IF IT SUCKS, I WILL TELL YOU!

Dear Meryl

2012-02-09T21:51:00.001-06:00

Why are you so perfect?

Oscar season arrived!

2012-01-24T14:08:00.001-06:00

While I was away, award season appeared and just today, Academy Awards nominees were announced!

It's no surprise to hear names such as Meryl Streep or Michelle Williams, excellent actresses. On the other hand there are the A-list actors who can't be easily ignored, such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt; also great performers but often eclipsed by theirs star status. And what about Leo who didn't make it to the final cut with his amazing performance of Edgar Hoover?

But of course there are new faces and some incredible nominations to talk about...

People I like to watch rising the golden statue? Always amazing Gary Oldman or the magnificent Mexican cinematographer -my personal favorite-, Emmanuel Lubezki. Can you believe the first one has never been nominated before? On the opposite, The second has had five nominations but no win!

One of the best actors Mexico has, Demián Bichir, is finally recognized by his performance in A better life. I hope this means he will drag more attention towards his acting career.

Terrence Malick is on the spotlight! Among Scorcese and Alexander Payne.

So, this post could go on and on, but instead of boring you, who dou you think will get Oscar this time?

Let me know!

Spanish version

HAPPY 2012

2012-01-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

Happy new year, Everybody!

I just came back from a vacation trip and I'm catching on with my job and all those paused-things-to-do that I left last December.

2011 showed me two things: First, I have to work harder to get what I want. Not just work. Second, Iife is easy... but we like to complicate it. So, let's go back to basics.

The pursuit of Happiness is definitely hard work... and you have to work everyday to live happy. Do not expect others to change if you are not trying it.

Of course, I don't want to lecture -today or tomorrow-, I just want to invite you to be happy with the imperfections of life. With the sadness and sorrow among it. Enjoy things you like.

On the other hand, but still talking about happy things: 2011 was the year I designed some architecture projects I loved, and I decided to start this blog, a project I was procrastinating for a long time. And it has been wonderful, not only because I love movies, but because others read what I say about them! Can you believe it?

So, expect more movies, more critics and more happiness!

Señor Almodóvar

2011-12-06T18:42:00.001-06:00

I just watched La piel que habito (The skin I live in), and I really enjoyed it.

If you haven't seen any Almodóvar films, I must recommend you All about my mother (Todo sobre mi madre) and Talk to her (Hable con ella)... Or any other! He's responsible for giving their big breaks to stars such as Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz.

But just a reminder: This talented spaniard director is famous for his open-minded vision and his high-aesthetics style.

Spanish version

Moneyball, with Brad Pitt

2011-12-02T12:03:00.001-06:00

Brad Pitt is a very good actor... in the body of someone overly hansome, whos talent, gets often overshadowed by his fame. But talent remains and it has been proved several times in movies such as Seven, 12 monkeys, the fight club and more recently, The tree of life.

In Moneyball we found him trying to match his artistic flair with his blockbuster side.

This is a true story, well adpated by Aaron Sorkin (Social Network), and appealing to a more general audience. This movie a little bit like 2011 Jerry Maguire... With better acting performances.

No doubt, Pitt is the engine in this motionpicture. The general manager of a baseball team which can't make it to the finals, and which only goal is to turn tables on the game so the results become different.

The cast includes two excellent performances: A serious Jonah Hill and the always outstanding Philip Seymour Hoffman, who doesn't need to speak a lot to leave a strong immpresion.

This is the kind of movie you can watch with your parents, your brothers or your friends, either way everybody would like something about it.

It doesn't break the mold, but it tells an American story in a way that looks genuine and deep. Which, by the way, makes it absolutely appealing to the Academy.

Spanish version

10 YEARS WITHOUT YOU, GEORGE HARRISON

2011-11-29T12:20:00.001-06:00

Thank you George, for telling us with your music what happens when Here comes the Sun and While my guitar gently weeps.

George Harrison Feb 25, 1943 - Nov 29, 2001

You may be gone, but your music will endure forever.

Are you frightened?

2011-11-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

Reading another blog's post about horror movies, it came to my mind the most frightening horror-movie-character I've ever seen: No, is not Linda Blair from The Exorcist, or the scary clown from IT. Not even Mischa Barton throwing up in The Sixth Sense. Neither Freddy Krueger with his beautiful face scared me when I was little...
The character who didn't let me sleep after I watched The Grudge (the Hollywood remake) on a movie theater, is TOSHIO. This pale boy of dark eyes, black straighten hair, who liked to surprise people in different rooms of the house, arms down and deadly sight.

Which is the movie character that scared you the most?

Spanish version

Los Vázquez sounds

2011-11-16T16:26:00.001-06:00

Nothing to do with movies but, Don't you love the talent here?

Don't you love her voice and the way she pronounces "almost" as "almou"?

The tree of life

2011-11-07T16:43:00.000-06:00

Terrence Malick may probably be the most introspective director of his generation. His short, but outstanding filmpgraphy, sails in deep dilemma of human condition and its purpose in life.

As well as in The thin red line (1998) and The new world, his latest movie The tree of life,-with his unique existencial style-, unveils all its characters through their toughts and reflexions and sees beyond the few dialogues occuring among them.

Starred by Brad Pitt and amazing actress Jessica Chastain, and with a small but meaningful participation of Sean Penn, is the perfect example of a director in constant search for understanding the origins of life, as well as the often unpredictable human behavior.

With a slow pace, sometimes intricated, accompanied by the majestic Requiem of Mozart and the precious filmography of Emmanuel Lubezki, The Tree of life is a film for those who enojoy movies as an artistic expression before a commercial point of view.

The story, located on the 1950s' U.S., moved me numerous times and once dissected, depressed me a little bit. But I strongly believe that's about what Mr. Malick wishes to provoke in his films: To question ourselves about the very origin of our acts, and their consequences. In this occasion, it's accomplished trough a emotional mosaic and intensities full of color, shapes and ideas.

I don't know if it's for everybody, but those who dare to watch with open mind and awaken senses, won't regret it.

Spanish version

Pearl Jam Documentary

2011-10-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

Watch Pearl Jam Twenty on PBS. See more from American Masters.

Great news to all Pearl Jam fans:

The new Cameron Crowe documentary premieres THIS FRIDAY, October 21 at 9 p.m. nationwide on PBS (check local listings) as part of the first PBS Arts Fall Festival.

And for those who love movies, just remember Cameron Crowe is the director behind great films such as Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous (among others). So, we can expect good quality about this documentary.

Goodbye Steve

2011-10-05T20:05:00.002-05:00

One of the co-founders of Pixar died today. Eventough, you may know him because of his other achievments: the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad.

Those who try to criticize him, affirm that, opposite to Bill Gates, he doesn't appear to support any charity. I don't know if this is true, but I can tell never the cappacity of a genius has been measured because of the amount of money he or she gives away, but by the acomplishments achieved.

Steve Jobs died today, and we all know a genius has gone. Among other things, he changed the way we watch animated movies, personal computers, how we listen to music and how we percieve and use a cellphone. He took aesthetics and function to the next level, where we witnessed, as Mies van der Rohe one said: Less is more.

Rest in peace. We certainly will miss all those gadgets we'll never see, but we know you see them coming.

Apple said:

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.-Steve Jobs

In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains of the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.-Steve Jobs

Sabrina

2011-09-21T16:46:00.000-05:00

Audrey Hepburn is lovely. To me, she may be the most charismatic actress in movie history. You just have to watch it on the screen to catch your eye.

On 1954 she filmed Sabrina next to another Hollywood legend, Mr. Humphrey Bogart; and also hansome William Holden.

Over 50 years later, plot feels a bit corny but still captivanting. A girl from humble origins, falls in love with a rich-boy who doesn't even know her very well. Afterwards, girl goes to Paris and returns as a gorgeous woman who won't go by unnoticed again.

The love triangle completes with Bogart, who, while trying to avoid his brother marries her and ruins his family, ends up falling for her.

Now that I told you almost everything, you may be wondering if you should watch it.

Even when predictible, it is totally worth it! Firstable, because of the significant performances of its leading characters; secondable, for New York style of the 1950s portrayed on the movie -from interior design to fabulous costume design and cinematography-. Audrey Hepburn looks great the whole movie.

Nominated to 6 Academy Awards, it won Best costume design.

Remember, this is the original Sabrina. The 1995 remake with Julia Ormond and Harrison Ford, feels so out-of-time and boring, so, sorry but it really sucks!

PRESUMED GUILTY

2011-09-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

Best mexican documentary, arrived on 2010 to show us the worst face of mexican judicial system.

Reality strikes our faces when we notice justice in Mexico is even more damaged that we tought: mexican prisons are filled with -at least- 25% inocent people paying sentences while true criminals remain free. Nowadays mexican justice seems to turn favorable if you ar rich but if you are not...

The process to incarcerate someone in Mexico is so gray and stupid that is easy to fall for inertia in the derrisory investigations performed by public ministery and the cheap maneuvers by police members just to earn a commission.

Winner of multiple international awards, Presumed Guilty is a film to watch not only because of its artistic acomplishments or the charisma of the leading character, but because of the sense of urgency of justice that is needed in the country: Because is time for mexicans to unfold their eyes and start modifying the system of Justice as soon as possible.

____

If you waht to support this cause enter the Presumed Guilty Official Site

Ten movies to watch

2011-09-09T14:04:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm trying to accomplish the hard work of seeing 1001 movies before I die, I started thinking: So far, what are the top ten movies I think everybody should watch, and this is what I got:

1. Casablanca
Love is complicated. Life is complicated. Casablanca is a classic.

2. The Godfather
I think of it as a saga, meaning the 3 movies, eventhough the first one is magnificent.

3. Citizen Kane
As intricate as real. 21st century power men are portrayed there... Almost fifty years before!

4. Todo sobre mi madre
Everybody should see a Pedro Almodovar film. This one portrays his original scripts and his genious direction.

5. Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
Quentin Tarantino achieved perfection in this surreal asian-action-like movie in which he made most of his characters memorable roles.

6. Star Wars Saga
Do I really have to say what this movies are to sci-fi genre?

7. Y tu mamá también
If you want to understand what happens in central Mexico and why Alfonso Cuarón movies are so relevant, you should watch this film... with open eyes and open-minded.

8. Toy Story
There is a before and after regarding animation. Woody and Buzz got in the middle of that.

9. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
If there weren't magic in movies, cinema wouldn't be art.

10. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Everybody should know: A good movie lies in a good story, well told... Not in visual effects.

Crazy Stupid Love

2011-09-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

I'm simply a Julianne Moore fan. She is such a versatile actress as well as beatiful. Beautiful in a classic, natural, sutil way; not in the Hollywood striking way. It's a great extent thanks to her, that movies like Far from heaven, The Hours, A single man and The kids are allright have achieved the level of perfection they have.

Crazy stupid love is not exactly a drama, or a film pretending an Oscar nomination (as she regularly does), but a movie portraying in a less dark way -come on, Steve Carell is there- the ups and dows of a marriage that seemed to be happy. Something many people can feel related to in different levels.

Steve Carell, as in Dan in real life, shows himself well set in this kind of deep tragicomic characters. I believe there lies his future as an actor.

The cast proves as a combination of good actors playing no-so-serious characters such as Ryan Gosling, who seems to be better everytime. You only have to watch him in Blue Valentine as an aged, unmotivated man and then watch him here, as the perfect womanizer to prove his acting range, just to understand he will achieve any role he gets. Emma Stone (tomboy-laugh included), Marisa Tomei and Kevin Bacon complete the picture in a dramedy you should certainly enjoy.

Spanish version

Anatomy of a Murder

2011-09-07T15:33:00.005-05:00

The poster says it all: Based on a best seller, it would become one of the best Jury movies ever seen.

James Stewart is with no doubt, the motor an axis of the whole plot: A laywer forced -by necessity- to take a complicated case of murder on the first grade, and he should solved it ino order to the accused gets free even though he killed the allegedly rapist of his wife. A strong performance as well as charismatic and impecable.

Film techniques may be not so avant-garde (ok, we are talking about 1959), but close-ups have been an inspiration to multiple film makers when framing to provoke spectators.

Three movie secrets are: Script, excellent cast and direction by Otto Preminger.

The screenplay shows the nowadays very-used-resurce of jury trials defending a person under the argument we now know as temporary dementia, maybe for the first time. This obviously reminded me of Primal Fear. But I try to pictur that on tue 1950s finals, this maneuver was much less known, and that why James Stewart character must investigate historical references to his defense as well as to scrutinize the case so his version becomes convincing.

Supporting cast is absolutely interesting, starting with Ben Gazzara as the acused, Lee Remick as his wife and Arthur O'Connell as the alcoholic partner of Stewart. Beside them, all character seem to be carefully chosen: A dissmisive judge, a naive prosecutor and his sharp auxiliar, among others.

Cinematography is old-fashioned and not so remarkable (sometimes it looks like tv sets) but direction manages the excellent story perfectly and doesn't really require aesthetic eloquence. Beauty is brought via beautiful and good actresses on screen, and by suspense, which will mantain us on the edge of our seats the whole movie.

I will not spoil the plot, and even less the ending, but with no doubt, this is a movie to watch before you die!

Spanish version

Super 8

2011-08-31T18:15:00.000-05:00

Last J.J. Abrams movie, sucessfully produced by Steven Spielberg, narrates the story of a group of teenagers witnessing the presence of an alien on Earth.

Well made, it may be nothing we haven't seen before, but the coolness of the way the relationship among teens is portrayed, it's absolutely worth it; as well as collective nostalgia provoked by watching 1979 life trough a super 8 camera glass.

Here, casting is an investment of time that produce results. It's a quality entertainment movie, where Elle Fanning shines as the future star she will become.

Maybe regarding originality is barely saved, but it was a long time since we didn't see the complicity of The Goonies or Stand by me. And regarding that, Super 8 gets an A+.

Spanish version

Sunset Strip the movie

2011-08-24T18:55:00.001-05:00

Sunset Strip the Movie Trailer from Sunset Strip the Movie on Vimeo.

Some days ago I received this info about Sunset Strip the Movie. It's sounds really interesting portraying this landmark of the city, and of course, it will include famous stars in it.

I hope you enjoy it!

Midnight in Paris

2011-08-23T03:41:00.000-05:00

Woody Allen is a genious. Decades of original talent take shape -before the skepticals- by over 80 awards received along his career.

His scripts are known for taking comedy to its most intelectual side, often recurring to characters struggling with existencial dilemma, sometimes because they just can't help it.

Midnight in Paris is a film to enojy not only to Allen followers, but to bohemian and Paris lovers. Those who remember the 1920s as one of the most prolific artistic life in the city.

From the last decade is because of this movie and Match Point that Woody Allen will be remembered.

Owen Wilson, in the best character he has ever play reminds me -positively- of Woody Allen style in Annie Hall. Surprisedly, Rachel McAdams' role fits like a glove (I start thinking her best roles are those of rich-spoiled-girl, just remember The Notebook).

Plot takes place in the City of Light, who also leads the story, where Wilson's, a screenwriter about to become a novel writer, questions the posibility of moving to the French capital once he gets married with McAdams. He wants to live as those artists from the past who give Paris her reputation.

From there we find multiple memorable characters such as conceived Paul

(Martin Sheen in a great performance) and a continuos march of stars playing intelectuales sush as Ernest Hemingway, Luis Buñuel, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stain and Salvador Dalí, among others. These two, well played by oustanding Kathy Bates and Adrien Brody.

Brody simply steals every scene he appears in and transmit the genius from which Dali is known for. He deserves an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for this brief but valuable performance.

The end is not as important as the journey, where beautiful Marion Cottilard will atracct men from Picasso to Matisse (no matter if the second comes first in time), it will be a little detour before so delicious adventure on parisian streets and Van Gogh's starry nights.

Inspired by the time Paris was the center of art, and by the legacy left by French impressionism, Midnight in Paris is an authentic surreal course in the most visited city of the world. Only Paris is magic after midnight.

Spanish version here

Movies in 360 degrees

2011-08-22T02:52:00.000-05:00

According to the Creators of Star Trek, Roddenberry Entertainment, they will push cinematic boundaries with film ‘White Room: 02B3,’a unique 360 Degree Viewing Experience

WHITE ROOM: 02B3 will transport the audience into 360 degrees of intensity through Social Animal’s camera system consisting of nine 2K cameras, capturing a high quality panoramic video with no gaps or distortion. Of course, along with the benefits of the immersive technology that could be seen as the next step after 3D, this 360° technology also brings its challenges. The script has to incorporate relevant information for characters who would normally be off camera, and every actor in the room has to be in character while the camera is rolling with very few opportunities to cut. Director, Greg Aronowitz, has to direct six actors with nine cameras, all rolling simultaneously.

If you want to have a better idea of how this camera works, look this video:

Thanks to Rodenberry for the info!

Spanish version here

Green Lantern

2011-08-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't like the first trailer released. The second improved a little bit, but my expectations remained low.

Starting from there, now I can tell you I like it, and it remind me of the eighties style: The script, even when predictable -maybe because all this recent hero exposure we have had-, is simple and enjoyable, also thanks to both visual and sound effects. In the end we all want our happy ending and we get it. There are no unexpected twists, what you see is what you get.

Green Lantern, as a movie, is less complicated than Spiderman, Ironman or Batman (thank you, Chris Nolan). However, in this era of complex scripts and intricate characters, it's not so bad to have one who learns by getting hit, and who listens his mortal friends beside not being so conscious of the importance of hiding his alter ego.

Visual 3D effects are good, and if you are lucky to be in an updated movie theater, you will also enjoy fantastic sounds.

Beside that, there's the plus of watching Ryan Reynolds wearing the emblematic green suit…. And Blake Lively, who is also gorgeous (and an actress to follow).

On the other hand, is important to say this is no a movie for all audiences. You must be either a)Green Lantern fan, b)Superhero/comic fan, or c)Sci-Fi fan. If you are neither of those, you will attempt the risk -as it happened to my companion, Mrs. S-, to run away from the theater after watching all this galaxies and strange inhabitants appearing on the big screen.

It sucks? Not to me, but I'm a fan of all this fantasy movies and comic heroes. But the movie is not great. Is just OK, just to have a good time for almost two hours without expecting something dramatic or depth. Is popcorn-entertainment.

Spanish version here

Patience Iago, patience

2011-08-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

Patience Iago, Patience (audio)

Don't you love Aladdin funny script? Thanks to characters such as The Genie is that we love Disney movies and we treasure these memories so hard.

Aladdin is just one of my favorite animated movies. I love the adaptation, the music, the arabian location, the romantic story and the memorable quotes. One of the best is the one Jafar tells to his desperate parrot: Patience Iago, patience. Alluding to the common necessity of wating to see results from or actions; or in more eloquent words, You reap what you saw.

Of course in the long face of this villain and the strong voice of Jonathan Freeman it sounds so much better!

click for Spanish version here

Easy A

2011-08-13T04:53:00.000-05:00

It took me a while to see this movie. I couldn't watch it on the big screen but I have heard so many good things about it that I had to see it. In the end, I like it (as I liked many other romantic comedies), but I didn't understand all the buzz about it.

Emma Stone is so fresh on her role, based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlett Letter. I've also liked the roles of her parents -played by Patricia Clarkson y Stanley Tucci-, a smart contemporary couple interested on developing deep conversations with their children, even tough they're eating breakfast.

Is one of those films to rent on your favorite club and enjoy with your sister while having popcorn -or some tostitos- and a coke.

The plot develops when a misreading line (a lie), turns a low-profile student into the most popular girl in school… by destroying her reputation. But as the lie grows and multiplies, she feels worse. The breaking point emerges.

I believe the most interesting thing on the movie is the incursion of video-blog on the story and the funny faces of Emma Stone.

It doesn't suck but you may have seen something like this before.

Spanish version here

Horror movies in some numbers

2011-08-04T20:26:00.000-05:00

I like good Horror Movies, not B movies (even tough some of them are really funny). And nowadays there are romantic-not-so-horror movies showing vampires and werewolves.
But there are movies such as The exorcist, Alien or Dracula those which really make us scream or get scared.
So I found out this revealing info regarding those really good Horror films we all movie fans have ever loved. Numbers say it all.

Click here to expand
Source: CriminalJustice.net

Invasion of the body snatchers (1956)

2011-08-04T04:31:00.002-05:00

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Director: Don Siegel. Leading roles: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter

I will start by stating I love this film, but I'll try to be as objective as I can. And let's give credit to what it deserves: This movie is considered one of the best 1956 fimls and nowadays it has been classified as the ninth best science fiction movie ever by the American Film Institute.

It was the first of its kind. One of the best sci-fi films ever made in movie history. A predecessor regarding alien invsions and included as one of the 1001 movies you must see before you die.

As many horror movies, it counts on attractive actors to perform screaming and persecutions all hollywood style required in these cases. But it didn't stay there, behind beautiful actors and actresses, there was an outstanding screenplay which is still original; and performances are as high as beauty.

Vissual effects could appear old-fashiones and even, but they can't take away a bit of intensity on the plot: A doctor from a small town notices some of the inhabitants behave strangely, to later discover some giant pods (similar to pea pods) which when near a person snatch the body and replace it to slowly finish humankind. And later, open the way for a new specie. Suspense grows once the leading character begins losing his beloved ones as they are replaced by the invaders as he starts feeling more lonely.

Adapted from Jack Finney's book The body snatchers, it was a huge success of its time and it will still remain on the mind of the exquisit film lover, who likes both sci-fi and classic american movies.

Totally worth it!

Spanish version here

Captain America

2011-07-31T03:37:00.000-05:00

I loved this movie. Art direction is genius, you will see a remarkable 1940's New York but you won't miss the true esence of action hero movies.

At the beginning, the leading actor looks like a small weak man in a strange visual efect (out of scale) but this is soon forgotten:
After some time, Chris Evans appears in all his best.

Besides that, everything seem pretty convincent: The team, the scenes on WWII, costume design, even the dialogues. Music sounds like tragicomedy, just what's needed in this film genre. If you can appreciate it in 3D, you will enjoy, among other things, Captain America's shield in all its splendor.

Unlike Transformers 3, here all actors are well placed: Hayley Atwell is both beautiful and intelligent, Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones and Hugo Weaving are great, and even this last, as Red Skull, doesn't feel wooden as some other villains of comic books adaptations.

The pieces of The Avengers are being put together.

As usual, there's a cameo of Stan Lee and a little but meaningful scene after final credits. Totally worth it!

Transformers: Dark of the moon

2011-07-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

I haven't written a review on this movie because a part of me was avoiding it. Is one of those completely predictable movies, supported only by amazing sound and visual effects. But the thing is, that with this one, is the third time we see that.

On the top of it, there's a weak script and a two and a half hour movie. Which exceds the patience capacity on one's expectatives, particularly because the plot is neither complicated or dense. And yes, Megatron is back for the third time.

Shia LeBeuf is charismatic and fun, which probably keeps dragging people to the theater; but the screenplay is plain and Optimus Prime speech begins sounding exaclty the same every time: "And our races will fight for a better future.. together". Or something pretty similar.

I admire Michael Bay's capacity on transmitting so much grandiloquence and also, of manufacturing movies of this caliber so quickly. But his weakness lies on the comparison: Nowadays is common to watch action movies accompanied of scripts so much more propositive and solid than this one (Ironman and The dark knight are good examples). Here, it wasn't enough to have Frances McDormand and John Malkovich -both in overacted performances-, or the visual impact brought by Patrick Dempsey and model Rosie Huntington (this one ends harmless after a huge battle).

In a few words, is a film suitable to authentic Transformers fans or for those who won't miss the spectacular effects it has. Besides it, it has more form than function.

It kind of sucks!

Spanish version here

Harry Potter 7.2 revisited

2011-07-25T23:13:00.003-05:00

Today I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2) for the second time. On the premiere day everything happened so fast and with so much adrenaline that several details passed by. To my the most important was to see how faithful it would be to the film from the book. And yet with its modifications -necessary to express the grandilocuence of the final-, it went beyond my expectations.

Now that I revisited the film I was able to be amazed by the magnificent music of Alexander Desplat. The cinematography, was refining (even though the authentic turning point happened in the Prisoner of Azkaban) until achieving great frames of key characters such as Snape, Narcissa Malfoy and Minerva McGonagall; and also of the action occurring outside Hogwarts castle. This, next to visual effects and constant movement, were the perfect fit for the entire movie.

Applauses for those who play Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom, whom grow before the end: Tom Felton and Mattew Lewis. But particularly to Alan Rickman (Snape) and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) who show all their acting experience on set.

On other matter, I have always tought Daniel Radcliffe comes well when acting happy moments or serious ones, but he struggles on transmitting cry, sadness or desperation; however, he achieved a moving moment after the death of the Half-blood Prince and once he observes his memories in the pensieve: He sits on a step and communicates that feeling of being about to cry and not doing it.

On the other hand, from all saga, this was the movie of Ralph Fiennes, where he was finally able to show at maximum as Lord Voldemort. Obviously he is the kind of actor that steps up even with five minutes on screen, but it is here when we can enjoy for the most time his performance while one by one, his last pieces of soul are destroyed.

Not to mention the cast, where every actor encounters themselves well placed on the sking of their characters and gave everything for the sake of movie. I guess J.K. Rowling will be satisfied with the results. This helps the deaths to be more realistic and the feeling of urgency that unleashes these events, don't allow long moments of pain, this will be experienced afterwards, when everything would be over.

The Order of the Phoenix is legendary. And the moment Harry reunites -via the resurrection stone- with his parents, Sirius and Lupin, (this two, Gary Oldman y David Thewlis are another two great actors) is unforgettable.

The questioned epilogue, as I have told here, is just a gift from the writer took to the screen, where she tells us a little bit more about the main characters. I enjoyed watching them smiling waving good-bye their sons even if the characterization is not remarkable.

The Limbo scene is simply perfect: Harry understanding everyting and Dumbledore showing his unique eloquence.

I'm so happy of watching the whole Harry Potter saga on it's moment, living the phenomenon. I know some day I will read the books to my children and I'll watch all the movies with them. And I will get excited when talking about Diagon Alley, Howarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the deathly hallows, the horcruxes, Ron, Hermione and Harry.

Here my extended version of this film or the Spanish version

And below, I show you a really interesting graphic regarding some Harry Potter movies and their place on the Box Office. Pretty revealing!

Click here to expand
Source: FilmSchoolsinCalifornia.org

I'm green with envy with this smart advertising

2011-07-25T17:09:00.000-05:00

I really like the marketing they are doing around this upcoming movie.

Firstable, there is the movie poster, which evokes a romantic comedy but contains a hidden element (look the tree behind Amy Adams' head).

And then, there's this fake trailer, or teaser? Just a little before the ending you will understand what I am talking about and you will realize the leading couple is nothing else but the pretext to rejoin with… Well, I better don't spoil the surprise!

p.s. The hidden character on the tree is green and bug-eyed.

Harry Potter 7.2 The last review

2011-07-24T15:41:00.006-05:00

Warning: Contains spoilers and Potterian vocabulary.

Last July the 14th, was the day Harry Potter would arrive theaters for the last time. Expectations were high. There was time to take our place in the seat and wait for results in 3D.

J.K. Rowling seventh book achieved to overcome the writer's narrative depth. And got to the climax not at the center but at the end of the saga. Is definitely Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows the book that closes the cycle; where everything we have read comes to sense, where the circle is completed and no lose end is left to imagination: Rowling complex world doesn't lack logic or depth.

So, the only thing left to see, was if Warner would be capable of taking the saga to good end. The saga that will leave a stain on our generation as in its moment Star Wars did.

The job of closing the franchise -with eight films-, seemed huge. Particularly when receiving constant critic from true fans who will continuously reclaimed the absence of big portions of certain subplots in Potterian story.

To achieve a good ending, the final book was dividen in two movies. First one, is a road trip movie destined to show two ideas: The rising power of evil, headed by Lord Voldemort; and the irrevocable strength of friendship. A friendship Ron, Harry and Hermione would fight for, and from where they will come victorious.

On the road we know three of the seven Horcruxes Voldemort created with pieces of his soul, have been distroyed: Tom Riddle's Diary (HP2), Marvolo's ring (HP 6) and Slytherin locket (HP 7). The path has been long and tortuous, and time before confronting forces of evil is short.

The value of Rowling's pen lies on the bravery that faces the ending of most relevant characters on the plot: Many will fall, others will be revalued and other more, will unexpectedly grow before adversity.

The movie begins after the death of Dobby, when Harry decides to interview Griphook and Ollivander to continue his search for Horcruxes.

From there we will be accomplices in an exciting journey into the caves of Gringotts, the Bank located in Diagon Alley. Is there where we appreciate a small but relevant performance of Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) as Hermione Granger. It's a shame her acting is so brief, because it surpasses many other actors in the saga.

It is on the way to the fourth Horcrux, where in addition to see-again the creativity of the writer, we can see the quality of the 3D technique applied to this film: The descent into the Bellatrix Lestrange Vault is like a real roller coaster ride.

Finally, they leave the bank triumphant, mounted on a dragon and with the cup belonging to Helga Hufflepuff (which contains the fourth Horcrux) with them, it's time of returning to Hogwarts via the small village of Hogsmeade. There they will meet Aberforth, the practically unknown brother of Dumbledore. In order to maintain a the same pace in the two films (both parts of The Deathly Hallows), they have omitted many interesting details of Albus Dumbledore's life: Harry's mentor, was only an imperfect human being. He was an ambitious young man who thanks to his intelligence later became one of the fairest and most powerful wizards of the Magical world. In the end, Dumbledore always looked up for the common good over the well-being of just some people. The family story is no less interesting: His father had been imprisoned for assaulting some Muggles in defense of his youngest daughter, Arianna, who years later would perish accidentally because of a fight between her two brothers.

Even with so many omissions, it is a pleasure to see Ciaran Hinds in the role of Dumbledore anonymous brother, and to finally understand who was behind the mirror Harry saw, while he was thinking he saw his Professor, he was actually seeing his brother.

The importance of this character should be read in retrospective: The owner of the Hog's Head, the local pub, hosted some secret meetings, is also who sends Dobby to Harry when he asks for help through the mirror, he also constantly helps Neville and the resistance, formed by students, former members of Dumbledore's Army. And finally, is the one who lets the three leading characters back to Hogwarts by a secret passageway that connects the pub with the school. Aberforth is a complex character in Rowling's literature: Even though he had strong differences with his elder brother, he was always aware of the importance of defeating Voldemort no matter any sibling rivalry that would have had. That is why near the end, we see him join the forces defending the castle during the final battle.

Then comes the scene that will define the future of Ron and Hermione, when they decide to destroy the cup with one of the Basilisk fangs killed by Harry in the Chamber of Secrets. It takes place one of the events that caused more anticipation among fans: The kiss between Hermione and Ron. I'm not sure if the expectations were surpassed. In my personal opinion, the event required a bit longer, but I guess it's hard to be in mortal danger and yet have time to confirm your love to the person you have loved the most in recent years. So, thanks to a small temporary relocation in the arc of the film, it's an important bittersweet moment in one of the few times that they are alone.

Among with the rebellion of students taking the school and the inexplicable fled of Snape, Harry, Ron and Hermione will be searching for the fifth Horcrux, the diadem of Ravenclaw. And in a fantastic whirlwind of action, Draco and his cronies will go after them with fatal end, particularly for Crabbe, who falls into the fire caused by himself and dies. But this particular moment is important for the character of Draco Malfoy, who for the second time has a chance to kill Potter and does not do it (the first is in the previous film when his father and Bellatrix require him to identify Harry and he pretends not to be sure to avoid his delivery to Voldemort).

Then they discover Nagini is the sixth Horcrux, but in the midst of this revelation, Harry, Ron and Hermione witness Snape death in the hands of Voldemort, who, blinded by his thirst of power, leaves him alone to hist own fate.

Here the action on the film is paused to see how Snape dies next to Harry Potter as their last tears shed and he asks him to see inside his head.

Many of us have read the book, so we knew the importance of the history of Snape, which is finally revealed after Harry empties his memories in Dumbledore's Pensieve. And the climax of the character reaches its highest moment when at last, before our eyes, we see the suffering and slaughter of almost a lifetime before the sublime love he felt for Harry's mother, Lily Potter.

Snape's story -much more detailed in the book-, summarizes a beautiful but unrequited love story, in which he, feeling rejected, he takes his path into the dark side; but later, regretful, he would do anything to save her beloved and after her death, he works at Dumbledore's service as a double spy, especially to protect the only son of the love of his life, Harry Potter.

Is only by seeing his memories we understand that he was always true to his word and have protected our hero countless times even if Harry haven't imagine it. The fatal blow is given, when Harry, surprised, listens to the voice of his mentor: The last Horcrux is inside him and that the only way to defeat Voldemort is to sacrifice himself.

Good twist. Even for those who always believed that behind the grumpy Snape there was reason. I like to feel that even though I have cried when reading this story, this moment was crucial in the film. Everyone in silence. Lump in the throat.

Alan Rickman steals the scene when Dumbledore, seeing Snape's Patronus (a doe) asks if it is still in love with Lily, which he responds with a resounding Always.

From the beginning, I suspected Snape was a good wizard behind his tough facade, but when I red her story I felt so much empathy with what happens with his life and then sadness at its end, so unfair but brave. He is undoubtedly the most complex character of the series and the one who sacrifices everything for love, for a person who has died years ago. My favorite one.

By the time Harry Potter decides irrevocably to surrender and die, many others are gone. I expected a more powerfully displayed feeling of loss when Fred Weasley died, while his twin brother George runs to hug him. Remus Lupin (the last of the marauders) and his wife Tonks have also perished. Lavender Brown and the countless victims of the Death Eaters scattered along all the corridors of Hogwarts. A war without truce.

There is no point to relate in detail what happens in the final battle, there's a lot of action in both ways. But was particularly pleased with the aesthetics produced after Harry dies and is in a kind of limbo. And then he returns. Narcissa Malfoy would turn events in a memorable change of heart.

Likewise, I was looking forward to the time Neville drew Gryffindor sword and killed Nagini in one stroke. Memorable. Longbottom turns out to be a determined young man and who, like Dumbledore, understood that the battle should continue: With or without Potter evil must be defeated and they must face it.

For several times I had a lump in my throat and my eyes watered. One would like the Order of the Phoenix to remain intact at the end, but as in real life occurs, many were killed on the road. First James and Lily Potter, then Sirius, then Dumbledore, and in the final battle Fred Weasley, Remus Lupin, Tonks and Severus Snape, the misunderstood hero.

Another unforgettable episode of the film is when Molly Weasley says to Bellatrix: Not my daughter, you bitch! when she was trying to attack Ginny. To stop her forever. Applause for Helena Bonham Carter who played her character so perfectly that everybody hated Lestrange actions. We were all pleased when his body burst into ashes and disappeared.

Another subject I was very grateful with, and excited me, is to note many of the dialogues written by Rowling, brought to the screen textually. Perhaps, of the eight films, this is the most faithful to the voice of the writer.

Then comes the final fight of Harry against Voldemort. Except now, the seven Horcruxes have been eliminated, one by one from the beginning -the diary, ring, locket, cup, diadem, Harry and Nagini-. There is nothing in the way of fair fight against Potter nemesis. Only Ralph Fiennes could perform rigor on the most feared villain of the book. Finally, the killing curse rebounds on Voldemort and he dies.

There is only a little space where the three main characters, Harry, Ron and Hermione, get together to observe damage count. There the first breaks the Elder wand (showing once again his disinterest in power and honesty). You can read, between the lines, Harry possessed the three Deathly Hallows in certain moment and he didn't keep them… Except for the invisibility cloak. Hogwarts, the silent but significant character is in ruins, but begins imediately to be rebuilt.

Time to take a deep breath and start living life.

I'll be irrevocable grateful with all moments kept in my memory thanks to this series, both written and filmed. Thanks to all who made it possible. Harry Potter will undoubtedly be the story of our generation.

___

From the epilogue there's no much to say. It has caused controversy to see the main characters disguised as in their late-thirties. Honestly, they look bad dressed or as if they were dressed like very formal people on their forties, in 1980. And as Daniel Radcliffe said: We man aged badly. The point is not how convincing they look like on scene, but the relevance of it: Rowling, as I understand, wanted to close the cycle just were it started. And she also wanted to show us the like of out heroes have been happy -at least for 19 years-. That they had been able to form a family while they relived their best and more inocent moments by the time they wave goodbye their children at King Cross, as Hogwarts Express was leaving.

A strong feeling appeared in the pit of my stomach when Harry tells his younger son (quote):

-"Albus Severus, you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them [Snape] was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew."

Spanish version

2011-07-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

Sorry for being al little bit absent from the blog… I have been traveling and more occupied than usually but I hope this to be temporary.

In compensation, I'm baking right now, my Harry Potter 7.2 review in a long, long version. I hope you will like it… Or at least, you will have something to read. Haha.

Spiderman, the reboot

2011-07-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

Andrew Garfield will soon come as Peter Parker to amaze us!

Get ready.

The Dark Kight Rises (preview)

2011-07-13T15:18:00.001-05:00

With new characters in it, the first trailer of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises appears. Just about a year before it hits theaters.

To me, is a surprise to finally watch Anne Hathaway disguised as Cat woman. I think Michelle Pfeiffer did a great job in Tim Burton's Batman. So Hathaway has big shoes to fill and overcome.

On the other hand, Bane (Tom Hardy), another famous villain of the Batman story, comes handy now. I don't think this third part of this new saga would be as good as the previous two. It's so difficult to maintain such a good level after two great films. Let's just remember Batman Forever and then, the disastrous Batman & Robin, both of Joel Schumacher.

Only the Harry Potter saga achieved to improve its overall quality in subsequent films: The third one, The Prisoner of Azkaban showed for the first time a darker vision. A few years later, the fifth, the Order of the Phoenix was doing it again. And these days, people expect eagerly the eight film because everubody expects a huge and high-quality ending. But this is not common.

In this occasion we have the hand of director Chris Nolan behind, which is very positive. Let's just expect the the script is as good as the first two. Christian Bale is back along with Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine. The new additions, who Nolan work with in Inception are: Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

This days a teaser (fan made) was filtered on-line with some success but the real one, was remove from you tube by Warner. So, let's wait…

Harry Potter 7.2 almost everywhere...

2011-07-08T04:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, London lived Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 premiere

Harry Potter saga started back on 2001. Ten years later the story gets to an end… Maybe. At least, to the end J.K. Rowling wrote when finished the seventh book.

So, if you weren't there at the Premiere, you may be going to the movies especially to watch the last delivery of this generation saga, there's some thing you should pay attention in:

The astonish story of Severus Snape

The surprising places where the last Horcruxes are

Amazing performances by

Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix/Hermione) and Alan Rickman (Snape)

The death of many emblematic members

of The Order of the Phoenix… and others

The most expected kiss

Hermione and… Isn't it obvious?

The location of the Deathly Hallows

we know were the Elder Wand is but, where are the stone and the cloak?

The epilogue

If you are a true fan and you haven't read the book, don't miss the fantastic opportunity of understanding how Rowling's writing style improved through the years, and how this page-turner comes to an end by her own words.

What will our stars do after this? I think it would be very important for them to take the next step. Successful artists know the value of continual evolution. Emma Watson is especially into education and good causes. What about you? Don't let anything to stop you: Keep current with online schooling, whether you are looking for pastry schools or you want a degree at biomedical engineering schools.

Wall-E

2011-07-02T05:18:00.018-05:00

There's a list, based on a book, called 1001 movies to see before you die (or 1079 according to supplementary editions), and I intend to see them all, along with two other bloggers: La cinerata (from Argentina) and El café de Rick (from Spain) who already are pursuing the same quest..

Right now, I'll start with a lovely movie, wich, beside being one of the latest inclusions on the list, I just saw it last night, again.

Pixar is one of those producer companies that arrived and changed everithing regarding animation. They just took gigant steps and blew our minds. But I think, that a main virtue they have, is the range of animated scripts they brought to a niche before taken only by fairy tales.

In 1995, Toy Story amazed us with wit and creativity. Thirteen years later Wall-e showed up. And it became an instant epic film...

Taking place more than 700 years in the future, this movie shows us a hypotethical moment after Earth has been abandoned by mankind because of the detriment provoked by our species: The planet in post-apocalyptic state.

Wall-e is "a survivor" in Earth. A robot. A true lover of old human culture. Created to compact and reorganize trash; he will find another reason to live and move forward: Eve.

Eve is a female robot, destined to find any trace of photosynthesis on the planet. Which theoretically, would allow men and women to go back home.

While Earth is shown deserted, living human beings remain in a space ship managing to survive for hundreds of generations, but living an shallow and artificial life.

People don't even need to walk. Then, humans became a weak mass adhered to a computerized device that practically does everything for them. Virtual chat is the first option to talk (even though your interlocutor would be seated next to you). Physical contact has dissapeared. And the command of the ship, kind of a monopolic corporation-goverment; tells everyone what to do, eat or dress. Like a mall-kind-of-life.

At the end of the day, Wall-E and Eve are no other thing than an allegory of a couple of human beings destined to perform one function but, later, who will find a helping calling. And who will find each other.

In a few words, this film hits our consciousness like a bucket of cold water. Reminding our race is destroying its habitat while suffering from ignorance. A race who finds difficult to revert damages. Is an attention call. But is shown as a sweet lesson trough inocent eyes, Wall-E's eyes. And in his quest, he will find a new reason to be better and help others.

The grandeur of the film, beside its aesthetic animation beauty, lies on narrate an ecological, transcendent story. A movie that accomplishes on creating conciousness of the chaos we make, showing a possible future and also, a solution. A feature film that will leave you thinking and, at the same time, will leave a smile upon your face.

Veredict: It is definitely a movie to see before you die

Spanish version here

(500) Days of Summer

2011-06-30T21:55:00.001-05:00

or how to create a contemporary romantic comedy

It was 2009 when it surprised Sundance. I was waiting for the release in Mexico. I'm a Joseph Gordon-Levitt fan since 1996, when he appeared on 3rd rock from the sun. However, it was thirteen years later when he became famous, as this kind of antihero. Particularly, disguised as a cool and yet confused architect, searching for his place in this world.

But let's talk about the movie: (500) days of Summer portraits, with few but well-used resources, the story of a mismatched couple sometimes happy, sometimes not. It's also sad, and everything else that happens in a real couple, where all those in-between feelings appear; where not everything is perfect and even though, this imperfection provokes the spectator to feel close, vulnerable and identified with the subject.

Without being pretentious, 500 days of summer shows everyday characters. Where love, as usually, is well and bad played. But here all the good and the bad, depends on oneself, and the decisions one makes.

This film is like this: it's not a comedy of love encounters, but a movie about love. I can't forget the divided screen sequence, showing the leading man two different realities at the same time.

Zooey Deschannel is the pretty, funny independent girl. The perfect girl. But, if someone is perfect, it means is perfect for us?

If you have lived, this movie will make you ask yourself: Haven't you lived a relationship where you don't receive the same quantity of love you give? Haven't you been in a relationship where you would like to love as you are loved? Or yet, haven't you been in the opposite place, where you love unconditionally and, as much as we try, you aren't as loved in the same way?

1980 generation will feel completely identified with every situation: Search for love. Our social quest, Should I have a couple? Should I be successful? What are the expectations to be filled? How should I dress like? What should I be listening to?. And last but not least important, why nobody understand that I'm working in-something-different-than-what-I-studied-because-I'm-confused-or-I-can't-find-my-way-as-quickly-as-expected.

Maybe some of us, those who dangerously live around our 30, will comprehend every decision our leading man does -even when wrong- and some way, they'll know they have been on the main characters shoes without fully understand why things happened that way.

Compared for some people to Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, received ovation in Sundance, misunderstood by English critics; I can only say is fresh, memorable and overall, contemporary.

Spanish version here

My favorite move line ever!

2011-06-28T23:56:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Gone with the Wind?

Frankly, my Dear, i don't give a damn!

-Clark Gable

I think there's no one like Clark Gable to have said this phrase

the way he did. And make such an impact in collective consciousness.

Cars 2 and the advanced animation

2011-06-27T00:59:00.004-05:00

Finn McMissile: Finn McMissile, British intelligence.

Mater: Tow Mater, average intelligence.

This year, full of movie sequels, receives one of the most expected films, particularly to Pixar Fans: Cars 2 or as I say, Cars 1 meets James Bond.

Nor the first one or the second are on my pixarian top (Headed by the Toy Story trilogy , Finding Nemo and maybe a tie between The incredibles and Up). However, this studio standars are high. And with this I mean, that if you enjoyed meeting Lighting McQueen and Mater on 2006, this will not dissapoint you.

New characters are truly interesting, particularly, British secret agent Finn McMissile, with an Aston Martin-like look.

Another excellent adding, is Professor Z, based on the 1957 german Zündapp Janus, a microcar. While the Lighting is all happiness and shinning, the professor is a bitter, evil and… very slow car. Anyhow it's kind of cute.

Plot develops in a Grand Prix, and happens in some of the greatest cities ever: London, Paris, Tokyo and a fictional italian city, Porto Corsa (something similar to Monaco but in the italian riviera).

Entertaining from beginning to end, especially for the little ones, the true value of Cars 2 doesn't lie on the screenplay, but in the creative and technical advances Pixar has achieved.

Renderings* with never-seen quality. Cars have amazing looks, with several levels of reflexion and complex materials. Movements are more realistic than ever, and to top it off, cinematography is awesome! You can watch Toy Story and the go trough filmic history of 3D animation to comprehend the advance in the technics.

When you see wonderful Tokyo of Cars 2, you want to be there; then you see Porto Corsa and you wander why this beautiful city is not real. Lighting didn't have creative boundaries. To achieve this quality in computer animation, you need not only the personnel, but the high-level creativity and many, many hours of rendering. To show you a bit if the results, watch this video:

I believe that if Toy Story trilogy is the pixarian equivalent of Star Wars Saga (in therms of Collective consciousness and box office success); maybe Cars is the Fast and the Furious one, with predictable script but a lot of action, entertaining and outstanding visual effects.

____

spanish version here

Kung Fu Panda 2 Voice-over

2011-06-24T00:24:00.000-05:00

I already talk about this movie some days ago. But now I found this clip of the voice-over work of some of the main characters.

And you have to watch it! Jack Back is hilarious.

I truly believe animated movies are better if the voices match the idea.

And this one really does!

Gary Oldman and the rain

2011-06-23T16:38:00.004-05:00

It's cloudy. Summer arrived two days ago and with it, the rain comes to Mexico City.

That's the way it is here. First year I was surprised. I was used to the high temperatures we live on Northern Mexico, where it can easily get over 104 Fahrenheit. On the other hand, here, we have to get our rain boots and trench coats out of the closet.

While I hear the drops falling, I get surprised reading Gary Oldman has never been nominated to an Oscar. I can't help but to remember all of his amazing performances on his outstanding career.

His version of Bram Stocker's Dracula is still impressing me. He should have an Academy Award for it.

He is so versatile, that his performances go from punk musician Sid Vicious to legendary classical composer Beethoven.

The authentic chameleon of his generation: Known for speaking any accent perfectly, he changes so much on each character, that there are many spectators who wouldn't recognize him easily among his variety of movies.

If you are one of those who can identify him well, here I leave you some pictures:

Sid Vicious, Sid & Nancy

Stansfield in The Professional

(another Oscar-debt)

as a young Count Dracula

Dracula, years after...

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, the 5th element

Sirius Black coming out of prison

(Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban)

Sirius Black two years later,

(Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

Jim Gordon, Batman Begins

(later Commissioner Gordon)

Long before Jhonny Depp created Captain Sparrow,

Oldman did this one in True Romance

Lord Shen, Kung Fu Panda 2

(click here to watch Oldman's voice-over)

Rain has stopped. His career is still growing.

While others get stuck in one role, Gary Oldman has been the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes in the same film. One of the best actors ever.

Spanish version here

Source code

2011-06-22T14:47:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I went to the movies to watch Source Code, the latest movie of Jake Gyllenhaal, one of my generation favorites (I liked his performance even in Bubble Boy but it was Brokeback Mountain that made me take him seriously).

Source Code It's the typical thriller with a bit of science fiction, a bit of love, and a bit of too-much-imagination on the screenplay. But, and here it goes a positive but, it is popcorn good!

Let's talk about:

1. Acting.

Vera Farmiga and Gyllenhaal are always up to the level (not the same story with Michelle Monaghan, who always appears to play the same role; and to top it off, her face looks different now). In this one, Farmiga can bear her role basically with the expressions of her face. Impressing, isn't it?

2. Action.

As almost any good thriller from a big studio, is filled with good sequences of action and timing is always perfect. You can expect several scenes with outstanding effects and a very correct film editing.

3. Story.

The script and good performance of the leading man, keep us expecting what's next the whole movie. The idea and the development are very satisfactory. It is only by the end that I felt it a little bit too happy ending film when it wasn't needed.

In a few words: It's not superb but it's well done and entretaining. If you watch it, you will spend some good time enjoying whether Gyllenhaal eyes or Monaghan smile.

Advice: Don't watch the trailer if not necessary. It shows a lot.

Expo Comic MX 2011 (Part 2)

2011-06-20T23:52:00.001-05:00

Some of the people contesting for best costume

My favorite pic: Me and a decepticon, haha...

Some of the best dressed...

This Heath Leadger's-Joker-style contest was the winner in the end.

Does he looks like the original? What do you think?

Greetings from Mexico City!

Expo comic MX 2011

2011-06-19T23:10:00.003-05:00

Today here in Mexico father's day was celebrated. But as I couldn't spend some quality time with my dad (who lives far, far away), I decided to go for the first time to a comic convention here in Mexico City: Expo Comic Mx.

I love comic books. They remind me of my childhood. And now-a-days that comic characters are so related to movies, it was a must for me to go and see what was going on.

Is far from perfect yet. Specially if compared with the amazing Comic-con (San Diego, Ca.), but it's a nice try to show what's done here and bring the fans some of their favorite creators and artists.

Here some of the pics I got today:

Richard LeParmentier, sci-fi actor,

best-known for his role in Star Wars IV: A new hope.

Guest star Herb Trimpe, is the creator of "The Incredible Hulk",
and first artist to draw Wolverine.

Everything was colorful and geek-cool.
A lot of costumes, comic books and suprises.

Tomorrow I'll show you a litte more regarding this yearly event. Enjoy!

spanish version here

KUNG FU PANDA II

2011-06-18T23:51:00.002-05:00

Three years ago I was expecting Po's essential question to his father (the goose), in Kung Fu Panda.

Now Po is back and all our doubts on his past will be solved while he defends China beside the Furious Five and new legendary characters of Kung Fu (characters that Po may have admired in the past). All while we find inner peace.

There are fragments of 2D animation, old-fashion asian style, that are remarkable.

Kung Fu Panda II English version includes amazing voices -some of them also on the first movie-, such as: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman and Angelina Jolie (among others).

It may not be better than its predecessor but, in this sequels year, this second part is good: entertaining, funny and with good values.

spanish version

HARRY POTTER 7.2 (TRAILER 2)

2011-06-17T02:00:00.001-05:00

The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall was dark and scattered with stars, and below it the four long House tables were lined with disheveled students, some in traveling cloaks, others in dressing gowns. Here and there shone the pearly white figures of the school ghosts. Every eye, living and dead was fixed upon Professor McGonagall, who was speaking from the raised platform at the top of the Hall. Behind her stood the remaining teachers, including the palomino centaur, Firenze, and the members of the Order of the Phoenix who had arrived to fight.

- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (ch. 31)

We knew the book was dark… But this second trailer show us the movie will be gloomy as well. I'm counting days now!

Spanish version here

SUCKER PUNCH

2011-06-16T03:02:00.000-05:00

Zack Snyder stupefied everybody with his post-modern epic movie 300. Frank Miller had shown that kind of visual concept on his graphic novel, but we have never seen it on the big screen. And it was unique. Then it came Watchmen, another excellent adaptation of the same genre with maybe less impact on the box-office than its predecessor but with the same quality.

So when I first heard about Sucker Punch, I did nothing but to rise my expectations of what I thought, It would be the-next-Kill-bill. A female version of 300 in therms of power and strength.

The trailer was also appealing and I felt fortunate to have a double pass to the opening night. And then I watched the movie.

From the very beginning it has the format of a high-definition musical video. And the soundtrack, I must say, it's good, an anthology of hit songs in renewed versions. The effects are good and the action sequences may be impressed in the world of the video-games audience. Oscar Isaac is someone to watch, as well as in Agora, his character has shades and are well performed.

The rest of it, its an authentic waste of money -not only to the spectator but to the producers-. It is a shame that the manufacture of the movie feels expensive, well-trained, but the screenplay was conspicuous by its absence. The main character, played by Emily Browning, feels so artificial and overacted, and so are the supporting ones including Abby Cornish, Jena Malone, and Vanessa Hudgens. Even Carla Gugino, who was very convincing in Watchmen, here feels like a cartoon. At least it should be appealing to lolita-style lovers.

The leading lady lives little in the real world, then she goes to a second world when we can never enjoy anything and finally, she defends herself in the third world. Some kind of cheap copy of Inception without the good acting and good script.

The whole movie easily falls for cliché. Submerged in visual allegories of the sub-worlds created by the heroin, whose best quality lies on hypnotizing clients with a dance so outstanding we never get to see. But as I said, accompanied with nice songs.

In the end, I felt absolutely cheated.

To me, Snyder is a director with great potential, and with a strong personal style (a rare talent); but unfortunately, a weak screenwriter. I rather watch him working on projects like -his previous job on animation- Ga'Hoole, than in another movie with such a graphic power but a lack of content.

I told you: If it sucks, I will tell you… And I did!

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I like this review: Reel views on Sucker Punch

Spanish version: Si lees español, quizá quieras ver lo que escribí en: Séptimo Sentido

THE HANGOVER II

2011-06-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

We all burst out laughing with the first one. It's irreverent, stupid and crazy. The kind of humor you need when you are all stressed out from your job or your life.

Actors were all a little unknown and everything was a hilarious surprise: the tooth, the baby, the prostitute, Mr. Chow, the lost guy location and... the pictures. And above all of them, Zach Galifianakis, whose character is hilarious, mad and memorable.

But what about the sequel?

Well, it's the result of the first one success: Same formula, same actors, same director, same idea. But the main flaw would be to expect the same result. Even though it has the same elements, it lacks the surprise factor.

So, should I watch it?

- If you like the first one and your expectations are low.

- If you like this sort of scatological comedy

- If you are expecting the new pictures!

- If you want a silly laugh

Don't expect this one to be better than the first one, but, everybody in the audience was laughing in certain unexpected moments at the same time. So, if you are not up-tight or too serious, go and have a good time.

This is a movie to watch with friends (or people that make you feel comfortable with), and to remember that movies are also to relax, enjoy and entertain!

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

2011-06-14T02:47:00.000-05:00

I should recognize something: I'm one of this movie fans that run to watch any comic-based movie that shows up on the big screen. So, you shouldn't be surprised if I tell you I have seen all previous X-men movies out there. In 2000, when the first one appeared, it was genius to me, the sequel was ok, and the third one a bit bad. Then it was Wolverine, but even having Hugh Jackman, became, sadly, forgettable.

There are a lot of people who know the comic so well, but in my case, as an X-generation person, I saw X-men for the first time on tv. That's why I have a lot of references of them via the cartoon version. Some of them, as the character of Beast, are still very attached to my memory.

Saying that, you must understand that I went to watch this prequel because a) I watch all these kind of movies but also, because b) I admire James McAvoy since I watched his performance on Atonement.

First movie posters astonished me for showing the level of the actors that were included in cast: It looked like the saga had taken the next step with actors such as Kevin Bacon and Michael Fassbender, as well as the Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique (if you don't know her yet, you should watch Winter's Bone or soon, The Hunger Games).

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The real deal, starts when you take your seat on the theater, the lights go off and the sound starts. Two hours later you will know if it is a good movie, or not. Just like that...

Here it happens, from the very beginning, that one can go into the genesis of Magneto, and can feel his anger and helplessness. That's maybe the best scene of Kevin Bacon on this film. Then, you can see the development of such a famous comic person as Charles Xavier is; the parallel life of Raven and a mutant chain of fictional characters that brings you the comic and amazing side of the movie. But the best thing is, unquestionably, when both leading roles, Magneto and Professor Xavier share scene and gradually, a friendship blossoms unintentionally, and will change them forever.

The period time takes place in the Cuban Missile Crisis year, and the Art direction and production design are memorable. Not often can we see the glamour of the 1960s in a social level of high government offices and political class that is so detailed and stylish.

From the beginning, Stan Lee dealt with relevant subjects such as prejudice and racism on the comic. This topics may be the thread in all the X-men movies but this screenplay is remarkable. Here those themes are tackled with depth and continuity. To top it off, there's a strong association not only with the other films but with its most emblematic characters:

Nobody is missed, but there are two cameos that make us feel this prequel is no just a re-boot of the saga, but an authentic origin looking for connection and consistency with everything we seen before.

The developement of Raven's character Mystique, its beautiful. With all the shades of a young woman on her way to maturity: Changing, feeling different, finding her place in the World. Rebecca Romijn was ok on her role but here, I think only Jennifer Lawrence could give this character the required register.

The weak side, unfortunately, comes from the main villains Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) and Emma Frost (January Jones). They lack the depth given to our heroes, and in the case of January -even when her beauty is outsanding- we definitely prefer to watch her on Mad Men, the HBO show, as an outstanding housewife than here as a shallow foe. I hope her character grows up if the story continues.

Another fragile point, in particular for the sci-fi fans, are visual effects; not the worst but no so remarkable as other productions of the same level. But let's understand that action was sacrificed on the rise of dialogues.

On the other hand, one of the best thing is that anybody can watch it without have watched the other X-men films and you won't feel lost. And of course, remember that this kind of movie it's so much appreciated by fiction lovers than the rational ones.

Speaking aesthetically, it's the most elegant of all and the best done in overall terms. I think director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) refreshed and improve the story, as Bryan Synger found a better place as a producer.

This is a movie about origins, where we are able to understand the leitmotif of each member of X-men, as well as their development inside the association. There is no black and white, just beings looking to fit in a world where ignorance keeps one step ahead.

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*Spanish Version: This post has a spanish version on my blog Séptimo Sentido: X-men: first-class

HARRY POTTER 7.2

2011-06-14T00:57:00.000-05:00

The book is great, it's darker. Many will fall.

Will the movie overcome fans expectations?

The answer will be discovered almost within a month

Adaptation

2011-06-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

In this times, when Hollywood movies seem to be adapted from a tv show, a book, a magazine, a graphic novel or… another movie; I wonder how these people behind camera, who adapt ideas and turn them into a film work.

Let's start saying adaptation is not easy. And adapting comics has been hard work to scriptwriters, whom commonly, are verbally attacked by fans complains, alleging that screen versions are distant from what they expected. Novels taken to cinema are not different from those. From that point, both authors and screenwriters explain that their art forms are different. And neither a book or a comic are the same than a movie. And there some reason there. The tree representations aren't the same. And the bring to the audience distinct elements, translated in different intensities for those who receive them.

A narrative book may be the art form that encourages the reader's imagination the most, according to his or her mental universe. It permits to create worlds between the writer's skill and the reader's capacity of appreciation.

On the other hand, comic is a visual abstraction; somehow the middle point between a painting or photograph and kinetic. It shows fixed images but simulating movement. They generally found the most success when they bring striking colors and depth. It's not a coincidence many of our favorite superheroes wear primary colors: Red, yellow or blue.

Finally, films do not need to abstract moments, on the contrary, it must show and intensify them when required. Here the use of color and lighting becomes complex. Depth has another context and takes allow a variety of choices and perspectives that neither literature or comic books offer. In contrast, it has the disadvantages of timing, because it has an average time period of two hours to develop a story that a spectator must understand in. An adaptation that maybe someone read in weeks or, talking about comics, years.

Not an easy job…

… But also, not impossible. There are several successful stories about adaptation. First comes to mind is 300. Based on Battle of Thermopylae, Frank Miller wrote an outstanding graphic novel enhancing the historical facts that happened there, and show them with impressive aesthetics. Then, director Zack Snyder took to cinema with huge success.

Another movie, related to this matter in a different way, is Adaptation, a 2002 movie written by Charlie Kaufman; who narrates the intricate job of a scriptwriter taking a bestseller to the big screen. Starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper.

Then, there is the accomplishment of Chris Nolan, who brought Batman to the next level and recently, Matthew Vaughn with the prequel X-Men: First Class, a movie that I will write about next time.

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So, now tell me: What adaptation from book, comic or graphic novel that has been taken to the movies it's your favorite? Someone say The Godfather?

*Spanish Version: This post was translated from my blog Séptimo Sentido: Del libro al cómic, del cómic al cine

Casablanca

2011-06-12T22:54:00.002-05:00

Movies become art. If they’re good... You must have heard something about this one.

Entitled because of the Moroccan city in which the story takes place, Casablanca is a drama of epical proportions. It has historical and political relevance, but, on the contrary to many other classic movies -such as Gone with the wind-, this one remains timeless. And that’s the value of it.

It may be black and white but the script seems so timeless that it can transport you to the troubled times of the WWII and even there, you will feel trapped by the love triangle and the intricate events around it.

The cast is perfect: Ingrid Bergman it’s both beautiful and a good actress and Humphrey Bogart it’s absolutely outstanding as Rick Blaine. His performance has become an early example of complex characters in movie history.

This is also one of the few movies which have conquered both critics and audience thanks to a combination of factors that makes it commercial and artistic: Cast, screenplay, music, direction and unbelievable chemistry among characters.

It also includes one of the most memorable songs on a motion picture soundtrack: As time goes by. But I assure you that is only after you listening to it on the context of this drama that you will learn -the hard way-, that...

A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by.

And finally, it’s thanks to that excellent script that we have some of the most memorable lines in movies:

We’ll always have Paris!

To sum up: You cannot say you are a movie fan if you haven't watched Casablanca yet!

p.s. The trailer is cheesy and old-fashioned but the movie is not!

Spanish version here

Facts: It won 3 Oscars including Best Picture. USA, 1942. If you want to know more facts go to: IMDd Casablanca

Welcome!

2011-06-12T22:22:00.000-05:00