Tag Archives: Fantasy

The Bride! (2026) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): This bride is wild!

Posted on March 6, 2026 by kaist455

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s latest film “The Bride!” is a wild mess which alternatively fascinates and distracts you. Loosely inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic novel “Frankenstein”, the movie attempts to try a lot of different things ranging from horror to musical, … Continue reading →

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Ne Zha 2 (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A spectacular but hollow sequel

Posted on February 25, 2026 by kaist455

Chinese animation film “Ne Zha 2”, the sequel to “Ne Zha” (2019), strives to be bigger, longer, and better, but it ends up only accomplishing its first two tasks to my dissatisfaction. Thanks to its much more production budget, it … Continue reading →

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Ne Zha (2019) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The story of a demon boy

Posted on February 24, 2026 by kaist455

2019 Chinese animation film “Ne Zha” works best when it cheerfully bounces with a vibrant sense of fun and energy during its first half. I found its mischievous little demonic hero rather endearing even though he sometimes reminds me of … Continue reading →

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The end of an ambitious trilogy

Posted on February 9, 2026 by kaist455

Peter Jackson’s 2003 film “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”, which was re-released in selected South Korean theaters a few weeks ago, did almost everything it was expected to do as the end of its ambitious … Continue reading →

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Castle in the Sky (1986) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The first official Ghibli work from Miyazaki

Posted on January 28, 2026 by kaist455

Hayao Miyazaki’s 1986 animation feature film “Castle in the Sky”, which was re-released in South Korean theaters in last week, still soars high even after 40 years. When I walked into the screening room on last evening, I did not … Continue reading →

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The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) ☆☆☆(3/4): Michael Caine as Scrooge – with the Muppets

Posted on December 25, 2025 by kaist455

There is a good reason why Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” has been a classic work to be remembered and cherished by many of us. Above all, this is a striking ghost story with chilly and spooky qualities … Continue reading →

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Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) ☆☆1/2 (2.5/4): Mostly in the same water again

Posted on December 18, 2025 by kaist455

James Cameron’s new film “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is a rare letdown from the filmmaker who has not disappointed us for more than 40 years. Again, we are surely served with a lot of spectacular visual elements and thrilling actions, … Continue reading →

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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The middle of an ambitious trilogy

Posted on December 7, 2025 by kaist455

Peter Jackson’s 2002 film “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”, which is currently being shown in selected South Korean theaters, is an effective middle chapter of its ambitious trilogy. While you will surely need to watch “The Lord … Continue reading →

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The Life of Chuck (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): He contains multitudes…

Posted on November 27, 2025 by kaist455

Mike Flanagan’s latest film “The Life of Chuck”, which won the People’s Choice Award when it was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in last year, interested me for what it is about and then touched me for how … Continue reading →

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Zootopia 2 (2025) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): More animals, more worlds (and I like it more)

Posted on November 26, 2025 by kaist455

Disney animation feature film “Zootopia 2” has more animals and worlds to present, and I like it more. While it will still take some time for you to accept its rather shaky background premise, the film fills its animal fantasy … Continue reading →

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