Tag Archives: Joaquin Phoenix

Review: Napoleon (2023)

Nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design.

I won’t be writing a long review for this because I fear that if I do, it would sound like I’m just a hater. This nearly three-hour odyssey offers glimpses of Napoleon’s brilliance amidst a sea of sluggish storytelling.

I’ve read a few accounts about Napoleon, and naturally, I’d expected some epic battles and grand conquests, only to find myself tangled in a web of sexual repression, marital infidelity, and the mundane daily life of our characters.

While the movie’s visuals and production design dazzle, the narrative just falls short for me. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a commendable portrayal of Napoleon, despite the distraction of his noticeably older appearance and weird accent.

My main issue, as I’ve mentioned earlier, is its pacing. The film just drags on. Period drama enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the sluggish pacing and the lackluster performances overall. 

Though the movie captures some elements of Napoleon‘s complexity, it falls short in historical accuracy and fails to prioritize the most significant aspects of his life and career. While it may entertain those looking for a fictionalized take on history, history buffs may find themselves frustrated by its deviation from the truth.

In the end, “Napoleon” offers glimpses of greatness but ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience. Two stars for effort, but I truly believe that this character deserves better treatment.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Joaquin Phoenix
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Ben Miles, Ludivine Sagnier, Matthew Needham, John Hollingworth, Youssef Kerkour, Sinead Cusack, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Phil Cornwell, Édouard Philipponnat, Jannis Niewohner, Miles Jupp, Edward Bennett etc…

Review: Her (2013)

Her2013PosterHer without a doubt should be considered as a frontrunner for Best Original Screenplay for the Oscars. Its premise of falling inlove with a machine (an operating system) was a reminiscent and was very much like the obsession of Al Pacino’s character to SimoneThis film however took a direction very different from the latter. The year was 2025 and Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), someone who writes under a company named beautifulhandwrittenletters. Theodore was in the brink of divorce with his wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) and was desperately in need of company until he met the OS which he named Samantha. Together, they talked about love and life with Theodore seeking love advise from Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) which eventually led to them falling in love with each other.

Now this seemed to be a bit out of order, yes? But you gotta remember that it’s the year 2025 and falling in love is yes – that simple. Funny thing is, since Sam’s a microchip the two cannot have sex – an indication that the relationship to work in the long run is impossible and there can’t be no physical human connection that could transpire.

I thought Joaquin Phoenix portrayal was very commendable for there was a feel of longing and sadness in his approach which so become him

The premise may not seemed original at all but it’s charming and has character. Director Spike Jonze delivered a passive yet arresting sequences of events that is both endearing and unique.

Director: Spike Jonze
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Matt Letscher, Sam Jaeger, Luka Jones, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Spike Jonze, Portia Doubleday, Soko, Brian Cox

Rating: 8/10

*Her  received five Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.