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Ronen's Rating System:

***** A must watch
**** Worth seeing
*** If you must watch a movie and there is nothing else out there
** Don’t bother
* It’s so bad its almost good... not... These are films I walked out on, or just fell asleep
(K: stars) Rating by my children. As they are easy to please, would typically be higher than mine...

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From category archives: RonenRecommends

Family

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) ***

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) ***

There is nothing really wrong with The Force Awakens. It is skillfully written, perfectly directed and masterfully executed. It is entertaining and, for the most part, quite engaging. The filmmakers strove for and were successful in obtaining a balance between the familiar and the new. Yet there is also something quite tiring about this film; an element that feels a little too contrived.
Currently rated 5.0 by 1 people
Inside Out (2015) *****

Inside Out (2015) *****

Pixar continues to shine! Inside Out, the latest animated film by the studio, demonstrates yet again that storytelling supersedes special effects. Originally conceived by Pete Docter, Inside Out is all about relationships and emotions, especially during times of transition; be it geographical relocation or the change from childhood into puberty. Good storytelling is the ability to tell the tale of one individual in a manner that all watching can relate. That is where Pixar proves time and again their mastery. Fortunately Pixar’s animation skills do not fall far behind, making Inside Out a pure delight.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Force Majeure (Sweden, 2014) ****

Force Majeure (Sweden, 2014) ****

Force Majeure is a Swedish family drama, written and directed by Ruben Östlund. It tells the story of two young parents, who go on a French Alpine skiing vacation with their two elementary school age kids. All is set for a fun vacation by a loving 'model family', until an external event sets in motion an avalanche, the effects of which shake the foundations of what, just moments earlier, seemed like the perfect relationship.
Östlund’s Force Majeure does not dictate views nor does it try to force opinions. The filmmaker simply holds a mirror in which reflect certain aspects of our human nature. The movie may not be for everyone’s taste, with its slower pace and foreign language. Yet, for those who appreciate quality cinema, this film is definitely worth checking out.
Currently rated 4.0 by 1 people
Bears (2014) *** (k: *****)

Bears (2014) *** (k: *****)

Bears is a nature documentary, directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, and narrated by John C. Reilly. Soft around the edges, Bears avoids gruesome scenes that typically accompany movies about wildlife. The filmmakers manage to put together a decent narrated plot, following a family of grizzly bears – a mom and two young cubs, as they venture from their hibernation home onto an Alaskan spring, summer and fall.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Boyhood (2014) ***

Boyhood (2014) ***

Boyhood features vignettes from an American family life, a life that is typical in some ways, yet unique in others. Some moments felt quite authentic, still, plenty a time I found myself asking why do I need to sit and watch on the big screen that which I have just left behind at home. Only reason, in my mind, to see a drama that represents real life, is if there is something to be learned. Sadly, at least for the earlier part of Boyhood, I did not feel rewarded. The intent was there but that somehow got lost in translation.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Muppets Most Wanted (2014) ***

Muppets Most Wanted (2014) ***

The Muppets sequel to the 2011 The Muppets film, is entertaining and fun, yet it surrenders too much screen time to characters other than, well, the Muppets... My kids enjoyed it while I wasn’t bored. If you are a Muppets fan and are willing to settle for less than the best, the Muppets Most Wanted makes for a pleasurable afternoon at the movies.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people

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Latest Comments

    Re: Logan (2017) ***

    I agree about the relationship with Logan and Charles - added a lot of depth, especially with the next...

    -- ed

    Re: Eye in the Sky (2015, UK) *****

    Great Review Ronen!

    -- Scott

    Re: Top Five (2014) ***

    wonderfully expressed review and very accurately describing the movie...

    -- Zoes mom

    Re: Begin Again (2014) ***

    such great performers - would have expected more of.... very disappointing to hear....

    -- mother of four

    Re: Waltz with Bashir (2008) *****

    Stunned. Speechless. This is a powerful movie. Its objectivity and lack of judgment IS its power, and...

    -- Monroe Movie Lover

    Re: Inception (2010) ***

    Special effects are more than ever present even in drama movies, its almost normal that an action thriller...

    -- Alvaro

    Re: The Real Dirt On Farmer John (2005) ***

    Interesting though i was expecting more of the film.

    -- rondnor

    Re: Midnight Run (1988) *****

    great movie indeed

    -- rondnor

    Re: The Bounty Hunter (2010) *

    wont bother then

    -- superair

    Re: Stardust (2007) *****

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :-)watching Robert De Niro in a dress what could be better.Enjoy

    -- YRD

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