Tag Archives: Matt Damon

Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

Posted on March 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design and Best Film Editing.

Set during a major moment in history, the movie dives deep into J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life with incredible detail and authenticity. Nolan’s careful attention to every aspect of the film, from the special effects to the cast, shines through.

Led by the remarkable Cillian Murphy in a career-defining role, the performances in “Oppenheimer” are nothing short of incredible. Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon shine in their respective supporting roles, adding layers of depth to an already stellar cast.

The movie’s pace keeps you hooked, with multiple storylines unfolding seamlessly. The hauntingly beautiful music by Ludwig Göransson adds to the overall experience, and Nolan’s refusal to use CGI makes everything feel real.

While some might nitpick some scenes, like the Trinity test, it doesn’t take away from the overall greatness of the film. “Oppenheimer” showcases Nolan’s storytelling genius and solidifies his place as one of the best directors ever.

In short, “Oppenheimer” is a masterpiece that goes beyond typical historical movies. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves historical films and this cements Christopher Nolan’s legacy as a visionary and one of the best filmmakers in history.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Produced by: Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh

***I’ve watched Oppenheimer around the same time I’ve seen Barbie, and they’re so opposite, and I feel that I kind of messed up my review here, so I’m adding a few things I remembered from the film. ***

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Review: School Ties (1992)

Posted on June 1, 2014 | 1 comment
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By impawards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10635473

With a future A-list cast packed into this 1992 drama, School Ties stands out as one of the better “school movies” of the pre-Harry Potter era. But no, it’s not some magical boarding school fantasy. This is a grounded, emotionally charged story that tackles anti-Semitism, class division, and social pressure in an elite academic setting.

Brendan Fraser plays David Green, a working-class Jewish teenager who earns a football scholarship to an exclusive prep school in Massachusetts. Once there, he’s plunged into a world of privilege and quiet prejudice. His new teammates—products of the upper crust—harbor casual (and not-so-casual) anti-Semitic attitudes, forcing David to hide his identity just to fit in.

Enter Matt Damon (in full early-career villain mode) as Charlie Dillon, the entitled golden boy whom David replaces on the football field. Bitter over being sidelined—and later, losing his girlfriend to David—Dillon’s resentment festers until it boils over. The final act revolves around a cheating scandal, where Dillon manipulates the school’s honor system to try and take David down.

The plot is well-crafted as a classic redemption arc. There are moments where you truly feel for David—moments when you just want to deck Dillon yourself. And yes, that’s Chris O’Donnell, Ben Affleck, and Anthony Rapp in supporting roles. This cast is a who’s-who of future Hollywood stars, though most are still finding their feet here.

Tonally, School Ties tries to straddle multiple genres: part Dead Poets Society, part Scent of a Woman, part With Honors, with a dash of sports drama thrown in. But the result feels a bit uneven. It’s a solid film with strong performances and a clear moral center, but doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of the films it emulates.

Still, for what it is—and the conversations it dares to spark—School Ties earns its place. It’s a compelling reminder that courage isn’t just about winning games; it’s about standing up for who you are when it matters most.

Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Robert Mandel
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, Randall Batinkoff, Cole Hauser, Andrew Lowery, Ben Affleck, Anthony Rapp, Amy Locane, and more

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Review: Contagion (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

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Contagion is a film based on the premise of a SARS / AH1N1 virus-like epidemic, its outbreak and the world’s attempt to contain the disease.

I didn’t actually expect that I would enjoy watching this film because I wasn’t so thrilled about the trailer. I thought it was lackluster and some kind of an I Am Legend story kind of thing in a more “human way” if you know what I mean. In addition, the film boasted an all-star ensemble led by Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law and Marion Cottilard to name a few. This isn’t always the case about “good” films.

I was however very surprised with the flow of the story and the characters that are easily relatable. Its premise is very possible to happen and it is actually a very scary thought. I also love how the film maintained its realistic approach until the end. Some scenes are a  bit long and draggy at times but the intermittent scenes between the characters in focus will compensate for it.

Jennifer Ehle kind of reminds me of Meryl Streep in this film. Perhaps, it’s because they have similar features that is why I tend to compare her to La Streep. She was great though and very believable. Gwyneth, Kate and Marion are in unison of providing commendable performances. Jude Law was annoying in this film but I’ve to say that it works really well with his character.

@Gateway Cineplex 7, P191

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Ehle

Overall, I did enjoy the film and I’ll give it a very complimentary 8/10 ratings.

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Review: The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Posted on January 10, 2014 | Leave a comment

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I’ve been waiting for this film for like forever since I saw its trailer last year. With its interesting premise and the amazing duo of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, I am more than excited to see it!

The Adjustment Bureau was based on the short story written by Philip K. Dick entitled, “The Adjustment Team.” It’s a romance / mystery film that tackles the choices that we make in life. The Adjustment Bureau pertains to a group of men wearing hats who introduce themselves as the watchdog of every people’s plan or destiny. Making sure that what is written in the “book” of their life happened as it is. David Norris played by Matt Damon is running for the United States senate. He loses and met the girl who changed the rest of his life. Both fell for each other but the Adjustment Bureau told Matt that meeting Elyse again (Emily Blunt) is not part of his plan. A plan made and written by whom they call the “Chairman.”

With David not agreeing at all to let go of Elyse, he devices a plot to change that plan by the help of  Harry who is a part of the Adjustment Bureau who feels responsible for what has happened to David, unable to intercept the meeting of David and Elyse for the second time which is not supposed to happen in the first place. David decided to tell Elyse everything and run for their life in hopes of being together notwithstanding what has been planned for them.

It was truly an interesting premise but it just didn’t live up to its promise. It is not “Inception-mind boggling” but it is more of a version of “Inception minus the dreams.” In short, it lacks narrative which is supposed to carry on the whole film. I have to admit though, that Matt Damon and Emily Blunt’s chemistry was undeniable that you can truly feel the intensity of their emotions.

Analyzing the film now, I was thinking that it may pertain to different aspects of life such as freewill, choices, destiny, faith, fate. The film was like telling us “You cannot control your destiny because it’s already been written but it also delivers the message that you’re the one who’s making all the choices regarding your destiny thus you’re really the one controlling it.” Absolutely crazy right? I mean, it’s up to one’s belief of destiny or life as it is, whichever you’d take.

I thought the whole first and second half of the film was a tad bit draggy. It’s a bit long to be honest and I only enjoyed the first ten and the last 20 minutes of the film. I would still recommend it though, it’s still a good film to lounge over for a couple of hours.

I’ll give it a 6.5/10 ratings.

03.05.2011 1:15Am

Gateway Cineplex
P180 LFS w/D
Director: George Nolfi
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Jon Stewart, Michael Bloomberg

-paddylast

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