Manuale D’amore 3 (2011) (Manual of Love)

“Manuale D’amore” is an Italian film directed by Giovanni Veronesi starring Robert De Niro and Monica Belucci. It is a sequel of Manuale D’amore (2005) and Manuale D’amore 2 – Capitoli successivi (2007). Though I did not watch first two films, I enjoyed watching this one.

The film consists of three parts each following a different couple and describing three times of love: youth (Giovinezza), maturity (Maturita) and beyond (Oltre). Young Cupid, who sometimes has too much make-up on his face, narrates the stories. All characters and stories in the film are related.

First couple –handsome Roberto (Riccardo Scamarcio) and beautiful Sara are deeply in love with each other. Roberto is a young lawyer, who is sent to seaside town in the province of Tuscany, Italy to convince a family to sell their house. There, among adorable simple Italian people he makes new friends and finds a new love. But, soon enough he understands that this love was not meant to be.

Fabio and Eliana are second, mature couple. Fabio has a loving wife and daughter. He meets an obsessive woman Eliana, who pretends to be a psychiatrist. He gives way to her manipulation and to their relationship. As a result, Fabio loses his family and job.

Third couple – Adrian (Robert De Niro) and Viola (Monica Belucci) are introduced to each other by Viola’s father, who is Adrian’s friend. Her father finds out that Viola worked as a stripper and has a huge dept. Here Adrian comes to a help.

The film and characters are quite ordinary and lively. Veronesi has done a great job by making film to reflect real life with its simple and at the same time complicated love stories. The story is romantic and relaxing. You can feel enjoyable Italian culture and passion throughout the film.

If you are tired of Hollywood-ish films, then “Manuale D’amore” is for you. It is a good watch with your other half. Enjoy!

Reviewer's rating: 6.5 out of 10

Despicable Me (2010)

This is an animation film from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment directed by French director Pierre Coffin and American Chris Renaud. The film features actor Steve Carell’s voice, who is well-known for playing Michael Scott on “The Office”.

“Despicable me” is a funny and heart-warming film. Its main character aging Mr. Gru (Steve Carell) is evil-doer (similarity with Megamind) who possesses a weird house and ugly “dog”. He has a partner Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and big number of small and sweet minions in underground hideaway. At this place they plan evil deeds.

A young villain Vector steals the Great Pyramid of Giza and to outdo this evil deed Gru needs to do something bigger: to steal the Moon. He visits the Bank of Evil to get a new loan for his plan. He is refused, but offered to steal the shrink ray from East Asia facility in order to receive a loan.

Right after Gru gets shrink ray, it is stolen by nerdy Vector. Unable to enter Vector’s house, Gru watches three orphan girls getting inside to sell him cookies. He decides to adopt Margo, Edith and Agnes for the implementation of his evil plan.

Agnes reminded me of Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”. She is a cute and sweet creature much like Boo and they also have physical similarities. The orphan girls and minions bring warmness and cuteness to the film by balancing its evil and good.

“Despicable me” is a fun family film, which I highly recommend for children. You will surely enjoy not only the film, but also the soundtracks, especially the song “Despicable me”.

Reviewer's rating: 7.5 out of 10

The King's Speech (2010)

This is a British drama film directed by Tom Hooper starring Colin Firth. It is based on the real-life story of British monarch King George VI, father of Her Majesty the Queen. The King was played by Colin Firth, who as usual impeccably and beautifully delivered his role.

I love Colin Firth since his playing in “Pride and Prejudice” (1995, best ever filmed-version of Jane Austen’s same name novel) as Mr. Darcy. The role of King perfectly matches Firth’s handsome and noble face features and his charisma gives the story colour and beauty. This masterful performance is probably the role of his life. But, I hope Firth will gladden me with more powerful and flawless performances in future.

“The King’s Speech” received 12 Oscar nominations and won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler). The film won many other awards. I agree that performances, directing and screenplay - three things, that I believe make a good film, were excellent; still, in my opinion, accolades received by film are quite exaggerated.

In terms of film’s story, I liked television film “Bertie and Elizabeth” (2002) more than “The King’s Speech”. Besides, once you know the story, film does not seem as interesting as it could be. And of course I knew the story.

For those, who still did not watch “The King’s Speech”, I will tell a little about the plot. The young stammering Prince Albert is unable to deliver speech in front of a big audience in Wembley stadium. His wife, Elizabeth persuades him to see Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), Australian speech therapist in London. Gradually, they become friends. Prince Albert becomes the king after the abdication of his brother Edward VIII and makes an important speech without stammer.

This is a dramatic story of a man with speech difficulty and huge responsibility, who struggles in order to take up his duty of making speeches and decisions for the people of his country. The film is a good watch in the company of friends. Enjoy!

Reviewer’s rating: 7.5 out of 10

True Grit (2010)

“True Grit” is an American Western film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen brothers. It is based on Charles Portis’ same name novel written in 1968. The story was previously filmed in 1969 by director Henry Hathaway (1898-1985). Unfortunately, I cannot compare this film to previous version as I have not seen it. But, since the story is good, this version of film is good as well.

The story is narrated by an elderly woman Mattie Ross. When she was 14 years old, her father was murdered by his hired worker Tom Chaney. He ran away to Indian territories with Mattie’s father’s horse and two California gold pieces. Young Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld) is the main character of film. She is quite intelligent and confident for her age. Using her wit, Mattie easily manipulates adults around her to get what she wants.

Seeking for revenge, teenager hires U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to find Chaney and bring him for hanging. Rooster is known as having “true grit”. Another person, who wants to catch Chaney, is Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who claims that Chaney killed the senator in Texas. Though Mattie, Rooster and LaBoeuf start this adventure together, they twice split up and take different routes.

Despite Hailee Steinfeld’s young age and the fact that this was her first role, in my opinion she perfectly delivered her role. Bridges makes film better by excellently performing his strong and ignorant character. Damon’s performance is also flawless. His character is not that likeable and moustache makes him somewhat different from his usual roles.

The film leaves positive impression in spite of numerous gunshot and dying-people scenes. Once more Coen brothers have done a good job. Though, I have to say, they could film a better ending.

“True Grit” is a great watch in the company of friends especially if they like Western films. Enjoy!

Reviewer’s rating: 7.5 out of 10

The Social Network (2010)

The film is about founding of Facebook and related lawsuits. It was directed by David Fincher. Jesse Eisenberg starred as the world’s youngest billionaire and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. As it is obvious from their surnames, both Zuckerberg and Eisenberg are Jewish and both guys are redheads. In my opinion, Eisenberg is much more handsome than Zuckerberg.

I hesitated to watch “The Social Network” and believed that it will be another boring film about the guy who made loads of money. But film nicely surprised me and I think Eisenberg’s charisma played a huge role in it. Also, writer Aaron Sorkin and director Fincher both have done a marvelous job and made the story more interesting with two timelines connected through back and forth flashbacks.

In the past, in 2003, Mark gets dumped by his girlfriend Erica Albright (Rooney Mara) and returns to his Harvard dorm room drunk where he blogs that she is a bitch. He thinks of a new project with his best friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) in order to get Erica off of his mind. Mark creates a website “Facemash” using pictures of female students hacked from various databases of Harvard, where users rate girls’ attractiveness.

Because of Facemash’s popularity, traffic hits the highest point crashing parts of Harvard’s network. He receives a six-month academic probation. This fame attracts attention of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, brothers who offer Mark a job of programmer for their future website – Harvard Connection. Mark accepts the offer and we move in time. We return to “present” – to three years later and witness lawsuits against Zuckerberg by brothers for intellectual property theft and by his best friend for ownership of Facebook.

I think Eisenberg is very talented and his performance in this film is great. All actors, including Justin Timberlake play their roles quite well. The film is highly entertaining and enjoyable. It is a great watch in the company of friends.

Reviewer’s rating: 8.0 out of 10

127 Hours (2010)

This is an adventure film directed and produced by Danny Boyle starring James Franco. The film is based on a true story that happened to mountain climber Aron Ralston in 2003 in Utah, USA.

Though, “127 hours” is a quite simple film, I like films based on true stories and enjoyed this one as well. If you want to watch it, you should not do any research about Aron Ralston or the story; otherwise film will not be interesting.

I will tell you a little about the film. In April, 2003, Aron Ralston goes for canyoneering in Utah and meets on his way two young women, Kristi and Megan. He shows them a better route for hiking and hikers invite him to the party for next night. He continues alone to his route and while descending from one of the rocks with his MP3 player turned on, a boulder falls after him. It pins his right arm against the wall of rock and traps him.

Ralston realizes that nobody will come for help as he did not inform anybody about his whereabouts. The hikers will assume that he just did not show up for party. He videos himself and rations his food and water. When Ralston is out of water, he drinks his own urine. He becomes desperate realizing that soon he will die.

Real Ralston’s courage is incredible as much as his frivolity to hike with turned-on MP3 player. Franco’s acting is superb and hilarious and his charisma is grasping. With his terrific performance viewers practically share Ralston’s torments and joy of survival.

I experienced Boyle’s outstanding directorial skills with “Slumdog Millionaire” and surely he has a lot to say in film-directing. You will certainly enjoy this film in the company of friends. Be prepared for gut-wrenching scenes!

Reviewer’s rating: 8.0 out of 10

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

One word comes to my mind when I want to describe this film: boring. Yes, this is a boring drama film about a lesbian family with two children. It was directed by Lisa Cholodenko (who is a lesbian) starring Julianne Moore and Annette Bening.

The film does not grip from the beginning and you wait hoping to reach the exciting part of story, but it never comes. Though the performances generally are good, the story itself lacks twists and turns.

Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) are a lesbian couple living in California with their two children Laser (Josh Hutcherson) and Joni (Mia Wasikowska). They each gave birth to a child using the sperm of same donor. This way, children have one father and two mothers. Laser wants to find the sperm donor, and asks his 18-year-old sister Joni to do so.

Laser inadvertently gives out information about their meeting with sperm donor to his mothers. Lesbians decide to invite the “father” Paul (Mark Ruffalo) into their lives and this is where family becomes fragile.

I did not believe Annette Bening’s character even for a second; neither did I believe in their lesbian relationship or acting in bed. The film seems to be oriented to certain unconventional-family-audience.  As very little happens in the film, it does not look like a drama nor is it a comedy. The ending is as boring as the beginning.

I do not understand how this film won awards. Did it win because the film is about lesbian family?  Does this mean any “horrible” film might win awards if it is about gay or lesbian family?

Well, this is not a family watch, nor a watch in the company of friends.

Reviewer’s rating: 5.0 out of 10

The Ghost Writer (2010)

“The Ghost Writer” is a political thriller directed by Roman Polanski starring Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan. It is based on “The Ghost” novel by Robert Harris. If you like complicated conspiracy stories, then this film is for you.

The story is exciting and gripping. The main character’s name is not revealed throughout film and I think this is awesome. It gives the story some mystery and matches character with title - ghostwriter. He (Ewan McGregor) is a successful British ghostwriter, who accepts a job offer to complete the memoirs of Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), former British Prime Minister. Adam Lang’s story loosely reminds of Tony Blair, real former British Primer Minister.

The day he arrives at Lang’s house, ex-Primer Minister is accused of war crimes by former British Foreign Secretary Richard Rycart and faces prosecution by International Criminal Court. The ghostwriter reveals that his predecessor Michael McAra died under suspicious circumstances.

He then follows leads that he found in McAra’s effects and the story gets complicated. Polanski has done an excellent job of creating constant pressure and paranoia. Though the ghostwriter suspects Adam Lang in conspiracy, war crimes and McAra’s death, be prepared for an unexpected twist in story.

The film is intriguing and thrilling. Both McGregor’s and Brosnan’s performances are strong. You will surely enjoy “The Ghost Writer” in the company of friends.

Reviewer's rating: 8.0 out of 10

Red (2010)

If you are looking for an exciting and funny film to watch with friends, then go for “Red”. This film is fabulous. It was directed by Robert Schwentke starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren.

In the beginning, we see a retired and lonely man, Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) who calls pension office to chat with Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker). Bruce perfectly delivered Frank’s loneliness and feelings towards Sarah. A little later, we find out that this is not an ordinary man living a quiet life. He is actually a former CIA agent.

His house is raided by squad men, whom Frank kills. This scene has too many bullets shot towards Frank’s house and too much noise, yet we do not see any policemen arriving on the scene: too Hollywoodish. Frank travels to Kansas City to protect Sarah knowing that because of their chat she is in danger.

This is where an adventure begins. We learn what Red stands for. It means “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” and is a CIA term for retired and high-profile agents. Frank tracks down his former mentor and colleagues to find out who wants to kill him.

As usual Morgan Freeman plays a wise good character - Frank’s mentor, Joe Matheson. Another interesting role is paranoid, funny, yet serious Marvin Boggs played by John Malkovich. I love both actors and in my opinion, their performances are impeccable.

“Red” is an outstanding film. It is a great watch in the company of friends. Be prepared for a good laugh and enjoy!

Reviewer's rating: 8.0 out of 10

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

If you are unfamiliar with real-life story standing behind this film, towards the end of film you will definitely forget about the writing in the beginning stating “this really happened” followed by “it really did”. After the film, you will surely do some research to find out about the real Steven Jay Russell. It is hard to believe these are true events, because the story is incredible.

The film was directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. The music of film is fabulous and scenes are excellently organized. The film starts with somewhat ordinary life-story of the man narrated by him from his deathbed. It suddenly takes unexpected turn and surprises and entertains in almost every scene.

Setting the gayness of film aside, I think “I love you Phillip Morris” is hilarious, weird and entertaining film. I will tell you a little about the plot. Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) is a former policeman who is convicted for insurance fraud. In prison library he meets Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor) and they talk about love at first sight.

Their relationship grows into a big love story. Steven cannot live without fraud and he spoils their idyllic life by committing new frauds. Despite Steven’s sometimes neglecting attitude, their love story is serious and well-delivered. Considering the fact that both actors are straight, their gay profiles and performances are excellent.

There was one thing in this film I did not like: open sex scenes. Nevertheless, film is interesting, funny and audacious. It is definitely not a family film, but is a great watch with friends. You will certainly enjoy it.

Reviewer's rating: 7.0 out of 10

Sanctum (2011)

“Sanctum” is an adventure film directed by Alister Grierson. The film reminded me of “Titanic” which is not surprising considering the fact that the executive producer of film was James Cameron. Its grievous ending is a lot like James Cameron-films.

The film is about group of people exploring underwater Esa’ala cave in Papua New Guinea. A dangerous storm starts atop while the team’s communications with above is cut off. They are forced to find another way out. Led by Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh) , their only way out is to go further down. The team was already in the depth of cave and they go even further.

As it is usual for this type of films, only one or two persons are supposed to survive this adventure. Therefore, team members, who must be out before the end, find sometimes absurd, sometimes realistic deaths.

The way Victoria, bank-roller Carl’s girlfriend refuses to wear dead Judes’ thermal diver suit is funny and silly. Facing such danger, a human-being is supposed to do as he or she is told by an experienced leader or at least must be reasonable enough to understand that the temperature of water is dangerous for human body. I do not think in real life any Victoria would refuse to wear a dead woman’s suit.

The way she died was also funny. From my own experience, I can tell that when team member is inexperienced, she or he follows the route between two experienced team members. Here, the only woman was left without guide by nearby gentlemen and was the last person to cross the gorge by rope. Another team member who had a blood coming out of his mouth remained somewhere en route. Are not we supposed to move until death takes us away driven by our self-preservation instinct? But writers needed him out.

Though the plot was not strong enough, the story was inspired by real life events. The co-writer of film, Andrew Wight experienced near-death situation in underwater cave expedition. The film and characters lack emotions and I wish performances were better. But still, you can enjoy the film if you do not care about flaws or emotions. It is a good watch for the fans of nature adventure and not bad for watching with friends.

Reviewer's rating: 5.5 out of 10

Unknown (2011)

This is a thriller film directed by Jaume Collett-Serra starring Liam Neeson. Though I love Liam Neeson since “Schindler’s list” (1993), I think this film is "wrong". The beginning was great, performances were excellent and scenes were well-paced, until I saw the ending. It created more questions than the film itself. One little link in the end broke whole chain.

Dr. Martin Harris arrives in Berlin with his wife Liz to attend the summit on biotechnology. When they reach hotel, Martin cannot find his briefcase. He decides to return to the airport in order to find it and takes a taxi. On the way to the airport, he has an accident. The taxi crashes off a bridge and falls into the river.

Gina, the taxi driver, pulls him out of the water and leaves avoiding police as she is an illegal immigrant from Bosnia. After four days in coma, Martin returns to the hotel, but his wife does not recognize him. Moreover, she is with another man who she claims is her husband. Martin’s situation is pitiful; he has not got a passport, and has nobody who can recognize him.

Through the nurse at his hospital, who later gets killed by an assassin sent to kill Martin, he reaches Herr Jürgen. Jürgen helps him to find information about summit and Martin himself.  Martin lives through numerous adventures and faces an incredible truth about his past.  He remembers everything and we finally know the truth.

There is an unexpected twist in the end. And here comes the spoiler: it is revealed that this grandiose plan - arriving in Berlin three months earlier, installing a bomb, creating different identities were done just for one purpose: to kill Prof. Bressler who developed a genetically modified corn capable of surviving any climate.

Why on earth to complicate everything to this level, when “fake” Martin (Liz’s so-called husband) has already stood next to professor in his laboratory? Would not it be easier to kill him or get his files there, when they were so close to him?  Why the characters went through all these painful adventures including installation of the bomb when they so easily reached Bressler? It is unclear to me. Nevertheless, generally film is a nice watch. Enjoy!

Reviewer's rating: 6.5 out of 10

Source Code (2011)

This is a science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Though I did not believe in possibility of accidentally creating a new world inside another one and the endless chain of one world inside the other, I liked the film and the idea of story.

The beginning is intriguing. We see a man waking up in the train who sits across from a woman. The woman knows him as Sean Fentress and claims that her name is Christina. But he does not appear to know her and more importantly he does not know his own identity. Eight minutes later bomb explodes in the train. The man wakes up inside a small spherical submarine-like room.

Captain Goodwin explains to him that he is Colter Stevens, army pilot on special mission to find the owner of the bomb which destroyed the train. It will save lives of millions from further terrorist attacks. For this mission they use the Source code, a time jump programme. It allows Colter to relive last eight minutes of somebody’s life.

After number of unsuccessful attempts - dying every time in the end of eight minutes and returning to his spherical room, he at last finds out how to reach the goal. This process and challenges reminded me of playing computer games. Unfortunately, the last thing Colter remembers is his mission in Afghanistan. He does not how he got involved in Source Code project. This and his personal life gnaw him and eventually he learns the devastating truth.

Jones has done a great job and Gyllenhaal is charming. The film is interesting and enjoyable. It gives food for imagination and contemplation over the time-travelling. It is a nice evening watch in the company of friends.

Reviewer's rating: 7.0 out of 10

How to Traing Your Dragon (2010)

This is one of the best animated films of 2010 based on the same name book by Cressida Cowell. Though it reminded me of many other films about dragons, I enjoyed it as much as I did enjoy Megamind.

The story takes place in the Viking village. Hiccup is a young Viking teenager and son of the village chief. His tribe kills dragons that attack their village, burn their houses and steal their livestock. Killing a dragon is an honourable thing for villagers. In comparison with huge and rough Vikings, slim and small Hiccup with his bright mind seems completely out of place. He wants to impress his father, Stoick the Vast and kill the dragon.

During the attack of dragons, he shoots a rare dragon – Night Fury that can produce a lightning, with his contraption. But when he tells people about it, nobody believes him. Hiccup chases down the dragon that he shot in the forest. He wants to kill it, but is unable to do so and sets the dragon free. The creature disappears to the forest.

Hiccup finds Night Fury in the forest and discovers that because of tail injury it cannot fly. Gradually, he learns how to earn its trust and befriends it. He names the Night Fury “Toothless” and designs for it an artificial tail allowing Hiccup to fly with dragon. But soon their friendship is discovered by Astrid, village girl who is jealous of Hiccup’s success at dragon-slaying school.

Hiccup kidnaps Astrid and they fly on Toothless for a while. Accidentally, they discover a great danger that was the reason for dragons’ constant attacks to the village.

It is an enjoyable watch for children, hence a good watch in the company of family and friends.

Reviewer's rating: 7.5 out of 10

Sarah's key (2010)

The original French title of film is “Elle s’appelait Sarah” (Her name was Sara). I adore the same name novel by Tatiana de Rosnay and enjoyed its film adaptation. In my World War II films list about Jew victims, it stands next to “The courageous heart of Irena Sendler” (2009) after “Schindler’s list” (1993). This is interesting, sad, beautiful film that will leave impression in you for a long time.

Though I am sensitive about Word War II victim issues, I have to admit, that I did not know about Vel' d'Hiv Roundup before this film. Vel' d'Hiv was an indoor "Winter Velodrome" bicycling racetrack and stadium, where number of Jews of France were kept after mass arrest named Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in 1942 and sent by railway to Auschwitz for extermination.

In the notorious Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, Sarah is a 10-year-old girl (Mélusine Mayance) who locks her little brother Michel in a closet to avoid his detention. She tells him to say there until she returns and takes the key with her. Sarah and her parents are taken to the Vel’ d’Hiv. When a woman tries to escape Vel’ d’Hiv, Sarah wants to give her the key, but her father is against it. After she succeeds, he regrets that he has not given the key. He tells guards about his son in the house, but no action is taken.

They are transferred to Beaune-la Rolande camp. Sarah is able to escape with a friend, Rachel through the hole underneath the fence. After so long, with elderly couple’s help Sarah is able to reach her house and closet. But unfortunately it is too late. In present days, the same house is inherited by the husband of journalist Julia (Kristin Scott Thomas). Julia investigates Sarah’s story.

I do not think this film is for children and therefore good for family, but it is a great watch in the company of friends. You will enjoy it, and be prepared for tears.

Reviewer's rating: 7.5 out of 10

The Dilemma (2011)

"The Dilemma" is a comedy film directed by Ron Howard and starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. Though I do not like Kevin James much, I have to admit that both actors were good in their roles. The film itself was not funny enough for comedy and dramatic enough for drama. Generally, this is an amusing film.

Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) are best friends who own an auto design firm. They pursue a project with famous auto companies. Nick is married to Geneva (Winona Ryder) and Ronny is dating Beth (Jennifer Connelly) who is a chef.

Ronny heads to botanical garden to arrange the proposal to Beth. There he sees Geneva kissing a young man (Channing Tatum). The next thing, he wants to tell about what he saw to Nick. But at work because of pressure and close deadline of newly taken project, Nick is stressful and yells at him.

Ronny asks for advice of his sister speaking hypothetically about adultery. She assumes that he is talking about her husband and Ronny fails to get advice for his dilemma. Later, at hockey game Ronny confronts Geneva. She blames Nick in getting “massage” every Thursday and promises that her affair is over.

He follows Nick in order to check the veracity of “massage” story. He then calls Geneva to apologize, instead he hears her with the young man, Zip. Geneva tells Ronny to meet him at a diner, where the story gets a little more complicated.

I find Zip’s character really cute. Though what he is doing is wrong, his sensitivity and silliness make him a nice person. Probably Channing Tatum’s charm also plays role in it. What I did not like is Queen Latifah’s acting. In my opinion, her performance was quite unprofessional with a constant unnecessary smile on her face.

You will not waste your time by watching it, but do not expect much from this film.

Reviewer's rating: 6.0 out of 10

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

It is an exciting and interesting thriller film directed by Brad Furman and starring Matthew McConaughey. Based on the same name novel, film shows the dirt behind the success of lawyer who still has some moral. Whole film and counter-moves reminded me the game of chess.

Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is the successful attorney driven around by his former client in beautiful Lincoln Town car. He is divorced and has a young daughter. Everything goes smoothly until he accepts the case of Louis Roulet, playboy son of wealthy real estate company owner Mary Windsor. He is accused of brutally beating prostitute and attempted murder and rape.

Roulet seems innocent and claims that the prostitute together with her lover have set up whole case.  She accuses him in beatings in order to make money. Haller and his investigator Frank Levin studies evidence and injuries of victim.

The nature of beatings reminds Haller of his previous client’s case. He is in jail for murdering a woman. Though this man claimed to be innocent, Haller convinced him to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding death penalty. Haller visits him in jail, and shows Roulet’s picture. He becomes agitated and is taken back from the meeting area.

Haller begins to suspect Roulet in murder and in an attempted murder. But his hands are tied by attorney-client confidentiality rules and he cannot inform the police. He has to be careful in order to remain safe and sound and clever enough to put Roulet in jail.

Matthew McConaughey's performance is impeccable and the story is gripping and interesting. It is much more complex than I have described here. The film is a nice evening watch in the company of friends.

Reviewer's rating: 7.0 out of 10

Tron: Legacy (2010)

I have to say that this is one of the most boring films I have ever watched. Every film has its own audience and probably this film was not made for me. Still, it might be a good film for children and teenagers.

"Tron: Legacy" was directed by Joseph Kosinki and is a sequel to the 1982 film, Tron. Though film earned huge amount of money, I do not think its plot or story helped with this. It is more likely that modern computerized effects and strong PR campaign brought value to the film.

In 1989, Kevin Flynn, innovative genius and director of ENCOM company disappears leaving behind his son Sam. Twenty years later, we see his son grown-up Sam who has no interest in his father’s company, except a little annual joke. His father’s friend and ex-partner Alan Bradley visits Sam and tells him about mysterious message from Kevin Flynn’s old arcade.

Sam discovers computer laboratory and transports himself to the Grid. Grid is a virtual world inside of computer made by his father. This is where he meets the copy of his father –CLU who controls Grid and wants to kill Sam and last surviving isomorphic algorithm – Quorra, the girl who saves his life. He also meets his long gone father. Sam wants to return back, but CLU makes everything problematic.

One of my friends with whom I watched the film said that the meaning of this film is to make people understand that they spend too much time in virtual world and that they should return to the real world. Another friend ironically observed: “You found a meaning in the meaningless film”.

I do not think watching this film will not be a waste of time. So, it is up to you whether to watch it or not.

Reviewer's rating: 5.0 out of 10