Archive for April, 2008
The Year My Parents Went On Vacation (Brazilian film)
♥♥♥
Heartwarming coming-of-age film set in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1970 – with civil unrest, religious prejudice and the World Cup as the backdrop. Excellent acting, especially the performance by Michel Joelsas, who plays10-year old Mauro. The film was slow – but in a strangely melodic way. I liked it very much.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Forgetting Sarah Marshall
♥♥1/2
Very funny film. Full frontal male nudity. (Yes, you read that correctly).
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Under the Same Moon
♥♥♥
An understated tearjerker of a film about Carlitos, a 9-year old Mexican boy desparately trying to reunite with his mother Rosario, who has been working illegally in Los Angeles. Adrian Alonso plays the role of Carlitos with conviction – a fine performance, truly believable. In addition to the story of the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son, this movie illuminates the hot-button issue of illegal immigration in America from a heartfelt perspective. One of my favorite characters in the film is Enrique (played by Eugenio Derbez, one of Mexico’s best-known actors)—Enrique is an undocumented day laborer who reluctantly helps Carlitos get to East LA and finds redemption in the process.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Smart People
♥♥♥
I loved this indie-ish, dark-ish comedy. Dennis Quaid outdid himself in the role of curmudgeon Lawrence Wetherhold, a widowed English professor. Ellen Paige–excellent as the uptight, overacheiving daughter with no friends. The “loser” freeloading brother (Thomas Haden Church) turns out to be the most normal. Lawrence is a miserable man, living on autopilot – until love interest Sarah Jessica Parker enters the picture. Redemption all around. Some critics are blasting this film. Dudes, lighten up—it’s a TERRIFIC picture. The characters’ motivations and feelings aren’t spoonfed to the viewers – and I appreciate a film that doesn’t insult my intelligence. See it.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Shine a Light
♥♥♥
Martin Scorsese shot this concert documentary of the Rolling Stones at the famed Beacon Theatre in New York City (Fall 2006). Fabulous concert film – with lots of vintage footage. I loved every minute of it. I was not prepared for my reaction when Jack White joined Mick on stage for a duet–I swooned. Jack White is incredibly hot and I have a big ‘ol crush on him. Don’t miss this film – it’s playing at IMAX!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Nim’s Island
♥♥
Perfectly enjoyable family fare. I loved “Swiss Family Robinson” growing up – so I found this film to be a pleasant diversion. Utterly and completely implausible…..but still enjoyable.
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