movieman6-413-929510
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Warfare is a new war drama directed and written by Alex Garland, the director of Ex Machina and Civil War. For this film, former Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza joined as a co-director and writer, bringing his personal experiences and story to the screen.
Set during the Iraq War in 2006, a platoon of Navy SEALs is on a mission in Ramadi. They hide out in the house of an Iraqi family and try to monitor enemy troops through small openings.
When the enemy suddenly ambushes them in a large-scale attack, they come under heavy fire, and their mission threatens to spiral out of control. The SEALs must fight back and try to keep the wounded alive until help arrives - but how long it will take for that help to come remains uncertain.
Director Alex Garland himself is not a fan of war or the conditions surrounding it. That's why Ray Mendoza joined the project - this is a mission he was personally involved in as a Navy SEAL. His input ensures the mission's details are portrayed authentically, helping the film capture the chaos and drama of war, which mirrors the grim nature of many other global conflicts.
The film doesn't explain much about the Iraq War itself; instead, it focuses on an observation mission that spirals out of control. Viewers who are familiar with the historical context may better understand the situation. This war drama powerfully and realistically shows various sides of war - how a group of soldiers grows closer over time, building strong bonds through their shared experiences. This often leads to friendship and trust. They find moments to joke around and enjoy brief moments of relief together, despite the surrounding violence.
But the film also shows the harsh reality that soldiers face when fighting the enemy - how they can suddenly lose a brother-in-arms. These losses often leave emotional scars, which the soldiers may only be able to process after the battle is over.
The sound and sound design, led by sound designer Glenn Freemantle, also contribute to the realism. Moments of silence can suddenly be shattered by gunfire and explosions. As a viewer, you may feel like you're right in the middle of the battlefield, heightening the tension in a very authentic way.
The film delivers a heavy emotional impact, showing the loss of a beloved friend and fellow soldier. Even if some soldiers only met during the war, the intensity of their situation forms a strong brotherhood. The film includes some brutal, bloody, and realistic depictions of war's consequences, with casualties ranging from innocent civilians to enemy soldiers.
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza aim not only to depict the horrors of war but also to make viewers ask themselves: Why do we still wage war?
Today, war is still a global reality. Often, its causes are differences in opinion, religion, lifestyle, or even purely for profit or strategic gain. In the end, these gains mostly benefit leaders or ruling groups - while on the darker side, countless soldiers and civilians become casualties. The outcomes of war often seem vastly disproportionate to the cost in human lives. It's strange and unsettling that, as humanity, we still continue down this path seemingly without reason.
The film doesn't focus much on individual character development, but rather on the soldiers' shared brotherhood. It strongly conveys how they bring each other comfort and joy amid the horrors of war. When one of them is wounded or killed, the emotional impact is deeply felt. Yet they push on, trying to stay focused on the mission and not let grief or hatred take over. The film also shows the emotional toll war takes - how, despite their strength, these men are still human and affected by loss.
Set during the Iraq War in 2006, a platoon of Navy SEALs is on a mission in Ramadi. They hide out in the house of an Iraqi family and try to monitor enemy troops through small openings.
When the enemy suddenly ambushes them in a large-scale attack, they come under heavy fire, and their mission threatens to spiral out of control. The SEALs must fight back and try to keep the wounded alive until help arrives - but how long it will take for that help to come remains uncertain.
Director Alex Garland himself is not a fan of war or the conditions surrounding it. That's why Ray Mendoza joined the project - this is a mission he was personally involved in as a Navy SEAL. His input ensures the mission's details are portrayed authentically, helping the film capture the chaos and drama of war, which mirrors the grim nature of many other global conflicts.
The film doesn't explain much about the Iraq War itself; instead, it focuses on an observation mission that spirals out of control. Viewers who are familiar with the historical context may better understand the situation. This war drama powerfully and realistically shows various sides of war - how a group of soldiers grows closer over time, building strong bonds through their shared experiences. This often leads to friendship and trust. They find moments to joke around and enjoy brief moments of relief together, despite the surrounding violence.
But the film also shows the harsh reality that soldiers face when fighting the enemy - how they can suddenly lose a brother-in-arms. These losses often leave emotional scars, which the soldiers may only be able to process after the battle is over.
The sound and sound design, led by sound designer Glenn Freemantle, also contribute to the realism. Moments of silence can suddenly be shattered by gunfire and explosions. As a viewer, you may feel like you're right in the middle of the battlefield, heightening the tension in a very authentic way.
The film delivers a heavy emotional impact, showing the loss of a beloved friend and fellow soldier. Even if some soldiers only met during the war, the intensity of their situation forms a strong brotherhood. The film includes some brutal, bloody, and realistic depictions of war's consequences, with casualties ranging from innocent civilians to enemy soldiers.
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza aim not only to depict the horrors of war but also to make viewers ask themselves: Why do we still wage war?
Today, war is still a global reality. Often, its causes are differences in opinion, religion, lifestyle, or even purely for profit or strategic gain. In the end, these gains mostly benefit leaders or ruling groups - while on the darker side, countless soldiers and civilians become casualties. The outcomes of war often seem vastly disproportionate to the cost in human lives. It's strange and unsettling that, as humanity, we still continue down this path seemingly without reason.
The film doesn't focus much on individual character development, but rather on the soldiers' shared brotherhood. It strongly conveys how they bring each other comfort and joy amid the horrors of war. When one of them is wounded or killed, the emotional impact is deeply felt. Yet they push on, trying to stay focused on the mission and not let grief or hatred take over. The film also shows the emotional toll war takes - how, despite their strength, these men are still human and affected by loss.
Drop is a new mystery thriller directed by Christopher Landon, known for Happy Death Day and Freaky. The story follows Violet (Meghann Fahy), a recently widowed woman who is going on her first date since the loss of her husband with Henry (Brandon Sklenar). What should have been a pleasant evening quickly turns into a nerve-wracking adventure when Violet starts receiving threatening, anonymous messages. The sender demands that she take certain actions, or her loved ones will be put in danger. As she tries her best to comply with the demands, Violet works to uncover the identity of the sender and unravel the mystery.
The story has a strong, intriguing foundation. The tension is well built, and as a viewer, you quickly feel connected to Violet, who is forced to make decisions that place her in a moral dilemma. The setting, a chic restaurant full of suspicious figures, heightens the sense of unease. The mystery surrounding the anonymous messages keeps the viewer engaged as you try to figure out who the culprit is.
However, Drop struggles with balancing the mystery and relationship development. The film attempts to combine the romantic date elements with the tension of the thriller, but sometimes it feels like the two storylines don't blend well. The focus on Violet's personal dilemmas and the threatening messages causes her relationship with Henry to take a backseat. This results in an unbalanced tone, where the film feels like both a romantic thriller and a crime story, without fully succeeding in either genre.
Furthermore, the film includes several flashbacks that clarify the characters' pasts. Unfortunately, these moments sometimes feel unnecessary, like material from a different movie. They add little to the story and give the film an unnecessary, fragmented structure. It's clear that the writers, who previously worked on Fantasy Island and Truth or Dare, are not yet able to maintain tension in a truly immersive way. While the writing duo attempts to improve, some plot twists remain predictable, and the revelations feel rushed.
What does make the film strong, however, is its relevant theme about modern technology and how it affects our lives. Drop effectively plays on the way mobile phones and other technologies influence our interactions, giving the film a contemporary and realistic undertone. Violet's struggle with her personal issues is also powerfully portrayed by Meghann Fahy, who carries her character well. Her portrayal of a woman with a heavy past trying to pick up the pieces of her life makes her the emotional core of the film.
All in all, Drop is a film that doesn't fully live up to its potential. The tension and mystery are interesting, but the predictability of the plot and the failed balance between genres ultimately prevent the film from being completely convincing. Had the writing style been more refined and the storylines better intertwined, Drop could have made a much stronger impact. Still, the film offers an interesting look at the influence of technology on our lives, making it worth watching for genre enthusiasts.
The story has a strong, intriguing foundation. The tension is well built, and as a viewer, you quickly feel connected to Violet, who is forced to make decisions that place her in a moral dilemma. The setting, a chic restaurant full of suspicious figures, heightens the sense of unease. The mystery surrounding the anonymous messages keeps the viewer engaged as you try to figure out who the culprit is.
However, Drop struggles with balancing the mystery and relationship development. The film attempts to combine the romantic date elements with the tension of the thriller, but sometimes it feels like the two storylines don't blend well. The focus on Violet's personal dilemmas and the threatening messages causes her relationship with Henry to take a backseat. This results in an unbalanced tone, where the film feels like both a romantic thriller and a crime story, without fully succeeding in either genre.
Furthermore, the film includes several flashbacks that clarify the characters' pasts. Unfortunately, these moments sometimes feel unnecessary, like material from a different movie. They add little to the story and give the film an unnecessary, fragmented structure. It's clear that the writers, who previously worked on Fantasy Island and Truth or Dare, are not yet able to maintain tension in a truly immersive way. While the writing duo attempts to improve, some plot twists remain predictable, and the revelations feel rushed.
What does make the film strong, however, is its relevant theme about modern technology and how it affects our lives. Drop effectively plays on the way mobile phones and other technologies influence our interactions, giving the film a contemporary and realistic undertone. Violet's struggle with her personal issues is also powerfully portrayed by Meghann Fahy, who carries her character well. Her portrayal of a woman with a heavy past trying to pick up the pieces of her life makes her the emotional core of the film.
All in all, Drop is a film that doesn't fully live up to its potential. The tension and mystery are interesting, but the predictability of the plot and the failed balance between genres ultimately prevent the film from being completely convincing. Had the writing style been more refined and the storylines better intertwined, Drop could have made a much stronger impact. Still, the film offers an interesting look at the influence of technology on our lives, making it worth watching for genre enthusiasts.
The Amateur, a remake of the 1981 spy thriller of the same name, attempts to combine technological revenge fantasy with a classic CIA thriller. Director James Hawes (One Life) creates a story that is reminiscent of Jason Bourne, but with an amateur as the protagonist-both in the narrative and in the execution.
Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a reserved code expert at the CIA. His world collapses when his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) is killed in a terrorist attack in Loden. When the CIA fails to take action, Charlie decides to go his own way. Armed with his technical skills and a deep desire for revenge, he slowly transforms into a dangerous hacker, putting everything on the line to uncover the truth and eliminate his enemies.
At first glance, The Amateur follows a familiar path: a man loses a loved one and takes justice into his own hands. The film is reminiscent of spy classics like Mission: Impossible or Jason Bourne, but lacks the finesse, pace, and suspense of those great examples. What remains is a decent thriller that is engaging, especially in the first half.
The film also tries to do too much at once. In addition to the main story, we follow Charlie as he blackmails his boss, undergoes a training montage with a character played by Laurence Fishburne, and struggles with his own moral boundaries. These side plots slow down the pace of the story, making the film feel a bit long and disjointed. Less would have truly been more here.
Visually, it's put together reasonably well, although some explosions clearly reveal their digital origin, which doesn't help the film's credibility. Nevertheless, there are enough moments that manage to entertain, especially for fans of techno-thrillers and revenge stories.
What holds the film up is Rami Malek. He convinces as the reserved man who must step out of his comfort zone. His performance gives the film a human touch, and his message-that even the quiet, analytical types can make a difference-is likable.
The Amateur is neither a groundbreaking nor brilliant thriller, but for those looking for an entertaining movie night with a touch of espionage and revenge, there is certainly something to be gained. Don't expect a new Bourne, but with a bit of forgiveness, this is a decent copy.
Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a reserved code expert at the CIA. His world collapses when his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) is killed in a terrorist attack in Loden. When the CIA fails to take action, Charlie decides to go his own way. Armed with his technical skills and a deep desire for revenge, he slowly transforms into a dangerous hacker, putting everything on the line to uncover the truth and eliminate his enemies.
At first glance, The Amateur follows a familiar path: a man loses a loved one and takes justice into his own hands. The film is reminiscent of spy classics like Mission: Impossible or Jason Bourne, but lacks the finesse, pace, and suspense of those great examples. What remains is a decent thriller that is engaging, especially in the first half.
The film also tries to do too much at once. In addition to the main story, we follow Charlie as he blackmails his boss, undergoes a training montage with a character played by Laurence Fishburne, and struggles with his own moral boundaries. These side plots slow down the pace of the story, making the film feel a bit long and disjointed. Less would have truly been more here.
Visually, it's put together reasonably well, although some explosions clearly reveal their digital origin, which doesn't help the film's credibility. Nevertheless, there are enough moments that manage to entertain, especially for fans of techno-thrillers and revenge stories.
What holds the film up is Rami Malek. He convinces as the reserved man who must step out of his comfort zone. His performance gives the film a human touch, and his message-that even the quiet, analytical types can make a difference-is likable.
The Amateur is neither a groundbreaking nor brilliant thriller, but for those looking for an entertaining movie night with a touch of espionage and revenge, there is certainly something to be gained. Don't expect a new Bourne, but with a bit of forgiveness, this is a decent copy.