Vice

Again, an overused alienation effect and again a constant effort to be above all things, even in moments when it would be appropriate to weigh and let the given information or twist settle calmly. And Adam McKay smiles and winks at me from every line of the script, but I still have yet to figure out whether he considers the audience his best friend or a stubborn fool. What's the use then, that Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and the sovereign Amy Adams can bend over backwards, when this slightly biting satire about a notorious juggernaut lifted from real life looks in a different direction at the most important moments? Still, it's good enough for a weaker average film, because the story, thanks to its bold time jumps, involuntarily captivates you – and unlike The Big Short, I don't get the feeling that I've sat through a lesson in recent history that lasts five hours. (02/01/2019)

A classical American topic – the only attention it will draw will be at the Oscars… and then it will be forgotten. At least Amy Adams still has a pretty face. On the other hand, I would barely have recognized Christian Bale. I guess that this was why at the Golden Globes he thanked Satan for having had the chance to play in this movie… (02/13/2019)

Christian Bale is such a phenomenon in today’s film world that it almost seems unreal. Calling him an "acting chameleon" is, in my view, the highest compliment one could give him. He has the ability to embody any character with such skill that the film he’s in is elevated to dizzying heights in terms of quality. Adam McKay tackled the political machinations and intrigues that happen behind the scenes, which the general public simply doesn’t see, and infused them with his unique directorial style, resulting in a film that doesn’t hold back. I can’t say what exactly happened and what the filmmakers imagined for the dramatic effect, but many moments of watching it left me with feelings that were far from pleasant. Besides Bale’s luxurious transformation into Dick Cheney (both physically and expressively—his mannerisms and speech were just like the original man), the supporting roles of Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, and especially Steve Carell (wow, he also blew me away) were outstanding. Anyone expecting a simple film about a politician will be disappointed, as the word "ORDINARY" does not apply to this film. And therein lies its magic. I give it 85%. (07/23/2019)

A well-thought-out satire told in McKaye's typical style. Humorous scenes alternate unbelievably naturally with horrifying moments in modern history. Although Vice is another of Bale’s grand acting performances, this time the movie doesn’t rely on him alone. Adams and Rockwell are accomplished supporting actors. Primarily, however, the key things are the fresh screenplay and concept. A movie with an hour-long post-credits scene… They ruined House of Cards for us before the finale, and this could make up for that a little. (02/16/2019)

On the one hand, I was annoyed at times by the way it was filmed, but on the other, I have to say that the narrative had an unbelievable momentum, which is something that cannot be said about many films with political themes. Another positive aspect is the cast. Christian Bale was completely unrecognizable several times, he fully immersed himself in the role of Dick Cheney with all his energy, capturing his personality perfectly. However, Sam Rockwell and Steve Carell provided him with very capable support, and Amy Adams also did not let herself be outdone. It is an interesting film that gave me a little insight into the American political system. (75%) (04/07/2021)