Ron@Ottawa
Ottawa Public Library
Ron@Ottawa's Completed Shelf
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Past LivesPast Lives, DVDNos Vies Passées
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2024
Anatomy of a Fall (DVD)Anatomy of a Fall (DVD), DVD
DVD - 2024 | FrenchDVD, 2024. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
Comment:
This is basically a courtroom drama. At about 2.5 hrs it is a long one. However, I was engaged throughout. Good acting and directing make this film a pleasant one to lose yourself in. No nudity and visible violence. Just good old story telling.
The HoldoversThe Holdovers, DVDCeux Qui Restent
DVD - 2024DVD, 2024
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2024
Comment:
Set in the 70's when people drove large, cumbersome-looking cars, this a human drama with no violence and no sex and no nudity. Good acting by the cast and a moving story-line make this film, over 2 hours long, a good watch in a quiet evening. It also confirms Alexander Payne as one of the best contemporay directors in the US.Set in the 70's when people drove large, cumbersome-looking cars, this a human drama with no violence and no sex and no nudity. Good acting by the cast and a moving story-line make this film, over 2 hours long, a good watch in a quiet evening. It…
RevengeRevenge, DVDLa vengeance
DVD - 2018 | FrenchDVD, 2018. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2024
Comment:
First off, this is a B-movie with a revenge theme. Plenty of gore and blood. Plot is not very credible as our heroine was so badly injured I was surprised by her mobility and capacity for violence. But the film was stylishly directed. So if want gore and mindless fun, and a feel-good ending (bad dudes had it coming) then this film is definitely worth a watch.First off, this is a B-movie with a revenge theme. Plenty of gore and blood. Plot is not very credible as our heroine was so badly injured I was surprised by her mobility and capacity for violence. But the film was stylishly directed. So if want…
AbominableAbominable, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2024
Comment:
This is a film for the kids. As an adult, I can't quite take to the plot - about a yeti with magical power being helped to return to his natural habitat by three kids. Some visual scenes are good to look at, especially those based on some famous scenic spots of China. Just wish I was much, much younger.This is a film for the kids. As an adult, I can't quite take to the plot - about a yeti with magical power being helped to return to his natural habitat by three kids. Some visual scenes are good to look at, especially those based on some famous…
The NightingaleThe Nightingale, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2024
Comment:
This is basically a revenge story. But at 2 hrs and 16 mins it is way too long. The film can easily be reduced to under 2 hours for a much tighter viewing. For example there are way too many flashback moments that don't add much to the plot. The time period and locale are interesting. The heroine made some annoying blunders towards end but overall the film's conclusion is something within my expectation. A couple of rape scenes are graphic and hard to watch for some. Overall a film most would finding rewarding.This is basically a revenge story. But at 2 hrs and 16 mins it is way too long. The film can easily be reduced to under 2 hours for a much tighter viewing. For example there are way too many flashback moments that don't add much to the plot. The…
YellowjacketsYellowjackets, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2023
Comment:
Based on some of the good reviews from film critics my expectation was high. But I was ultimately disappointed. The plot line shows promise but the story telling failed. Jumping back and forth in time, over a 25 year period, can be effective when done properly but doing it over and over again becomes very annoying. I wound up fast-forwarding a good part of the series. So no Season 2 for me.Based on some of the good reviews from film critics my expectation was high. But I was ultimately disappointed. The plot line shows promise but the story telling failed. Jumping back and forth in time, over a 25 year period, can be effective when…
The OdysseyThe Odyssey, BookA Dramatic Retelling of Homer's Epic
by Armitage, SimonBook - 2008Book, 2008
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 30, 2023
Comment:
I had little exposure to Homer's epic during my younger days, so I decided to give it a shot. This version, all told in the form of dialogues between and among Gods and men, makes it real easy for me to follow the story line. So I like it. I have to admit half way through I did skip a chapter of the story as I find it repetitive and less interesting. The final union between father and son, and between husband and wife, is fairly touching.I had little exposure to Homer's epic during my younger days, so I decided to give it a shot. This version, all told in the form of dialogues between and among Gods and men, makes it real easy for me to follow the story line. So I like it. I have…
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, DVDShang-Chi Et La Légende Des Dix Anneaux
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2023
Comment:
After the success of Black Panther it appears this Marvel franchise wanted to further diversify the ethnic background of its super-heroes. I applaud that. But to bring in a new hero with an Asian background they have to tell a new story from scratch, to set the stage for further, future involvement of the hero. And I think that's where they could have done a better job.
For example, Shang-chi's girlfriend, played by awkwafina and meant to bring in a comical element to the film, is not cast well. In fact, I find her presence often added no value to the story line, or most scenes. Character development for the hero's father, played by Tony Leung, is ambiguous and contradictory at times.
The CGI is good, and the ending well done. So overall I enjoyed it despite the flaws along the way.After the success of Black Panther it appears this Marvel franchise wanted to further diversify the ethnic background of its super-heroes. I applaud that. But to bring in a new hero with an Asian background they have to tell a new story from…
One WeekOne Week, DVDSept Jours V.F
DVD - 2009DVD, 2009
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2023
Comment:
This definitely has the look of a low-budget film from Canada. Not too bad as a film. My problem is the protagonist, though not himself a bad person, is not exactly a likable person either. For example, his prolonged refusal to call his mom to me is unforgivable, whatever his circumstances are. As a result, whatever happens to him doesn't quite interest me.This definitely has the look of a low-budget film from Canada. Not too bad as a film. My problem is the protagonist, though not himself a bad person, is not exactly a likable person either. For example, his prolonged refusal to call his mom to me…
One Strange RockOne Strange Rock, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2023
Comment:
This is a very informative documentary about our planet. However, it could have been done better in a solely narrative fashion (e.g. David Attenborough commenting on the BBC Planet Series) rather then the visual flow being constantly interrupted by injected narratives, despite some of these being spoken by real astronauts. So no, I didn't finish the entire series.This is a very informative documentary about our planet. However, it could have been done better in a solely narrative fashion (e.g. David Attenborough commenting on the BBC Planet Series) rather then the visual flow being constantly interrupted by…
The wandering earthThe wandering earth, DVDLiu lang di qiu
DVD - 2019 | ChineseDVD, 2019. Language: Chinese
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2023
Comment:
This is actually a pretty good sci-fi film from China, for the story on which it was based is well thought-out and novel. My main complaint with this film version is it seems to be full of chaotic scenes. If they can clean that up the film will be more engaging.This is actually a pretty good sci-fi film from China, for the story on which it was based is well thought-out and novel. My main complaint with this film version is it seems to be full of chaotic scenes. If they can clean that up the film will be…
O Brother, Where Art Thou?O Brother, Where Art Thou?, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2023
Comment:
Quite a few comical characters in this Coen Brothers' film. Some even likable. One big bonus is the sound track - many memorable songs in there and all were well-performed. I have to say this is very enjoyable, easy cinema.
AnomalisaAnomalisa, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2023
Comment:
Mixed feeling on this one. First off, the style of animation is not to my taste. There's really no beauty there. Second, the explicit sex scene is a first for me for any animation film I have seen. But was there a need for it to be there? By the time the film ends, apart from a sense of novelty I didn't get much else. I can only surmise it is one of those very 'personal' projects from the director.Mixed feeling on this one. First off, the style of animation is not to my taste. There's really no beauty there. Second, the explicit sex scene is a first for me for any animation film I have seen. But was there a need for it to be there? By…
Midsomer MurdersMidsomer Murders, DVDSeries 16
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2023
Goodbye to languageGoodbye to language, DVD[Adieu au langage]
DVD - 2015 | FrenchDVD, 2015. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Nov 24, 2022
Comment:
Again, lots of video clips and images (some very grainy and of poor quality) form the core of this film, a very personal film that probably only Godard and his hardcore fans would appreciate. There is supposed to be a love story in there somehow (some nudity in there) but it carried little weight. It does not appeal to me at all.Again, lots of video clips and images (some very grainy and of poor quality) form the core of this film, a very personal film that probably only Godard and his hardcore fans would appreciate. There is supposed to be a love story in there somehow…
Dr. StrangeloveDr. Strangelove, DVDOr, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Nov 24, 2022
Comment:
The last time I watched this film by Kubrick was decades ago. I just watched it again and, with the recent Russia/Ukraine/UN/US conflict and all the saber rattling going on the message of the film is more relevant than ever. A worthy watch/re-watch by anyone who is not afraid of resulting sleepless nights.The last time I watched this film by Kubrick was decades ago. I just watched it again and, with the recent Russia/Ukraine/UN/US conflict and all the saber rattling going on the message of the film is more relevant than ever. A worthy…
Le petit soldatLe petit soldat, DVD
DVD - 2020 | FrenchDVD, 2020. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Oct 04, 2022
Comment:
This spy thriller, shot in black and white, is dated by today's standard. At least it has a plot (some Godard film simply don't) so I could at least follow the story. Nothing that stands out to make me jump up and down for it.
Le gai savoirLe gai savoir, DVD
DVD - 2017 | FrenchDVD, 2017. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2022
Comment:
Often Godard made films that are way too personal for others to follow. This is definitely one of them. Two young people met nightly to discuss various worldly issues, with their discussions punctuated by lots of images flashing on the screen. You can say this is a very political film, but I bet if people paid for admission in a cinema half way through they will walk out and demand a refund. So be warned.Often Godard made films that are way too personal for others to follow. This is definitely one of them. Two young people met nightly to discuss various worldly issues, with their discussions punctuated by lots of images flashing on the screen. …
Every man for himselfEvery man for himself, DVDSauve qui peut (la vie)
DVD - 2015 | FrenchDVD, 2015. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Sep 25, 2022
Comment:
First off, this a film by Godard, so you have to cast aside what you normally experience in other films. For me, it is a pretty 'wacky' films. The use of freeze-frame slo-mo appeared in several places but I just don't see they add any value. There are also some pretty twisted, bad characters here (mostly men who exploited women and enjoyed subjecting them to humiliation) but not many likable ones. It helps if you are a Godard fan or you will find yourself clueless in it. For me the additional bonus is seeing the younger versions of Isabelle Huppert and Nathalie Baye, both very attractive actors in their prime.First off, this a film by Godard, so you have to cast aside what you normally experience in other films. For me, it is a pretty 'wacky' films. The use of freeze-frame slo-mo appeared in several places but I just don't see they add any value. …
The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Aug 27, 2022
Comment:
An "OK" crime drama with the NYC metro as the backdrop. A few well known actors here but overall the film is just idle-time-killing materials.
Calm at seaCalm at sea, DVD[La mer à l'aube]
DVD - 2018 | FrenchDVD, 2018. Language: French
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Aug 27, 2022
Comment:
A war-time drama told is a fairly narrative fashion. The director did "Tin Drum" years back which I think is a far more interesting film. This one is watchable, but nothing to get excited about.
Memories of murderMemories of murder, DVDSalinui chueok
DVD - 2021 | KoreanDVD, 2021. Language: Korean
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Aug 15, 2022
Comment:
This is a watchable crime drama from Korea. However, I do find a tad of exaggerated acting here and there. For example in the depiction of the incompetence of the local police force, and in the melt-down of the detective from big-city Seoul. The ending is very un-Hollywood-like. Worth waiting for.This is a watchable crime drama from Korea. However, I do find a tad of exaggerated acting here and there. For example in the depiction of the incompetence of the local police force, and in the melt-down of the detective from big-city Seoul. The…
Midsomer MurdersMidsomer Murders, DVDSeries 10
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Aug 05, 2022
Comment:
Have the say the quality of the plots have in general come down a little compared to the previous seasons. Hopefully this is a one-off thing.
The FallThe Fall, DVDSeries 2
DVD - 2014?DVD, 2014?
Ron@Ottawa's rating:
Added Jul 25, 2022
Comment:
Season 1 ends without a conclusion so Season 2 is needed to wrap things up, sort of. Due to its flawed subplots and characters I think this is a watchable series on the serial killer genre but not exactly in the top league.
Comment: