Regrets (2009)

I recently saw this at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival. This a film about romantic obsession between two forty-something former lovers. Mathieu Liévan (Yvan Attal) is a successful architect in the city and in business with his wife Lisa (Arly Jover) who returns to his rural hometown to visit his dying mother. He sees his former girlfriend Maya (Valeria Bruni Tedeshi) who has moved back there from Africa with her daughter from a previous marriage and new husband Franck (Phillip Katerine). Mathieu and Maya soon resume their long lost love with an illicit affair. These two really know how to push each others buttons for both good and bad. This film is a little far fetched at times but it keeps your interest because you never know which way the story might turn and it keeps you guessing as multiple situations arise. Written and directed by Cedric Kahn it features a powerful music score from multiple Oscar nominee and prolific film and television composer Phillip Glass. Also features the 1965 recording of Nina Simone "Sinnerman" that viewers will find familiar as it's opening bars are featured in the current television commercial campaign for HTC mobile phones. It kind of comes out of nowhere in the middle of the film and doesn't really add to the flow of the film. A fine cast and nice performances although the roles of the husband and daughter could have been more developed. I had a few problems with this film but would still recommend it and give it a 7.0 out of 10.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Foreign
Duration : 104 min
Release Date : 02 Sep 2009
Rating : 6.1
Writer : Cédric Kahn (screenplay)
Director : Cédric Kahn
Company : Les Films du Lendemain
Movie Casts :
Yvan Attal as Mathieu Lievin, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as Maya,Arly Jover as Lisa, Philippe Katerine as Franck, François Négret as Antoine, as

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Regrets (2009)

I recently saw this at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival. This a film about romantic obsession between two forty-something former lovers. Mathieu Liévan (Yvan Attal) is a successful architect in the city and in business with his wife Lisa (Arly Jover) who returns to his rural hometown to visit his dying mother. He sees his former girlfriend Maya (Valeria Bruni Tedeshi) who has moved back there from Africa with her daughter from a previous marriage and new husband Franck (Phillip Katerine). Mathieu and Maya soon resume their long lost love with an illicit affair. These two really know how to push each others buttons for both good and bad. This film is a little far fetched at times but it keeps your interest because you never know which way the story might turn and it keeps you guessing as multiple situations arise. Written and directed by Cedric Kahn it features a powerful music score from multiple Oscar nominee and prolific film and television composer Phillip Glass. Also features the 1965 recording of Nina Simone "Sinnerman" that viewers will find familiar as it's opening bars are featured in the current television commercial campaign for HTC mobile phones. It kind of comes out of nowhere in the middle of the film and doesn't really add to the flow of the film. A fine cast and nice performances although the roles of the husband and daughter could have been more developed. I had a few problems with this film but would still recommend it and give it a 7.0 out of 10.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Foreign
Duration : 104 min
Release Date : 02 Sep 2009
Rating : 6.1
Writer : Cédric Kahn (screenplay)
Director : Cédric Kahn
Company : Les Films du Lendemain
Movie Casts :
Yvan Attal as Mathieu Lievin, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as Maya,Arly Jover as Lisa, Philippe Katerine as Franck, François Négret as Antoine, as

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A Family (2010)

"En familie" revolves around the confusion caused by the death of a leading family member. The uncertainty it causes and the power vacuum it creates. Now, this could be an interesting story if the involved characters were interesting - if there was a sense of conflict among the succeeding generation. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If there is any conflict, it's between the dying generation (Richard Rheinwald) and his children about the future of the family bakery that has been in the family for generations and that Richard considers his lifework. None of his dimwitted children are capable of or interested in continuing the bakery business.

Other reviewers has praised this movie for the emotion it displays. If brooding confused adults is your thing, then this movie has emotion. Albeit unbelievable. While Richard Rheinwald has a seemingly genuine personality that slowly descends into despair, his family is remarkably dull. Most of the family members are just briefly explored. Most attention is given to Ditte Rheinwald, Richards daughter. She cannot decide whether or not to have a child. Whether or not to move to New York or stay in Denmark. Whether or not to be an artist or a baker. Whether or not to put her father in a nursing home or just his home. And when she eventually makes decisions, she remains confused and uncertain about them. In one scene she lashes out against her boyfriend and accuses him of not having any character, creating a psychological projection of her own insecurities.

Anyway, for me it was a drag to follow these indecisive daughters. I guess the message that the director may be trying to convey is that strong dominating patriarchs can perhaps create dull confused children. I don't know. This movie didn't leave any impression on me, it didn't give me anything to reflect upon.

I decided to give this movie 3 stars in recognition of the sporadic glimpses of comedy and in recognition of Jesper Christensens and Pilou Asbæks performances.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama,
Duration : 102 min
Release Date : 24 Feb 2011
Rating : 6.7
Writer : Kim Fupz Aakeson, Pernille Fischer Christensen
Director : Pernille Fischer Christensen
Company : Zentropa Entertainments
Movie Casts :
Lene Maria Christensen as Ditte Rheinwald, Jesper Christensen as Rikard Rheinwald,Pilou Asbæk as Peter, Anne Louise Hassing as Sanne Rheinwald, Line Kruse as Chrisser Rheinwald, Coco Hjardemaal as Line Rheinwald

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A Family (2010)

"En familie" revolves around the confusion caused by the death of a leading family member. The uncertainty it causes and the power vacuum it creates. Now, this could be an interesting story if the involved characters were interesting - if there was a sense of conflict among the succeeding generation. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If there is any conflict, it's between the dying generation (Richard Rheinwald) and his children about the future of the family bakery that has been in the family for generations and that Richard considers his lifework. None of his dimwitted children are capable of or interested in continuing the bakery business.

Other reviewers has praised this movie for the emotion it displays. If brooding confused adults is your thing, then this movie has emotion. Albeit unbelievable. While Richard Rheinwald has a seemingly genuine personality that slowly descends into despair, his family is remarkably dull. Most of the family members are just briefly explored. Most attention is given to Ditte Rheinwald, Richards daughter. She cannot decide whether or not to have a child. Whether or not to move to New York or stay in Denmark. Whether or not to be an artist or a baker. Whether or not to put her father in a nursing home or just his home. And when she eventually makes decisions, she remains confused and uncertain about them. In one scene she lashes out against her boyfriend and accuses him of not having any character, creating a psychological projection of her own insecurities.

Anyway, for me it was a drag to follow these indecisive daughters. I guess the message that the director may be trying to convey is that strong dominating patriarchs can perhaps create dull confused children. I don't know. This movie didn't leave any impression on me, it didn't give me anything to reflect upon.

I decided to give this movie 3 stars in recognition of the sporadic glimpses of comedy and in recognition of Jesper Christensens and Pilou Asbæks performances.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama,
Duration : 102 min
Release Date : 24 Feb 2011
Rating : 6.7
Writer : Kim Fupz Aakeson, Pernille Fischer Christensen
Director : Pernille Fischer Christensen
Company : Zentropa Entertainments
Movie Casts :
Lene Maria Christensen as Ditte Rheinwald, Jesper Christensen as Rikard Rheinwald,Pilou Asbæk as Peter, Anne Louise Hassing as Sanne Rheinwald, Line Kruse as Chrisser Rheinwald, Coco Hjardemaal as Line Rheinwald

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The Writer with No Hands (2014)

A British propaganda expert goes to Hollywood to solve a CIA murder mystery - but his cameraman has other ideas.

Are you looking for place to watch full movies online without downloading? Here you can watch The Writer With No Hands (2014). You can also stream and download new and old full movies online. Enjoy and relax streaming full The Writer With No Hands movie in good quality online.

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary,
Duration : 86 min
Release Date : 10 Oct 2014
Rating : 7.3
Writer : N/A
Director : William Westaway
Company :
Movie Casts :
as , as , as , as , as , as

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That's it, That's All (2008)

Disregard the comment posted by another user about how this film is the same as all other films because this video definitely stands out, not just for its production value but for it's ability to do more than cut sick tricks with a decent soundtrack. This is the perfect blend between Planet Earth and a fresh snowboarding video. This film will be remembered for pushing the snowboarding industry and raising the bar for all future snowboard videos although it doesn't end there. That's it, That's all, will also have a profound impact on sister industries like skateboarding, surfing and other extreme sports as they too will now be expected to produce more aesthetically pleasing films with content above and beyond straight up shredding.

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary,
Duration : 63 min
Release Date : 15 Nov 2008
Rating : 8.5
Writer : N/A
Director : Curt Morgan
Company : Brain Farm
Movie Casts :
Jake Blauvelt as Himself, Kyle Clancy as Himself,Terje Haakonsen as Himself, Bryan Iguchi as Himself, John Jackson as Himself, Scotty Lago asHimself

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Supervention (2013)

I didn't expect much from this documentary about modern skiing. I rather would say I expected it to be both boring and tediously giving too much screen time for spoiled brats. How wrong I was. This film has both attitude, style, beautiful scenery and makes us understand the souls driven to ski for life. What's more we get charmed both by the personalities and with the joy of life the ski bums actually have.

Supervention is following some skiers, snowboarders and skaters in their love for rehearsal and routine, and their longing for great free-rides and awesome bu dangerous tricks on rails and stairs. Some of the best skiers, even some living legends, in Norway, Sweden, USA and Canada appear, making it even more interesting.

The film work is excellent, and stunningly beautiful. This film surely will recruit more snowboarders and skiers, like it or not. It will also make your loved sons and nephews, even daughters risk their lives or at least their teeth or knees in rehearsing and performing stunts, like it or not.

The film was getting a surprisingly big theatrical release in Norwegian cinemas late October 2013, and was a surprise box office hit, selling tickets far beyond expectations. Well deservedly so. Because the best ski movie I've ever seen, though there haven't been all that many. It's also already won several film prizes in the first festival it has attended.

But when you go watching it, don't expect there to be a plot or a climax, because it's all about something else! Just relax and enjoy!

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary,
Duration : 99 min
Release Date : 25 Oct 2013
Rating : 8.3
Writer : N/A
Director : Filip Christensen, Even Sigstad
Company : Field Productions
Movie Casts :
Aksel Lund Svindal as Himself, Terje Haakonsen as Himself,Jesper Tjäder as Himself, Even Sigstad as Himself, Åsmund Thorsen as Himself, Asbjørn Eggebø Næss as Himself

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Supervention (2013)

I didn't expect much from this documentary about modern skiing. I rather would say I expected it to be both boring and tediously giving too much screen time for spoiled brats. How wrong I was. This film has both attitude, style, beautiful scenery and makes us understand the souls driven to ski for life. What's more we get charmed both by the personalities and with the joy of life the ski bums actually have.

Supervention is following some skiers, snowboarders and skaters in their love for rehearsal and routine, and their longing for great free-rides and awesome bu dangerous tricks on rails and stairs. Some of the best skiers, even some living legends, in Norway, Sweden, USA and Canada appear, making it even more interesting.

The film work is excellent, and stunningly beautiful. This film surely will recruit more snowboarders and skiers, like it or not. It will also make your loved sons and nephews, even daughters risk their lives or at least their teeth or knees in rehearsing and performing stunts, like it or not.

The film was getting a surprisingly big theatrical release in Norwegian cinemas late October 2013, and was a surprise box office hit, selling tickets far beyond expectations. Well deservedly so. Because the best ski movie I've ever seen, though there haven't been all that many. It's also already won several film prizes in the first festival it has attended.

But when you go watching it, don't expect there to be a plot or a climax, because it's all about something else! Just relax and enjoy!

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary,
Duration : 99 min
Release Date : 25 Oct 2013
Rating : 8.3
Writer : N/A
Director : Filip Christensen, Even Sigstad
Company : Field Productions
Movie Casts :
Aksel Lund Svindal as Himself, Terje Haakonsen as Himself,Jesper Tjäder as Himself, Even Sigstad as Himself, Åsmund Thorsen as Himself, Asbjørn Eggebø Næss as Himself

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Where to Invade Next (2015)

This isn't just a great documentary, it's a great film, with jaw dropping reveals and unexpected twists. By about 5 minutes into the film I was hooked and at the edge of my seat as the rest of the two hours flew by; I didn't want it to end, which is always a good sign.

To be clear, this film is not about U.S. military interventions like Fahrenheit 9/11, as I suspected, but rather an ironic look into the discordance between American values and American actions; not abroad but at home. It takes us outside our world only to look back at ourselves as if we were strangers. We get to see our values around health, education, incarceration, violence, and fairness in a new light. And, without giving too much away, the film culminates with a big twist that is marvelously compelling.

As a result, this film has stuck with me. It has been months since I first saw the film at the Chicago International Film Festival, where it won the Founder's Award, and I find myself thinking about the film at least weekly, which finally prompted me to write this short review.

I'm telling everyone I meet to see this film, and to bring their friends, kids, neighbors. Plan some time to talk afterward! I can't wait to see it again myself.

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary,
Duration : 110 min
Release Date : 25 Feb 2016
Rating : 6.9
Writer : N/A
Director : Michael Moore
Company : Dog Eat Dog Films
Movie Casts :
Michael Moore as Himself, as , as , as , as , as

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Project X (2012)

Depending on which age group you fall in will determine your enjoyment for Project X. Project X does so many fundamental things wrong such as sub par acting and glaring plot holes. However, for a film that on paper seems absolutely terrible I could not stop laughing and really enjoying this movie.

Project X isn't so much hilarious as it is entertaining. This movie will really appeal those who can relate to the plot somewhat. As an 18 year old that has thrown parties when my parents were away the film struck a chord with me. I could feel the main character Thomas's anxiety when he realized he had no control over his house and that's why I feel many teenagers and even those in their early 20's would really relate to this film.

Project X might not be worth 10 dollars to see it in the movie theater but if you go with a good group of friends the 10 dollar ticket will seem more than worth it. I really enjoyed the film for personal reasons but I can see a lot of movie goers detesting it.

Detail / Info

Genre : Comedy, Crime
Duration : 88 min
Release Date : 02 Mar 2012
Rating : 6.7
Writer : Matt Drake (screenplay), Michael Bacall (screenplay), Michael Bacall (story)
Director : Nima Nourizadeh
Company : Silver Pictures
Movie Casts :
Oliver Cooper as Costa, Jonathan Daniel Brown as JB,Thomas Mann as Thomas, Dax Flame as Dax, Kirby Bliss Blanton as Kirby, Brady Hender asEverett

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The Last Man on the Moon (2014)

I had the privilege of seeing this at its Premiere in the UK at Shefields DocFest last Summer.

Being a child of the Apollo Space Program and witnessing the step by step progress on Mans conquest of the Moon I become easily emotional these days to any footage of that magical era.

This Documentary is a well crafted piece of work and I concur with the sentiment of the previous viewer, so I won't say much more other than enjoyment is guaranteed.

What really sealed it for me on the day I viewed it was that at the end of the screening Gene Cernan was ushered in from the back of the Auditorium to a standing ovation, and I at last got to meet a real genuine Space Cowboy after all these decades.

It is mind bogglingly what these guys achieved and this film should be shown to all kids in Schools in a bid to inspire and educate them as to what can be achieved if one has the will to do it.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Documentary
Duration : 99 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : 7.3
Writer : Eugene Cernan (story), Mark Craig
Director : Mark Craig
Company :
Movie Casts :
Eugene Cernan as Himself, as , as , as , as , as

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Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (2016)

Tere Bin Laden : Dead or Alive doesn't live up to the jolly first part, but is a delight to watch!

A U.S. agent hires a budding Bollywood filmmaker to shoot fake footage that proves the death of Osama bin Laden. But on the other hand, terrorists hijack the process, demanding the film to prove Osama is alive.

Manish Paul as Sharma is wonderful. He might go on establishing a career in the film industry.

Pradhuman Singh as Paddi Singh is hilarious and sometimes you can't stop giggling because you don't expect one of the world's dangerous terrorist to have a funny personality.

Sikandar Kher as David Chaddha has done terrific acting and might make an epic comeback in the film industry with Tere Bin Laden.

Iman Crosson will blow your mind as he impersonates President Barack Obama

And watch out for a hilarious cameo by Ali Zafar, star of the first film of the series

The only drawback is that sometimes the jokes go repetitive and slowly become annoying. Also funny scenes are limited in second half. But overall, a thumbs up for Tere Bin Laden : Dead Or Alive

Detail / Info

Genre : Comedy,
Duration : 104 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : 7.7
Writer : Abhishek Sharma
Director : Abhishek Sharma
Company :
Movie Casts :
as , as , as , as , as , as

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)

I caught the movie in Hong Kong on 21st of February, the 96 minutes version dubbed in Cantonese. Truth to be told, my expectations were very low, because the original was just a classic. The first bad trailer with weird auto-tuned music and English dialogue did not help. But the results surprised me.

Harvey Weinstein and the Weinstein Company finally got the rights to CTHD, and proceeded to work on a script based on Wang Du Lu's 5th book of the series. Iron Knight, Silver Vase, which are actually the names of 2 of the main characters in the movie (just like Crouching "Tiger" and Hidden "Dragon" 2000 the title itself).

The director here is Yuen Woo Ping, best known for his choreography work in Ip Man 3, Matrix and of course the first CTHD. He is also a good director on his own, with critical successful films such as Wing Chun and Iron Monkey. According to interviews, Ang Lee did not want to come back for the sequel because he never does a "repeat" work, but he met up with Yuen Woo Ping and gave him his blessings because he knew that if there was anyone who could helm the sequel, it would be the person he worked the closest with in the first movie, Yuen Woo Ping himself.

The story in this movie is more simple and straightforward (sometimes predictable), and perhaps not as good as the first movie hence this is where a point is deducted.

However cinematography and costume wise, it is on par, if not better than the original. Landscapes of New Zealand and China, and the beauty of nature are better capture than the original, and the elaborated costumes are noteworthy.

Action wise, it is a huge step up, perhaps because of the casting of Martial Arts Kingpin Donnie Yen himself, who has a strong martial arts background compared to Chow Yun Fatt who needed plenty of stunt doubles and still did not look fluid in his sword-wield or movements(it was reported that Jet Li rejected the first film hence it went to Fatt). The action sequences makes it a combination of not just a Wu-Xia film but a Kung Fu film because there is now less "flying-around" or wire-work but more realistic martial arts display by Donnie Yen. Donnie Yen's performance and presence in the film is spectacular, and it makes people want to see more of him after his appearance.

Michelle Yeoh remained in character and is impressive in both the acting and the action department, huge thumbs up for her but unfortunately her performance seems to be slightly overshadowed (surprisingly) by new-comer Natasha Liu Bordizzo who plays Snow Vase.

Harry Shum Junior actually looks good in his movie in fight scenes due to his tremendous Dance Background and pedigree.

As for the English Language spoken on the Netflix version(not here in Hong Kong), I think it is a good move because The Weinstein Company and Netflix they want to show the movie to the whole world, hoping to reach audiences who will never ever watch a swordsmen or Wu Xia movie in their lives. There are many people in the world who will never watch a movie because they hate reading subtitles.

And also because people in China hated the first movie and it flopped and one of the reason is because of Chow Yun Fatt's Cantonese accent and Michelle Yeoh had Malaysian accent in their mandarin dialogue, so please try and understand instead of claiming it should be in Mandarin, the original got mocked because of the bad mandarin accents.

Overall a very enjoyable movie, which really needs heart to appreciate, it may be slow at times but it truly allows audiences to be observant and to look at the minor details in such a major motion picture.

It would be even better if one already read the original book by Wang Du Lu or the new novel by Justin Hill, as it covers more motivations and intentions clearly.

Therefore, do not just view this as a sequel to one of the most successful Wu-Xia films ever made, appreciate this movie and take it as a film of its own, and you will enjoy it thoroughly.

Detail / Info

Genre : Action, Adventure
Duration : 0 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : N/A
Writer : Du Lu Wang (book), John Fusco (screenplay)
Director : Woo-Ping Yuen
Company : The Weinstein Company
Movie Casts :
Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien, Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf,Jason Scott Lee as Hades Dai, Harry Shum Jr. as Tiefang, JuJu Chang as Silver Dart Shi, Eugenia Yuan as Blind Enchantress

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Triple 9 (2016)

It didn't take much convincing to get me into the cinema for this one. I've been looking forward to it for a while, not for it's content and concept, but purely for the names attached. John Hillcoat has yet to make a bad movie, and I figured him finally tackling present day could yield some interesting results. Pairing him with his biggest and most impressive cast yet could only bring further promise.

Unsurprisingly, Triple 9 is driven by it's characters, with a handful of impressive, gritty action setpieces to keep the audience's attention. We follow characters on both sides of the law, including the murky grey in the middle, but no-one is particularly likable. We have Mike, head of the criminal crew plotting an officer down code as a distraction. He's in with the (Jewish?) mob more than he'd like by way of having had a son with the boss' sister, Elena, giving Irina, the boss, more leverage over him than he'd like. His crew is made up of army buddy Russel, his deadbeat brother Gabe, Gabe's Gang Unit cop friend Marcus, and another dirty, somewhat psychotic cop Franco. Marcus has just been assigned a newbie as a partner; Chris, who just so happens to be the nephew of Jeff; the head of the Homicide division. Of course with such ties, it's the newbie who ends up as the target of the triple nine.

Each one gets varying degrees of character development, but due to their being so many characters, it's unsurprising that there might not be as much as you might hope. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Mike as a sharp leader who's just unhappy with his situation and what he's made to do for the sake of his own son. Kate Winslet hams it up a little bit as Irina, but never quite reaches the amount of intimidation required for the role, and you wonder why Mike doesn't just shoot her in the face and be done with it. Casey Affleck is a little dull as Chris, who's probably the most likable character by accident, having no discernible character beyond being the guy thrown into a world he doesn't entirely understand. Anthony Mackie, however, manages to bring a bit more depth to Marcus than any other character/actor. As the guy tasked with initiating the triple nine, he suffers a strike of conscience at inconvenient times, but is still ultimately a corrupt cop. Aaron Paul does what he does best with Gabe, which is walk around lost with tears welling up the whole time, although in Triple 9, at least his character has good reason. Clifton Collins Jr. plays the semi-psychotic Franco with as much cold heart as is necessary without making the audience wonder how he got passed the police tests in the first place. Woody Harrelson's Jeff is the well- meaning drunkard, who is as close to a show-stealer as Triple 9 gets. Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot, and Michael K. Williams all make small and underdeveloped appearances throughout, as Russel (the only guy on the crew who seems to have his head screwed on), Elena (who exudes bad mother), and Sweet Pea (transvestite pimp who has her ear to the ground) respectively.

In truth, the impressive cast was necessary just to be able to keep track of who was who at times. There isn't enough time to get particularly attached to any of them as the plotting keeps the movie moving quite thoroughly, although I must note there were some questionable holes (such as, you have the guys son, why not use him rather than offing one of his crew members and making it infinitely harder for him to get the job you want done). Dotted about are some smatterings of action, and to be honest, this is where the film's strength lies. The movie opens with the bank job that doesn't quite go to plan as Gabe gets a bit greedy, resulting in them all covered in red dust. Of course there's the second half of the job which makes up the movie's climax in the third act as well, but in the middle we switch perspectives a bit and follow a police raid in the heart of Mexican gang territory, and absolutely marks the movie's high point.

Story wise, holes aside, there's quite a lot going on and quite a lot to keep track of. Everyone seems to be interrelated somehow, and it can take a bit of work on the audience's part to connect all the dots together. Most of the plot is focused around the characters themselves, as I've mentioned, but it cleverly uses this to guide the outcome of the movie. It feels like the writer came up with the idea, came up with the characters, and then threw them together and followed them individually along the timeline to figure out how they'd end up at the end, and what their role would be. This results in some fairly unpredictable twists and turns that make complete sense from the perspective of the characters.

In all Triple 9 is a solidly enjoyable movie. It's not the masterpiece I'd hoped for, marking itself probably as Hillcoat's worst movie, but that's not really saying a lot as all his work is top-tier. Every actor does their job to the best of their ability, hamstrung only by the amount of time and space they get given to work on their characters. Triple 9 is less than two hours in length, but there's a lot to fit in, which makes it feel like quite a long movie. Thankfully it never rushes through, and makes enough time to linger on moments a little longer than you might expect. I give Triple 9 an enjoyable 7/10.

Detail / Info

Genre : Crime, Drama
Duration : 115 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : N/A
Writer : Matt Cook
Director : John Hillcoat
Company : Worldview Entertainment
Movie Casts :
Casey Affleck as Chris Allen, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Terrell Tompkins,Kate Winslet as Irina Vlaslov, Aaron Paul as Gabe Welch, Norman Reedus asRussel Welch, Gal Gadot as Elena

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Eddie the Eagle (2016)

First of all, I have to say that I'm generally not a fan of biopics, they just aren't the type of movie I seek out. I got tickets to the sneak preview and my wife really wanted to go. Anyway, that preamble out of the way, I really did enjoy the movie.

Eddie the Eagle is a story about an underdog in every sense of the word. One theme that is repeated throughout the movie, is the quote from Pierre de Coubertin (father of the modern Olympics), "The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." The story follows Eddie from the time he's a little kid with dreams of going to the Olympics. It follows him through his many assorted set-backs, and all the people around him who saw only failure in his future. It also shows the moments when he got helping hands when he most needed it. This movie is about his struggle.

The casting in the movie was quite good. I remember Eddie the Eagle from TV when I was young, and Taron Egerton does an excellent job in the role of Eddie. Hugh Jackman puts in a good performance as the coach Bronson Peary, and manages not to overpower Eddie's character. But while Taron Egerton really assumes the part of Eddie, a lot of Hugh Jackman leaks into his role as coach Peary.

The roles of Eddie's parents are also well played, and the actress playing his mother, Jo Hartley, gives a particularly poignant portrayal. The father, played by Keith Allen (currently uncredited on IMDb) is a bit of a caricature, but well acted. Actually, a lot of the supporting cast of characters are caricatures, especially the other ski-jumpers/coaches and the British Olympians/Olympic Committee. But to an extent that serves to emphasize the struggle for Eddie. Also, for those intent on seeing this film for Christopher Walked, he has a very small role.

While, I have emphasized the struggle aspect of the story, there is a lot of comedy thrown into the mix as well. The tone is upbeat throughout, even when Eddie has setbacks. While some of the failures are played for laughs (mostly early in the film), it's mostly Eddie's perseverance that makes this film endearing. It also feels like we're laughing with Eddie rather than at him, since it seems Eddie's in on the joke.

If you're on the fence about seeing this movie, I say give it a shot.

Detail / Info

Genre : History, Drama
Duration : 105 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : 7.6
Writer : Sean Macaulay (screenplay), Simon Kelton (screenplay), Simon Kelton (story)
Director : Dexter Fletcher
Company : 20th Century Fox
Movie Casts :
Hugh Jackman as Chuck Berghorn, Taron Egerton as Eddie Edwards,Christopher Walken as Warren Sharp, Matthew Brandon as Canadian Ski Jumper, Ania Sowinski as Carrie, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Erik Moberg

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Gods of Egypt (2016)

For some strange reason I was wishing for a big budget over the top version of Land of the Pharaohs (1955), with a bit of Cleopatra (1963) thrown in. And true to form, it came pretty close to the campiness of those films! Apart from the storyline, this spectacular action adventure sure delivers in the CGI department and creative sound design. It's one for the big screen and thumping speakers, insulting your senses in a most pleasurable masochist way.

Director Alex Proyas mostly delves in dark films where "The End Is Nigh". These dark themes were noticeable in Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds (1989), The Crow (1994) and Dark City (1998). They even had it's moments in the Hollywood blockbusters I, Robot (2004) along with The Knowing (2009). With Gods of Egypt, it almost felt like it wasn't an Alex Proyas film. Maybe a bit too spectacular for his style, but he managed to fit moments in where he got to play with his dark-side, mostly evident in the "Afterlife" scenes. In this film, Alex got to create his vision with perfection, thanks to today's technology. Hopefully he'll be able to use that on his next project, maybe something a little darker, a bit more Proyas than Hollywood.

What saved this film from its own corniness is the talent it attracted. Gerard Butler is perfect as Gerard Butler the brute! Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau gets to play around with his Game Of Thrones character, Jamie, by adding a little more manliness to it. The surprise of the lot was the mortal, Bek, played by the Aussie cutie, Brenton Thwaites. He supplied the wit and charm desperately needed in this. Even the Aussie icons, Bryan Brown and Geoffrey Rush came along for the ride. What they both managed to do was play it perfectly straight, in a theatrical way, that suited the style of this film. You noticed the tone of the film changed when Rush was on screen with Butler or Nikolaj. The level went up a notch, and it was momentarily intriguing. (And see if you can spot another Aussie icon, Bruce Spence:)

The true winner of this epic film is the "Gamer". This film has all the elements a Gamer would love. It has dangerous mazes our heroes have to get through, and thrilling combating scenes captured by frantic maneuvering cameras. If the film does well at the box office I'm sure there will be a game following hot on its heels.

I must admit I was surprised how entertaining this film was. Maybe because I saw it on the big screen and was distracted by the incredible CGI and sound design. The story was pleasing enough, it has the Game Of Thrones element where characters you least expected to perish did. There was the Lord Of The Rings journey and a bit of everything else you might have seen if you love your big action adventure films. And not to forget the romantic element which played heavily in our heroe's destination. I think the studio executives got ever audience angle covered.

Detail / Info

Genre : Adventure, Fantasy
Duration : 100 min
Release Date : 26 Feb 2016
Rating : N/A
Writer : Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless
Director : Alex Proyas
Company : Summit Entertainment
Movie Casts :
Gerard Butler as Set, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Horus,Brenton Thwaites as Bek, Geoffrey Rush as Ra, Elodie Yung as Hathor, Courtney Eaton asZaya

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The Lives of Others (2006) Das Leben der Anderen (original title)

I wonder why there has been so little written and publicized about this movie. This should be seen in every country and its merits trumpeted from the skies.

It starts off slowly and the locale is the former East Germany, inhabited by 16 million people who are being spied upon relentlessly by their secret police. In this very real world of the Berlin Wall, there are many Stasi, 90,000, overseeing the populace, aided and abetted by hundreds of thousands of informants. Many of these snitches were blackmailed or other pressures exerted (threats to children and loved ones) and a few obliged voluntarily.

What is truly amazing is that this is Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's directorial debut, and he maintains a masterful hand throughout and keeps the story and the tension rolling from the first scene of interrogation which is filmed back and forth between a tape educating new Stasi as to interview techniques and to the actual cell itself where it was recorded.

The movie circles around three main characters and there is a wider circle of the powerful who pull the puppet strings for a variety of reasons which become clear as the movie unfolds.

First is Georg Dreyman, a playwright on the verge of celebrating his 40th birthday. Sebastian Koch, a tall,handsome actor dressed in writerly rumple, shares an apartment with his actress girlfriend, Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck), and exists within the strictures of the state-sponsored theatre. He is a decent man, and tries to win support for his blacklisted friends.

For reasons that become quite clear, Dreyman falls under suspicion and the whole sophisticated Stasi spying system comes into play in the era of 1984. His whole apartment is bugged and every sound is monitored.

The man in charge of all this is Captain Gerd Wiesler,(Ulrich Mühe). Ulrich's performance is nothing short of stunning. He starts as an almost robotic presence, dressed in gray, he almost disappears into every scene he's in. But one detects a clear intelligence in his bright eyes, the only part of him that's alive. Captain Wiesler lives in a non-descript arborited apartment, much like himself. He squeezes his food onto a plate from a tube.

But the captain starts to awaken slowly as he listens surreptitiously on the state of the art equipment secreted in the attic of Dreyman's building. He starts to fall in love with the couple and then pressure from above is brought to bear on him to dig for the dirt in Dreyman's life.

And he is in a dilemma now, as he is drawn further and further into the life of Dreman and his girlfriend.

I won't throw spoilers down. Suffice to say is that the story is enthralling right down to the very last frame. The acting is superb, the direction impeccable and the world of East Germany meticulously drawn with the viewer respected enough to find his or her own emotional path through the plot.

The ending is truly one of a kind. So right and true that I was left nodding, it was the only one possible.

A must see, I will sing the praises of this film to all I know. 10 out of 10 from me. Right up there in my top 50 of all time. I find it so disappointing that these movies don't get wider release AND compete for an Oscar in the best picture of the year and not just for best foreign film. Now there's a heretical thought!

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Thriller
Duration : 137 min
Release Date : 30 Mar 2007
Rating : 8.5
Writer : Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Director : Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Company : Arte
Movie Casts :
Martina Gedeck as Christa-Maria Sieland, Ulrich Mühe as Gerd Wiesler,Sebastian Koch as Georg Dreyman, Ulrich Tukur as Anton Grubitz, Thomas Thieme as Bruno Hempf, Hans-Uwe Bauer as Paul Hauser

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Amores Perros (2000)

I think we're talking about one of the best Mexican films ever (i say so, knowing there's been excellent Luis Buñuel films as well as Arturo Ripstein ones, like 'Principio y Fin' -Begining and End- that is this director's highest peak (based on the book by Naguib Mafusz)and Emilio 'El Indio' Fernandez ones that i don't personally like that much (even though he received the Golden Bear in the 'Berlinale').

Being surrounded by terrible Mexican movies, 'Amores Perros' was so refreshing and remarkably above every expectation that everybody could have about a first-time director (even though he was well-known for his wonderful work at advertising (changing the way ads were made in Mexico) and as a radio DJ in a WFM radio station that contributed to change radio in Mexico, too, along with Rock 101. Gonzalez Iñarritu (in cooperation with his almost personal screenwriter, Guillermo Arriaga) creates such a complex yet flawless history based on three individual ones that converge not only in the dantesque (reference to Dante Alighieri's style, The Divine Comedy) car accident, but in their perception and description of how love can be harsh, as well as life itself, of how love can get to be a bitch, a struggle.

First Story ('Octavio y Susana') is about Octavio's (Garcia Bernal) obsession with his sister-in-law, Susana (Vanessa Bauche), but it's also about the violence, about an illusion, about betrayal, about loss. This is also reflected in the character of Octavio's dog, Cofi in a parallel relationship with his owner while he seeks his own destiny, having lost everything, he'll have to redefine his life. This parallelism also occurs in the second story('Daniel y Valeria'), an almost surreal one, where Ritchie being trapped underneath the condo's floor represents how it's owner Valeria (Goya Toledo) is trapped in a relation with Daniel that grows sicker as her injury (caused by the car accident) gets worse. The removal of the gigantic advertising of 'Enchant', the scent campaign that she used to be the image for, from the view of her balcony represents their decline: Daniel (Avaro Guerrero) left behind his marriage for this superficial mirage kind of dream, and she will have to make a whole redefinition of her life after losing everything. The dog-character parallelism with the main characters of this film can also be noticed in the third story ('El Chivo y Maru'), where 'El Chivo' (Emilio Echevaria), a former College teacher that left it all, family included, to become some guerrilla terrorist (is there a symbolism for Subcommander Marcos, from EZLN?), and now finds, by losing it all (all of his dogs being killed), but finding a new reason, new company just before a hit-man-type mission where he sets a confrontation between two brothers in such a biblical style the chance that none of the characters from the rest of the stories had: redemption. That's when he decides to retrieve some of the things he has lost, like Maru (Lourdes Echevarria -Emilio's actual daughter in real life), by at least apologizing to her, and redeeming himself finding a new life. It's clear that he'll stop being a homeless, because by the end of the movie he's got plenty of money. This story is one step ahead of the other two, cause after the loss they are all victims of, 'El Chivo' is the only one who gets that chance to start from scratch once again. Huge merit to Emilio Echevarria's performance for making believable the only character that was in risk of not being plausible of the film. Because of the relation within the characters, their dogs and their own love personal story, the title is, too a big success (both in Spanish and in English).

Of the episodic narrative structure of the movie (a few critics in the Cannes Film Festival compared it with Tarantino's Pulp Fiction), it can be said that besides making it more beautiful and complex, it's also necessary. One can't figure a way to resolve the situation other than this one. The thrill, the shock would never be the same. For example, if each one was a short film instead, it wouldn't work the same way as the whole movie.

In the film, Gonzalez Iñarritu allows himself to appear a few times: in the editorial where Daniel works, for example, verifying a magazine cover; having some of the TV spots he made in the 90's when he was a publicist shown in the movie; and in the last scene, 'El Chivo' names the dog he rescued (formerly known as Cofi) as 'El Negro', Iñarritu's nickname.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Thriller
Duration : 154 min
Release Date : 13 Apr 2001
Rating : 8.1
Writer : Guillermo Arriaga
Director : Alejandro González Iñárritu
Company : Altavista Films
Movie Casts :
Gael García Bernal as Octavio, Vanessa Bauche as Susana,Goya Toledo as Valeria, Alvaro Guerrero as Daniel, Emilio Echevarría as El Chivo, Jorge Salinas as Luis

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21 Grams (2003)

I'm actually the opposite of a drama fan- but this movie really touched me, and although it's quite tough to take in, I loved it.

I think above all, one has to bow to Guillermo Arriaga, the writer, as "21 Grams" features probably the best script I've ever seen. I guess the story itself is not that new, but the way how it's done is simply excellent. The first, say, 30 minutes are just scraps- moments in the lives of the three main characters that mean absolutely nothing to the viewer (yet). Adding to that initial confusion is the fact that these scraps are not in temporal order so that in the beginning personally I wasn't sure I'd be able to follow- it was more like a music video that's just not making any sense at all. But then the pieces begin to come together just beautifully until in the end you can see the whole picture. Usually in these episode movies everything comes together at once somewhere in the middle of the film, but in "21 Grams" the viewer puts the pieces together one after another- like a jigsaw puzzle, and every bit as satisfying when everything's completed. This truly is a masterpiece script-wise, and I've never seen anything like it.

That brilliant script is supported by excellent actors. Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio del Toro are delivering the most convincing acting performance I've ever witnessed. Like when Christina (Watts) screams at Paul (Penn) trying to get rid of all of her anger, frustration, grief and hate: I usually think these emotional outbursts don't seem real on screen, but in this movie it is just deeply touching. I haven't seen "Mystic River" yet, but if Sean Penn was as good as he is in "21 Grams" then the Oscar finally really went to someone who truly deserved it. And Benicio del Toro really is every inch the wonderful actor his reputation claims (I saw him for the first time but had heard a lot of him before, so I was very curious).

Finally, thank you, Mr. Inárritu for putting everything together this nicely. You've made a very impressing 100 % quality movie.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Crime
Duration : 124 min
Release Date : 16 Jan 2004
Rating : 7.7
Writer : Guillermo Arriaga
Director : Alejandro González Iñárritu
Company : This Is That Productions
Movie Casts :
Sean Penn as Paul Rivers, Naomi Watts as Cristina Peck,Benicio del Toro as Jack Jordan, Danny Huston as Michael, Carly Nahon as Cathy, Claire Pakis as Laura

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Babel (2006)

If you – like me, and so many others – found 'Crash' (2005) offensively finger-wagging and dumb (its inherent message was: "Racism is bad."), Alejandro González Iñárritu's Babel will make it up to you with refreshing intelligence, respect for cultures and crisp acting. The plot outline is difficult to do justice in one sentence but much like Crash it explores culture clashes in life by navigating multiple interweaving story lines.

One of these is the story of the married couple Richard and Susan Jones, played by Pitt and Blanchett, who travel to Morocco 'to get away'. Theirs is a remarkably complex and bruised marriage at first but once the plot gradually unfolds the root of their problems becomes apparent. What is most remarkable about their storyline is that Brad Pitt actually emotes as an actor (although is he is grossly facilitated by heartfelt circumstances) and that Cate Blanchett regrettably never gets the chance to shine in her performance.

Cut to two young Arabic boys in the barren craggy hills of the outback of Morocco. They are brothers whom have just been given a rifle by their father to protect their goats and now they are having fun in learning how to fire the weapon. There is refreshing gritty honesty in the portrayal of this storyline – from the dirt and heat on their clothes to the realistic dialogue – and many heartrending moments due to the aforementioned. But be warned, this is no glossy or romantic depiction of North Africa...

Another storyline takes place in colourful Tokyo in Japan, detailing the teenage life of a deaf girl called Chieko. Hers is arguably the most compelling story especially in terms of sheer fun to be had. Being a teenage girl is hard enough and Chieko finds that her disability distances her from other people – the boys she is interested in looks at her like she is a monster – and frustrated and desperate to be loved, she indulges in teenage clichés like partying and drinking in the modern mess that is Tokyo. Here I found the single most vivid disco sequence completely sucking me in and not letting go until the fast-paced euphoria of Chieko finally subsided. There is absolute gold to be found in this Tokyo story.

Finally, the last storyline takes place in Mexico and the main character is a woman called Amelia (Adriana Barraza), who also happens to be Richard and Susan's nanny. When her son is getting married in Mexico and she cannot get a day off, she takes the kids with her across the border. Big mistake. I'm sure many will be able to identify with the sprawling surge of Mexican culture at the wedding and indeed the music and pace made this storyline both beautiful and enjoyable to follow. It is evident that director Alejandro González Iñárritu feels most at home in this setting and as a result, the story shines and its characters emote.

Although there is a lot to keep track of in 'Babel' owing to its many story lines, there is such a fluent and seamless intercutting of these segments that it is impossible not to be entranced in the entirety of the film. There is a wealth of juxtapositions of culture to be found and much fun and visual stimulation to be had because of it. From the dramatic barren landscapes of Morocco to the fast-paced teen world of Tokyo, Babel treats contrast with remarkable sensitivity and skill of the subject matter. In other words, it gives a nonsentimental yet compassionate insight into the lives of different people whose stories orbit around the kaleidoscope that is 'Babel', sewn together by unsparing and uninhibited performances.

Better yet, you get so caught up in each story that when it cuts to make room for the next you feel almost a little offended – and that is good film-making. Babel, given its content, is everything Crash was not. Finally, it offers a satisfying and humble conclusion to an otherwise epic film. Although I cannot help but remark, Iñárritu, come on – you could have made a good movie in less than 2½ hours...

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama,
Duration : 143 min
Release Date : 10 Nov 2006
Rating : 7.5
Writer : Guillermo Arriaga, Guillermo Arriaga (idea), Alejandro González Iñárritu (idea)
Director : Alejandro González Iñárritu
Company : Paramount Vantage
Movie Casts :
Brad Pitt as Richard, Cate Blanchett as Susan,Gael García Bernal as Santiago, Rinko Kikuchi as Cheiko, Adriana Barraza as Amelia, Mohamed Akhzam as Anwar

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The Mexican (2001)

Okay, I admit it. I'm a Julia fan. But before I saw this movie I'd heard so much about it being terrible that I had incredibly low expectations - so I guess I was going in to see it from a different angle to most people.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I actually saw 'Mouse Hunt' or whatever it's called once on TV, didn't think too much of it, and I was hoping that 'The Mexican' would be different. Luckily, it was.

Brad Pitt gives a sweet performance as Jerry, the accident prone hero, but the best part of the movie is the chemistry between Julia Roberts as Sam and James Gandolfini as Leroy - an unlikely relationship between a kidnapper and a kidnappee (is that a word?).

I'd advise people to see this movie with an open mind. If you expect miracles you'll probably be disappointed. But I actually did really like it.

Oh, and it made me cry. Four times. How embarrassing is that? Maybe I'm getting my period or something.

Detail / Info

Genre : Action, Comedy
Duration : 123 min
Release Date : 02 Mar 2001
Rating : 6.1
Writer : J.H. Wyman
Director : Gore Verbinski
Company : DreamWorks SKG
Movie Casts :
Brad Pitt as Jerry Welbach, Julia Roberts as Samantha Barzel,James Gandolfini as Winston Baldry, J.K. Simmons as Ted Slocum, Gene Hackman asArnold Margolese, Bob Balaban as Bernie Nayman

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Noi the Albino (2003)

Noi is a tragicomic tale of a young man who is too bright to be stuck in the dismal life he was given, but not creative enough or tenacious enough to find a way out. He refuses to play by the rules, but has not figured out anything else that he can do or be. He has minor escapes, via a ViewMaster, books, a girlfriend from the city, a gun to shoot icicles with, but they are not ultimately enough to keep him from going berserk. But the tiny Icelandic village where he lives understands him, and refuses to do something so simple as to have him locked up or sent away. Rather, they just understand, and Noi cannot get out of his dreary cold existence.

The role of Noi is played by a skinny young man who looks like he's had chemo, but he's got a beautiful expressive face, which is on-screen almost all the time. I'd love to see the guy with a head of hair. His grandmother provides great comic relief as she does her aerobics, and his dad is a vivid character down on his luck in a way that only Scandinavians can portray. He's drunk on Elvis, and that makes his life bearable.

Hope this movies gets releases--it's beautiful to look at, funny, sad, touching.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama,
Duration : 90 min
Release Date : 28 Feb 2003
Rating : 7.4
Writer : Dagur Kári
Director : Dagur Kári
Company :
Movie Casts :
Tómas Lemarquis as Nói Kristmundsson, Þröstur Leó Gunnarsson as B. Kristmundsson,Elín Hansdóttir as Íris Óskarsdóttir, Hjalti Rögnvaldsson as Óskar Halldórsson, Pétur Einarsson as Priester, as

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Stop Making Sense (1984)

It's a good thing that the Talking Heads broke up when they did. I mean, could you imagine them slogging it out today, playing the state fair circuit, or worse, the street fair circuit? No, watch this film. See a band at its creative and energetic peak. Remember them as they were over the two or three days in which it was filmed. Of course, you must watch David Byrne. He would make his entire body a performance art. He would contort, jog, dance, leap, and even make his clothes a prop.

But, watch Tina Weymouth...

Tina is a very visual performer too. She says almost nothing, letting her bass guitar speak for her. And while David goes over the top often, Tina is subtle and sublime. With her body moves as she dances in place. With her facial expressions, her smiles, occasional raised eyebrows, and glances. Then when the action shifts to the Tom Tom Club (in order to give David a break and allow him to change into his big suit), her big moment is for one song only--"Genius of Love" but man does she seize the moment and make it all her own! Rounding out the Talking Heads of course are drummer Chris Frantz (Tina Weymouth's husband for over 30 years now) and guitarist/keyboardist Jerry Harrison. When Chris takes the stage, he bounds up onto the riser, bows, and with a big smile, gets drumming. He is clearly enjoying himself during this and at the end of the show, he jubilantly throws his sticks into the audience. Jerry is a little harder to get a bead on. At times he's clearly enjoying himself, particularly on BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE. Other times he seems a little detached.

Rounding out the touring band are Alex Weir on lead guitar, Bernie Worrel on keyboards, Edna Holt and Lynn Marbry on back-up vocals, and Steve Scales on percussion. None are treated as sidemen, rather as an integral part of the show.

It has been commented that some "sweetening" of the sound was done. But I believe that it was to achieve sound consistency. I have heard several concert films with terrible audio (RUST NEVER SLEEPS comes to mind). Seeing this movie is what made me a Talking Heads fan back in 1985. Finding a copy at the used book store in 2006 is what helped me re-discover them.

It would be easy to dismiss the Talking Heads as all visual as all David Byrne. Such is not the case. The songwriting and musicianship was solid throughout the band's career. The band remained together for several more years, scoring several additional hits including AND SHE WAS, LADY DON'T MIND, & WILD WILD LIFE. They called it quits as a band in 1991, although all four members have remained active in music.

Detail / Info

Genre : Documentary, Music
Duration : 88 min
Release Date : 16 Nov 1984
Rating : 8.5
Writer : Jonathan Demme, Talking Heads
Director : Jonathan Demme
Company : Talking Heads
Movie Casts :
David Byrne as Vocals and Guitar, Tina Weymouth as Bass, Percussion and Vocals,Chris Frantz as Drums and Vocals, Jerry Harrison as Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals, Steven Scales as Percussion, Bernie Worrell as Keyboards

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City of God (2002) Cidade de Deus (original title)

If you're unlucky to be born into a socially, economically and racially isolated community that has poverty, crime, drugs and violence as its everyday realities, the odds are stacked incredibly high against you. It literally takes so much effort, strength, struggle and plain ol' good fortune to simply avoid becoming a gangster, let alone do anything more with life. Most who find themselves in the situation described above never even enter this fight and out of those that do - only the rare ones succeed.

"City of God" depicts this conundrum masterfully.

In a Rio slum called Cidade de Deus we meet character after character that has the right idea, knowledge and courage to get out but somehow always ends up being pulled right back into this vicious circle. Becoming a hoodlum in Cidade de Deus isn't just a fringe career option for disenchanted rebels and social outcasts - it's the main industry.

The images of gun toting pre-teen killers are very disturbing and Meirelles uses them relentlessly to underscore just how hopeless and frighteningly predetermined life is for these kids. Many of them can't read or write but already know how to use a gun and kill without remorse. In a particularly harrowing scene, local drug lord Ze Pequeno or Lil' Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora) exacts revenge on a disobedient gang of 9 and 10 year olds by incapacitating two of them and forcing one of his own kid soldiers, as initiation of sorts, to choose which one of the two he wants to kill. Faced with death, one of the kids starts crying crocodile tears; suddenly all the bravado is gone and he is shown for what he truly is - a desperately misdirected infant.

'If only these people had more options....' is the sentiment reinforced with every gruesome event.

Of course, this lifestyle comes a little more naturally to some than to others. Ze Pequeno, for example, from an early age when he was known as Dadinho / Lil' Dice shows a considerable lack of aversion to blood and death. In another aptly choreographed scene so that we don't know what exactly happened until much later, he more than 'holds his own' alongside much older gangsters during a motel stickup.

Also on hand is a colourful palette of characters. From our narrator Buscape / Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) whose ticket out of the slum is his love of photography over to people like laidback Bene / Benny (Philippe Haagensen), followed by Ze's fierce rival Cenoura / Carrot (Matheus Nachtergaele) or good guy turned bad (although it's not so simple) Mane Galinha / Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge) we see a multidimensional, pulsating, alive community that seems in need of a strong, sustained outside push to finally stop chasing its own tail and get out of this destructive cycle.

Detail / Info

Genre : Drama, Crime
Duration : 130 min
Release Date : 13 Feb 2004
Rating : 8.7
Writer : Paulo Lins (novel), Bráulio Mantovani (screenplay)
Director : Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
Company : O2 Filmes
Movie Casts :
Alexandre Rodrigues as Buscapé, Leandro Firmino as Zé Pequeno,Phellipe Haagensen as Bené, Douglas Silva as Dadinho, Jonathan Haagensen as Cabeleira, Matheus Nachtergaele as Sandro Cenoura

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