Category: Cinema

{mosimage}High quality black and white animation (in most parts of the movie) for this raw vision of the life of a young Iranian girl.

Not, as more than one Finnish could have thought if freely translating the title, Persepolis has nothing to do with something similar to “city of ass”. On the other hand, it touches very sticky topics with honesty, humor and an intelligent approach. The film is based on the comics by Marjane Satrapi, and has counted with her together with director Vincent Paronnaud to transport the magic of the paper onto the big screen. Big international names like Chiara Mastroianni or Catherine Deneuve lent their voices to the characters.

Persepolis is obviously not an animation movie for children. The trip of young Marjane Satrapi from Iran to Vienna, and back to Iran until her new leave to France is raw and bitter, more often sad than happy, but also refreshing. A good lesson about how extremists are dangerous in whatever society, how wars create so much pain and fractures, and how lonely and alienated a person can feel abroad when a part of his/her roots are left behind. An excellent film to reflect and follow the instructions of wise Marjane´s grandmother.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}American director Wes Anderson gets us immersed in a spiritual trip around India following the misadventures of three brothers.

I must confess that Wes Anderson must be probably my favorite one from the new generation of young American directors. His previous works are among my favorite movies ever, so I had big expectations for this The Darjeeling Limited. In many senses, I did not get disappointed: Anderson´s portray of the three brothers is made step by step using the colorful palette of India all over their trip by train and later by foot. The Indian landscape is lovely and excitingly present all over the movie, and the acting of Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody is well measured and rounded.

This is a movie 100% Wes Anderson´s, and his favorite features and trademarks like slow motion captures of the action or his personal sense of humor, always on the edge of became depressing, are here. Nevertheless, this is a darker movie than his previous ones, and the lightness and the comedy touches of films like Rushmore are not so present here. The product is much deeper and touches sticky topics like death, twisted family relations, loneliness and miscommunication.  I missed a bit more of interaction during the short encounter with the mother (Angelica Huston), and the film turned to be a bit too short in the end.

All in all, if you like Anderson´s previous works, The Darjeeling Limited will not disappoint you; script is meticulously developed into a fascinating journey to enlighten the souls, and same than in real life, things usually do not turn as planned and expected to be. Special mention also to the cameos by Bill Murray and Natalie Portman, who sexily appears also in the short-film that serves as introduction to the movie: Hotel Chevalier.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}The most famous soldier in the cinema history is back! John Rambo fights another war, this time inside the jungles of Burma.

Many had lost hope of seeing Sylvester Stallone performing as Rambo once more. The time passes by, even for Hollywood stars. But Stallone surprised once more during last year bringing to the big screen a new chapter in his Rocky saga… and… a new Rambo!

Obviously, Rambo does not look here as physically strong as his astonishing previous appearances. Retired to a calm and peaceful life in Thailand, he will get immersed once more inside a bath of blood helping to a group of mercenaries to liberate some volunteers captured by the Burmese army that is massacring the local population of the Karen area. Even when Rambo looks older, he still looks sharp and dangerous.

The script is wisely written so the character does not fall into dangerous comparisons with the previous movies. Rambo is a veteran soldier, so does he appear on screen, but at the same time just his only presence causes respect. The action sequences are much more realistic and visually shocking than before. Not a movie recommended for children or people very sensitive to see how a human body can end up after receiving the impact of a big shield. For lovers of war movies and action, the result will probably make them more than satisfied.

Although from my point of view, it cannot beat the previous three movies of the saga, at least Stallone makes a good comeback showing that John Rambo is still able to kick ass even when receiving the pension. Maybe it would be a clever idea leave the hero rest in peace after an honorable last battle.

Rating 3/5. 

{mosimage}The most powerful actor in the world, Tom Hanks, is back with a thriller that touches sticky topics such as the past Afghanistan war.

Based on true events, Tom Hanks masters again his character as Texas congressman Charles Wilson and his particular crusade to help Afghans during their war against Soviet Union. And if his presence alone would not be enough, he is flanked by Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman (this man never chooses a bad role) to shape a balanced and outstanding triangle of power, knowledge and political intrigue.

Some people surely will criticize his most political messages on the surface “pro-America”, but if you scratch a bit on the surface and assimilate what the film tells you in the end, you can see good doses of auto-critic against the reckless international intervention of USA in search of confirming their world supremacy and the consequences that balance very well the message of the movie. 

Dialogues are sharp, and the cynic approach to life of Wilson mixed with the brutal honesty and easiness for verbal attacks of Hoffman´s character work perfectly on screen. A good script, great acting skills by all the cast, and not a bad effort to understand a bit better the key factors behind the Islamic terrorist movements nowadays.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}Benicio del Toro and Halle Berry are a strange couple sharing the same house by sad circumstances.

I was intrigued before watching this film, having Benicio del Toro in it (just recent winner in Cannes), which usually is a symptom of good quality in whatever production. Nevertheless, although his acting skills as a heroin junkie are as good as ever, the plot of this Things We Lost in the Fire turned to be insipid, slow and with a big lack of interest.

Halle Berry´s character does not produce any friendly answer during all the movie and some situations seem to be too much pushed to force a sexual chemistry and attraction when both characters share the same roof that really never works out.  I could save a couple of details, like the charm of the young children, and the excellent interpretation as a luxury secondary actor of John Carroll Lynch, but in general, I just found the movie boring per se.

At least, I have to thank director Susanne Bier that the final has not the typical “happy ending” of most of the mainstream romantic movies, so from that point, the film gains in honesty although lacks in general of a strong script to keep the spectator´s interest.  If you are a fan of any of the main actors, maybe it is worthy you rent it and take a look at it. If not, give a try to some other movie.

Rating 2/5.

{mosimage}Based on true events, Ridley Scott narrates the story of Frank Lucas, the first afro-American who managed to become boss of a massive mafia organization.

Everybody expects every new Ridley Scott´s movie with high expectations, including me, and this time, I must say I was not disappointed. The work of both lead actors, Washington as Frank Lucas and Russel Crowe as the incorruptible detective Richie Roberts are immaculately superb, credible and well-measured.  

The action catches you immediately, and you really feel identified following the steps of Lukas while escalating in the crime American sphere and Crowe messing up his personal life, but never giving the back to honesty as policeman. Josh Brolin, although not the young guy from The Goonies anymore, seems to be living a second youth choosing successfully his last appearances (you may remember him from the recent Robert Rodriguez´s Planet Terror too) and is perfect for the balance of the film as the corrupted Detective Trupo. The trips of Lukas to Far East to deal with the importation of the drugs add an exotic note to the action, and help to develop the personality of the character, who will not step back against any difficulty. Also the shooting in the street when Lukas shoots his rival is a memorable cinema moment due to his rawness and realism.

If you like mafia and gangster movies do not miss this American Gangster. Scott was able to achieve a difficult task: to show that not everybody is already written in the genre.

Rating 5/5.

{mosimage} First of the three movies based on fiction writer Philip Pulman´s epic trilogy.

New Line Cinema studio is back with another fantasy trilogy (after Lord of the Rings). But this time, although also visually shocking, the essence from the books has been partly lost. Ingredients are good, the cast has been meticulously chosen and Nicole Kidman as Marisa Coulter, Dakota Blue Richards as young Lyra or Daniel Craig in the couple of moments he is on screen as Lord Asriel look perfect in their roles, but the result tastes insipid.

Nonetheless, the pace of the action seems a bit forced, like if things are pushed to happen around the film without a natural explanation, and in the end the adult spectator gets bored and the final is too predictable. A couple of glorious moments like the battle of the armored polar bears to become the king or the nice introduction of Oxford´s Jordan College where Lyra studies get melt with a product and a failed script that turns too much artificial and is not able to capture the magic of the original books.

By the way, the Finnish spectators will find a curious wink to their culture, since Eva Green´s witch character is named Serafina Pekkala (does it ring a bell such a surname?). 

Let´s wait if the following parts of the trilogy improve the general result. For the moment, surely the children will enjoy the display and plasticity of scenario and characters, but for the rest, it will be difficult to forget that Lord of the Rings is still our favorite fiction trilogy.

Rating 3/5.

{mosimage}Won Kar Wai, the internationally awarded Asian director, is back with a film “Made in Hollywood” in its cast.

I have followed with interests the previous works of Won Kar Wai. Although not falling in love with his films, I was finding quite fascinating the atmospheres that he was able to create and put together and his particular way of mastering the narration. Blur camera movements to condense all the diluted spirit of neighborhoods, small shops and coffees in some Chinese city like could be Hong Kong or Shanghai. Now, it is certainly shocking to see the similar kind of atmospheres and camera movements extrapolated to USA, mainly New York, city where Jude Law (Jeremy) owns a not very popular restaurant.

There, his way will cross with Norah Jones, who after tasting the Blueberry cake (and Law´s lips), starts a trip around the American land working as waitress, saving for a car. Both main actors are far from being convincing in the film. Jude Law is excellent when about being an Englishman gigolo, but far from the image of a hard-working waiter tired of the world around. Norah Jones looks lost and with not many brains during the film, and it is more interesting to see the people she is meeting around her particular tour, especial mention to David Strathairn in a great perfomance as the alcoholic and jealous policeman, who saves good part of the movie. But not even Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman are credible enough in their twisted roles of "Femmes fatales".

A plot with shadows and lights, but honestly, I still prefer Kar Wai surrounded by the lights of Hong Kong instead of the Big Apple of NY.

Rating  3/5.

{mosimage}Directed by J.A. Bayona and supported by Benicio del Toro, here comes the last hit from Spanish film industry.

Orpokoti (originally titled El Orfanato) continues with the good tradition of international attention and promotion for Spanish films set the previous years by Del Toro´s Pan´s Labyrinth. Belen Rueda is the main star of this thriller with touches of drama and terror, and we cannot say less than she is splendid. Well known for her work in TV series, she has been able to adapt perfectly to working in the big screen (you can see her also in the superb Meri Sisälläni with Javier Bardem) and in her maturity, she still looks naturally beautiful and delightful, but with a strong presence on screen and a big inner force.

Fernando Cayo and Roger Princep in the Laura´s husband and son roles are fresh surprises, although the special mention goes for the short but shocking guest appearance of Geraldine Chaplin.

If you like the same kind of movies than The Sixth Sense or The Others, where the real world and the dimension where ghosts wander get mixed and cohabit, surely you will enjoy with this Orpokoti. Solid acting skills, solid script, solid scenarios and some breathtaking moments that surely will make you feel goose pimples.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}Discover the sophisticated style of life of bees inside a modern hive in this new animation movie.

Barry is a bee who wants to take all the juice to his life and not being a simple worker in the hive. During his excursion in the outside world, he will get in contact with humans and end up fighting for the universal rights of the bees to own the honey and all the copyrights related to them. This is the plot of Bee Movie, the last animation product from Dreamworks, the creators of Shrek. The voice cast counts with an incredible list of names such as Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman or Kathy Bates.

Some sequences, like the hyper-fast flight of the bees around the park are totally breath-taking; it is incredible how animation technology has advance during the last years to create such a realistic and astonishing effects. There is also a couple of nice winks with the presence as animation characters of the special guests Sting and Ray Liotta. But the movie does not make you as addicted as Shrek. The characters lack of some “punch” and the jokes do not make you laugh so often. The directors wanted to create an animation movie that could cover at the same time comedy and serious aspects, but in the end they have lost ground with many other recent animation productions like Ratatouille, Meet the Robinsons or their own Shrek´s third part of the saga.

Not a bad effort though, and entertaining enough to watch in family, but not the best you can find in the extremely good animation movies scene of the last years.

Rating 3/5.

{mosimage}Not the title of a vampire’s movie, but a thrilling drama with Joaquin Phoenix jumping on both sides of the law. 

Having Robert Duvall in the cast of a police thriller dealing with mafia and corruption is always synonym of good acting quality. If added to him, we find the great performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg (so far the times of Marky Mark…) and the Latin beauty of Eva Mendes, the ingredients for cooking a dish of good drama and thrilling action are perfectly disposed on the table. That is exactly what director James Gray achieves: a tasteful piece of cinema with characters that look real and authentic, torn by circumstances beyond their control (much more than what The Departed was able to achieve last year).

If we can find a “but”, maybe we should complain that the rhythm declines during the second part of the movie, and Joaquin Phoenix looks more plausible like a fast-living nightlife animal than as a responsible and family cop. Pretty recommendable and enjoyable for all of you who love a movie about gangsters, narcotics and dutiful policemen well made.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}An emotive historical drama that shows the difficulties of setting a border with Russia after the Finnish Civil War.

Directed by Lauri Törhöhen, and with script of Aleksi Bardy, Raja 1918 is one of the most ambitious projects of Finnish cinema during last year; an epic historical drama that narrates the times of the formation of the new border with Russia after the victory of the Whites in the fratricide Finnish Civil War. To that area is sent a young official of the Finnish army, Carl von Munck (Martin Bahne) who finds himself alienated in a rural area that has had contact with Russia, with no understanding of official borders, for generations. There he will meet and fall in love with a teacher, Minna Haapkylä that happens to hide and be the girlfriend of one of the most wanted outlaws left from the civil confrontation, the wounded Tommi Korpela.

A complex script that involves the mix of Swedish, Finnish and Russian languages, and a naïve Martin Bahne that tries to find his place in the same way that young Finland tries to find its own identity, including brand new flag. The promising start of the film is not kept all along the action, and the quality decreases towards the end of the movie. Some delightful moments, as the special relation of von Munck with his Russian comrade and keeper of the Russian border find a counterpart in some extravagant situations like the final escape of the naked prisoners from the barracks. Especial mention to the short appearance of the most famous foreigner in Finland, who seems to be everywhere, from dancing with stars to writing books: Roman Schatz. 

Bahne´s interpretation is convincing, but the chemistry in the love relation with Miss Lintu (Haapkylä) does not work as well as expected. Not a bad movie though, and highly recommended for understanding a bit better one of the crucial historical moments of Finland.

Rating 3/5.

{mosimage}Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck deliver one of the best interpretative duels of the last year in this epic unconventional western.

Directed by the relatively unknown Andrew Dominik and produced by the very well known Ridley Scott, the movie is a little masterpiece not easy to digest from the first moment. Actually, I must recognize that I did not enjoy it much the first time I saw it, but I got totally trapped when I gave it a second chance.

Far from the conventional westerns full of action, bullets and thirst to kill or to get killed, the present movie turns into the epic interpretations of Pitt as outlaw Jesse James and his young follower and final assassin, Robert Ford. Both give a supreme lesson during the 2 hours and 40 minutes of the film; Pitt, a silence, maniac, depressed and slippery bandit while Affleck performs so sharply his role as the shy James fan turned into traitor and coward assassin that makes you even feel uneasy and uncomfortable while sitting contemplating his appearances. 

Do not get mistaken, the 2 hours and 40 minutes do not pass by fast, on the other hand the dialogues and action go slowly but smoothly, and every sequence has its meaning. Added to all this, the superb and melancholic soundtrack by Nick Cave (who makes also a cameo) that clearly explains with no need of words that this is not about a happy story with a happy ending. Excellent psychological portrait of men advocated to being what they did not want to be.

Rating 5/5.

 {mosimage}The movie is the last big winner of Hollywood Academy Awards, including prizes for the best film and best actor for George Clooney.

Directed by Tony Gilroy (also the man behind the camera in The Bourne Trilogy), Michael Clayton is a film to be tasted slowly, far from the fast-pace of most Hollywood productions nowadays. At the beginning the character of George Clooney is featured as a fixer of a law firm who is going through a very difficult situation in his personal life: drunkard and broke, having to face a debt left by his brother…

Clooney is not the man that every child or law student dream to become of when growing up, but when the plot jumps in a flashback 4 days before, he is going to show us that there is still a bit of dignity left even in business sharks; a role that suits like a glove into Clooney´s career, political worries and acting skills.  Tom Wilkinson as one of the litigators who goes off his meds and Tilda Swinton as the methodical and aggressive businesswoman who will make everything to save the company´s face are perfect backing up the story (reason why they both also got the Academy Award prize).

Do not expect here great special effects, twists every 10 minutes (although there is a great final one), erotic scenes of high voltage for spicing up the plot neither any festival of blood or bullets. This is a story about men who in search of tranquility in their souls trying to do something against evil. Not always an easy task in our society of capitalism. Michael Clayton is a rounded movie that leaves an excellent taste and catches you in its net.

Rating 4/5.

{mosimage}Robert Zemeckis features a fantasy tale with an innovative mix of real image and 3D animation.

Fortunately it seems that Ridley Scott is not the only director who masters to jump from genre to genre. Long ago are the times of the emotive Forrest Gump, but Zemeckis reinvents himself once again with this Beowulf: a history of one of the last heroes, located in Denmark in the 6th century. A time where the sword still rules, and where beasts threaten the peace of the kingdom; creatures like Grendel, the not-loving-noise troll that disturbs the life of Anthony Hopkins as king.

Ray Winstone is certainly a nice surprise as hero, not an easy task to perform being young and at the end of the movie as the old king who regrets the sins of youth. Angelina Jolie looks perfect in the role of goddess of temptation that dooms the destiny of the ment she meets (reality and fiction once more are sometimes linked) and John Malkovich and Robin Wright Penn back up perfectly in the secondary roles.

The film is entertaining, and its format brings some fresh air to the adventures genre. Not a bad effort for Zemeckis, with a couple of outstanding moments like the fights against Grendel and the dragon at the end.

Rating 4/5.