K3nzit

While visually stunning, it's the characters and storytelling that made the biggest impact on me. The main characters journey is told in a very focused and loving way and when the dust settled I felt very satisfied.

The effects look very good and grounded for a 15 million dollar film. You really feel the weight and scale of the destruction and that's what's important in a film like this.

Let's hope that this movie will influence a new generation of filmmakers and producers. Because you don't need 100 million dollars to make a gripping spectacular. I'm talking to you Hollywood - You have done it before and you can do it again.

I can't really talk about 'Rampart' before mentioning the brilliant acting done by Woody Harrelson. His lead performance as the crooked LA cop is masterful. Maybe one of the best work in his entire career.

The movie itself is a bit of a letdown. My biggest issue was the uneven camerawork. Some scenes felt experimental, almost like a student film. Others very professional and well executed. Mind boggling really.

What about the story. Well, it's not very focused in my opinion. The screenplay is pretty weak to be honest. No real character development here, but I know what they were drying to do - At least there are consequences at the end, even if the execution could have been better.

4/10.

Nicole Kidman gives a powerful performance in this raw and grimy neo-noir by Karyn Kusama.

The storytelling shines with slow buildup and clever editing. There are not many films like this, where I'm hoping for a new flashback as soon as one ends.

The action in this is grounded and believable. Some scenes are nail-bitingly intense. Seems like every member of the crew has done their homework.

The scenes that steal the show are with Kidman and Sebastian Stan. Their chemistry is what lifted the movie to next level. Giving the movie some warmth it desperately needed.

Love also the use of locations and the set design. The underbelly of LA feels real and you definitely need a shower when the end credits roll. But when they do roll, I'm sure you are glad that you made a decision to watch this little hidden gem.