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Chloe (778 KP) rated Escape from Pretoria (2020) in Movies
Mar 6, 2021
Emotional (2 more)
Stressful
Good story
Lack of heritage (1 more)
Occassionally slow
Clever emotion heightening
This was a good film, based on a true story, good length as there were occasional slow parts. I really found myself rooting for the characters even though the camaraderie was subtle, it built enough of a picture to feel that.
The main character is exceptionally clever and when the plan is first revealed I thought it was impossible but somehow it was done well.
I love the main suspicious guard and how close he comes to finding out the truth.
My biggest erk is that they didn't bother using native actors, the accents are OK but when in a stressful situation/shouting they are dropped.
The main character is exceptionally clever and when the plan is first revealed I thought it was impossible but somehow it was done well.
I love the main suspicious guard and how close he comes to finding out the truth.
My biggest erk is that they didn't bother using native actors, the accents are OK but when in a stressful situation/shouting they are dropped.
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated Brain on Fire (2016) in Movies
Jun 26, 2018
Based on a true story
Based on the life and book by the same name by Susannah Cahalan, this movie follows the events of a 21 year old girl who suddenly begins experiencing strange flu-like symptoms. She goes to a doctor who tells her that all of her tests came back clear and there's nothing wrong with her. As she continues to work through the strange symptoms, they become increasingly severe. She begins to have seizures, psychotic episodes of paranoia, and is diagnosed with one mental illness after another. None of which explain why Susannah was previously a perfectly healthy 21 year old girl or what brought on the strange symptoms. Her family pushes to find answers where the team of doctors believe she belongs in a psychiatric facility. The movie is a little slow paced but I believe it was necessary to really encompass the severity and impact of the situation that Susannah and her family experienced. Definitely worth a watch.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Lone Survivor (2014) in Movies
Jan 26, 2021 (Updated Feb 2, 2021)
Mark Walhbeg (1 more)
Ben Foster
Never Out of the Fight
Lone Survivor- is a intense action thriller thats based on a true story. Its slow at first, but around halfway in, it gets good.
The plot:In 2005 Afghanistan, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matthew "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster) deploy on a mission of surveillance and to take out Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Though spotted by goatherds, Luttrell and his team decide not to kill them. But one of the Afghans alerts a group of Taliban fighters to the invaders, and a terrible battle ensues, in which the SEALs find themselves hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned.
Its a must see film.
The plot:In 2005 Afghanistan, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matthew "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster) deploy on a mission of surveillance and to take out Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Though spotted by goatherds, Luttrell and his team decide not to kill them. But one of the Afghans alerts a group of Taliban fighters to the invaders, and a terrible battle ensues, in which the SEALs find themselves hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned.
Its a must see film.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Indivisible (2018) in Movies
Nov 10, 2018
Great faith based movie
I was really looking forward to this movie when I saw the trailer. It has a few cast members that play in Grey's Anatomy, and their characters had similar personalities. I love the actors and they did a great job.
This movie is based on a true story about a military chaplain and his family. The film did a great job showing the families struggles, and how the family dynamics changed before and after deployment. I was worried that since it is a religious based movie that they would attempt to pray away PTSD or other mental health issues. I was happy to see that they didn't do that instead other characters encourage those In need to seek help. Over all I think it was a very real protrayel of the struggles military families go through. I would suggest this movie to other people who enjoy a tear jerker.
This movie is based on a true story about a military chaplain and his family. The film did a great job showing the families struggles, and how the family dynamics changed before and after deployment. I was worried that since it is a religious based movie that they would attempt to pray away PTSD or other mental health issues. I was happy to see that they didn't do that instead other characters encourage those In need to seek help. Over all I think it was a very real protrayel of the struggles military families go through. I would suggest this movie to other people who enjoy a tear jerker.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Bleed For This (2016) in Movies
Aug 11, 2017 (Updated Oct 25, 2017)
Incredible true story (4 more)
Eckhart & Teller are brilliant in the lead performances
The supporting cast are great too
Tight script
Good direction
One Of The Most Remarkable Comebacks In History
If this movie wasn't based in true events, it would be ridiculed for being too far fetched. Don't get me wrong, I am sure that, (as is with the case with all movies based on a 'true' story,) some aspects of the film have been exaggerated for dramatic purposes, but even still, this is an incredible story about triumph over adversity.
The cast are all great, Miles Teller at this point is up there with Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal as a young character actor at the top of his game in my eyes. He is fantastic as Pazienza and does a brilliant job conveying the pain and tragedy that Vinnie faced and the 'nothing will stop me,' attitude that Vinnie possessed. Aaron Eckhart goes from Hollywood heart-throb, to past his prime shlub in this role and he sells it convincingly, he truly is one of the most underrated character actors working today in my opinion.
The rest of the ensemble cast are great. The production is also of an immensely high quality, the sets, sound design and abrupt editing all make up an equally grim and glamorous world that feels realistic and lived in.
Overall this film is definitely worth a watch, whether you are a boxing fan or not, it is a hugely inspirational story that has been brought to life masterfully and is a story that should be witnessed by everybody.
The cast are all great, Miles Teller at this point is up there with Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal as a young character actor at the top of his game in my eyes. He is fantastic as Pazienza and does a brilliant job conveying the pain and tragedy that Vinnie faced and the 'nothing will stop me,' attitude that Vinnie possessed. Aaron Eckhart goes from Hollywood heart-throb, to past his prime shlub in this role and he sells it convincingly, he truly is one of the most underrated character actors working today in my opinion.
The rest of the ensemble cast are great. The production is also of an immensely high quality, the sets, sound design and abrupt editing all make up an equally grim and glamorous world that feels realistic and lived in.
Overall this film is definitely worth a watch, whether you are a boxing fan or not, it is a hugely inspirational story that has been brought to life masterfully and is a story that should be witnessed by everybody.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Kiss and cry (2017) in Movies
Jul 24, 2020
This movie is based on the true life story of carley Allison (whom I'd never heard of until watching the movie) a teen figure skater who is faced with a rare form of throat cancer, but bravely stays positive and continues trying to achieve her dreams whilst also holding down a relationship.
The movie itself was OK, I did feel happy and also sad for her at times. But what was off putting was the constant narration and time jumps, I feel it would have been a better movie without all that and instead focus on the story itself.
I didn't find out until the credits rolled that the person who played carley in the movie, was real life carleys best friend. I found that absolutely amazing that she was able to do that.
The movie itself was OK, I did feel happy and also sad for her at times. But what was off putting was the constant narration and time jumps, I feel it would have been a better movie without all that and instead focus on the story itself.
I didn't find out until the credits rolled that the person who played carley in the movie, was real life carleys best friend. I found that absolutely amazing that she was able to do that.
Prieblanda (25 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
May 17, 2019
Could be darker
The novel takes us back to the WW2 times, the times when concentration camps were running full capacity. And it lets us to get in a life of one of the prisoners at the biggest camps - the Auschwitz. Starting to read, you know beforehand what lies in path of the main character - Lale. Though the story itself happens in dark times (times I consider to be closest to dystopia humanity ever got to), Lale doesn't lose his optimism and it makes the whole story a bit more lighthearted. We don't really get much insight on some more gruesome things.
Summing up, there were some parts that I liked and there were a few that I didn't. But knowing it is based on a true story makes it a forgivable. I just wish the author put a bit more of work in her prose, to paint the images more vividly
Summing up, there were some parts that I liked and there were a few that I didn't. But knowing it is based on a true story makes it a forgivable. I just wish the author put a bit more of work in her prose, to paint the images more vividly
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated McFarland USA (2015) in Movies
Aug 3, 2020
Kevin Costner remains one of the most special actors Hollywood has produced. Based on a true story, a coach is tasked with taking a non existent cross country team from literally Zero to anything, and given little to work with.
After finding a student who can most definitely run, he learns that the boy has other family obligations that prevent him from participating with the team. Overcoming that, coach convinces friends of the boy to join the endeavor. What they are able to accomplish is truly motivating and inspiring.
I feel corny suggesting this, but I wish Disney would focus more resources on this type of movie. They never cease to satisfy in this arena.
After finding a student who can most definitely run, he learns that the boy has other family obligations that prevent him from participating with the team. Overcoming that, coach convinces friends of the boy to join the endeavor. What they are able to accomplish is truly motivating and inspiring.
I feel corny suggesting this, but I wish Disney would focus more resources on this type of movie. They never cease to satisfy in this arena.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans '66) (2019) in Movies
Nov 21, 2019 (Updated Sep 13, 2020)
Great cast (2 more)
Awesome racing scenes
Cool cinematography
If this were a beauty pageant we've just lost
This looked a class act just from the trailer and the full film doesn't disappoint. Based on the true story of how 2 men helped Ford design a Car to challenge the dominance of Ferrari. The chemistry between the Damon and Bale is great. The driving and race scenes look great, giving you the feel as if you are behind the wheel at times. It's a quality and all round well made film. If you liked @Rush (2013) check this out as it has a similar feel to it.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Golden House in Books
Oct 6, 2020
There's a new wealthy family at "The Gardens," a gated New York community - the Golden family. Not only do they all have strange names (straight out of ancient Roman and Greek history and mythology), but they themselves seem a bit odd. René is a fellow resident, with ambitions in filmmaking, including a project to document the Golden family, but René hasn't decided if he can tell their true story or make up something fictional based on the Goldens; either way, René can't stay away from the Golden House. You can read more about this new Salman Rushdie novel here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/08/12/glitter-and-tarnish/
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/08/12/glitter-and-tarnish/