Title: Gomorrah
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: contemplative, sad, tragic
Website: http://www.gomorrahmovie.co.uk/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85793/Gomorrah.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/gomorrah/
(Italian, with subtitles): Sort of reminds me of an Italian version of Boyz n the Hood showing the difficulties of growing up and living in a society where corruption and crime are so intrinsically tied to every aspect of life. This movie examines how life is in a society, where people are forced to make compromises yet struggle with the same emotions of all humans (the desire for self-preservation, family honour, and the ambition of youth). A fascinating, if scary and harrowing, study of several intertwined stories of various people in Italy and the choices they make when faced with such rules. Aside from the story line, which is dramatic and compelling, tragic and occasionally uplifting, the film is visually stunning. From the beginning sequence in the tanning booth to the sequence that is shot from above of a man walking through corpses, the film’s muted colours work. An overall depressing movie, but one that is very enlightening (especially the end of the movie that gives some statistics on organized crime in Italy as context).
Showing posts with label Film / Movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film / Movie. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Friday, 19 December 2008
Film / Movie - Nordwand (North Face)
Title: Nordwand (North Face)
Rating (out of 100): 60
Mood: contemplative, sad, introspective
Website: http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_info/s117/Panton_St/m11883/North_Face/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86376/north-face.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/north-face/
(German, with subtitles): Set in the historical context of a Germany ruled by Hitler, and based on real-life events, the movie focuses on the attempts of several climbers to conquer the north face of the Eiger - one of the most difficult (and previously unclimbed) parts of the mountain. The movie also examines the sacrifices (personal, professional) that people make in the fight for glory, whether it is the climbers, or a journalist or a photojournalist in the making. Overall, the movie is beautiful showing vast expansive mountain ranges that take your breath away. There are even some comedic moments in the early part, but the movie really takes off with the start of the actual climb. That is where you see the personal struggle within each person about what they want to achieve in life and what sacrifices they are willing to make. Overall, the movie was relatively interesting and engaging. I thought the additional element of the film (the journalist and photojournalist in the making) added to the story, rather than detracted from it. But for some reason, I couldn’t get so emotionally invested in the film. Somehow, I felt as if the audience was being kept at a distance. Without giving too much away, the movie was a bit of a downer despite the attempt to create a happy ending. All in all a decent movie, but not one of the best I’ve seen of this genre. For a mountain-type movie, some of the other movies that have been release in the past were much more beautiful.
Rating (out of 100): 60
Mood: contemplative, sad, introspective
Website: http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_info/s117/Panton_St/m11883/North_Face/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86376/north-face.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/north-face/
(German, with subtitles): Set in the historical context of a Germany ruled by Hitler, and based on real-life events, the movie focuses on the attempts of several climbers to conquer the north face of the Eiger - one of the most difficult (and previously unclimbed) parts of the mountain. The movie also examines the sacrifices (personal, professional) that people make in the fight for glory, whether it is the climbers, or a journalist or a photojournalist in the making. Overall, the movie is beautiful showing vast expansive mountain ranges that take your breath away. There are even some comedic moments in the early part, but the movie really takes off with the start of the actual climb. That is where you see the personal struggle within each person about what they want to achieve in life and what sacrifices they are willing to make. Overall, the movie was relatively interesting and engaging. I thought the additional element of the film (the journalist and photojournalist in the making) added to the story, rather than detracted from it. But for some reason, I couldn’t get so emotionally invested in the film. Somehow, I felt as if the audience was being kept at a distance. Without giving too much away, the movie was a bit of a downer despite the attempt to create a happy ending. All in all a decent movie, but not one of the best I’ve seen of this genre. For a mountain-type movie, some of the other movies that have been release in the past were much more beautiful.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Film / Movie - Choke
Title: Choke
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: happy, funny, quirky
Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/choke/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85693/choke.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/choke/
Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk (http://chuckpalahniuk.net/), author of Fight Club, Choke is a love story. A hilarious, oddball black comedy type of love story that will offend some viewers, but will entertain the majority. Some viewers may recognize the main character’s point of view as strikingly similar to that of Ed Norton’s character in Fight Club (especially the parts when he talks about attending his various terminal illness group therapy sessions). Not surprisingly, this movie includes a good amount of group therapy, not to mention nudity. The whole film is about a sex addict. A redeemable lovable underneath it all good guy sex addict of course. The type who became the way he was because of his complicated relationship with his mother (played by the fantastic Anjelica Huston). And who underneath it all is a guy who just wants to love and be loved. It’s an old story but told in a very new and extremely entertaining way. Some of the awkward situations are incredibly funny (anything related to the colonial farm). All in all an especially entertaining black comedy. Just don’t expect any of the visual effects or grittiness of Fight Club. Or nearly the same amount of revolution against the way things are. It’s just not that type of movie. But then again, as much as I Love Fight Club (with a capital L), how many times did you laugh out loud when watching it. That's what I thought.
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: happy, funny, quirky
Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/choke/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85693/choke.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/choke/
Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk (http://chuckpalahniuk.net/), author of Fight Club, Choke is a love story. A hilarious, oddball black comedy type of love story that will offend some viewers, but will entertain the majority. Some viewers may recognize the main character’s point of view as strikingly similar to that of Ed Norton’s character in Fight Club (especially the parts when he talks about attending his various terminal illness group therapy sessions). Not surprisingly, this movie includes a good amount of group therapy, not to mention nudity. The whole film is about a sex addict. A redeemable lovable underneath it all good guy sex addict of course. The type who became the way he was because of his complicated relationship with his mother (played by the fantastic Anjelica Huston). And who underneath it all is a guy who just wants to love and be loved. It’s an old story but told in a very new and extremely entertaining way. Some of the awkward situations are incredibly funny (anything related to the colonial farm). All in all an especially entertaining black comedy. Just don’t expect any of the visual effects or grittiness of Fight Club. Or nearly the same amount of revolution against the way things are. It’s just not that type of movie. But then again, as much as I Love Fight Club (with a capital L), how many times did you laugh out loud when watching it. That's what I thought.
Film / Movie - Love and Honour
Title: Love and Honour
Rating (out of 100): 80
Mood: transported (travelled), reaffirmed faith in love
Website: http://www.ica.org.uk/Love%20and%20Honour+18646.twl
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86453/love-and-honour.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/love-and-honor/
(Japanese, subtitles) – Playing at the ICA, this is the last movie of the samurai trilogy by Yoji Yamada. It’s set in the time of the samurai in Japan and shows all of the rigid social rules and family relations of that time. Ultimately a love story, the movie examines how a man who previously had power and prestige through his work, struggles to form a new identity after suffering a setback. The film is interesting in its depiction of a range of emotions – some which are socially acceptable to display and others which one must hide. From an outside perspective, it seems that all the characters are ready to perform harakiri (self mutilation / suicide) at every slight disgrace. But, the reality that the characters feel that this is their only real option is the ultimate illumination for the audience in understanding the life of people in Japan at that time.
Overall, a bit of a samurai melodramatic love story, but one that is well-acted, beautiful, and a joy to watch. Just don’t expect anything incredibly insightful or intriguing.
Rating (out of 100): 80
Mood: transported (travelled), reaffirmed faith in love
Website: http://www.ica.org.uk/Love%20and%20Honour+18646.twl
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86453/love-and-honour.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/love-and-honor/
(Japanese, subtitles) – Playing at the ICA, this is the last movie of the samurai trilogy by Yoji Yamada. It’s set in the time of the samurai in Japan and shows all of the rigid social rules and family relations of that time. Ultimately a love story, the movie examines how a man who previously had power and prestige through his work, struggles to form a new identity after suffering a setback. The film is interesting in its depiction of a range of emotions – some which are socially acceptable to display and others which one must hide. From an outside perspective, it seems that all the characters are ready to perform harakiri (self mutilation / suicide) at every slight disgrace. But, the reality that the characters feel that this is their only real option is the ultimate illumination for the audience in understanding the life of people in Japan at that time.
Overall, a bit of a samurai melodramatic love story, but one that is well-acted, beautiful, and a joy to watch. Just don’t expect anything incredibly insightful or intriguing.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Film / Movie - What Just Happened
Title: What Just Happened
Rating (out of 100): 55
Mood: neutral, annoyed
Website: http://www.whatjusthappenedfilm.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85682/what-just-happened.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/what-just-happened/
For a movie packing such star power, What Just Happened is a bit of a disappointment. It’s one of these movies where it seems that everybody gets lost in how many great and accomplished actors it includes and somehow, everybody seems to forget about the movie itself. The movie itself is about the ridiculousness of Hollywood as told through the eyes of a producer. That includes professional difficulties as well as personal, and how the line between the two is often very blurry. All in all, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to react to this movie. Am I really supposed to feel sorry for the main character (the producer) because his life is so hard? Or maybe the director because he struggles to express his artistic vision? Or maybe the ex-wive(s) of the producer, who are now living luxurious lives with their children. Or maybe, I’m supposed to feel bad for all the people who are the “little people of Hollywood”. The ones who work on the actual movies day in and day out, who have to deal with all these personalities and attitudes. Overall, a somewhat entertaining movie, but nothing too serious or too insightful.
Rating (out of 100): 55
Mood: neutral, annoyed
Website: http://www.whatjusthappenedfilm.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85682/what-just-happened.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/what-just-happened/
For a movie packing such star power, What Just Happened is a bit of a disappointment. It’s one of these movies where it seems that everybody gets lost in how many great and accomplished actors it includes and somehow, everybody seems to forget about the movie itself. The movie itself is about the ridiculousness of Hollywood as told through the eyes of a producer. That includes professional difficulties as well as personal, and how the line between the two is often very blurry. All in all, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to react to this movie. Am I really supposed to feel sorry for the main character (the producer) because his life is so hard? Or maybe the director because he struggles to express his artistic vision? Or maybe the ex-wive(s) of the producer, who are now living luxurious lives with their children. Or maybe, I’m supposed to feel bad for all the people who are the “little people of Hollywood”. The ones who work on the actual movies day in and day out, who have to deal with all these personalities and attitudes. Overall, a somewhat entertaining movie, but nothing too serious or too insightful.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Film / Movie - Summer
Title: Summer
Rating (out of 100): 80
Mood: pensive, sad, introspective about limitations and opportunities in life
Website: http://www.summerthemovie.co.uk/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86436/summer.html / na
Summer, a movie that recently came out, has won numerous awards. Set in Scotland (and therefore, with an accent that sometimes escapes me), it is the story of a middle aged man caring for his wheelchair bound best friend and his son, while dealing with his own memories of a happier past. The movie is interesting in how it flashes back and forth between a happy history of childhood, that then becomes a more confusing history of young adulthood and ultimately leads to a difficult (but not entirely unhappy) middle age. The movie shows how children who may have some learning disabilities and disciplinary problems often slip through the cracks. It is up to us to decide whether we blame the school system, the parents, or the children themselves. All in all an engaging drama that has some interesting moments of real human connection, but left me hanging (and wondering what if, and what would happen) at the end.
Rating (out of 100): 80
Mood: pensive, sad, introspective about limitations and opportunities in life
Website: http://www.summerthemovie.co.uk/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86436/summer.html / na
Summer, a movie that recently came out, has won numerous awards. Set in Scotland (and therefore, with an accent that sometimes escapes me), it is the story of a middle aged man caring for his wheelchair bound best friend and his son, while dealing with his own memories of a happier past. The movie is interesting in how it flashes back and forth between a happy history of childhood, that then becomes a more confusing history of young adulthood and ultimately leads to a difficult (but not entirely unhappy) middle age. The movie shows how children who may have some learning disabilities and disciplinary problems often slip through the cracks. It is up to us to decide whether we blame the school system, the parents, or the children themselves. All in all an engaging drama that has some interesting moments of real human connection, but left me hanging (and wondering what if, and what would happen) at the end.
Film / Movie - Tatil Kitabi (Summer Book)
Title: Tatil Kitabi (Summer Book)
Rating (out of 100): 65
Mood: relatively neutral, nothing too emotionally engaging, pensive about family obligations and limited choices
Website: http://www.ltff.org.uk/summer_book.php
Timeout / Culture Critic: na / na
(Turkish, with subtitles). Part of London’s 14th Annual Turkish Film Festival (http://www.ltff.org.uk/) this movie shows a modern day Turkish family dealing with life and the opportunities and challenges it brings. Significantly set outside of Istanbul, in a small town, the movie watches as the patriarch of a family (substantially older than his second wife) rules the family and both his sons. We see how his second wife, his brother, and both his sons deal with his control and expectations while trying to carve out their own path in life. Overall, I found the movie to take too long to tell the story. There were some long shots where we were simply seeing the younger son walk (much too long and without a point). Rather than illuminate his situation, these moments just bored and annoyed me. However, the story of the older son as well as the wife were a bit more developed. Ultimately, it’s a story about how modern day people straddle the fine line between following their own dreams and desires while having certain limits. And it also explores the always complex relationship between siblings and family. A decent movie, but not amazing.
Rating (out of 100): 65
Mood: relatively neutral, nothing too emotionally engaging, pensive about family obligations and limited choices
Website: http://www.ltff.org.uk/summer_book.php
Timeout / Culture Critic: na / na
(Turkish, with subtitles). Part of London’s 14th Annual Turkish Film Festival (http://www.ltff.org.uk/) this movie shows a modern day Turkish family dealing with life and the opportunities and challenges it brings. Significantly set outside of Istanbul, in a small town, the movie watches as the patriarch of a family (substantially older than his second wife) rules the family and both his sons. We see how his second wife, his brother, and both his sons deal with his control and expectations while trying to carve out their own path in life. Overall, I found the movie to take too long to tell the story. There were some long shots where we were simply seeing the younger son walk (much too long and without a point). Rather than illuminate his situation, these moments just bored and annoyed me. However, the story of the older son as well as the wife were a bit more developed. Ultimately, it’s a story about how modern day people straddle the fine line between following their own dreams and desires while having certain limits. And it also explores the always complex relationship between siblings and family. A decent movie, but not amazing.
Film / Movie - Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (I’ve Loved you So Long)
Title: Il ya long temps que je t’aime (I’ve Loved You So Long)
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: strangely cathartic, tragically sad & emotional but uplifted, ready to take on big challenges
Website: http://www.sonyclassics.com/ivelovedyousolong/ Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85818/ive-loved-you-so-long.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/ive-loved-you-so-long/
(French, with subtitles). Fantastic movie. One of those movies that is very difficult to watch, sometimes confusing, sometimes very emotional (bring tissues) but overall uplifting. Without giving too much away, it’s a moving drama about one woman’s journey of dealing with a painful past and overcoming memories in order to move on with her life. Oddly enough, despite the profound sadness that this movie shows and the really awkward positions and desperate loneliness that its main character goes through, there is hope at the end of the movie, and that’s what makes it ultimately uplifting. It’s about redefining yourself and finding a new life and letting people close to you. Overall, a great movie. Not to mention Kristin Scott Thomas’ fantastic performance in French.
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: strangely cathartic, tragically sad & emotional but uplifted, ready to take on big challenges
Website: http://www.sonyclassics.com/ivelovedyousolong/ Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85818/ive-loved-you-so-long.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/ive-loved-you-so-long/
(French, with subtitles). Fantastic movie. One of those movies that is very difficult to watch, sometimes confusing, sometimes very emotional (bring tissues) but overall uplifting. Without giving too much away, it’s a moving drama about one woman’s journey of dealing with a painful past and overcoming memories in order to move on with her life. Oddly enough, despite the profound sadness that this movie shows and the really awkward positions and desperate loneliness that its main character goes through, there is hope at the end of the movie, and that’s what makes it ultimately uplifting. It’s about redefining yourself and finding a new life and letting people close to you. Overall, a great movie. Not to mention Kristin Scott Thomas’ fantastic performance in French.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Film / Movie - The Desert Within (Desierto Adentro)
Title: Desierto Adentro (The Desert Within)
Rating (out of 100): 60
Mood: disturbed, sad, quiet
Website: http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/dlaff/schedule/event.php?id=217&date=2008-12-03&limit=9
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85952/the-desert-within.html / na
(Spanish with subtitles). – Part of the Discovering Latin American Movie Festival in London (through Dec 7) - saw this yesterday. What an incrediblly imaginative, dark and disturbing movie. It's like watching a train crash but slow motion. You know what's going to happen as there are clues along the way inevitably but you still can't help but watch it. The combination of drawing / real life imagery was definitely inventive and beautiful as was the desert landscape and setting of the movie. Overall, a very disturbing movie about faith and guilt. The religious overtones of the whole movie got to be a bit much for me but it's interesting how the film even incorporates a quote from Nietzsche. Overall, while there was much emotional drama in the film, it almost seemed like a soap opera. Overly dramatic. And even though it was beautiful, it was incredibly disturbing. I'm sure I'm a "better person" with eyes that are more open after having seen the film, but overall it was not one of my favorites. At the end, I felt disturbed but benefitting from any emotional catharsis.
Rating (out of 100): 60
Mood: disturbed, sad, quiet
Website: http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/dlaff/schedule/event.php?id=217&date=2008-12-03&limit=9
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85952/the-desert-within.html / na
(Spanish with subtitles). – Part of the Discovering Latin American Movie Festival in London (through Dec 7) - saw this yesterday. What an incrediblly imaginative, dark and disturbing movie. It's like watching a train crash but slow motion. You know what's going to happen as there are clues along the way inevitably but you still can't help but watch it. The combination of drawing / real life imagery was definitely inventive and beautiful as was the desert landscape and setting of the movie. Overall, a very disturbing movie about faith and guilt. The religious overtones of the whole movie got to be a bit much for me but it's interesting how the film even incorporates a quote from Nietzsche. Overall, while there was much emotional drama in the film, it almost seemed like a soap opera. Overly dramatic. And even though it was beautiful, it was incredibly disturbing. I'm sure I'm a "better person" with eyes that are more open after having seen the film, but overall it was not one of my favorites. At the end, I felt disturbed but benefitting from any emotional catharsis.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Film / Movie - Waltz With Bashir
Title: Waltz with Bashir
Rating (out of 100): 100
Mood: entranced, introspective, moody, “in a funk”, contemplative about life, death and inequalities around the world
Website: http://www.waltzwithbashirthemovie.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85858/waltz-with-bashir.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/waltz-with-bashir/
(in Hebrew & Arabic with Subtitles) - I saw this movie a few months ago when it first came out in Paris. It blew my mind. Aside from the always interesting and incredibly complex subject matter of Israeli and Palestinian relations, the animation is incredibly gorgeous and the music was fantastically moody. The whole plot of a person who participated in an experience that haunts him years later so much so that he decides to investigate what occurred and his own actions in it is amazing. I do appreciate the introspectiveness of the movie (am I guilty, could I have done something else) as well as the investigation into how participating in the killings affected not only those who were killed and their families but those who perpetrated the killings (willingly or not). However, as my French is less than fluent, I am looking forward to seeing this moving with English subtitles in London to fully grasp the movie for all its glory as well as relive the awesome beauty surrounding it. It’s strange that a movie about such a sad subject can be so beautiful and moving on a purely aesthetic and musical level, but maybe because of the difficult and bloody subject matter, the artistic qualities of the movie make its subject matter easier to digest. It is emotional without completely overwhelming, except for the end sequence, the only part that is not in animation and which is indeed incredibly difficult to watch. For such a serious subject, it was a weirdly uplifting and emotionally recharging movie. I loved it and definitely cried my fair share (especially at the end). What a fantastic achievement.
Update: so I saw the movie in English last night and it was even better when I fully understood everything. The visuals and the soundtrack / songs were equally as awesome as the first time I saw / heard them. Especially the songs with lyrics (which I imagine were real songs from that time). An odd sitenote is that I have been to Lebanon and Beirut twice and walked past some Palestinian camps as well as the Hippodrome that they mention in the movie. What an incredibly beautiful (and destroyed) and complex country.
Rating (out of 100): 100
Mood: entranced, introspective, moody, “in a funk”, contemplative about life, death and inequalities around the world
Website: http://www.waltzwithbashirthemovie.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85858/waltz-with-bashir.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/cinema/waltz-with-bashir/
(in Hebrew & Arabic with Subtitles) - I saw this movie a few months ago when it first came out in Paris. It blew my mind. Aside from the always interesting and incredibly complex subject matter of Israeli and Palestinian relations, the animation is incredibly gorgeous and the music was fantastically moody. The whole plot of a person who participated in an experience that haunts him years later so much so that he decides to investigate what occurred and his own actions in it is amazing. I do appreciate the introspectiveness of the movie (am I guilty, could I have done something else) as well as the investigation into how participating in the killings affected not only those who were killed and their families but those who perpetrated the killings (willingly or not). However, as my French is less than fluent, I am looking forward to seeing this moving with English subtitles in London to fully grasp the movie for all its glory as well as relive the awesome beauty surrounding it. It’s strange that a movie about such a sad subject can be so beautiful and moving on a purely aesthetic and musical level, but maybe because of the difficult and bloody subject matter, the artistic qualities of the movie make its subject matter easier to digest. It is emotional without completely overwhelming, except for the end sequence, the only part that is not in animation and which is indeed incredibly difficult to watch. For such a serious subject, it was a weirdly uplifting and emotionally recharging movie. I loved it and definitely cried my fair share (especially at the end). What a fantastic achievement.
Update: so I saw the movie in English last night and it was even better when I fully understood everything. The visuals and the soundtrack / songs were equally as awesome as the first time I saw / heard them. Especially the songs with lyrics (which I imagine were real songs from that time). An odd sitenote is that I have been to Lebanon and Beirut twice and walked past some Palestinian camps as well as the Hippodrome that they mention in the movie. What an incredibly beautiful (and destroyed) and complex country.
Film / Movie - Lovesickness (Mal de Amores)
Title: Lovesickness (Mal de Amores)
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: happy, uplifted, introspective
Website: http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/dlaff/schedule/event.php?id=250&date=2008-12-01&limit=5
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85247/lovesickness.html / na
(in Spanish with Subtitles) – Part of the Discovering Latin American Movie Festival in London (through Dec 7) -
Sometimes funny, other times sad, most often ridiculous, and always enjoyable, this movie hit the spot. Executive produced by Benicio Del Toro (which I imagine is the reason for Luis Guzman’s solid casting, who is most often seen in English-language movies), the movie shows separate lives and how love impacts them. Whether the characters in the movie are searching for love or finding it, or losing it, their journey is very entertaining. The audience I was watching the movie with laughed out loud several times during the movie, during the highly awkward and hilarious moments (including the oddly funny starting sequence of the distraught family whose members in reality are less interested in the recent family death than their own personal stories). The stories at both ends of the age scale (the 70 + and the teenagers) were the most enjoyable with the older actors (especially the lady) showing the feistiness and love of life that I hope to have when I’m her age. Overall, a charming and highly enjoyable movie.
Rating (out of 100): 90
Mood: happy, uplifted, introspective
Website: http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/dlaff/schedule/event.php?id=250&date=2008-12-01&limit=5
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85247/lovesickness.html / na
(in Spanish with Subtitles) – Part of the Discovering Latin American Movie Festival in London (through Dec 7) -
Sometimes funny, other times sad, most often ridiculous, and always enjoyable, this movie hit the spot. Executive produced by Benicio Del Toro (which I imagine is the reason for Luis Guzman’s solid casting, who is most often seen in English-language movies), the movie shows separate lives and how love impacts them. Whether the characters in the movie are searching for love or finding it, or losing it, their journey is very entertaining. The audience I was watching the movie with laughed out loud several times during the movie, during the highly awkward and hilarious moments (including the oddly funny starting sequence of the distraught family whose members in reality are less interested in the recent family death than their own personal stories). The stories at both ends of the age scale (the 70 + and the teenagers) were the most enjoyable with the older actors (especially the lady) showing the feistiness and love of life that I hope to have when I’m her age. Overall, a charming and highly enjoyable movie.
Film / Movie - Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Title: Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Rating (out of 100): 85
Mood: happy, uplifted, giggly, loving
Website: http://www.zachandmiri.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86022/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno.html / na
I am a sucker for Judd Apatow-type American comedy movies and / or Seth Rogen movies. Both reliably make me laugh and completely transport me out of dark / gloomy London. Starring Elizabeth Banks (whom I love, from Scrubs, the 40-year old Virgin, and other series / movies) and Seth Rogen, the movie tells a predicable story of how love transforms itself unexpectedly (although quite expectedly for the audience). But the fact that you know what’s going to happen doesn’t ruin the ride, at least for me. The movie does earn some street cred for using real porn starts, past and present, most notably Katie Morgan and Traci Lords. The other main actors, who will be familiar from other Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith movies do a fine turn, as does the hilarious Tisha Campbell-Martin. While the title of the movie makes us think that it will be about porn and sex, it is actually about love (surprise). Overall, a very enjoyable (if predictable) comedy that had me laughing out loud. Kudos on the fantastic soundtrack which included DMX and Live.
Rating (out of 100): 85
Mood: happy, uplifted, giggly, loving
Website: http://www.zachandmiri.com/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86022/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno.html / na
I am a sucker for Judd Apatow-type American comedy movies and / or Seth Rogen movies. Both reliably make me laugh and completely transport me out of dark / gloomy London. Starring Elizabeth Banks (whom I love, from Scrubs, the 40-year old Virgin, and other series / movies) and Seth Rogen, the movie tells a predicable story of how love transforms itself unexpectedly (although quite expectedly for the audience). But the fact that you know what’s going to happen doesn’t ruin the ride, at least for me. The movie does earn some street cred for using real porn starts, past and present, most notably Katie Morgan and Traci Lords. The other main actors, who will be familiar from other Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith movies do a fine turn, as does the hilarious Tisha Campbell-Martin. While the title of the movie makes us think that it will be about porn and sex, it is actually about love (surprise). Overall, a very enjoyable (if predictable) comedy that had me laughing out loud. Kudos on the fantastic soundtrack which included DMX and Live.
Film / Movie - Easy Virtue
Title: Easy Virtue
Rating (out of 100): 65
Mood: neutral, nothing too emotionally engaging, fanciful
Website: http://www.easyvirtuethemovie.co.uk/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86024/easy-virtue.html / na
I saw this film accidentally thinking that I was going to see Tropic Thunder. Imagine my surprise when I saw a different film title than I was expecting, and then further realizing that it was too late to do anything but sit and watch the film. Despite the sometimes annoying points about the film (especially the clichéd mother in law and new wife relationship) the film proved more entertaining than I expected. It hinted at, but didn’t go into too much depth about the Great War but did effectively show its effects on the soldiers that came out alive. And while the ending may offend some, it was inevitably hinted at throughout the whole movie and I found it surprisingly charming. Jessica Biel gives an effective performance, as do Collin Firth (nice to see him play a sad pessimistic type) and Kristin Scott Thomas. Out of 5, I give it a 3 1/5. Lacks any emotional depth – whether it’s sadness or enlightenment or joy or drama, but is a relatively enjoyable and easy watch. The type that my parents would enjoy – the type that you don’t have to get too emotionally charged or invested in.
Rating (out of 100): 65
Mood: neutral, nothing too emotionally engaging, fanciful
Website: http://www.easyvirtuethemovie.co.uk/
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86024/easy-virtue.html / na
I saw this film accidentally thinking that I was going to see Tropic Thunder. Imagine my surprise when I saw a different film title than I was expecting, and then further realizing that it was too late to do anything but sit and watch the film. Despite the sometimes annoying points about the film (especially the clichéd mother in law and new wife relationship) the film proved more entertaining than I expected. It hinted at, but didn’t go into too much depth about the Great War but did effectively show its effects on the soldiers that came out alive. And while the ending may offend some, it was inevitably hinted at throughout the whole movie and I found it surprisingly charming. Jessica Biel gives an effective performance, as do Collin Firth (nice to see him play a sad pessimistic type) and Kristin Scott Thomas. Out of 5, I give it a 3 1/5. Lacks any emotional depth – whether it’s sadness or enlightenment or joy or drama, but is a relatively enjoyable and easy watch. The type that my parents would enjoy – the type that you don’t have to get too emotionally charged or invested in.
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