Captain Phillips
Director: Paul Greengrass, Main Cast: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Michael Chernus
Based on the true story of the first hijacking of an American cargo ship by Somali pirates in 2009, this film is compelling and engrossing. We see both sides going about their seemingly ordinary everyday life up until they are set on a colliding route. Tom Hanks is very convincing, as always, as the titular captain and Barkhad Abdi, the Somali ringleader, delivers also a strong performance. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat with a very effective script and editing. A different tale for the Christmas holidays. —8/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Director: Peter Jackson, Main Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch
We pick up the story of our brave 13 dwarves plus a hobbit and a wizard exactly where we left a year ago. This time around they meet Beor the skinchanger, evil giant spiders while walking through the Mirkwood, get captured by the elves, arrive by very unusual means at Esgaroth on the Long Lake and finally get to Erebor. Most of the times Bilbo is the one who saves the day while Gandalf has gone south on his own mission against the dark power that is growing in Dol Gurdul a.k.a the Necromancer. In this second installment Peter Jackson takes far more liberties from the original story and there is an excess of orcs and elves for my liking, yeah they look cool when they fight but after a while it gets irksome. I find even more irritating the whole part about Gandalf, it feels kind of deja vu (Isengard, Saruman etc., right?) and too much an add on that has no support from Tolkien, even if we consider the appendix in the Lord of the Rings (White Council and such). Anyway we finally see the dragon and that’s something! The cast does a great job, the costumes, settings and special effects are gorgeous but I’d cut 20-30 minutes of the film and the 3D is completely useless, no point to it. I’d expected better, hopefully next year we get a grand finale. —6/10
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Oldies but goldies: Gallipoli (1981)
Director: Peter Weir, Main Cast: Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Kerr;
A story of friendship and the futility of war. Archy (Mark Lee) and Frank (Mel Gibson), two young Western Australians, are both gifted sprinters who meet at a competition and become friends trying to reach Perth in 1915. Archy is an idealist who wants to fight in the war while Frank is more pragmatic and sees no point in joining the army and going to Europe. However he changes his mind and decides to enlist while helping Archy, who is underage, to lie his way into the light cavalry. Frank doesn’t make the cut and ends up in the infantry. The two friends are separated but meet again in Turkey after Frank leaves the infantry’s “boot camp” in Egypt. They become acquainted with the harsh reality of war while witnessing the senseless massacre of their fellow soldiers. Frank is assigned to be a runner, unbeknown to him after Archy’s recommendation to their CO, in order to keep communicating with the central command once the main attack begins. As in all wars there is sacrifice and loss, well portrayed by this film’s ending. The cinematography is entrancing, the story moves with a nice pace and it is enthralling. The actors are well cast and very convincing, Mark Lee most of all I must say, and you get the best pep talk in movie’s history! Riveting —8/10
Filed under Oldies but goldies, Seen at home
Frozen
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Main Cast (voice): Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel
Repeating the winning formula of Tangled (and ransacking one of Andersen’s story this time for inspiration), we watch the tribulations of an heroine, Anna, who’s (overly)-optimistic, endearingly goofy and naive but also determined and courageous. With the help of Kristof and his faithful reindeer Sven, she needs to save her sister Elsa, who has magic freezing powers and has brought a perpetual winter in their fair kingdom of Arendelle. After adventure and betrayal, of course, amor omnia vincit but, for once, not as expected. As comic relief the snowman Olaf is the best I have seen in a very long time in a Disney movie, it almost makes worth watching this film just for him. However I still do not appreciated some hidden messages Disney sends to girls: Elsa finally is free to use her powers and suddenly she wears a flimsy, sexy evening gown and high heel…which are very impractical in the snow even if you don’t feel the cold…Well, still a bit sexist as a message, why can they come up with something better to depict strong women who accept who they are? Anyway it is entertaining —6.5/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists
Directors: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt, Main Cast (voices): Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton;
Latest stop-motion clay animation film from Aardman Animations, this time is about pirates and Charles Darwin. The animation is as always top notch although the story is too much cliched and sometimes a little slow. There is still plenty of humor and few moments where you cannot avoid to laugh out loud but still it is not at the level of Chicken Run or Wallace & Gromit. —6/10
Filed under Animation, Seen at home
The Madness of King George
Director: Nicholas Hytner, Main Cast: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm, Rupert Graves, Rupert Everett, Julian Wadham
For my regular dose of period drama I’ve watched this film again and it does not disappoint! Witty dialogues, lavish sets and costumes, engaging plot and brilliant actors, what more can one ask? The film tells the story of the first episode of “mental illness” of George III of England (suspected later by historians to be due to porphyria, a blood disorder). While the king slowly loses his marbles, we see how mister Pitt (the PM) and his political allies struggle to maintain a hold onto power and the Prince of Wales conspires with the leader of the opposition to promote a bill that nominates him Regent. The Queen has been forbidden to see her husband but manages to recommend a “specialist” in mental disorders to Mr. Pitt to help the King. Who finally recovers after months of “therapy” and retake is rightful place as the head of the state. Interesting parable about the perception of where the power is and where really lies. Captivating–8/10
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Red 2
Director: Dean Parisot, Main Cast: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Hopkins
This sequel is as funny and as diverting as the first movie. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich come back as our favorite super-badass CIA/MI6 operatives and Mary-Louise Parker as the adventure-seeking girlfriend of Willis’ character, Frank. Their lives are, as usual, in danger because something happened in the past, while they globe-trot to put together the pieces of the puzzle and save the day, they meet old friends and enemies. Tongue in cheek references and homages to the classic and the more recent spy movies keep it fresh and Helen Mirren is absolutely fantastic. Amusing —6.5/10
Filed under Seen at home
La Marche
Director: Nabil Ben Yadir, Main Cast: Olivier Gourmet, Tewfik Jallab, Vincent Rottiers, M’Barek Belkouk, Nader Boussandel, Lubna Azabal, Hafsia Herzi, Charlotte Lebon
Set in the autumn of 1983 and inspired by true events, this film tells the story of a non-violent protest against racism in France. Tired and frustrated by yet another act of random violence towards Maghrebi immigrants committed by policemen, a group of friends decide to take action. They organise a march through France to raise awareness about the widespread racial prejudice and to fight against discrimination. At the very beginning they are joined by four other people, complete strangers that believe like them in non-violent demonstrations. Along the way they become a tight-knit group and meet rabid racists, more moderate opposers and enthusiastic supporters. They walk in good or foul weather, reaching small town and cities alike, to spread their message. Their final destination is Paris, where thousands of people join them in an historic rally on the 3rd of December 1983. The film is a very nice mix of drama and comedy, well balanced and never dull. It avoids cliches and easy tropes. The actors are not only excellent in their respective roles but have also great chemistry, which makes the best part of the film. Heartwarming and engrossing. —9/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Director: Francis Lawrence, Main Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Stanley Tucci
This second installment of the Hunger Games series (yep, I guess we can call it a series since there will be 2 more films) is surprisingly good. The story picks up almost right after the first movie ended. Katniss and Peeta are going through the country on the Victor’s Tour but serious unrest or even open rebellion is brewing in the Districts. Katniss is at the center of it all, being viewed as a symbol of hope and defiance of the establishment. After receiving an offer she couldn’t refuse by President Snow (finally we get to seen Sutherland flexing his acting muscles) and failing to deliver, she fears for her life and that of her loved ones and plans to run away with Gale’s help. He has a different opinion and wants to stay and fight. The new Head Gamemaker and Snow have a machiavellian plan to get rid of the thorn in their side, using as perfect opportunity the Quarter Quell, a special edition of the Hunger Games, this time the tributes will be selected among the victors of each district: Katniss is going back into the arena! The recurring cast seems more at ease in their respective roles, Jennifer Lawrence keeps up the good work and kudos are due to Harrelson, Banks and Tucci. The new faces (Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone and Sam Claflin) are quite convincing as well. Loved that Hoffman is not wearing any weird make-up or clothes. We see a little bit more of the other Districts and learn more about Panem’s political equilibrium (or lack thereof), which is interesting. The film has a good pace and never a dull moment and it comes easy to relate to and root for our heros. Enjoyable —7/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
Inside Llewyn Davis
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Main Cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund
I’m quite partial to movies about music and I just love the Coen brothers, so this film had all the premises for a great treat. It doesn’t disappoint at all: it tells the story of a down-on-luck folk musician, Llewyn Davis, in New York, in the sixties. We follow him around for a few days while he tries to make a living with his music and everything that can go wrong does. He’s so broke that he sleeps on the couch of friends and acquaintances, he makes a mess or find himself in one at every turn, even when he finally decides to give up and go back to a regular job. Lot of humor, sometimes dark humor as it is the Coens’ wont, few memorable secondary characters (e.g. Johnny Five and Roland Turner) and a bittersweet story with a pretty darn good soundtrack. Impressive. —8.5/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
Behind the Candelabra
Director: Steven Soderbergh, Main Cast: Matt Damon, Michael Douglas, Rob Lowe, Dan Aykroyd
It’s the story of the turbulent relationship between an aged Liberace and a much younger man, Scott Thorson. It is based on the latter’s autobiographical novel: all the glitter and glamour of fame and money, living the life in Las Vegas as, basically, a boy toy. It is a honest telling showing both lights and shadows of Scott’s life with Liberace. Michael Douglas does a pretty impressive job as Liberace, he’s also helped by the outrageous costumes and setting. Matt Damon is quite good, though he lacks the ability for a truly nuanced performance. The use of bright, happy colours for the first part of the film and then a more subdue light is spot on, a trademark of Soderbergh, to get the audience more involved in the story. Enjoyable and unconventional. —7.5/10
Filed under Seen at the cinema
Broken City
Director: Allen Hughes, Main Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Alona Tal
An ex-cop (Wahlberg) becomes a P.I. after playing vigilante and killing a murderer/rapist, he is cleared of all charges thanks to the “benevolent” interference of the mayor (Crowe) and the police commissioner (Wright). Seven years later, during the last week before elections, he’s hired to follow the mayor’s wife (Zeta-Jones) and get proofs of a love affair. He thinks it’s a straightforward job with a nice paycheck but he finds himself involved into something more complicated and dangerous. Election day for mayor is getting closer and the challenger seems to gain support or at least have an ace up his sleeve for the mayoral debate. All falls apart when his campaign manager is shoot dead, who coincidentally appeared to meet in secret with the first lady of the city. Our hero or, better, anti-hero since his record is far from pristine, decides to dig deep and find out about the mayor’s dirty financial business. Quite predictably the Good triumphs while the hero sacrifices himself. The conniving politician is exposed and brought down and all is back to rainbows and puppies (yeah right…if only…). Well, what can I say? Boring, simplistic, predictable to a fault. Mark Wahlberg is less expressive than John MaClane’s wife-beater and Russell Crowe is inevitably bidimensional, due to the terrible script, he was trying his best. Disappointing –4/10
Filed under Seen at home
Side Effects
Director: Steven Soderbergh, Main Cast: Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones
A young woman (Mara) falls back into depression after her husband (Tatum) comes out of jail after a 4 year stint for inside trading. She seeks help after an attempt suicide, starts seeing regularly a psychiatrist (Law) and taking medication. Things do not improve until she tries a brand new anti-depressant and begins to flourish. Up to this point the film seems a story about monsters from the id and how to deal with them, well, not really because the plot thickens when Mara’s character kills her husband (Tatum dead so early in the movie is a treat!) while she’s sleepwalking…a side effect of her medication. The focus of the tale moves to the psychiatrist and the unraveling of his life; he desperately tries to understand what happened and uncover a very cunning scheme. Soderbergh’s moral is: greed is what moves the world. The cinematography and the lights are effective to set the mood and the cast is quite convincing but not enough to really sell the story. It felt disconnected, which maybe was the whole point. —6/10
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Indigenes
Director: Rachid Bouchareb, Main Cast: Samy Naceri, Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila, Jamel Debbouze
It is not widely known that, during World War II, France enlisted soldiers from its colonies in North and Central Africa to fight against the Nazis. The film tells the tale of four men from Algeria and Morocco who volunteer (or are volunteered? not exactly clear) in 1943 and found themselves part of the war machine, where they experience discrimination and racism from French officers in addition to the horrors of being on the front line. We follow them as they campaign first in Italy and then in France. Treated more as cannon fodder than as proper soldiers, they are denied simple rights (food rations, leave, promotions) that “regular” French soldiers have. The characters have different reactions due mostly to their disparate background. The most vocal about his rights is the corporal, sort of the “intellectual” and leader of the group. Being a European war movie I wasn’t expecting a happy ending and I was right, even the survivor doesn’t get one. It just makes the message more powerful. The pace is a little slow at some points but it’s a venial sin. The cast is not only well chosen but delivers a very touching and engaging performance. Stirring and captivating. —7/10
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Monsters University
Director: Dan Scanlon, Main Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren;
How Mike and Sulley became the best scarer team at Monsters Inc.? Well, this prequel tells you how it happened. This time the focus is more on Mike, who grows up with a dream: be the best scarer ever! To do that he enrolls at MU and there meets Sulley, who comes from a long line of scarers and behaves like a jerk. We get the college experience with monster flavour, including the underdog team of outsiders (the OK fraternity). The duo is not yet what we are used to. They get into troubles, they try hard and, after failing in school, they find themselves and each other.Plenty of humor and flawless animation, nice to hear again Crystal and Goodman as the main characters and Helen Mirren is a great addition. Fun to watch and a positive manifesto for dropouts. —7/10
Filed under Animation, Seen at home
Ramblings of a cinephile 