Latino movie reviews

Karen Posada

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2010/07/15 at 12:00am

Exclusive! 6 questions with Angelina Jolie

07.15.2010 | By |

ShowBizCafe.com obtained a very exclusive interview with the multiple award winner and humanitarian actress, Angelina Jolie about her upcoming action film Salt opening July 23rd nationwide. She cleared up some rumors and spoke of her motivation as well as her ideas of new projects.

ShowBizCafe: At this point in your career what validates your work? Is it what critics say? Or?…

Angelina Jolie: I never read what critics say, I think it’s healthy. (laughs) I like the process of making a film, when we’ve worked really hard in making a good film I feel satisfied. I like the team of other actors, and the crew, the director; I just love the family and if we feel we’ve done our best I feel happy. The best obviously is when an audience responds and enjoys the film and people tell you they’ve had a good time, or they’ve learned something, it’s the greatest.

SBC: Do you think the length of 90 minutes works and helps this film?

AJ: I don’t have the longest attention span, so I think it depends on the film. This one is kind of relentless from start to finish, that’s what we tried to do. I don’t think you can handle that for too long.

SBC: Since you did your own stunts, what were your days like? Were you exhausted?

AJ: It seems like so much but it was spread out and I was exhausted. But the kids would come and we would have lunch and I was home by the time the sun went down. There are much harder jobs (laughs).

SBC: Vanity Fair reported you saying that you’d give up acting at some point, is that true?

AJ: Not that I’d give up acting, I think I would just do less at some point. I have a few more stories that I’d like to tell but I can imagine that I’ll just do less and less as my kids grow up. I’d like to do other things before my life is over.

SBC: Cinematically what things do you feel you haven’t done?

AJ: Well there’s been talk about Cleopatra, I haven’t done a historical epic of that nature and she’s always been fascinating to me. I feel that as much as her story [has been done so many times] it’s never been done accurately. Not that any movie can get history perfectly right. There’s no universal truth to history in film but you can get closer and I feel that there’s a lot that hasn’t been explored about her. Theres a lot that would have to come together for that to work.

SBC: Finally, what was your reaction when you first heard about the alleged Russian spies that were recently arrested?

AJ: It was the day before we started press so at first I didn’t believe it. It was bizarre. It was two-fold. The part of me that’s interested in politics felt ‘ I hope this doesn’t affect our relationship with Russia and our relationship with moving forward and [with] Afghanistan and Iran. And all these things and I don’t know what this means.’ The other part of me, that does films thought ‘ what extraordinary timing’ and this is because all through the making of this film we would question: Is this possible? are we bringing back Cold-War propaganda that’s unnecessary? and [is this]something we should leave alone? With no intention on doing anything like that. It just felt true to the story and when I [Evelyn Salt] would have been young that would have been the war so it would make sense to do that sleeper. It was just bizarre when we read it and we have been following it, it’s extraordinary how it’s unfolding

Namreta Kumar

By

2010/07/01 at 12:00am

The Last Airbender (Movie Review)

07.1.2010 | By |

The Last Airbender

M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender does not live up to any hype. Not for fans of Shyamalan or for fans of the series. Unlike M. Night Shyamalan’s other films this is an adapted concept and thus not his usual cup of tea.

It shocked me to learn how short the film was but watching the film it is obvious how an approximate twenty-hour season fit into a less than two-hour film. For those of you that do not know the story it is about Aang, played by Noah Ringer, and his journey of becoming the Avatar. The first season or Book One is about Aang taking the first step of understanding his destiny and learning the second of four elements as the Avatar: Water. The film does not cover the intricacies of the characters involved in his journey or build narrative comparatively. It seems that as a writer Shyamalan failed to capture The Last Airbender.

Some of the blame of the writing process is shared with the editing process. Whether it be editing within the screenwriting process or in post too much of the crux of the film is cut or altered making it hard to follow or enjoy. The reprise here is in M. Night Shyamalan’s direction. As the screenwriter, Shyamalan was able to control much more of his characterization and his directorial touch shines through Dev Patel, as Prince Zuko. Zuko is Aang’s antithesis and without him Aang’s destiny is not complete. M. Night Shyamalan centers a great amount of this film on establishing the base for that relationship.

Dev Patel and Noah Ringer both play their parts very well. Ringer is M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender. As Aang he does not share the same carefree attitude characteristic of his television counterpart; but he excels as Shyamalan’s troubled Aang. Patel as Prince Zuko brings the spirit of the television series with him. He is the perfect balance of the powerful, troubled, confused, but fair Prince looking for his destiny. Patel outshines the others who seem to still be finding the right niche in comparison.

With the exception of the opening credits the role that 3D plays in the film is lost on me; it is not required for a film that never develops beyond its narration. The cinematography is best on location, from there it starts to become apparent that the remainder of the film is shot on sets and the production value starts to dwindle. To much of the film relies on the authenticity of production but the audience looses that to the concept of 3D and the editing too often.

Unfortunately expectations of M. Night Shyamalan films are always high and The Last Airbender just does not live of to his other body of work. Shyamalan has a great story here and his vision is clear within his direction, but the production does not make the same impact. He clearly needed to work on the editing process of the film and focus on his storytelling strength more than the high-end production value. This does not exemplify M. Night Shyamalan’s potential but more over seems to be crushing him.

SBC Staff

By

2010/06/30 at 12:00am

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Movie Review)

06.30.2010 | By |

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,’ directed by David Slade (30 Days of Nights), is the best film of the series and it is indisputably the most entertaining of the three movies. It has depth, a gripping and sexual tension to it, a surfeit of action, visually appealing special effects and entertaining drama. ‘Twilighters’ are going to love this second sequel and newcomers will be hooked on the tension filled decision Bella’s love life has to make.

The first sequel left us on a cliffhanger with Jacob telling Edward to watch out, he’s coming after Bella. Eclipse continues the churning novela with Bella (Kristin Stewart) once again finding herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard), a malicious vampire who is out for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampires and werewolves. What’s it going to be Bella – Edward or Jacob? That’s been the question pop culture media has been toying with for a year now.

The film’s predecessor, New Moon, was a test of endurance in tediousness. My criticism of the aforementioned was that it lacked entertainment value. If it only had an ounce of divertissement. Subsequently, Eclipse repaired the damage done and threw me a biscuit in the process. The improvements are rooted in the insertion of several battle sequences, which provided a much-needed injection of energy to the saga, accompanied by quality-eye-candy computer generated effects. Add to that a much more interesting plot and of course, the main event, the confrontation between the films two male leads. The acting is modest, and let’s be honest, it is not exemplary. It does though behoove the genre and the style of the film.

Amazingly enough, Eclipse possesses two Oscar nominated actresses in its cast: Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley) and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Kendrick, coming off her ‘Up in the Air’ nomination, seemed to be fulfilling contractual obligations or spoofing herself in the pic. Moreno on her part, the Colombian Oscar nominated actress for Maria Full of Grace, made a pleasant and surprising cameo. Her appearance, along with Christian Serratos (who plays Angela Weber), represented Hispanics in the film. Some of Catalina’s dialogue was in Spanish, which I must confess was a bit off brand, but welcome nevertheless. She whispered the word “chupar†in a Colombian accent and I automatically thought it was strange, yet cool to listen to within one of the most successful franchises in modern cinema. Regrettably, she went uncredited as Summit Entertainment decided not to include her in their 113 page long production notes, a document usually reserved for press to ascertain microscopic details on cast members, set designs, etc. The reasons for her exclusion in the notes is baffling since she could have served as a great Latino marketing angle for their promotional strategies. I’m glad a site like ShowBizCafe.com exists to give Ms. Moreno and Latino actors their props.

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ is a step in the right direction and it exemplifies what the film adaptations should have been like from the beginning. The intense, heavy teen romance is still there but layered with a much more entertaining ambiance of thrills and chills to it. I saw the film in standard 2D and was pleased with it. The IMAX version must be even better. I’m just glad it is not in 3D because with all sincerity, it does not need it. The fans of the books will be fanatical with it, newcomers will be entertained and drag-ons will at least be gratified with the notion that they saw the best of the series.  I hope the fourth chapter Breaking Dawn, which will be split into two parts next year, is just as good as this one.

Jack Rico

By

2010/06/25 at 12:00am

Grown Ups (Movie Review)

06.25.2010 | By |

In the 1980’s, successful comedies seemed like a dime a dozen. Now a days, we have to settle for ‘Grown Ups,’ where the laughs are few, but the apathy is plentiful. Read More

Jack Rico

By

2010/06/25 at 12:00am

Knight and Day (Movie Review)

06.25.2010 | By |

Knight and Day

Tom Cruise is back and I’m loving it. I’ve been a supporter of the actor ever since I can remember, mainly because, I strongly believe he is a very good actor who knows how to pick stories that entertain a mass audience. Many still don’t regard in the same light (he’s never won an Academy Award). His latest effort is the action comedy ‘Knight and Day,’ one I believe to be the second most entertaining film of 2010 after ‘Kick-Ass.’

The plot is centered on a spy (Cruise) who bumps into a normal woman (Diaz) at an airport and involves her into his dangerous mission around the world.

So you have an idea of what you are up against, ‘Knight and Day’ is the comedy version of the Mission Impossible series. I found those films enthralling and to see Cruise in this loosely based adaptation, mixed with appealing jokes in between, gave this critic mad moments of hilarity. The pacing was intense and exciting, the jokes and gags were amusing and enjoyable and the acting was chemically divine! The film isn’t perfect, but the flaws are invisible, masked by pure summer fun action.

Both Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz seem re-vivified here. Evident and nostalgically so are Cruise’s magical nuances that made him into the biggest box office star of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Both stars seemed to really have fun making this movie and it looks genuine on screen.

‘Knight and Day’ is what summer Hollywood movies are all about – pure high wattage entertainment with likable superstars. This one qualifies as a must see in my book.

Namreta Kumar

By

2010/06/18 at 12:00am

Raavan (Movie Review)

06.18.2010 | By |

Raavan: Movie Review

Raavan is a film much like its inspiration, it hangs somewhere indistinctly between good and bad. This film has such undeniably great moment, you must watch it; but because something doesn’t quite add up it may just fall by the wayside for most.

Beera, played by Abhishek Bachchan, is the Raavan of this story. He is a man living in a remote corner of India, Lal Maati, who has taken on the role of Robin Hood for the lower class by terrorizing the upper class and creating his own law making system. Dev Pratap Sharma, played by Vikram, is not quite Ram, he is much more human and arrives in Lal Maati assuming that the world is distinct shades of black and white. Aishwariya Rai Bachchan essays the role of Ragini, who is a very interesting version of Sita. Unlike the epic Ramayana this is much more a story of these characters and most specifically Raavan and SIta.

Mani Ratnam has a very strong grasp of his story and it shows in the very intriguing writing and the distinguished direction that he lends to it. Unfortunately he spent too much time making Beera seem more human than his primal instincts and thus the balance he was trying to achieve gets muddled in what the audience perceives. Another loss was the acting by the leads. The strongest performance was delivered by Govinda, playing the role of Sanjeevani Kumar or Hanuman. Not only was he the most convincing but it seems his was the only actor and therefore character that understood what was really happening here.

The best part of the story, by far, was the excellent cinematography. Santosh Sivan and V. Manikandan provided some of the best parts of the film through their colorful and distinct vision. The best scenes between the leads are almost only so because of the story arc provided by the visuals. Even though the story gets muddled in poor acting the core of Raavan is in its visuals, direction, and music. AR Rahman’s music paces the film in conjunction with the direction and has a way of being stuck in your head hours later. Each track is blended into the script with the background score so well it seems only natural.

The first two things I distinctly remember wanting to experience again from this movie is the excellent cinematography and the music that movies it forward. If you like films that resonate in the quieter moments, this is a film for you; otherwise it is perhaps better taken in at your own leisurely assessment at home.

Jack Rico

By

2010/06/18 at 12:00am

Cyrus (Movie Review)

06.18.2010 | By |

*Updated May 2026

What I feel is the best of comedy of 2010, Cyrus is a gem amongst the Paul Rudd and Apatow films of the last 2 years. If you are looking to laugh heartily, I recommend Cyrus in limited release. Read More

Jack Rico

By

2010/06/18 at 12:00am

I Am Love (Movie Review)

06.18.2010 | By |

I Am Love

One of the best actresses in Hollywood, in my opinion, is Tilda Swinton.

Her new film ‘I Am Love‘ is an ambitious, complex and sumptuous melodrama, that has at its core a tragic love story of a married woman who falls for the best friend of her son and unleashes a wave of problems that will forever change her family.

This Italian film written and directed by the talented Luca Guadagnino, is spoken in three languages and is a visual opera with perhaps the best soundtrack of the year composed by John Adams. The performances are splendid and emotional, a rare treat that stays with you long after you leave the theater. The look, feel and pacing of this film is reminiscent of 1950’s italian movies, as portrayed in the popular Fellini films such as La Dolce Vita.

 

‘I Am Love’ is one of the few showpieces of 2010. It is one you need to see if you love sweeping dramas.

SBC Staff

By

2010/06/17 at 12:00am

Toy Story 3 (Movie Review)

06.17.2010 | By |

Toy Story 3

How many ways can we say Pixar does it again? The best things about Disney-Pixar‘s repeat success is the oxymoronic innovation it brings with.

Toy Story 3 sets a precedent all its own. The film is a natural resolution for long-term fans, but equally rewarding to new comers. The film picks up days before Andy is going to leave for college. Due to some miscommunication between Andy and his mother, our favorite toys end up bound for Sunnyside Day Care. The adventure of finding their true home begins there.

As is the case with sequels and trilogies, there is always the fear of destroying the original, but with Toy Story 3 the story development and screenplay is as consistent as the first. Pixar does a very good job of making sure the integrity of the first two Toy Stories remain in tact, while consistently creating the next chapter.

Furthermore, like the first Toy Story, technological innovation is a major component to the success of Toy Story 3. Unlike other films in which you can easily forsake 3D as a waste, Toy Story 3 uses 3D seamlessly. It is not a gimmick but a component of the film that places you into the wonderful world of the Toys.

As for the Toys themselves, they definitely have grown and they definitely have diversified. A large new cast is added to the film, but no screen time is lost on the old favorites. Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) still share the same undeniable friendship. Woody and Jesse (Joan Cusack) still feel like they are opposite sides of an issue. Buzz is still in love with Jesse, but he is finally able to express that infatuation thanks to a little Spanish charm.

These endearing moments lead to certain heartache at the climax of the film that is bound to move you. Thanks to the high quality animation and the true to heart development of the story you don’t necessarily need to know all the characters to be swept away by the film’s layered message.

Whether you are a child or an adult, whether you have seen other Toy Story films or not (which if you haven’t do yourself a favor and watch them too), whether you like innovation or story, Toy Story 3 is one film not to be missed.

Jack Rico

By

2010/06/04 at 12:00am

Splice (Movie Review)

06.4.2010 | By |

Splice

‘Splice,’ is in this critic’s opinion, one of the worst, if not arguably the worst movie of 2010. There are so many wrong things with it on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin. Actually, I do know where to begin. Let’s start with the plotline that Warner Bros. has up on their press website for the film:

Superstar genetic engineers Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) specialize in splicing DNA from different animals to create incredible new hybrids. Now they want to use human DNA in a hybrid that could revolutionize science and medicine. But when the pharmaceutical company that funds their research forbids it, Clive and Elsa secretly take their boldest experimentation underground — risking their careers by pushing the boundaries of science to serve their own curiosity and ambition. The result is Dren, an amazing, strangely beautiful creature of uncommon intelligence and an array of unexpected physical developments. At first, Dren (spelled ‘NERD’ backwards, wink, wink). exceeds their wildest dreams. But as she grows and learns at an accelerated rate, her existence threatens to become their worst nightmare.

The story sounds compelling and gripping, piquing ones interest of the outcome. Regrettably, when you finish experiencing this disjointed effort, the results are baffling and incomprehensible. There are numerous leaps of logic – instances when the protagonists act in a fashion that only characters in a comedy would. It’s as if the screenwriters wanted to hammer home how idiotic these scientists really are. Ultimately, our heroes actions in the second act are aberrations of consistent implausibilities.

The character of Elsa played by Sarah Polley is a vexing figure who is pigheaded, ambitious and arrogant. She’s not a likable character, you don’t root for her but rather against her. Her behavior towards volatile situations and tense moments are obtuse and supercilious. Brody on the other hand is cautious, correct in his ways, but eventually turns out to be a milksop of a man who lets his unstable woman take charge of critical situations and of his morals. The movie finally collapses when several Freudian occurrences transpire without any rhyme or reason. I can only describe them as some of the most preposterous, unlikely and outrageous twists I have seen in movies (‘Orphan’ by Spaniard director Jaume Collet-Serra comes a close second).

The fright horror we were putatively in for was diminished to only special effects editing and dimwitted risible scenes of absurdity, nothing more. Not once was I scared (unlike The Strangers or The House of The Devil recently). I kept placing my hands on my face, but in disbelief for the inanity unfolding before my very eyes. The trailer is partly the culprit. It misleads us into expecting a flat out terror film full of suspense building sequences matched with high-intense graphics. Rather, it delivers a science fiction drama of the likes of Species, to be exact. Horror is only a secondary thought here.

Guillermo Del Toro served as a producer and did a descent job in creating Dren and most of the special effects with the budgets he was provided. Director Vincenzo Natali shot a beautifully dark and mysterious production that is visually appealing, but the payoff is painful not only to the viewing experience but to the pocket as well. If you can, stay away from this film, unless you want to see how bad it is. That sometimes happens to me too.

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