Movie reviews

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE AT IMAX 3D

Watchable. The first scenes, as well as childish (Polish at least) dubbing,  imply it's for children but several references to old and new "Batman" movies as well as pop culture will entertain adults as well. The main question is: can you domesticate Batman? The "hard on crime, easy on the eye" superhero is a narcissistic chauvinist who first becomes infatuated with a woman in power, then, when scorned by her, interrupts her speech for the TV. Batmacho, I would say. Apart from that, the film's about being an enthusiastic genius eager even to weld underwater but feeling alienated and about how adults never stop being children. With some jokes, e.g.: "You're needed like a sock for sandals." "Guys often wear them so, I'm guessing, a lot." (I'm translating from the Polish translation so please forgive me any inaccuracies). Good 3D at IMAX.  The music's a mixture of pop songs for children and hits from the 80s, e.g. "I just died in your arms tonight" by Cutting Crew. After Batman switches off the recording, there are no further scenes, just a song.

UCITELKA (THE TEACHER)

Watchable.You don't need to be a parent to follow the well-connected manipulant's intrigues. Clear structure, persuasive acting, good communist-era scenography. Involving once you start watching but so realistic you may have been in a similar situation yourself so know it all already.

BALLERINA

Recommended. A delightful tale about fulfilling your dreams and about a true talent, enforced by passion, conquering all hearts. Set in Paris but featuring music by Tchaikovsky - from the "Swan Lake" and "Nutcracker" - as well as pop songs in English. Touching and pleasing to the ear.

A DOG'S PURPOSE

Watchable. A beautiful story, full of love of dogs. Sadly it's tear-jerking. I cried through a bigger part of the movie.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2

Watchable. What was fascinating in part 1, now has got ridiculously blown out of proportion. Yet, the cinematography and music are good and once you took to the characters and the specific world of hitmen in the first instalment, it's just fun to see them again. I loved the "I've lived my own way and I'm going to die my own way" scene. And this time the dog lives. The ending promises part 3 and I'm looking forward to it.

POKOT (SPOOR)

Watchable. A bizarre film, although ideologically suitable for vegetarians. But why is the positive hero barking mad? And possibly evil? Everything's distorted out of proportion, including cinematography. Even the Swietopelk joke, which could have been amusing like the famous Grzegorz Brzeczyszczykiewicz one, gets contorted by the story of domestic violence. The lack of a clear visual concept, mentioned by the director in an interview, is unfortunately clearly visible in the movie. If the director wanted to highlight the issues of age discrimination and ostracising "specific people", why is the main hero made insane towards the end of the film?!

KARSTEN OG PETRAS VIDUNDERLIGE JUL (CASPER AND EMMA'S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS)

Watchable. Charming, reminded me of my own childhood and the films I watched then. A rare chance to see Norwegian Advent and Christmas traditions. Taken the lovely story being a bit simplistic, it's just a bit too long, with needless songs.