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Assassination of a High School President (2008)
stylish yet predictable comedy thriller
Subtly hilarious and smartly written, Assassination of a High School President is a ride you'd want to take over and over again. There's just too many funny scenes and memorable lines, you'd have to list them down on your favorites. This is not your regular high school movie about being popular (although it still played the element) taking a different turn to the usual cliché-ridden subgenre. What's better than taking a jab on one subgenre, do it on two. "Assassination" will also remind you of the crime/detective film noir days as it parodies the subgenre in this high school flick.
Sounds familiar? Brick (2005) did it first but it was grittier, taking a more serious route interlaced with romance. What "Assassination" does, on the other hand, is put a whole new spin to the clash. It's a weird combination but it worked. Throw in some witty dialogues all-throughout the movie and some eye-catching visuals and you've got the makings of a soon-to-be cult classic.
Reece Thompson plays the self-aware, confident loser, Bobby Funke (pronounced as "Funky" by most of his schoolmates) who writes for the school paper yet has never actually finished an article. He shares the screen with several notable characters who are more caricatures than layered individuals. Just the right type of characters needed to portray a stereotypical high school, you've got the popular kids, the overachievers, the weirdos, outcasts and the hottest, enigmatic girl in campus, Francesca Fachini played by Mischa Barton.
The story follows Bobby Funke as the writer for the school paper who has yet to earn his gold star article. The perfect opportunity comes when he was asked to write about Paul Moore, the current golden child student body president of St. Donovan's High. Funke, along with other students became suspects and subjected to intense questioning by the strict and non-conventional, gum-hating Principal Jared T. Kirkpatrick (Bruce Willis). It would have been a simple feature but when Francesca asks him to find out who stole the SATs, a recent issue that rocked the campus. Soon, Bobby finds dirt on Moore linking him to the stolen SATs and publishes his first finished article to rave reviews. Paul was suspended (a la prison style, with a matching guard and visitation rights) but something wasn't right. It turns out that Paul is simply a patsy, a scapegoat to the real crime and it is up to Funke to clear the name he destroyed, as an arbiter of truth.
Desperate about his situation, Paul breaks out of suspension and attempts to assassinate the new president of the school body, Marlon Piazza, on his much publicized inauguration. While the attack was nothing serious (he used goddamn paintballs), it was enough to take away Paul Moore into an undisclosed facility for treatment. This puts Funke on the same desperation for uncovering the truth as he does all that he can do to clear Paul's name such as buy Paul's sister unicorns and following white rapper Alex Schneider and his devious crew during his driving test. Who are the real culprits behind the stolen SATs? Funke is about to find out while becoming more and more upclose with campus crush Francesca.
What makes "Assassination" hilarious is its serious attempt at making the high school mafia-like, creating a whole new universe in itself. Much like watching Spongebob and finding out that the Jellyfish are equivalent to butterflies. You have to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the film for the universe it created, even if it may appear silly. Things you should watch out for are the things happening in the background. There are some pretty funny things going on captured within the frame while you're trying to concentrate on the sharp dialogues.
"Assassination" is not some mind-blowing thriller that will shake you to the core, nope. In fact, it is as predictable as every crime story you've ever seen. It's all about the style, setting in a different league than most thriller's you enjoyed in the cinemas. It's what's worth watching in this flick. With so many hard hitting lines, you'll wonder why there aren't a lot of GIFs of the movie lurking around blogging sites. Or maybe there is. But people really have to get on this quick.
Assassination of a High School President is a stylish yet predictable comedy thriller that will leave a mark on your favorites.
Triangle (2009)
The film that is always not what you think it is.
Triangle is one of those hidden gems in the Thriller genre, you've long given up on. Although mostly regarded as a horror movie, this flick leans more on the psychological thriller subgenre. I first saw it back in 2009 and reviewed it a few nights ago only to still be mesmerized by how well it was executed. I could still remember how I felt when I first saw the movie alone, on my laptop. I did a solo, standing ovation like literally and I'm not even kidding.
What's all the hype? Written by director Christopher Smith (Creep, Severance), you just know it's not going to be your regular horror flick. Smartly written and visually stunning for a horror movie, this is not a campy have-sex-you'll-be-the-first-to-die type of slashers. It takes so much skill and effort to write a screenplay like this one. I'll put the early reputation of my reviews on IMDb on the line by saying it can match to 2004's cult hit, time travel Sundance movie, Primer. As the director Smith claims, THERE ARE NO Plot holes. You're gonna be spending days trying to understand the movie and trying to find a plot hole which just speaks of how smart it was done.
I recommend watching this movie blind of all presumptions. Don't watch the trailer. Don't read a synopsis. Hell, stop reading this review as it may soon giveaway bits of the film. Trust me, the experience will be much satisfying if you knew nothing of it other than it is a thriller for crying out loud. Here goes - The Vague Non-Spoiler Synopsis: Single mother Jess (Melissa George) goes sailing with Greg (Michael Dorman) and a few friends until they get stuck in the middle of the ocean when the winds dropped down on them. A freak electrical storm is fast approaching and it's only a matter of time before it overturns the yacht. When a mysterious cruise ship arrives, they thought they were finally safe. The horrors are just about to start.
Reading from that synopsis, it is easy to assume that it's the perfect recipe for a slasher flick. Survivors thinking they are rescued only to find out there is more danger ahead of them. In just a few minutes in, bodies start dropping like flies and you'll be wondering what the rest of the movie would be like. Only then do you get to a point wherein you'd say "What the F just happened?" succeeded with a "No way!" Trapped in an empty ship and pursued by an unknown assailant, Jess has to survive the horror so she can come home to her child. With the stellar performance of Australian actress Melissa George, Triangle will be a ride you'd repeat over and over.
Triangle will always be one of the most discussed and debated movies on IMDb. You'll find yourself scouring for answers after a few minutes of taking in what has happened when it ended. This movie is continuously growing to be a cult/underground hit as more people are seeing it and comparing it to mind f*ck giants like Inception and Primer.
(If it helps, you'd see Liam Hemsworth back when he wasn't the big name that he is now because of The Hunger Games) Note: Back in 2009, the film only had a 5.9 rating on IMDb. As of the current score, it has now grown to 6.8 which is high enough for a horror/thriller picture.
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The Canyons (2013)
not necessarily on par with the worsts
Written by Bret Easton Ellis, the same literary mastermind behind American Psycho and The Rules of Attraction, you just know there's going to be something great about this film. So what's all the hate? Let's take ourselves back to Tara's dialogue in the film, "Do you really like movies?" It doesn't take someone to be part of the actual process of filmmaking or have experience working in the production of one for them to like movies. What's my point? What most people fail to see is that the whole movie is a reflection of the destruction of film as an art form. I'm not saying the movie intended itself to be bad or flawed. It only failed to get its message across because most people are too focused on several other things. This is how "Film" degraded as the once highest form of art.
We are more interested in the technicalities and we started becoming "film Nazis" in our own right. Instead of focusing on the message of the film and how that message is delivered through the art form, we try to base a film's greatness on the sparkling visuals, the "Meryl Streep"-ness of an actor's acting ability, and the witty, memorable dialogues. Films have become a spectacle, rather an object of meaning.
How did I come up with this outrageous claim? Let's go back to the movie itself (especially for those who have seen it). The story revolves around the main character Tara (Lindsay Lohan) who lives with her producer boyfriend, trust-fund kid Christian (James Deen). As the plot unfolds, you find out that Tara is secretly involved with her ex, Ryan (Nolan Funk), who is still trying his luck as an actor. Ryan's current co-producer girlfriend, Gina (Amanda Brooks), is trying her best to help her boyfriend's dreams come true and make it big. What characters do we have? People who are all in the industry for their own personal gain. No one is actually concerned about the content of the movie they are making.
Christian is only on the project so he can show his dad he is doing something with the money. Both Tara and Gina only did their part so they can help Ryan achieve his dreams. Ryan wants nothing but to finally become a big film star and he will do anything to maintain his role in the project. Even the minor characters working on the project expresses their shallow concerns, such as those working on the set only treating actors. The plot in itself shows more concern over the infidelity of Tara and the attempts of Christian to uncover the affair.
As viewers, how did we miss the point? We were more concerned on the technicalities of the film. Everyone was dubbing it as Lindsay Lohan's "comeback." People were looking in with utmost scrutiny whether Lohan can pull it off or not after being a tabloid staple. Much attention was also focused on famous pornstar James Deen as he crosses over to mainstream cinema. Can he act at all? Will there be nudity? If there is, how much of it? It also marks Lohan's first time to bare her chest in more than one scene in the film. This also became a news item for several weeks while the movie is in production. Other troubles on set leading to the film's unsure status on its release.
The Canyons, is an erotic thriller set in the Hollywood backdrop about a group of narcissistic individuals working on a film project. It has a film noir feel to it and boasts a picturesque opening credits of theaters in various states of destruction. Lohan's performance, in my opinion is better than some of the movies I've seen her in. One great scene to showcase this is when Christian threatens her into an alibi. When Christian says "That's a good girl" and she breaks down while trying to compose herself. That was topnotch. James Deen, on the other hand, while not perfect is a surprise as a flat and sinister brat who has deep psychological issues. Nolan Funk has his very visible good and bad moments which contributes to the flaw of the film while Amanda Brooks shines. Bret Easton Ellis' continues his trademark of narcissistic characters and director Paul Schrader brought style to a difficult script. While the opening scene is great, a certain number of scenes undoubtedly require better execution.
While not among the greats and not necessarily on par with the worsts, The Canyons is still a movie worth seeing. It's a thriller that displays dominance, power play, and the hazards of discontentment.
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What Richard Did (2012)
a look into how a single mistake can change our lives forever
Hailed as the most important Irish film of the century, I had high expectations before seeing this flick. I knew nothing of the plot except from the title. This Richard guy did something and I aim to find out what it is.
First, who is Richard? Richard Karlsen is the town's golden-boy rugby player. Charismatic, friendly, and at the top of his game, Richard is on his way to success as most people would assume once he leaves highschool for university. It was a typical summertime transition for the seniors and Richard is making sure he is having the time of his life. Coming from an upper middle class family, Richard is not at all what you expect from kids having lived under this environment. He wasn't stereotypically the spoiled kid living off of his parent's beach house. Although he is fun loving just like most people his age, he wasn't portrayed as the evil rich dude of the story. In fact, he's just another regular kid of the block who'll soon leave for university. All is going well one summer until this mistake.
So, what did Richard do? As the screenplay is loosely based on the novel Bad Day in Black Rock, the story revolves around an assault that led to the death of a teen. The first half of the film shows Richard and his friends simply hanging out and meeting new people. At this point, Richard meets Lara who is still involved with her ex Connor. While Richard successfully charms Lara into a relationship, it is still evident how she maintains close contact with her ex. This spells trouble as our lead slowly shows us his insecurity and jealousy despite having his social status. During a drunken brawl, the unexpected happened and now Richard has to face this sudden flip in his life.
The film portrays how an incidence of uncontrolled anger suddenly changes you into a person you never thought you would be and its repercussions. While it was an accident, Richard knows for himself that he is the cause and now he has to face life with guilt. The second half of the film shows how the simple incident has changed the lives of all the characters in the community. It also puts focus on how the lead copes with this event.
So, how did what Richard do affect people's lives? While the event brought out the worst in him, it certainly brought more pain on people around him.
The best thing I loved about the treatment of the flick is the use of silence. It gave way for the actors to express their emotions through actions and subtle changes in their gestures. This is where Jack Reynor excelled in. While many may complain about how the story never got the resolution most people would expect from it, it shows how the experience changed Richard's life. And I think, that's enough to show how we do not really live in a just world. Great work from director Lenny Abrahamson in using tight shots to focus on the character's emotions.
What Richard Did is an exploration of character enclosed within a tight knit community and a look into how a single mistake can change our lives forever.
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Rundskop (2011)
more than a crime drama but an in-depth character exploration
It can be difficult to write this film a review without spoiling it for you, audiences, as major events in the movie and its effects linger throughout the film. At first, the flick may come across as a crime-centered thriller with a lead too-fitting for the role of a cattle farmer. As the story unfolds, you realize the crime plot is no more than a tool to explore the character of hothead, Jacky Vanmarsenille (Matthias Schoenaerts). Who is he and how did he get involved in this illegal hormone boosting cattle trade? It all begins to unravel when Jacky meets Diederik who was part of the meeting with the hormone mafia. The two has never seen each other for 20 years. The initially tough "Bullhead" as many would call Jacky, begins to break his exterior in front of the lens.
We are then introduced to his life-altering past with his childhood friend, Diederik (Jeroen Perceval). As kids, they were always together. It was also the time when their fathers introduced them to the business of hormone-boosting cattle. While their fathers are dealing with the higher ups in the mafia, the two meet the psychologically-challenged Bruno and his sister, Lucia (Jeanne Dandoy). Jacky develops a crush toward Lucia and convinces Diederik to help him pursue the girl. It was then the pair accidentally snooped around Bruno and his gang until they were chased into the open field. What happened to Jacky is something every male would never want to happen for themselves.
Suddenly, the viewer understands the lead's excessive use of steroids. It could be to make up for what he has lost. The damaging event has left Jacky an insecure, 30 something buff man who is lonely and struggling to accept what has happened to him. The return of Diederik and Lucia in his life is only the beginning of his agony as he tries to pursue the girl he liked as a kid. Interlaced with the hormone mafia deal is the death of a police officer which connects the Vanmarsenille's because of Jacky's brother buying tires from two French Walloons.
Bullhead is more than a crime drama but an in-depth character exploration on a subject not many movies have touched. It also weaves perfectly the question of sexuality and the importance of masculinity in a man. The contrast between Jacky and Diederik who happens to be gay as an adult, holds a strong message at its best. There is no doubt that the film received an Oscar nomination under the foreign language category because of Matthias Schoenaerts' captivating performance and director Michaël R. Roskam's choice of shots and magnetic storytelling. Schoenaerts is definitely an actor you will see more of in the coming years.
Dubbed as a dark and powerful cinematic experience, Bullhead will pierce right into your heart. You will find yourself rooting for the character despite his obvious flaws and dangerous persona.
The Belgian film, Bullhead (Rundskop) takes you on an unexpected emotional journey of a misunderstood beast so strong on the surface yet only an innocent child searching for a chance to undo some things that happened in his life.
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My Brother the Devil (2012)
tender coming-of-age film with brilliantly acted characters
Before I begin, I would just like to state the fact that I did not watch any trailer or read any long synopsis about the film. All I knew was it's about two Egyptian brothers living in the gangland side of London. Did this play well for me? Definitely. And I think this should be how everyone should watch movies. Minimal expectations and little to no presumptions. You'd appreciate the story more and you'd find yourself glued to the screen whatever genre it is.
My Brother The Devil follows the story of two brothers living in the beautifully shot yet dangerous communities in East London. Mo, the younger brother idolizes his older brother Rashid who is part of a gang in the area, the DMG (Drugs, Money, Guns). Rashid wants nothing for his brother but to go a different path than him but he can't do this if his brother looks up to what he does as something to aspire. As part of the gang, Rashid sometimes engages in several illegal activities such as transporting drugs. When Mo gets into trouble with a rival group in the community headed by "Demon", things start turning for the worst.
Events intensify as Rashid witnesses the death of his best friend Izzi who was trying to live a normal life out of the gang. This becomes a turning point for him to start cleaning up his act and leave his gang without notice. Through a newly formed friendship with a rich photographer, Sayyid, Rashid starts to change his ways and finally earns a job as an assistant. Growing suspicious of his brother's absence, Mo follows his brother only to be torn apart with what he finds out. He takes his brother's place in the gang and becomes more involved with its illegal activities.
A lot of people are calling the movie out on this twist but if you look back at the scenes leading up to the film's midpoint, it was well-hinted. There are many scenes that indicate the upcoming reveal so while it took my be surprise, it wasn't that big of a shock. It is actually in line with the overall idea of the film. It's about growing up and making decisions in your life about things you cannot change and taking action for your own betterment.
At first, I thought it was going to be mostly about the younger brother following his brother around and learning more about life in this perspective. What surprised me was the equal treatment of the two characters. Both of them were undergoing great changes in their lives and their decisions that come after have great effect later on. As the danger of Rashid's old life tries to catch up with him, bonds are put to test leading up to the thrilling pre-final scenes of the film.
The biggest asset of "My Brother" undoubtedly comes from the two main leads. James Floyd is a force to be reckoned with as he exhibits immense versatility in playing the gang member brother of the duo. If you see him as an actor, you'll be surprised at how different he is from his previous projects and in real life. It's like watching a whole different person acting in this film. He even adopted the necessary accent fit for the role. Fady Elsayed appears to be no stranger in acting yet you'd be surprised to know, it's only his first time to act on screen. His chemistry with his friend Aisha (Letitia Wright) flows naturally and captures the sweet side to a character trying to measure up to his brother's name.
Another strong point of the film is its cinematography, allowing a supposedly dangerous community appearing as liveable yet could pose an imminent threat to the character's lives anytime. As Sayyid once points out in the film, it's all about the framing. The film allows you to look into the fragile lives of the brothers despite the tough background they are in. Mad props to writer/director Sally El Hosaini on this debut feature, deserving of its buzz and multiple awards in several festivals in 2012.
My Brother The Devil is a tender coming-of-age film with brilliantly acted characters and an eye-catching visuals of the notorious gangland of East London. It's an exploration of identity, a test of brotherhood, and the exhibition of choice towards change.
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Lovelace (2013)
brought Seyfried to newer heights
For Amanda Seyfried fans out there, be prepared. You know the movie you're about see. Lovelace is a a biographical drama film about adult actress Linda Boreman or better known in the 70s as Linda Lovelace. Starring in the highest grossing adult film, Deep Throat, Lovelace gained mainstream attention in a short span of time. The film gives you a look at Lovelace's roots, her tumultuous relationship with her husband/manager Chuck Traynor (Peter Sarsgaard), and the aftermath of her career as a well-renowned porn actress.
Lovelace is the tragic story of a woman seen as the poster girl for sexual revolution when the 'real' story behind the success of the movie, Deep Throat, is full of abuse and coercion. While the first half of the film shows how naive Linda was, the second half shows you that this naivety was actually helplessness. She was aware of her situation and she can't do anything when her abusive husband is constantly pointing a gun at her to do exactly what he says. The film allows you to see Linda in her younger years, before meeting and marrying Chuck. Amanda Seyfried proves she is the perfect choice because her physical appearance allows her to look younger and older with just a change of makeup and costume.
Peter Sarsgaard gives his performance of a lifetime as the manipulative and abusive husband-manager, Chuck. You get to see his range as you witness his slow descent to madness as he took control over Linda's life. It was crazy seeing him become the evil and ruthless man when he started as the sweet bar owner who even had dinner with Linda's parents. The film was able to portray Linda's perspective of the story very well in this manner.
When the couple start needing money to pay for the bills, this is when Chuck starts using Linda for his own profit. His connections with the underground sex industry allowed him to introduce Linda to adult film producer Butchie Peraino and director Gerry Damiano. Initially declining Linda into the porn industry, the two are impressed when Chuck shows them a home video film roll of Linda performing oral sex on her husband. Soon, Linda meets Anthony Romano, an investor in the pornographic flick she will star in.
One of the best scenes where Seyfried shines is when she was at the promotional shoot for Deep Throat. While his role was only short, Wes Bentley gave the scene more intensity as the calm and encouraging photographer, Thomas. The look on Linda's face when she's looking at her photoset was acting at its best. Individual performances were the strength of the film as almost all the cast portrayed their roles with integrity and dedication. Seyfried's chemistry with Adam Brody who plays her co-star in the porn flick, is undeniable. James Franco intensifies his charisma as Hugh Hefner of Playboy. Yet another scene to watch out for is that time when Linda visits her bestfriend Patsy (Juno Temple). Seyfried's acting ability is cemented in a non-speaking scene wherein she falls down on the street trying to escape from Chuck. Her facial expressions just shouted "Help" in that scene as two cops came to the rescue only to find herself helpless when one of the cops recognize her as the pornstar and asks for an autograph.
While the movie had stellar performances from each cast, it is hard not to notice that there is something missing with the film. I can't pinpoint what or why but the film overall is lacking in power as a whole. Even the set and cinematography is executed very well as the grainy feel on screen and the costume design bring the 70s era back to life in style. It's probably more about the treatment of the ending scenes. They felt rushed, especially on what has become of Chuck and Linda's interview as a speaker for the anti-porn movement.
Lovelace definitely brought Seyfried to newer heights in portraying the titular role of the famed adult film actress. Better watch out world, we've got a legend in the making.
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Smashed (2012)
I've never fully seen how great of an actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead is until this film.
While Aaron Paul has long shown his calibre in previous projects, he continues to surprise by turning simple choices of words into an emotionally charged line. If you are looking for films with fine acting performances, you have to include Smashed on your list. The film follows the story of an alcoholic couple and the fall of their marriage when one of them decides to be sober.
Kate Hannah doesn't realize she is an alcoholic until something happens to her that make her question her actions. As a pre-school teacher, Kate is not the obvious role model for the kids when she shows up to work still hungover from last night's ride. She even pukes in the middle of the class, using the excuse that she's pregnant when one of her students asked if she is. This incident wasn't enough to cause her to come to her senses. She realizes the problem when a stranger offers her to smoke crack while she was drunk. While nothing really bad happened to her, it was enough of a wake-up call for her to start taking steps for her own good.
Luckily for her, co-teacher and confidante Dave reveals that he was an alcoholic and that he regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. During her first session, she meets and falls in awe of Jenny's story, her soon-to-be sponsor in the film. Jenny helps her go through the 12 Step process by guiding her through simple conversations. Conflict arises when Kate realizes she can't stay sober unless her husband stops drinking in front of her.
Tender, sweet, and raw are three things that come to mind whenever I look back at seeing the movie. It wasn't preachy and it wasn't overly dramatic but it gets its point across. One of the best scenes you'd have to watch out for *SPOILER* is when Kate goes into relapse after making a decision to stay honest (one of the points in the 12 Step to change). Kate's life falls apart while she was sober: a thing she points out in the film. I love the contrast of the film in its storytelling.
Heartbreaking and with an ambiguous ending, Smashed is going to leave you in pain and hoping for the best but you will have to leave it to how you interpret Kate's closeup shot at the end. With a great performances from the whole cast, the films succeeds in telling a story of change and the sacrifices you have to make in keeping true to what you want to achieve. The only thing I could leave you is that Mary Elizabeth Winstead is going to be around longer because of her performance in this, especially when she says, "Let's do some shots" repetitively. Aaron Paul's last lines in the film is something that you will take with you when credits start to roll. Let's just say I replayed it 3 times.
With the direction of James Ponsoldt, he was able to turn this piece he co-wrote with Susan Burke, into a cinematic, contemporary work of art. It's definitely deserving of its win in Sundance 2012 for the US Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Independent Film Producing.
Smashed is an original piece that will make you wish for more films to have the same quality.
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The Imposter (2012)
a stranger-than-fiction tale
The Imposter is a stranger-than-fiction tale of how a 23 year old Frenchman from Spain claimed the identity of a grieving Texan family's child that has been missing for 3 years. Trust me, that's not even the most baffling part of the story. How did a young adult man who speaks with a French accent convince the Gibsons that he is their missing son? Especially when the child, Nicholas Barclay was 13 when he went missing in 1994, making him supposedly 16 when this Frenchman appeared in 1997.
It started with a phone call to the Spanish police one night claiming someone has found an 14-15 year old, abducted child. The "child" was found by the police in a phone booth, scared and without any identification. The child claims that he is American so he was sent to Spanish authorities as they try to find out where he came from and where his family is. Immediately, the documentary presents you the side of the Frenchman as he gives out the full details of his scheme while a reenactment plays on screen. Using only a phone at the station, the Frenchman was able to find cases of missing children in America and takes the identity of Nicholas Barclay, a 13 year old, blue-eyed, blond-haired boy from Texas, characteristics he never knew at first because the fax was in black and white.
By changing his hair color and copying similar tattoos found on the identification of the missing kid, the Frenchman became ready to meet the sister who flew all the way from Texas to Spain. The family was informed that Nick underwent tremendous abuse so the child may not look like the same kid they lost or even have memories of the past. Upon meeting, Carey Gibson shares how she thought the grown up Nick looks like an uncle in the family. She proceeds to share pictures of the family, helping "Nick" remember some things.
Passing the test of the authorities by luck, "Nick" was given a passport and was sent home with sister Carey back to their family. "Nick" remained quiet of the terrible ordeal he went through when he was abducted. He only started speaking up when FBI agent Nancy Fisher put him under questioning. This is when he relays the sexual abuse done to him and other kids by Mexican, European, and US military personnel before he was brought to Spain. "Nick" even went on national television to discuss his story and cement his identity. This only sparked the interest of private investigator Charles Barker.
What comes next is the biggest twist you'll ever see in a documentary.
A big part of the film involves interviews from the family of Nick Barclay and an interview with the Imposter himself, Frederic Bourdin. The Frenchman receives more airtime throughout the film making the viewers aware of how he is able to convince people with his deception. The most hair-raising quality of the documentary comes from the interview of Bourdin. How the film portrays him made him look as if he had no remorse at all with what he's done. But the biggest shock is later revealed and it will definitely keep you thinking even after the credits roll.
While reenactments are frowned upon in the documentary world, The Imposter used it to give the film a mystery/thriller effect. It gave the picture a cinematic quality, allowing people to feel specific emotions as the story progressed. The treatment of the documentary is what sets it apart from others, some may even name it a much better thriller than what Catfish (2010) achieved. Great work from director Bart Layton although he had to break some laws in presenting a documentary just to create this flick. It is no wonder that it was one of the biggest highlights in the Sundance Film Festival 2012. One of the most talked about pieces of its run, this documentary is a twisted view of lies, secrets, and deception.
The Imposter is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller of a true story so bizarre that it will leave you shaken and divided when you try to stand up from your seat in the theater.
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Celeste & Jesse Forever (2012)
Not all people made for each other are perfect for one another.
Celeste and Jesse may finish each other's sentences but it doesn't mean there's no end to what they have. That's the whole idea behind this reverse rom-com flick about a young couple on the brink of divorce. While most separating couples will have troubles in the process, it's not the same for Celeste and Jesse, who are bestfriends even before they were married. Or will they? The first quarter of the film takes you on a montage of reasons why Celeste and Jesse are made for each other. From their routines and inside jokes, you'll keep wondering why they are breaking up anyway. You may even find yourself rooting for them to get back together in the end. Though the film never indicates exactly why they're separating, you'll find out soon enough through the actions of the two under specific situations. It was more about their individualities rather than their problems as a couple.
The second act takes you on a No U-Turn scenario, forcing them both to hurry up and actually let go of each other. It's gonna be difficult to watch as the two who still obviously has love for one another try to distance themselves and start over with their lives. The once strong and level-headed Celeste suddenly finds herself struggling to find a new love to replace her old flame. Jesse, on the other hand, has to start being serious and make it right this time with his new partner.
The film's effective use of supporting characters help advance the lead and let us know who they really are, especially on Celeste's side. Her busy life after the break-up gives you a look at how she deals with the situation. Her life begins to be entangled with a spoiled pop star Riley Banks (played by Emma Roberts) when their team was assigned to market her new album. At first, it is obvious how much they don't like each other until they really get to know one another and soon form an unlikely friendship. Celeste also meets Paul (Chris Messina), a guy who intentionally signs up for yoga classes to meet women. These two characters bring out the truth of Celeste's personality and makes her realize her mistakes in the relationship.
Though never stated directly, you'll find out why the marriage didn't work out for the two. The soon-to-be exes experience growth as they carry on with their lives without each other. Although, they still meet from time to time because of the divorce process and simply because they belong in the same circle of friends, the two has to endure the heartbreak of seeing each other move on from their past.
Bold and unconventional, "Celeste and Jesse Forever" provides you a new look into the overused romantic comedy with a happy fairy tale ending. Not overly dramatic and only more subtle, this flick gives you a new perspective on the slow deterioration of romance between two people who once shared the same passion for each other. It's a movie about finding yourself once again after being part of unison and a shared mutual coexistence with another.
The chemistry between Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg is undeniable and very believable. It probably helped being good friends even before making the film. Samberg's performance is surprisingly good after a string of comedy roles that made him famous. Jones, on the other hand, reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence's calibre in acting: very natural and immersed. Apart from the individual performances, one thing that carried the film is its soundtrack. Each song takes you on the journey of their separation, its ups and downs and its impending end. The script and overall direction has a mastered pacing and lets you bask in the atmosphere of each scene for enough periods to capture the right emotions. Kudos to Lee Toland Krieger on capturing the essence of the script and allowing it to naturally translate on screen. When you think about it, the film may actually end up being bland if it landed in the wrong hands.
Celeste and Jesse Forever is a bittersweet look into love, its ending and new beginnings. Not the best film to watch for couples (especially those easily affected by films) as it may present questions in relationships.
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Celda 211 (2009)
What happens when you get caught up between right and wrong?
Cell 211 tells you a gripping tale of how a new prison guard, Juan Oliver, gets thrown in the front line of two warring philosophies: government officials trying to keep peace and order against mistreated inmates with nothing left to lose but their time in jail. What started out as a day for Juan Oliver (Alberto Ammann) to make an impression at his new job became a matter of life and death in a den full of savage criminals. Will he ever make it out alive and see his pregnant wife, Elena? Notorious prison war leader Malamadre, translates as "Bad Mother" in English, starts the revolution as he successfully takes the keys from an unknowing guard, freeing all the prisoners on the block. Juan's first day at work is supposed to be for tomorrow but he went an unlucky day ahead for a tour. This ends up with him getting injured from falling concrete while the prisoners take over. Left by the guards in the infamous Cell 211, Juan realizes his situation and the adrenaline for survival kicks in. When discovered and taken out to meet Malamadre, Juan lies and makes the inmates believe that he is but another criminal serving time.
Quick-witted and smart, Juan navigates his way into unknown territory playing on the side of the prisoners as they turn the crisis into a hostage situation. The cell block holds members of the 'terrorist' group ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) and Malamadre uses this opportunity as a means for bargain. This brings the crisis to national attention instead of a localized one and the media experiences a blackout from what is truly happening inside the prison.
Juan Oliver has to prove his worth as a new part of the group while posing undercover and trying to get his chance to escape. But he can't do this if he has Apache (Carlos Bardem), a snitch, watching his back all the time. How long can Juan keep his secret amidst a sea of the country's most wanted criminals? Let's just say, he knows how to deal with danger very well, having been in odd jobs before landing the prison route.
Sharp, intense, and suspenseful, Cell 211 will keep you at the edge of your seat while making you cringe on specific gruesome scenes. It doesn't shy away from obvious character development ad consistency as you continue to root for Oliver and his attempts to free himself from the testosterone filled atmosphere. While focused on the thrilling and suffocating scenario, the flick also tackles the idea of trust and friendship. As the situation gets out of hand, a newly formed alliance is tested as Juan begins to question which side he is really on.
Versatile actor Luis Tosar cements his reputation in this high-tension flick, playing the vicious yet sarcastic skinhead Malamadre. He has the ability to display several shades of his character in one scene through gestures and delivery of lines. Newcomer Alberto Ammann does not disappoint as he is able to take on the panic of being stuck in a life-threatening situation onto the screen. Marta Etura's presence increases the drama and tension of film, earning her a win for Best Supporting Actress. Based on their performances in the film, it is no doubt that the flick is deserving of its 8 wins in the Goya Awards (the Spanish version of the Oscars). Director Daniel Monzón has created a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression. I am eager to see more films from him in the future.
Cell 211 is a highly suspenseful, Stockholm Syndrome inducing prison drama that will keep you juggling sides with what is LEGAL and what is RIGHT.
The East (2013)
An exploration of morals and justice
Is the saying "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" still relevant in our world today? The East carefully explores the thin line between morals and justice, and how easily people can be torn on choosing between two sides of the coin. We live in a world where most people label people by segregating one from the other. The Good or the Bad. If you do not belong in one, then you are standing in the other. The concept of middleground is somehow intentionally forgotten because it is easier to deal with things when there are only two options. The right and the wrong. But who decides which actions fall into those two? To answer this question, we follow the story of Jane Owen (Brit Marling), an undercover working for Hiller Brood. The media has been bombarded with recent "attacks" from a new "terrorist" group, The East. The infamous anarchist collective began gathering press when they started attacking major corporations, specifically its leaders. There are no known information about the group and it's Jane's task to infiltrate the dangerous collective.
Smart and efficient, Jane poses as Sarah Moss, a traveler who now joins other collectives who has left the traditional office life to a more carefree living on the streets. Hoping to find someone that could lead her to The East, she befriends several travelers until they got caught by "bulls" security officers while sneaking into a train carriage. There she meets Luca, a lipstick wearing traveler who she defends from homophobic and violent bulls. Luckily for Sarah, she finds a tag that may connect Luca to the group she is really looking for.
Sarah finds a way to stay longer with Luca as he brings her into the hidden nest for medical attention. Once he brings her into the hideout, Sarah meets the other members of the group. Doc, a med school dropout treats her wounds and she witnesses an iconic initiation that will first post the question: Is the East really as dangerous as they claim? Soon, Sarah manages to infiltrate the group and even join them in one of their "jams" or planned attacks on corporations. This is where she gets thrust into the extremist philosophies while attempting to save as much lives as she can as she keeps her cover.
This is where Sarah begins to question which side she really belongs. Should she do her job as she is told or should she do what she think is right? While her job requires her to toughen up, it is obvious she has fallen for the true ideology behind the group's questionable ethics.
Juggling between the pressure of her job as an undercover and the growing intimacy she has with the group, Sarah finds solace in her own opinion. Perfectly centered between the strong polar opposites pulling her lenience to either side. Things start to get more complicated when more backstories open up and she begins to grow to close with the charismatic leader, Benji, who has some morally ambiguous motivations of his own. Which side will our heroine choose? All of this lead up to a satisfying ending to an almost 2 hour thriller from the same director that brought you Sound of My Voice (2011), Zal Batmanglij.
Sharp and en pointe, The East takes you on a delicate ride of questioning morality, one simple mistake and the film may appear as self-righteous propaganda. It hangs perfectly on a balance and keeps a vague take on extremism without going as far as telling people what they should or what they should not do. It poses a question and allows the viewer to answer it for themselves.
Brit Marling partners up again with her long time collaborator, director Zal Batmanglij in this indie-like little thriller of epic proportions. Once again, the duo proves themselves a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, bringing back the excitement in the medium that has become formulaic and repetitive. Acting-wise, Brit Marling doesn't stray far from her two previous Sundance hit flicks, a flaw she has to work on if she wants to be respected as an actor not just as a screenwriter. She still uses the same subtle gestures her previous characters had. One aspect that suffered the most is the portrayal of Jane Owen as a partner to Tim played by Jason Ritter. The scenes between the two are rather awkward and forced although still giving the effect of growing distance.
Alexander Skarsgard is effective in portraying a fragile and tender, seemingly cult leader as he shows layers of the character from start to finish. Ellen Page gives off an emotionally charged yet controlled persona on screen while Toby Kebbell delivers a mix of pain and warmth very well on his screen time. Patricia Clarkson is ever graceful and valiant in portraying her role without bordering on cheesy and predictable. What puts The East head-and-shoulders above most thrillers is its carefully planned script and a moving screenplay that suits the pacing necessary to keep you hooked on your screen. While most people would be divisive on the way the movie ended, it was an enough closure on everything that transpired in the whole plot.
From a carefully measured cup of effective performances, the right tablespoonfuls of efficiency in the script and a little tinge of flavor in the subtle details and foreshadowing spread throughout the film, The East is a perfect recipe you will enjoy and come back to over and over.
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Falling Overnight (2011)
a raw, delicate piece that could possibly become a sleeper classic if more people see it.
Falling Overnight follows the story of a man, Elliot Carson, who finds love at the worst time in his life. Scheduled for brain surgery on the next day, he tries to pass the dreadful hours of waiting time by going out. What he didn't expect was that he'll meet her match a day before his possible last day here on earth. It is basically, life giving him the finger if you look at it in a mad perspective. Or it could be a sign of hope. Maybe, a reason for him to weigh on waking up after surgery.
At first glance, the concept behind Falling Overnight seems familiar. A look into love limited by time. Something already established in the love story classic, Before Sunrise (1995). The setup is two strangers meeting for the first time and falling in love despite the short amount of time they spent together. What makes Falling Overnight different from the classic is not just the presence of the lead character's illness. It is the treatment to the concept that sets them apart.
While Before Sunrise tries to show you how sapiosexually-inclined the two lead characters are, 'Falling' takes you to the actual emotions of the characters on screen. They're not trying to prove to the audience that you can indeed fall in love in a short span of time. The film succeeds in portraying human emotion rather than make up through conversation for the otherwise silly little concept. Don't get me wrong. I'm not hating on Before Sunrise, it has its own merits and I love the film as well. This is rather a clear cut distinction between the two great movies. Most people would probably tell themselves, "why would I want to watch another Before Sunrise?" You might miss this little cinematic gem because of that presumption.
Yet another difference the film has from its predecessor is the characterization of the lead. Elliot was not the resident shy boy although it is pretty evident how he chooses to distance himself from the people around him. Maybe, if it wasn't for the illness, he'd be that friend you'd like to hang out with. It is possible that after finding out about his condition, he deliberately chose to separate himself from the rest of the world. This is more evident on the unanswered phone calls from his mates and his brief phone conversation with his mother. Apart from him and his mom, it even appears as if he never told anyone of his condition. Maybe, he didn't want people to worry about him too much. It felt like, he was prepping himself to actually leave.
What makes it more interesting is that Elliot never set out to fall in love. This movie wasn't the bucket list type of picture. He had no intention of splurging it all on his possible final hours. Hell, he only wanted something to drink when they met. And when he realized what life just did to him that night, all he could do was laugh about it in his car. At first you might think, this movie is going to be a definite cryfest. While it may work for some, it might never even be the main goal. The movie had every chance to exploit the drama behind the situation but it never does. Instead, it showed the characters as people. Not a tool for drama.
If you want to see a love story that feels more real than idealistic, this is the right one you're looking for. It kind of reminded me of the quality HBO's Girls had in its first season. Raw and gritty, hits close to home. It wasn't relying on smart, existential thoughts, and witty dialogue. It's pure emotion translated into film. As Parker Croft's debut as the writer/executive producer for this film, I must say he gave a very defined performance as the character he wrote. But the biggest breakthrough comes from Emilia Zoryan's performance. This was her first film yet she acts as if she's been doing it her whole life. Very natural and captivating.
Falling Overnight is a raw, delicate piece that could possibly become a sleeper classic if more people see it.
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