Reviews

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Jaws" (1975) is a classic movie for many reason. I've only have watched this movie few times during many years before just now in 2024. I've just purchased a 4K UHD disk of this film and rewatched it for the first time in many years. What i can say about this film is nothing new and i can't praise it more then it was already done by millions. I can say that the release on 4K does looks stunning, with audio and video quality brought back this movie to life. This is one of the best and most authentic thrillers ever made, and is still a blueprint for entertainment movie in general. At running time 2 h 3 min this movie runs like a clock, without a dragging minute.

Overall, Steve Spielberg's "Jaws" hasn't aged - great moviemaking, amazing music, excellent pacing and superb acting holds this movie together and makes it a highly rewatchable film. Great movie.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Casino Royale" (2006) set up and opened Bond franchise for a new generation of moviegoers on a highest note and level back in 2006. This is a near perfect action adventure movie and just might be the best Bond film ever. For me personally its the best together with "Skyfall". Rewatching "Casino Royale" on a 4K UHD disk i found this movie (again) to be immensely entertaining. Everything here works on a highest level and at the end of the day "Casino Royale" is a one exceptional entertainment.

Overall, "Casino Royale" will remain a heck of a Bond film to top it when they will create a new version of Bond after Daniel Craig has ended his career as Bond. This is a splendid film that is a highly rewatchable and is a superb piece of entertainment. Great movie.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Fugitive" (1993) is a great movie and one of the best thrillers ever made. Revisiting it now after some years and having to watch it on my own 4K UHD disk I was blown away of how great this movie is. The release on 4K is more then stunning - it sounds and feels spectacular. And regarding the film itself, because it's been there for a long time now there is no need to talk about plot. What this movie should have received on Oscars night I thing was an award for director Andrew Davies, because "Fugitive" is a near perfect chase thriller with perfect performances, nuanced characters for this kind of film, perfect pacing and editing. At running time 2 h 15 this movie flies like a bullet.

Overall, there is nothing to be said more about this great movie. If you do have a chance to own it in your movie collection than do it because as corny as it might sound but the truth about "The Fugitive" is simple - "they just don't make movies like this anymore".

Greetings from Lithuania.

"RoboCop" (1987) is a movie that i recently bought for more then 20 dollars - no pun intended. Revisiting "RoboCop" on glorious 4K UHD disk reminded me of why i always enjoyed this film immensely. Excellent directing by Paul Verhoeven from a sharp script, excellent acting by basically everyone involved, unforgettable soundtrack makes this film a joy to watch even in 2024 - this film hold up exceptionally well. I love how bloody, violent but not ever goory this movie is - it really makes this bleak and chaotic world believable. Pacing is great - at running time 1 h 40 min this movie is just perfectly paced and edited - not a single boring scene.

Overall, "RoboCop" is movie that is a classic and it deserves the status. This is a film that even on multiple watching is never gets repetitive nor boring. Great film from the 80's.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Worst Person in the World" (2021) tells a story of Julie, a young women who is searching herself and what she actually wants in a modern world. If that sounds familiar or formulaic then its the movie that will not blow you away, but for what it was i did enjoyed mildly. It has a stellar performance by Renate Reinsve as a main character Julie - its a very natural performance. Others were OK as a supportive characters with mostly playing her lovers at various stages of her young life. This movie does have one great sequence in the middle of the movie were time stops for our main character for short time, and i will say nothing more. But overall this isn't particularly great movie - at its running time 2 h 05 min this movie did drag for me. Its narrative is split into chapters and there are like 11 of those, which actually do not add anything to a movie but only more of a gimmick.

Overall, this is a mildly enjoyable movie to see it once, but its not as great as one might expect after reading some awe reviews. A descent film for one viewing and nothing more.

Greetinsg from Lithuania.

"Bastogne", a sixth part of "Band of Brothers" was a a very powerful and brutal one. Told from perspective of a medic, it really shows the price that was paid on this battlefield. During the cold winter, defending the line during cold and brutal attacks these men were heroes in my opinion, real heroes. "Bastogne" also very graphicly depicts the wounds the soldiers get - sometimes it was even to difficult to watch.

Overall, "Bastogne" is another powerful episode that is brilliantly done. Terrific directing, good writing and acting makes this an experience that everyone should watch at least once to understand a bit the price that was paid by heroes. Great episode.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Lone Star" (1996) is a drama that isn't concerned about action, thrills or anything else but story. I liked it much because of the story mainly. Without spoiling anything i will say its a multilayered story that is spanning some 20 years. Sins of fathers that have to be paid by their children later is the common theme of "Lone Star".

This movie was very well written, and was nominated for Oscar for best writing. Watching this film is like reading a good novel - there are many characters and while i did like them all, it sometimes felt that this story would be better told in some mini series format.

Overall, "Lone Star" is a very solid drama without much action or thrills, yet during its running time 2 hours i was involved in it due to good acting, directing and good writing.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Crossroads", a fifth episode of "Band of Brothers" was the most calm yet. There was some war sections, but this one is more about reflections on what happened before for our main character. I still enjoyed it very much for same reason i loved previous four episodes - its superbly acted, directed (Tom Hanks!) and written episode. The non linear approach to story that happens in this episode also shows how a person reflects on his actions, in his case its about decisions made as a leader.

Overall, "Crossroads" is a great episode. Slow and about reflections with an ending that is leading to what to be a calm before the storm.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Die Hard" (1988) is a great movie. This is a film that is thrilling, exciting, funny, bloody, entertaining and always smart. For me "Die Hard" isn't just "action flick about that guy who was fighting bad guys in the skyscraper". Its that and so much more. For me its a great action film with 3 dimensional characters who are all professionals, and doing their best to achieve their goals. At the same time this is a very smart film filled with small details in every scene which enriches the simple story. And amidst all that there is action in this film that stood the test of time.

Overall, "Die Hard" is a masterpiece of action cinema that fills the screen with three dimensional characters, plenty of visually arresting action scenes and is film i can rewatch at any given day. Great movie.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"12 Angry Men" is a masterpiece of a moviemaking in which a very simple story is told in a minimalistic way. There are 12 men talking in one room for the entire runtime of 1 h 35 min and yet it is written, directed, edited and acted so well that you can't take your eyes off the screen. If there ever was one movie made in black and white that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime, "12 Angry Men" is the one.

I won't get into details of plot of this film because its a one that should discover by themselves. This film later was remade many times and in more then few countries and i saw few of them, yet nothing comes close to "12 Angry Men".

Overall, "12 Angry Men" is as good as small movies can be done. Its an example for all movie makers in the world that you don't need a big budget to make something simple yet unforgettable.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Replacements", 4th episode of "Band Of Brothers" was probably the most tense so far. The whole sequence in barn was very intense and gut wrenching. Besides that this episode had a very realistic, brutal and realistic (as usual) battle sequence. Watching this on Blu Ray disk with great sound system really involves one into battle sequences - they are as good as they were in "Saving Private Ryan" and in some cases even surprises them.

Overall, "Replacements" is an excellent episode of "Band of Brother". It was also good to see young James McAvoy in a small role. Great and very intense episode.

Greetings from Lithuania.

Just recently watched "Blade Runner" - The Final Cut on 4K UHD disk and was stunner of how great this movie is. The Final Cut is the best version to see it in my opinion, and previously i have seen this film few times of older cuts. Visuals and sound are better then they ever were - everything looks very detailed and you do get to see this stunning world coming alive.

I won't get much into details of plot of this movie nor its craftsmanship, as it this point i think many people did see this film at least once. Its an exceptional film in many ways, from a terrific soundtrack by Vangelis, to one of the kind set design and sets that pulls you in this movie right from its opening shots of the city. Its an unforgettable film that examines questions like what it is to be alive and live and etc.

Overall, this is a great movie that you can rewatch it again from time to time and it never gets old. Great movie.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Carentan", a 3rd episode of "Band of Brothers" reminded the most of "Saving Private Ryan" in terms of combat sequences, directing, cinematography, and story the most. Its an exceptional episode and show so far in terms of realistic portrait of combat and what was it like to be on front line in WW2. These men were heroes, and ones like Albert Blithe are represented the war affect on people perfectly - i won't get into spoilers.

Overall, "Carentan" is an amazing chapter of "Band of Brothers". If you are a fan of "Saving Private Ryan", this show is as good as that masterpiece was.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Day of Days", a second episode of "Band Of Brothers" shows the disastrous landing of paratroopers in Normandy, and the following The Brecourt Manor attack that took place nearly a day later. It is a very intense episode, which mainly focuses on the attack itself. The way everything shot here reminds "Saving Private Ryan" - and in the best way possible. Its like an extended version of that film - which is a good thing.

Performances were excellent in this episode, but its directing, sound mixing and editing that shined here the most. The attack is depicted so intensely and basically from the point of view of participants. It looks more then real.

Overall, this was an amazing episode that starts with a harrowing sequence of D-Day landing and never lets go. Great episode.

Greetings from Lithuania.

Started to watch "Band of Brothers" for the first time in 2024 on a Blu Ray 6 disc edition. The first episode "Currahee" was a superb opening. Its was very involving, highly realistic and at the running time 1 h 12 min. Was superbly paced. What i liked the most of it, is that in only first episode of this legendary mini series, you get to know characters enough to get already attached to them more or less. That is a very impressive achievement. As the one who watched "Saving Private Ryan" more then 10 times at this point, i do see big similarities between them - and it is because of the creators. Acting was a top notch by Danien Lewis and David Schwimmer. Ending with them leaving England in plains got me goosebumps.

Overall, "Currahee" was a very impressive opening episode of miniseries.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Shining" (1980) is a movie made by a legendary and arguably the best director of all time - Stanley Kubrick. Based on a novel written by Stephen King its a chilling story about a family that stays for a long period of time in an isolated place. And lets just say this place is a not a one who wants to stay for a long time in isolation.

This is a brilliant film that is mysterious, and just like many Kubrick's films its not a plain and simple as it looks. Performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall are exceptional - they sell the movie and situation. Music is haunting, chilling and really sets the mood. All production values are great and set design makes the hotel a character himself.

Overall, "The Shining" is a great horror movie that is chilling, mysterious, amazingly acted and directed. This is a film i can rewatch nearly every Halloween season and watching it now for the first time on 4K UHD disk - this film really comes alive like never before. A highly recommended.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" (2024) is a movie that feels like it was made for a TV market. Unfortunately for creators and investors, they decided to put it out in movie theater and got a colossal box office flop. After seeing this movie at home, i can understand why it flopped. Its a pretty good and descent enough movie - to watch at home. Its not a great movie to watch in cinema. Its length is an issue because it has many characters, many plot lines and many locations. Its literally feels like a mini series. At the end of this movie there is even a 5 min. Sequence were they show scenes from upcoming Chapter 2. I have never seen such a thing in movies. And as for Kevin Costner's acting - he is basically in John Dutton's mode for the entire minutes he is on screen. Those who enjoy "Yellowstone" will definitely going to enjoy "Horizon" as well.

Overall, "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" is a good looking, well acted, well written and well directed movie. But its not a great movie. Its just good enough so you can see it at home in few sittings. Even because i enjoyed Part 1 i won't go to see it on a big screen.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Beeke per" (2024) is an action flick with Jason Stateham. Its basically a rip off of John Wick, and without getting into spoilers I will say that plot of John Wick is a "Schindler's List" in comparison to the looney tunes plot of "Beekeper". The only saving grace of this flick was bloody and well made action sequences. But even in those you can clearly see a stunt double performance instead of Stathem - age those it's thing eventually.

Overall, "The Beekeper" starts pretty good and familiar, but soon evolves into nonsense. Even Arnie in his "Commando" made more sense.

Greetings from Lithuania.

I liked "Twisters" (2024) just as much as i did like "Twister" (1996). This new film which features a very charming Daisy Edgar-Jones & Glen Powell was not a great entertainment, nor its a great film - but its very entertaining one to watch it for one evening. Its excellently paced, solidly directed, has some great cinematography (which was clearly inspired by cinematography of "Twister") and good action sequences. It is a predictable story for sure, but the first one was either. But did exactly the same thing - they entertain.

Overall, if you liked "Twister", you will enjoy "Twisters" as well. By any means this is a great movie, but its a very entertaining one if you are looking for, well, a sequel to "Twister". I really enjoyed it very much.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Thing : Terror Takes Shape" (1998) is a documentary movie about creation of the movie "The Thing". It features commentary by cast and crew that worked on this horror classic. There are a lot of videos from the set that shows how this masterpiece was created. Commentaries by Rob Bottom were probably my favourite from the entire crew - this specialist clearly was very passionate about this movie and his work. His incredible and unforgettable work in "The Thing" is one of the most important reasons why this movie is what it is.

Overall, I watched this documentary as a special feature on a 4k uhd disc and I really liked it, because I highly enjoyed "The Thing" through the years.

Greetings from Lithuania.

John Carpenter's "The Thing" (1982) is a great movie. Tens, disturbing, excellently paced, solidly acted with great music and terrific sense of location and unforgettable practical effects its a film i watched many times and will continue to do so for years to come. Rewatching it recently on a new 4K UHD disk i found this movie to look and sound better then ever.

I don't think that reason of why "The Thing" flopped back in 1982 was a bad timing. I think it would flop even today in 2024 if it would have been released for a first time now. The fact that a sequel / prequel "The Thing" (2011) flopped in movie theaters (which i did enjoy a bit honestly) just shows that people don't go watch movies like this a lot. But its a perfect film to watch it at home, and when the Halloween season comes - "The Thing" (1982) is a great movie to return to.

Overall, there isn't much to add to praising this classic. Its a great film because of many reasons - one of the most involving and claustrophobic thrillers of all time. Its a highly rewatchable classic that should be in a collection of any movie lover.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Goonies" (1985) is a fun adventure movie for kids. Its basically an Indiana Jones type of adventure and film but with kids and made mostly for kids. Its not that i did not enjoyed it - i did. I have had seen "The Goonies" before, and watched it just for curiosity for the first time in 2024. Its fun to see how some of the kids actors later became famous. This film is entertaining enough to recommend it for those who haven't watch it yet even now. As i have no nostalgia to this film, i sill enjoyed it for what it was - a fun, solidly made, silly of course but with a good heart movie made in best traditions of Indiana Jones.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Star Trek" (2009) was my first seen Star Trek movie ever. Despite that fact, i highly enjoyed it even without knowing anything about the previous movies or shows. And now rewatching this movie once in a few years, i came to appreciate it even more. Its a unique film that works as a reboot, sequel and a new entry into this long running franchise. The ingenues Kelvin Timeline plot devise made for a possibility to appeal to Star Trek fans as well for those like me who never watched anything with Star Trek before.

"Star Trek" is a excellent film in almost every possible way. The pacing is incredible - at running time 2 hours this is a highly energetic movie that is always fun to watch. Dialogs as well as screenplay were great as well as superb acting. Directing by J. J. Adams was brilliant.

Overall, "Star Trek" (2009) is a great movie. Brilliantly acted, with terrific screenplay and great direction by J. J. Adams its a classic at this point.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Batman Begins" (2005) is a great movie. Christopher Nolan has made an ambitious and different Batman from previous versions of the character on a big screen. This film has an all star cast, lead by a terrific Christian Bale who plays Bruce Wayne / Batman. The plot here is great and was more about Bruce Wayne & Batman. This is different from any previous films have which were more about the villain and not about the main character. At superbly paced 2 hours this film does not drag for a moment and is a pleasure to watch from a get go.

Overall, "Batman Begins" is a great film about Bruce Wayne / Batman. It shows how those this character is born, how it was created along the way, it has a great "devilish" scheme and character to root for. One of the best comic book movies ever made.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Ferrari" (2023) is a biopic about legendary Enzo Ferrari and it shows the period of 1957. It represents Enzo's family drama, his work struggles as well as preparation for Mille Miglia - the infamous race the outcome of which I wasn't aware before watching this movie.

As a biopic - "Ferrari" reminded me of "Ali" - another biopic directed by Michael Mann. I personally enjoy this directors movies very much - I like his style and he does have a style. Acting by Adam Driver & Penelope Cruz were very good. The race scene in the third part of the film was superb filmed and made.

Overall , I liked what I got from "Ferrari". A pretty good movie overall - not the best by far, but what it is it's a very descent film.