gal Gadot's charismatic performance, Patty Jenkins' deft direction, and the film's commitment to genuine emotional depth make it a standout in the genre. By celebrating female empowerment, tackling complex themes, and delivering thrilling action, "Wonder Woman" transcends its origins and cements itself as a symbol of strength and inspiration.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
My first ever cinema-movie!
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022) continues the legacy of the original film with both reverence and a sense of transition. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film navigates the challenge of addressing the passing of Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed King T'Challa, while simultaneously exploring the broader world of Wakanda.
The film gracefully acknowledges Boseman's impact on the franchise, using the character's absence to fuel the narrative's emotional core. It pays tribute to his portrayal while taking the story in new directions. The story revolves around the various characters dealing with T'Challa's absence and the responsibilities that come with protecting Wakanda.
The strength of "Wakanda Forever" lies in its ensemble cast. Letitia Wright's portrayal of Shuri, T'Challa's sister, takes on a more prominent role, demonstrating her growth and leadership potential. Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia and Danai Gurira's Okoye continue to be fierce and loyal protectors of Wakanda. The introduction of new characters, played by the likes of Tenoch Huerta and Dominique Thorne, brings fresh dynamics to the story.
The film delves into themes of tradition versus modernity and the importance of unity. It explores how Wakanda's legacy can continue even in the face of challenges. The visually stunning depiction of the country showcases its technological advancements and cultural richness. The vibrant costumes and the depiction of rituals provide a captivating visual experience.
"Wakanda Forever" introduces a sense of vulnerability to the nation, highlighting that even a place as advanced as Wakanda is not invincible. This vulnerability adds depth to the characters' struggles and makes their triumphs all the more meaningful.
One of the film's strengths is its willingness to embrace different genres. It seamlessly shifts from action-packed sequences to heartfelt character moments, and even touches on themes of grief and legacy. The pacing, however, can sometimes feel uneven, especially as the film navigates multiple plotlines.
The film does well in establishing a new antagonist, played by Tenoch Huerta, whose motivations add complexity to the conflict. The showdowns are intense, but the film occasionally struggles to balance the emotional arcs of the characters with the action-driven narrative.
While "Wakanda Forever" succeeds in honoring the legacy of the first film and Boseman's portrayal, there are moments where the emotional weight doesn't fully resonate. Certain scenes feel more like tributes than integral parts of the story.
In conclusion, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" serves as a respectful continuation of the Wakandan saga. It adeptly navigates the challenges presented by Boseman's absence and explores the broader world of Wakanda. The film celebrates the characters' strengths and vulnerabilities while delivering stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes. While it occasionally struggles to balance its various elements, it remains a worthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a testament to the impact of the Black Panther legacy.
Black Panther (2018)
Epic movie!
"Black Panther" is an epic movie directed by Ryan Coogler, which premiered in 2018. The movie became an instant success, grossing over $1 billion at the box office and receiving critical acclaim. Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, the film explores themes of identity, power, and responsibility.
The movie opens with a brief history of Wakanda, an isolated, technologically advanced nation that has hidden its wealth and resources from the outside world. Following the death of the previous king, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) assumes the throne and becomes the Black Panther, the protector of Wakanda. However, his leadership is challenged by Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), a former black-ops soldier with ties to Wakanda.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Black Panther" is the way it presents Wakanda. The country is shown as a place that has advanced beyond the rest of the world, with incredible technology and a deep connection to its cultural heritage. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes is impressive, and the movie's soundtrack, which incorporates African music and beats, adds to the authenticity of the film.
The cast of "Black Panther" is exceptional. Boseman's performance as T'Challa is stoic and powerful, conveying a sense of responsibility and duty to his people. Jordan is equally impressive as Killmonger, bringing a raw intensity and a sense of tragedy to the character. The supporting cast, including Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o, and Letitia Wright, also give strong performances.
The film's themes of identity and responsibility are woven into the story in a way that feels natural and organic. T'Challa must grapple with his role as king and the burden of leading his people. Killmonger, on the other hand, seeks to use Wakanda's power to help oppressed people around the world, but his methods are violent and destructive. The conflict between these two characters is at the heart of the film, and it raises important questions about power, privilege, and responsibility.
The action sequences in "Black Panther" are well choreographed and visually stunning. The movie's use of vibranium, a fictional metal with incredible properties, allows for some truly inventive fight scenes. However, the movie's pacing can feel uneven at times, and some scenes drag on longer than necessary.
One of the film's few weaknesses is its treatment of women. While the female characters in "Black Panther" are strong and capable, they are often relegated to supporting roles. The film's portrayal of women is a missed opportunity to explore the intersection of gender and power in Wakanda.
Overall, "Black Panther" is a remarkable film that explores important themes in an engaging and visually stunning way. The film's cast and setting are exceptional, and the story raises important questions about power, privilege, and responsibility. While the movie's treatment of women is a weakness, it is still a groundbreaking and important work in the superhero genre. I highly recommend "Black Panther" to anyone who enjoys superhero movies or is interested in exploring complex themes in a thought-provoking way.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Great movie!
Avengers: Endgame is an epic movie! The culmination of over a decade of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, this epic superhero film brings together almost every major character from the MCU to battle against the ultimate threat: Thanos.
The film opens with a somber tone, as we see the aftermath of Thanos' snap from the previous film, Avengers: Infinity War. The world is in chaos, with half of all living creatures disintegrated into dust. The remaining Avengers are left to pick up the pieces and find a way to reverse what Thanos has done.
The first act of the film is slow-paced and emotional, as the characters deal with the trauma and grief caused by the snap. The Russo brothers do an excellent job of giving each character their own moment to shine, as they come to terms with the enormity of the situation. The film takes its time to explore the personal relationships between the characters, which adds an emotional weight to the story.
As the plot moves forward, the remaining Avengers come up with a plan to travel back in time and retrieve the Infinity Stones before Thanos can use them to wipe out half of all life. This leads to a series of exciting and action-packed sequences, as the characters revisit key moments from the previous films in the MCU. These scenes are a real treat for fans, as they are full of Easter eggs and nods to the previous films.
The final act of the film is where the Russo brothers really pull out all the stops. The battle against Thanos and his army is epic in scale, with every character getting their own moment to shine. The action is well-choreographed and thrilling, with some truly jaw-dropping moments. The film's climax is emotionally satisfying, as the Avengers come together to save the world.
One of the standout performances in the film comes from Robert Downey Jr. As Tony Stark/Iron Man. Downey Jr. Has been the heart of the MCU since the first Iron Man film in 2008, and his performance in Endgame is one of his best. He brings a depth and complexity to the character that we haven't seen before, as Tony deals with the consequences of his actions and makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the world.
Another standout performance comes from Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Evans has always been a strong presence in the MCU, but in Endgame, he really shines. He brings a sense of nobility and determination to the character, as Steve fights to save the world and make things right.
The film's visual effects are also impressive, with some of the best CGI seen in a superhero film. The battle scenes are visually stunning, with the use of color and lighting creating a real sense of spectacle. The film's score, composed by Alan Silvestri, is also excellent, adding to the emotional weight of the story.
If there is one criticism to be made of the film, it's that some of the character arcs feel rushed or incomplete. With so many characters to juggle, it's inevitable that some of them will be given short shrift. However, the Russo brothers do a commendable job of balancing the different storylines and giving each character their moment to shine.
In conclusion, Avengers: Endgame is a fitting conclusion to the first decade of the MCU. It's a thrilling and emotional ride that brings together almost every major character from the franchise in a satisfying way. The Russo brothers have crafted a film that not only delivers on the action and spectacle that fans expect from a superhero movie but also has real heart and emotion. It's a must-see for anyone who has been following the MCU for the past decade.