Amor Dolor y Viceversa-Film Review

A nice solid thriller from Mexico that I have been waiting to come out for over a year now. Starring the absolutely beautiful Barbara Mori (although in this one she's way less glamorous but still beautiful) in her by far meatiest role I've ever seen her in. Before she's been in a movie about infidelity (La mujer di mi hermano), lighthearted romantic comedies (Inspiracion, Ugly Me aka Pretendiendo), and a epic love story (Kites) amongst others (there another movie's she's in called Cosas Igsignificantes aka Insignificant Things but she has a lesser role. I do own that movie but I haven't seen it yet. I will have to do that soon!) Basically I'm saying that this is a much needed step in the right direction for her to be more than just a pretty face doing love stories or romantic comedies. Let's hope she does more of these kind of roles. Mori plays Consuelo, a woman who has been dreaming of a man she does not know. She decides to do something about it. Meanwhile Richard, (Leonardo Sbaraglia) a doctor, has been dreaming about a woman who seduces him and tries to kill him. The film is broken up into 3 parts: "Love", "Pain", and "Viceversa". Now at first I warn you the film is a little disjointed and all over the place in time shifts and dreams. At first you're trying to keep track of what you just saw and how it goes into what you're seeing at the current moment but then the movie starts jelling from then on. At only 85 minutes there's not a lot of down time in this one. At first I was only going to give this 3 1/2 stars but after a few days of seeing it I'm still taking it all in. So I'm giving it a reserved 4 star rating which I wholly recommend. Shawn I'm giving you a shout out for this one. I think you would appreciate this one as well. The two main stars did a bang up job as far as I'm concerned. I look forward to Mori's next projects. Recommended for foreign thriller lovers.

Roman De Gare (crossed tracks)-Film Review

A french thriller from director Claude Lelouch (he's directed 51 films!) which is my first viewing of his work here. A solid script and cast about deception. Judith Ralitzer has just released her book God, The Other to critical acclaim. The critics are saying it's much better than her last book and she's asked where her inspiration comes from and she says "God might have whispered to me". Meanwhile there's a couple having a terrible fight in a car going to the woman's relatives having an engagement dinner. The dj interrupts the song to say that a serial killer has just escaped so be on the lookout for a man that will use magic to lure the victim in. The couple stop at a gas station where both are yelling at each other, finally the man drives off and leaves her there. She walks in to the gas station, crying. There's a man there that tries to cheer her up by showing her a magic trick. He offers her a ride.......This all happens within probably the first 15 or so minutes. What follows is a few surprises for the viewer that you may or may not see coming. Solid cast from what looks to me like veterans after looking at IMDB. Dominique Pinon has 129 acting credits while Fanny Ardant (Judith Ralitzer) has 71, Audrey Dana (the girl in the car, Huguette) has 15 (she's only 31). This one moves at a slower rate as a lot of foreign thrillers do but if you have the patience you will be pleasantly surprised. Recommended to lovers of these kinds of movies.

Short Order-Film Review

Wow I should have seen this years ago. It's been sitting in my Netflix streaming queue for a little bit and I've read about this movie a few years ago as well. I also had another title from director Anthony Byrne in my Netflix called How About You which is the film he directed right after this one. I will now have to watch that one as well. The movie is about a girl Fiona (Emma de Caunes in a spectacular role, so vibrant) who runs a short order diner in what looks to be a small Parisian neighborhood (although it's an Irish film). She's a master chef that gave it all up some time ago because she's afraid of failing. Everybody's telling her she's great and she should go back to it. She has a delivery driver (Cosmo Shiva Hagen-she's the daughter of punker Nina Hagen!!, what a name) who likes to take pictures of people and to talk to different people at night when she's delivering to people. She says each person is like a tiny snapshot of your life. There are words of wisdom that a lot of the characters say throughout the movie that add to the enjoyment of this wonderful film. Meanwhile her business is right by a restaurant run by Paulo (Rade Serbedzija in an amazing and hilarious role) and helping out with his restaurant is Pedro, a mute. I have seen this guy in other roles, I just can't remember in what. He's from Croatia and he's got 151 acting credits on IMDB. His is one of the best performances of the film. There's also a restaurant owner (John Hurt who I didn't even know was in this!!, what a great performance) who is constantly trying to convince Fiona to work for him. There's a few other recognizable actors in this which gives the film an added boost. This movie was a hybrid of a musical, whimsical, comedy, some introspective drama about being who you should be and who you are and above all amazing acting and direction. I urge anyone who wants to see an original here then look no further. This was a great surprise!! Highly recommended.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story-Film Review

"What are you doing here? You should be on Coney Island bird-dogging chicks". One of the funny lines delivered by Zach Galifianakis in this indie comedy co-directed by Ryan Fleck, the director of Half Nelson. We meet Craig (Keir Gilchrist in a nicely subtle role) who is having suicidal thoughts so he checks himself in to a hospital. When he suddenly has a change of heart he finds it not so easy to just leave. He will need to stay for evaluation before he can leave. He meets Smitty (Jeremy Davies) who shows him around. Later he sits down by man who he presumes is a doctor. What he doesn't know is he's actually a patient there as well named Bobby played by the great Zach Galifianakis. Later he meets a girl more his age-Noelle played by Emma Roberts (who keeps getting better and better). His parents are played by Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan who are a little out of the loop to how Craig feels most of the time. This sets up the rest of the movie in which Craig learns to figure out what's wrong with himself (if anything). I wouldn't say this is a broad comedy in any means (except maybe for the great Under Pressure segment (you'll just have to see it). Really solid performances all the way around especially by Galifianakis and Roberts. This is a movie that brings up questions about friendships, communication, and taking a chance on life. It's a film made up of nice little scenes with different characters (there's a very nice subplot about Craig's roommate who never leaves his room and another funny bit about a patient who always says something when Craig is using the hallway phone.) Great performances by Zach and Emma make this film a recommended one.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest-Film Review

I am going to miss Lisbeth Salander. Yeah, I know there's a stateside remake of all three films coming by director David Fincher and starring David Craig and Rooney Mara but that will definitely not be the same as this original Swedish production of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. It will not have Michael Nyqvist as Mikael who has a quiet intensity that he brought to his role. Here is a man who will not stand down to anyone even when it comes to his own safety or unfortunately to ones he loves as well. It's the kind of roles that a lot of males in foreign films portrays as where everything's not solved with fists like in so many u.s. films. His performance in these films were astonishing and I urge everybody (including me) to see more of his films past, present, and future. Of course these films wouldn't have been so captivating without a strong central character such as Lisbeth Salander and I have to say here that Noomi Rapace simply owns this character and no matter what happens in the U.S. versions it won't matter I'm afraid, she's still going to own the character as she IS Lisbeth and no other. When she's on screen it's electric due in no small part to Noomi's acting ability and delivery to the moviegoer to care about this girl who has been so damaged by sick male assholes who used power to control her for so long. Yet she retained a fierce individuality carved out for herself when her back was against the wall. It is then when she came out fighting. This is an epic trilogy, which although the first one for me got 5 stars (the second 4 stars and this one 4 1/2 stars) I could easily see these all get 5 stars with repeated viewings. In this film it starts as soon as the second film ends. I won't tell you what has happened but as Shawn and I were talking while the credits were rolling we both thought we had seen three unique and different films. The first film was definitely played out like a mystery as Mikael was trying to find a person that has been missing for years. And I would say the central core of the first film is coming from Mikael's perspective while the other two are definitely Lisbeth's vehicles. The second film had a bit more of an action feel to it and is always the hardest one to pull off in a trilogy because there's no beginning and no end to the story. It just has to keep moving along and in this trilogy the second film did with no problem at all by bringing in even more interesting characters and situations. Which brings us to film number three which we find out even more about abused power, secret organizations, and later in the film, a very solid courtroom drama unfolds. It's rare that movies make you care about characters this much. It usually takes a multiple part series to do this. That's why we like tv series, because the emotional investment is much greater because you see these characters for 12-18 episodes at least, sometimes multiple seasons, sometimes years even. That's why, in a span of just three films, to have these people so defined by these characters is simply remarkable. I cannot recommend this more to people who want to see a wonderful trilogy which deals with ADULT subject matters and situations with heart, emotion, and career making performances from Noomi Rapace & Michael Nyqvist. Amazing.

Yella-Film Review

A german film that never really takes off for me. Nina Hoss (the best thing in the film) plays Yella who is trying to make a new life for herself after being estranged from her husband Ben (Hinnerk Schonemann). She is trying to catch her train but Ben meets her and convinces her that he'll take her to the train station. What happens next I won't tell. This film definitely had potential to be better but it just didn't happen for me. Performances were alright all around but to be frank there really wasn't a lot of screen time except for Yella and really one other person. This was Nina Hoss's film all the way as she is basically in every frame of this movie. But I don't blame her for the film, it's the script which let her down. I would see another film with her in it (she has 27 acting credits on IMDB). There's really not a lot of emotional peaks or valleys with her character here so you really don't know her range. It is probably best to try another film to see if another director can bring something out of her. A solid 2 1/2 stars but not recommended.

Spin Film Review

Originally produced in 2007 but shelved until recently it was released on dvd december 28th and renamed Spin. So don't look for the title you are here. Flixster for some reason has some old info and pictures and not a current picture of the dvd cover. A lot of my friends liked a movie a few years ago called Rules Of Attraction starring a bevy of young up and coming actors who some have gone on to stardom while others have not so much. James Van Der Beek, Shannon Sossamon, Jessica Biel, Kip Pardue, Kate Bosworth, and Jay Baruchel. I never really got a lot out of it because the characters weren't really that likeable. Maybe I need to see it again because Spin reminds me of that movie quite a bit. However this film basically condenses everything down to one night at a club with different perspectives of what went down from all the different participants. Part Rules Of Attraction and to a lesser extent the fine film Go, which this film never achieves the greatness that Go does. Once again some characters are unlikeable and shallow but that never ways down the film's fun because the film never stops zipping along at a speedy rate. With a tight direction from Henry Pincus (his first feature length film, will he get another chance since this film was shelved for so long? Who knows!) and clocking in at barely over 80 minutes with credits the film was basically the right length. Some nice performances from the guy that everybody calls and tells him what happened to them, Mick (played by Adam Campbell-Date Movie, Epic Movie) to the main lead Ryan (played by Patrick John Fleuger), Aubrey (Bijou Phillips in a great scene talking to Mick about the night before while getting her nails done), the beautiful Katie Cassidy (Nightmare On Elm Street, put this girl in more roles!!) who plays Apple who has a the hots for Ryan, and who is Cassie's (Lauren German, beautiful) best friend and it's Cassie that's Ryan's got feelings for. All of this plays out in a wild night of sex, drugs, and more drugs and a veterinarian clinic. Even Michael Biehn shows up as sleaze producer Tony Russo. An enjoyable film of characters that you might not want as your friends but if they were there wouldn't be a boring moment from them. Recommended.

The Bridesmaid Film Review

A french film from the late great Claude Chabrol (who died on september 12th, 2010- La Ceremonie, Flower Of Evil) about a family's daughter's wedding where the brother of the sister who's getting married meets a captivating woman named Stephanie who is one of the bridesmaids. Phillipe and Stephanie basically are a couple that night when Stephanie suddenly tells Phillipe that he's the one and she's been waiting for him all her life. Despite his reservations he falls for her and is almost continually with her when he's not at work. His mother worries about him and about her youngest daughter who's acting a little reckless as well. One night Stephanie tells Phillipe a plan to prove their love for each other. It is then when Phillipe starts to understand that Stephanie is a rather strange and disturbed young woman. Some critics have called this film "Hitchcockian" but I would say Hitchcock light. When there could have been moments of creepiness the moments leave and the film moves on. Not to say there aren't some strange things going on with Stephanie (Laura Smet in a nice performance here who is still acting according to IMDB, I would like to see some more films with her in it. Benoit Magimel does a fine job as Phillipe playing a man who's absolutely drawn to this woman despite his better judgement. He knows this woman's off her rocker but yet he wants her so much. I would have to say it's a strong 3 star film and I would reservedly recommend it to french film addicts when you're looking for something different.

Dakota Skye Film Review

Eileen Boylan (who's done quite a bit of tv work according to IMDB) plays high school girl Dakota Skye who has the power to know when people are lying (you see what the people are really thinking; in other words what Dakota is really hearing in subtitles that fade in and then fade out). She's going out with Kevin (J.B. Ghuman Jr.) who's the lead singer in his band. One night at a diner Kevin's best friend Jonah (Ian Nelson) shows up for a visit. And while night after night of hanging out together Jonah realizes that he's falling for Dakota. Does she stay with Kevin or does she go with Jonah? Ably directed by John Hunter (in another feature length debut) and with an ultra low budget at 150,000 this was a nice surprise when I watched it on Netflix streaming. Some winning performances from Eileen Boylan and Ian Nelson (but man does everybody have to smoke pot/cigarettes in this movie, oh well) as the maybe couple. Yes it's another indie rom-com that we've probably seen before but some writing that mostly sounds true and some engaging performances I would recommend it to guys or girls who want to see this kind of movie one night.

After Dark Horrorfest Film Rankings

1. DEATHS OF IAN STONE (ADHF #2) : This film for me is on another level from the other ones. That's how much I enjoyed it. Director Dario Piana should be very proud of this one. Surprisingly got a lot of bad reviews during the festival run. I don't know how. Tremendously interesting premise and delivered with confidence by actors, effects people and all on board. I don't know how much the film cost. I'm going to assume he didn't have a lot of money to work with but this could have been released theatrically on its own and being put out in the right time could have made 15-20 million in the first week. I don't know if this film will ever be beat out. This is the bar where others will be compared to.

2. MULBERRY STREET (ADHF#2) : Low budget but makes up for it in pure adrenaline. Once it starts it never lets up. Who would have thought that people turning into people eating rats would be this good? I hope the director Jim Mickle has a budget someday so we can see what he can really do.

3. THE HAMILTONS (ADHF#1) : The surprise hit of the first fest. I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this. Original, quirky, with a pretty modest budget but worked wonders. And I still think the second brother put an astounding performance in this film. Not the nerdy brother with the glasses and not the youngest brother but the other one. His name is Joseph McKelheer. Look for him in other movies.

4. THE BROKEN (ADHF#3) : Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. This is what this film is all about. The main actress is Lena Headey the actress who played Gerard Butlers's wife in 300. I warn you right now it is a slow boiler. If you're in the right frame of mind it could be a rewarding viewing. It relies on mood more than action at first but some really fine eerie scenes. I thought about this long and hard to put this film this high but I think it deserves it. I probably wouldn't have had I wrote this right after I saw it but thinking about it put it up there for me. Will it stay up there after a second viewing? Maybe not. Nobody knows for sure. But right now it's here.

5. GRAVEDANCERS (ADHF#1) : Finally a film with some scares. Mix that with some humor and you've got a pleasant viewing experience. The cgi ending is still pretty bad though. But these films will never be oscar winners will they?!

6. DARK RIDE (ADHF #1) : A strictly retro throwback to 80's horror films. A slasher film. Good effects but you'll know what's going on before the film ends. Still a fun ride!

7. NIGHTMARE MAN (ADHF #2) : If I remember right this was pretty good but the effects were extremely hokey. But putting that aside a film with a lot of energy and some uneasiness. Plus b-movie actress Tiffany Shepis being tough is always a plus. Maybe being too generous right now in the ranking but who knows.

8. VOICES (ADHF #3) : A nice surprise for me this year. I didn't expect much from this one but it was pretty good. Asian horror but just different enough although it still involves a curse.

9. BUTTERFLY EFFECT: REVOLUTION (ADHF #3) : I probably like this film a bit more than a lot of people because I like the premise so much. Main actor does a credible job in the role. And Rachel Minor makes it 3 fests in a row with an appearance as main character's sister. Pretty gory death scenes.

10. PENNY DREADFUL (ADHG #1) : Okay here's the top ten. This one has slipped a bit and it probably will some more if I see it again. I thought it was really good the first time.

11. FROM WITHIN (ADHG #3) : Interesting premise here but not super will thought out execution. Still held my interest.

12. SLAUGHTER (ADHG #3) : A film where the director actually tried to develop the two main characters who are women. They somewhat succeeded. Not too bad but that damn pervert/redneck theme pops its ugly head in here a little bit too. Strong female characters though.

13. DYING BREED (ADHG #3) : Great scenery but loses potential for better ranking due to the old backwoods/redneck theme. But great character in main actors best friend who brings humor to the movie. He's almost annoying but not quite.

14. UNREST (ADHF #1) : Not bad but another one that slips with repeated viewings.

15. BORDERLAND (ADHF #2) : Rating has definitely slipped on this one. Doesn't hold up well at all.

16. REINCARNATION (ADHF #1) : I'm getting tired of asian horror. This was okay at best. Rating has probably slipped a little.

17. ABANDONED (ADHF #1) : I remember this being great looking with potential but being bogged down with conversation between the two actors.

18. PERKINS 14 (ADHF #3) : Trying to be this year's Mulberry Street with low budget but adrenaline soaked mayhem but to no avail.

19. AUTOPSY (ADHG #3) : The opening had a Clutch song in it and it went downhill from there. I suppose if you had a lot of friends watching this and wanted a stupid movie to make fun of this could be a good time but to take it seriously ain't gonna happen. The worst one of the new batch.

20. LAKE DEAD (ADHF #2) : Another what if. If the filmmakers could have used their brains for a better story. I just hate redneck/incest/dumbshits killing people. It's so pedestrian. And what do they do? They kill the hottest chick in the movie first. She doesn't even get to the main story location. She would have kicked everybody's ass and it would have made it at least watchable.

21. WICKED LITTLE THINGS (ADHF #1) : Maybe I have to see this again but I remember it being very blah.

22. CRAZY EIGHTS (ADHF #2) : All these somewhat famous people and they couldn't put a good film together? Boring.

23. UNEARTHED (ADHF #2) : So much potential but due to horrible cgi effects and extremely dark camerawork where you couldn't even see what was going on ruined what potential it had. This could have been one of the best since the premise was different from all the others.

24. TOOTH AND NAIL (ADHF #2) : Simply a mess from start to finish. Laughable. If they were trying to be funny they succeeded.