My life has had a period of hectic rearrangement that has prevented me from writing or thinking productively for a while. For this reason, I have decided to post “flash reviews” of the films I have seen in the last two months. This does not mean that I will not write full reviews of some of them, but it means I don’t feel I have to.
Apocalypto, Mel Gibson: it is annoying to hear evidence of so much linguistic research and to see such an attempt to recreate ancient Mesoamerican cities, just to use them to backgrounds for Western jokes about mother-in-laws.
Because I Said So, Michael Lehmann: It could have been as funny as Something is Got to Give, but it isn’t. There is something really depressing about this film and there is not enough “feel good factor” to ever fix it. What a waste of Diane Keaton.
Flock of Dodos, Randy Olson: The idea was good, the movie is disappointing. However, the music is great and the trailer is fun. Follow the link to the official site.
The Fountain, Darren Aronofsky: Rachel Weiz dies, Hugh Jackman does not look his best and the tree of life does not make it to the stars that would have made it one with the universe. Arofnosky is still talented and still depressing.
The Hill’s Have Eyes 2, Martin Weisz: There was a time I loved Wes Craven and there was a time when Robert Englund loved Wes Craven. That time has passed. Shall I name my first born Wes? I think not.
The God Who Wasn’t There, Brian Flemming: This film makes some interesting points, but it feels much like a resentful answer to a childhood problem (never mind, I got it in exchange for a soul I didn’t really have).
Happy Feet, George Miller: Ecodrama (or ecocomedy) with antirreligious, singing, dancing penguins. Do I need to say more? I loved it. Robin Williams is a genius.
The Illusionist, Neil Burger: Ed Norton is good, as always and the story has a twist that makes it all worthy, beautiful and charming. I think I love 19th century illusionist drama (a new genre).
It’s a Boy-Girl Thing, Nick Hurran: You will be surprised how these young actors manage to play cross-gender roles so convincingly. It is dumb, but entertaining.
Music and Lyrics, Marc Lawrence: There is something very charming about Hugh Grant playing a 1980’s pop musician who has known better times
Night at the Museum, Shawn Levy: It’s silly, but very well made and very funny. Enjoyable for the family or for those who are single but like it light.
Perfume, Tom Tykwer: Although, aesthetically, it can be pleasing, a film that needs a narrator cannot achieve its full potential.
Premonition, Mennan Yapo: It could be worse or it could be better. The question is: who would see it again to check that there is consistency? Not me.
The Pursuit of Happyness, Gabriele Muccino: Who would have thought that Will Smith would play such a role? He took the challenge and did it well. However, the protagonist of the story should not be the producer of the movie…
Stranger than Fiction, Marc Forster: That’s a really good film! Wait for my full review.
