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Ice Age: Continental Drift
Karen Posada
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2012/07/12 at 12:00am

Reviews

Ice Age: Continental Drift

07.12.2012 | By |

Ice Age: Continental Drift

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ is 94 minutes of fun for all; this might be the best out of the last two sequels. It’s hard for three main characters to entertain over so many movies, perhaps the reason why it works here is because they take a back seat at points and let the new characters tell the story. This movie combines drama with comedy very well, so that even in the most dramatic moments there’s an upside to it all. Also, the 3D works well throughout the movie, but it works best in the first part where there are a lot of objects popping out of the screen.

 

In this chapter thanks to Scat’s (Chris Wedge) endless pursuit of the acorn, he triggers a continental drift. As Manny (Ray Romano) is learning to deal with his teenage daughter Peaches (Keke Palmer), Sid (John Leguizamo) is reunited with his Granny (Wanda Sykes) and Diego (Denis Leary) ferociously helps them both. The gang all learn a lesson after they get separated from part of their pack and they face a rare group of pirates that use an iceberg as a ship. Their captain, Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage) rules the oceans and with the help of his best crew members Shira (Jennifer Lopez) and Squint (Aziz Ansari) he will fight anyone that gets in their way.  

 

My favorite new character is Sid’s Granny, everything she does and says it’s adorably cranky and funny; she’s one of those old people that don’t hold back. Also, the tiny hyraxs (chipmunk like animals) are awesome with their ‘Braveheart’ skit. One of the most substantial new characters is Louis (Josh Gad), a molehog who is Peaches’ best friend.

 

The new group of villains is an interesting mix but Captain Gutt is the only that’s worth mentioning, his yellow teeth really shine with the 3D making him all the more disgusting and scary. One thing I could have lived without is the pirate jig they use to introduce Gutt. Manny still has a lot of screen time and is certainly the leader, but Sid and Diego really are secondary characters. There are also appearances by Nicki Minaj and Drake, which obviously were just added to the film to draw in a bigger audience.

 

What makes this movie more entertaining than the 3rd part is the fact that there are two simultaneous stories developing, the action shots of one complements the heart of the other. The introduction of new characters that lead the story gives it a more refreshing look. Of course Scrat is basically a third part of the story that always makes it all the more interesting as he’s the catalyst to everything that occurs.

 

If you are a fan of The Simpsons make sure to arrive early as there’s a short 3D film ‘The Longest Daycare’ with Maggie. This movie is better rounded than the last one of the series and there’s a lot more humor that will keep you and your children entertained. There are a few lessons the film tries to teach as an undertone, but they don’t over take the movie, this is more fun, action and laughter than anything else.

Red Lights
Karen Posada
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By

2012/07/10 at 12:00am

Reviews

Red Lights

07.10.2012 | By |

Red Lights

‘Red Lights’ is an interesting psychological thriller up to a certain point; because it begins to get so complicated it is easy to loose interest. The subject is far-fetched, although it gives us both aspects of the matter one begins to win over the other without much explanation as to why. We can appreciate the fact that obviously director Rodrigo Cortés explored the angles of the subject of paranormal things and science, but it falls short at the end and leaves us with a sour taste.

 

In this film two physicists, doctor Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and her apprentice Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) investigate in a scientific way what others believe to be paranormal phenomena. By doing this they’ve brought to light all the ghost hunters, mind readers and others, showing their dishonesty. But when the psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) returns after 30 years of retirement, even Matheson who isn’t afraid of anyone tells Buckley that Silver is dangerous and isn’t worth investigating. Buckley obsessively wants to investigate Silver without caring about the warnings; with Sally’s (Elizabeth Olsen) help they risk everything to find out what Silver is hiding.  

 

Cortés told us in our interview that he wanted to explore how the human mind works, that we believe what we want to believe and this changes the perception of many things. The game of uncertainty between the audience and the characters in the screen as to what is really happening works and is what keeps the mystery of the film alive; since science and the paranormal face off to show us the reality of each character. It’s interesting to see how the scientist work, as well as how the tricksters work and how the believers reacts. This is the base and heart of the film.

 

Despite this the subject begins to be too complicated and certain things start to happen without any explanation. It’s had to believe in a movie that makes vague questions without exploring them more and that at the same time shows random scenes without any explanation. The movie doesn’t have a lot of action, except for one of the most violent scenes I’ve seen in a while, which makes it boring at times. But, the most disappointing thing of all is that in the culminating point although it gives us a revelation is isn’t satisfying. Obviously one theory wins over the other but we are not told why.

 

Without a doubt the three main actors: Weaver, Murphy and De Niro give us first class performances; specially Weaver, they take their characters to the point where the script allows them to. Olsen is left so much in the dark that she’s basically inexistent until she is needed. Cortés’ talent is easily seen, but perhaps if he let loose he would be able to give us a more complete movie.

 

According to Cortés he decided to make this film in English because he believes there’s a bigger paranormal market in the United States, I disagree since if it would have been in Spanish it would surely have a bigger audience in Latin America. The people that tend to believe in the paranormal or are curious about it can give this thriller a chance since it combines the old art of psychics with the modern world of science; everyone else stay away. I warn those that decide to watch it to keep their expectations low.      

Savages
Karen Posada
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2012/07/06 at 12:00am

Reviews

Savages

07.6.2012 | By |

Savages

‘Savages’ has so much star potential and a solid story that it could easily have been one of the best movies of the summer; unfortunately it fails to reach its full potential as it gets lost in all the twists and it doesn’t take itself seriously. Controversial film director Oliver Stone uses a not so original setting in the world of drug dealing and turns it into an almost dark comical action thriller, where cold-blooded dealers are gossiping coworkers that easily fool one another. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, a movie that has so many characters and that tries to fulfill too many genres most likely will fall short to what it tries to accomplish.

 

Best friends Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson) lead a successful marijuana producing business in California, they each bring something different to the table, which is what makes their partnership unbreakable. They also have a love triangle with their girlfriend O (Blake Lively) who keeps them balanced and creates this unusual family they all need. Their picture perfect life gets disrupted when the powerful and violent Mexican Baja Cartel wants part of their business’ action. The Cartel’s fierce leader Elena (Salma Hayek) runs her operations from her living room, commanding her right hand Lado (Benicio Del Toro) and her lawyer Alex (Demián Bichir). Not sure what to do, Chon and Ben consult a dirty DEA agent, Dennis (John Travolta) who’s helped them run their business without getting caught. A savage war breaks out when both teams try to outsmart one another.

 

Del Toro is just the perfect person to play a bad guy and the audience easily begins to hate him by his actions and behavior. Although Bichir’s part is miniscule, it’s very important and he plays it well despite of the film almost mocking his character, he’s still able to come out unharmed. The problem with Hayek wasn’t her performance, as it was great to see her play such a strong, powerful character; the problem was the script as it decides to show her as someone gullible and that’s hard to believe having seen what kind of person she is.

 

Kitsch has had a tough year with ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’, he has a lot of talent and it shows here but at times the script does fail him, but he’s able to overcome it. Johnson gives the film a good balance, as he’s one of the few pacifistic characters and it is quite refreshing. Lively is the weakest link here, as she’s doesn’t have a lot of say and gets used over and over again. Although the narration by Lively helps the film, as she’s able to give background information, at the end the narration starts treating the audience like idiots and it takes away from the film.

 

Stone made some great casting choices as he combined veteran stars such as Travolta, perhaps Stone’s political angle in the film, with the three main young actors, which quickly have come to be known in Hollywood. Stone shows his capability as a filmmaker mixing in shots of black and white as well as beautiful sceneries and bloody scenes.

 

The film is based on Don Winslow’s novel and this might be the reason why it becomes over dramatic, ironic and comical at times; those were the biggest flaws of the film. The actors gave it their all despite of the script failing them at times. Unfortunately when it begins to have funny scenes and ridicule the characters who have earned the audience’s respect it undoes what it’s done. The film tries to overcompensate with violence but it doesn’t succeed. I expected so much more from this movie but it drowned in a pool of mediocrity as much as it struggled to keep afloat. 

The Amazing Spider-Man
Jack Rico
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By

2012/07/06 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Amazing Spider-Man

07.6.2012 | By |

The Amazing Spider-Man

Here we go again! “The Amazing Spider-Man” is back on the big screen and it’s now in 3D with a new cast and a new storyline… sort of. This movie is a reboot of the Spider-Man franchise which is part prequel, part remake. It is a modest effort on the part of Columbia Pictures, but let’s be honest, the original Spidey with Tobey Maguire needn’t be touched or polished. It is one of the best superhero films ever made. Nevertheless, there are distinct nuances that director Marc Webb brings to the table such as: a more detailed origin story, a darker Peter Parker, a high school teenage vibe and a 3D that feels more 2D than anything I’ve seen all year. When you mix all pros and cons together, the result is an average movie experience that leaves you wanting excellence, not mediocrity.

In this remake, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today.  Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets.  As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father’s former partner.  As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is not terrible, it is rather an average superhero movie, a factory made film, so to speak. It is nothing special worthy of praise. It does have moments of high entertainment value, specially the battle with The Lizard in 3D, that the masses will like, but the rest is so familiar that true superhero moviegoers will ultimately become very weary of it very quickly.

Perhaps one might like this darker version, but it is difficult for anyone to convince me that this is better then “The Dark Knight” or “The Avengers.” Among the defects of this movie though, is the lack of chemistry between the protagonists, and perhaps most obvious, the script. It suffers from serious gaps of continuity that don’t allow the first hour to smoothly connect to the second or third act. The special effects do distract from these shortcomings, but let’s be more honest, why re-tell a story that we saw only ten years ago? Could it be that Sony thinks we suffer from amnesia? It’s a frustrating exercise in redundancy and commercialism.

It doesn’t help that the script by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves contains absurd leaps of uniformity. The best example of this is unacceptable fallacy is when Parker spends the first half our of the film looking for the blond thug who killed his Uncle Ben, and without a clear and obvious resolution, the story abruptly jumps to Peter’s romance with Gwen Stacy and forgets the search for the crook. Helmer Marc Webb somehow ignored this crucial element that really wasted a better movie.

In the acting department, the selection of Andrew Garfield was an upgrade to Tobey Maguire. Garfield’s work on “The Social Network” was superb and was better than anything Maguire’s been in. Emma Stone, whose caustic sardonic roles we’ve seen “Easy A” and “Crazy Stupid, Love”, is by far the overt improvement to the languid-like, Kirsten Dunst. Meanwhile, Rhys Ifans, who plays The Lizard, is for me one of the best actors in Hollywood. His ability to physically change from character to character (a derelict in Notting Hill to royalty in Anonymous) is “amazing”. Here he provides a respectable archenemy to Spider-Man.

To be fair to the movie, the action, direction, special effects is not the main culprit for this average film. It crumbles because of the screenplay. If only Christopher Nolan was in charge of the script.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” was filmed in 3D and converted to 3D, however, more than half of the film is presented in what looks like 2-D. The only time you really feel its in 3D is when it gets to the action sequences, the other bits are pure fraud.

Overall, this “reboot” is the biggest cinematic redundancy of the 21st century. It fails to improve upon the myth of one of the most charming and popular superheroes of the Marvel universe. Instead of giving us something new and innovative with the arachnid  character, perhaps Peter Parker as an Afro-Latino photographer like in the comics, or re-concocting a different story altogether, we got a superfluity, one which will hit a nice revenue line for many studio heads at Columbia.

Okay, okay. But Jack, I”m very curious to see it. Is it at least watchable, because I really like these type of movies. Yes, it’s watchable, because after the drags of boredom there are ‘peaks’ of  diversion. But if you frown a few times it’s not my fault.

Don’t forget the hidden scene after the credits that hints at what looks to be the next villain or not. You be the judge.

Ted (Reseña)
Jack Rico
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By

2012/06/29 at 12:00am

Reviews

Ted (Reseña)

06.29.2012 | By |

Es difícil ver en tiempo real un clásico instantáneo, pero eso será lo que usted experimentará cuando vea la comedia clasificada R – ‘Ted’. Es discutiblemente la mejor comedia de 2012 y una de las mejores desde ‘The Hangover’ del 2009. La cinta es pura ‘shock comedia’ y sumamente chistosa, logrando producir risas que te harán llorar, toser fuertemente y hasta… ofenderte. Sin embargo, pudo haber sido aún mejor si la duración del filme fuese un poco más corta. Hubo momentos en que era obvio que no había mucho material jocundo para sostener un film de 1 hora y 46 minutos. 16 minutos menos hubiese hecho toda la diferencia.

En esta comedia de acción real y de animación digital, vemos la historia de un niño de Boston, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), que convive con un adorable osito de peluche que cobró vida después de un deseo infantil… y que, desde entonces, se niega a abandonarle. La mayor parte de la película transcurre con un adulto John de 35 años de edad y Ted (voz proporcionada por Seth MacFarlane) dando vueltas fumando marihuana. Ted inexplicablemente continúa fumando hierba y perico, seduciendo a prostitutas, corrompiendo a John con fiestas llenas de alcohol y usando un vocabulario tan obsceno que el film debería de ser clasificado NC-17. Ted también se convierte en un importante obstáculo en la relación romántica entre John y su novia de cuatro años, Lori (Mila Kunis). Eventualmente, ella se vuelve tan cansada de las payasadas de Ted y la irresponsabilidad de John, que le exige escoger entre Ted o ella. Esto solo le complica las cosas más a John.

La comedia aquí es espectacular y se puede describir como ‘shock comedia’ – aquellos chistes que ofende con su sexualidad gráfica, situaciones perversas y depravadas y dialogo altamente cargados con obscenidades. Pero son dos factores que claramente establecen las risas y el éxito del film. La primera, y la más importante, es el oso de peluche Ted. La asociación que tenemos con peluches es algo infantil, sano e inocente. Colocándolo en extremas situaciones contradictorios como las susodichas, inyectan una inquietante y nerviosa risa involuntaria difícil de cohibir. El segundo factor al éxito y risas incontrolables es ver a un macho-man musculoso comportándose como un pleno niño. Wahlberg nuevamente nos sació y atontó con su talento cómico y actúa estos personajes cómicos con mucha autenticidad y convencimiento. Si vas con un amigo o amiga, será inevitable no reírte.

Seth MacFarlane, el creador de la serie ‘Padre de familia’, hace su debut como director y pega un jonrón como guionista, director y la voz de ‘Ted’. Aunque no catalogaría la película como una obra maestra cómica, se aproxima muy cercano a ella. Él nos provee con una historia original y un humor refrescante que no podremos olvidar por semanas. Pero con el fin de estirar la duración del largometraje, MacFarlane inserta algunas subtramas impares que apaciguan el ritmo cómico del film. Además, muy buen toque de darnos una fuerte dosis de nostalgia de los años 80 y apariciones especiales que incluyen a Norah Jones, Tom Skerritt, y Ryan Reynolds.

Mila Kunis por su parte desempeña un papel de tercera a Ted y Wahlberg. Si su trabajo en ‘Friends with Benefits’ es alguna indicación de su talento en comedias bruscas, ella fue un total desperdicio aquí. Mejor hubiesen escogido a una cara menos relevante. El guión, sin duda, defrauda a Kunis y su papel requería más que solo un aspecto atractivo.

Los efectos especiales del oso Ted son increíbles. Uno se olvida por completo que es un efecto creado en un ordenador especial. Los detalles de su pelo, ojos y sus manerismos lo dejarán patidifusos.

Fuera de poder mantener el tempo jocoso por casi dos horas continuas, y una que otras deficiencias minúsculas no merecedoras de resaltar aquí, ‘Ted’ es un clásico de la comedia para los próximos cuantos años hasta que llegue su secuela. Eso sí, por favor tenga cautela que este osito no es Winnie the Pooh, es más bien el Diablo dentro de Winnie the Pooh. Muchos padres podrían malinterpretar el avance y pensar que es una película de familia. Este largometraje es exclusivamente para adultos con un sentido de humor muy fresco y experimentado. Sin mentirles, ‘Ted’ es tan buena, que merece ser vista múltiples veces!

People Like Us
Karen Posada
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2012/06/29 at 12:00am

Reviews

People Like Us

06.29.2012 | By |

People Like Us

‘People Like Us’ is a good mix of drama with a sprinkle of comedy and sweetness, a perfect dose of entertainment. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film since it seems to have a pretty clear plot, but fortunately thanks to all the different personalities it is anything but predictable. At times the film gets dangerously corny, but as Alex Kurtzman’s directorial debut it is a refreshing film about life choices and family, which teaches us all a lesson.

 

When Jerry Harper a record producer and Sam’s (Chris Pine) estranged father passes away, he reluctantly flies to Los Angeles with Hannah (Olivia Wilde) his girlfriend, to attend his funeral and settle his state. At home we get pieces of what his childhood was like, as his mother, Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer) doesn’t seem very nurturing. To his surprise his father left him the task of contacting a half sister he didn’t know existed, Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) to deliver an enraging amount of money to her. While contemplating what to do with the money, Sam scouts out his half sister and gets a peek into her complicated life as the single mother of Josh (Michael Hall D’Addario) and unexpectedly gets drawn into their lives.

 

The best part of this movie is D’Addario, the kid is hilarious because not only does he act like an adult since he has to take care of himself, but he’s too smart for his own good. Banks doesn’t stay too far behind as we see where the kid gets it from, she also has a smart mouth, is strong and sexy all at the same time. Pine’s character is the darker, mysterious one and he plays the roll well. Wilde although doesn’t have a lot of screen time, serves her role as Pine’s conscience perfectly. Finally Pfeiffer, rounds out the parent role, as obviously the missing parent is talked about a lot and becomes a presence in the film, but she’s one of the characters that can bring him to life the most.

 

The movie’s fuel is the tension between the siblings and although it is beyond frustrating, it works, because that’s exactly what keeps you interested and cringing at the same time. The movie weaves in music with funny and dramatic moments masterfully. Slowly without noticing you come to care for this characters and even when it starts to get corny you still want to know how the story ends. The key to the story is that we see how someone’s actions (the deceased father’s) affected the lives of many people, even the ones that didn’t know him. The movie is loosely based on the director’s real life and this isn’t a story that is hard to believe; it’s pretty down to earth without being dull.

 

Pine delivers some worthy life lessons, but most of all the film let’s us know that there’s usually more to the actions of others than we know. As children we are quick to judge our parents and react on it as adults, here we explore how the options of running away or sticking around pan out. In the mist of summer movies this is a heartfelt hidden drama in between all the action and comedy ones that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.    

Magic Mike
Karen Posada
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2012/06/27 at 12:00am

Reviews

Magic Mike

06.27.2012 | By |

Magic Mike

‘Magic Mike’ is nothing more than a top-notch peep show, it tries very hard to be much more than that but it simply fails. I would say this is the cheapest way to enjoy a male strip show rather than going to a strip club, because that part of the movie is a guaranteed good time. The movie definitely out does itself with all the butt shots and fun sexy shirtless moments; honestly that’s what most people are going to check out this movie for anyway. I would definitely suggest leaving your boyfriend home for this one, so you can enjoy all the eye candy without being pinched every five seconds.

 

The story is divided between Mike (Channing Tatum) and Adam (Alex Pettyfer). Basically, Mike who is an entrepreneur and holds a handful of part-time jobs, the most prominent being a male stripper, decides to take nineteen year old Adam who he nicknames “Kid” under his wing. Adam is a screw up at everything he does, his lifeline is his sister Brooke (Cody Horn), but thanks to Magic Mike’s guidance he finds something that motivates him. Magic Mike entered the world of male stripping thanks to Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) owner of club Xquisite, in Tampa. Here Magic Mike and newcomer Kid show their talent, along with: Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez) and Tarzan (Kevin Nash), they perform to the music of Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias). Slowly we explore the nightlife these male strippers lead and all the ups and downs that come along with that.

 

Director Steven Soderbergh worked off Tatum’s idea, which became one of the producers of the movie that stem off the fact that he was a male stripper for eight months when he was 18 years old. To compose a rounder idea they decided to portray a young newcomer versus a thirty year old experienced headlining stripper. The idea works, since this is the only real believable connection in the film. It was interesting to see that despite all the fun, most of these characters are lonely and have almost like a “rockstar” kind of life. There are certainly a number of funny moments that will make you giggle, some that will make you drool, and others that will make you cheer.

 

The other connection they work very hard at is between Tatum and Horn, although she’s the biggest obstacle of the film and she serves her purpose it feels too forced and awkward most of the time. But, the thing that bothered me most about the film was the way it was edited, it had a timeline, which served as a way to cut up the movie into chapters, but it was distracting and rushed the movie along especially at the end.

 

There are no great acting performances here, except for McConaughey who really knows how to play a controlling nut, besides that the only great performances happen on stage. Without a doubt Tatum delivers every time the spotlight is on him and it is time to seduce, but he has yet to convince me that he’s more than a pretty face. It was nice to have comedian Iglesias play one of the most serious roles of the film, although it’s such a hidden and unexplored story.

 

Perhaps if the film had focused on the title the plot would have been more interesting, as Tatum’s character clearly has layers to work with. It would have been nice to have a fun time along with a sensible storyline, but not all is perfect in life. So, enjoy the entertaining yummy peep show and try to overlook everything else that surrounds it.  

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Karen Posada
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2012/06/22 at 12:00am

Reviews

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

06.22.2012 | By |

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I was willing to go into ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ with an open mind, which is a hard thing to do since the premise itself it’s laughable. It certainly does have some good action scenes and even the way the storyline is weaved in with some of Lincoln’s real life facts draws you in. Unfortunately, it is very easy to pick at the good things this movie has to offer, because despite those few things the film just falls apart and goes from a horror/ fantasy film to a comedy in a dark setting.

 

This two hour long film begins with Abraham Lincoln (Benjamin Walker) reading his diary starting with his childhood, where after a horrific encounter with a vampire he’s left wanting vengeance. Fortunately for him just when he gets the guts to face the deadly vampire, he’s saved by Henry (Dominic Cooper) who teaches him the skills for him to really succeed at this task. He leads a somewhat solitary life until he becomes a shop clerk at Joshua Speed’s (Jimmi Simpson) store; where he meets Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Lincoln decides to focus on politics in order to end slavery, but little does he know that his political actions will enrage the vampires even more than his hunting, especially Adam (Rufus Sewell) the clan leader.  

 

The vampire hunter bit has potential; but inserting a very important historical character is what mainly ruined the film, since it obviously takes seriousness out of it. Although the weapon of choice, an ax, is a bit silly it works in a comical and yet powerful way. The vampires are scary, because they are a combination of humans and monsters, different from the ones we are used to seeing, but some of the vampire rules are changed here and I don’t think that worked. The action scenes are engaging but towards the middle of the film they begin getting a bit ridiculous, specially the horse-chase scene.

 

I went to a screening of the film in 3D and although it worked at times, in some of the scenes the dust flying around was very distracting. Walker has a strong character throughout most of the film, but he fails miserably in one of the scenes where he’s beat up and he can’t remember his eye is swollen shut and opens it continuously; which means he clearly needs to brush up on his acting. Cooper does a convincing job as the hunter’s guide, and Sewell always knows how to play a hate-able bad guy.

 

My biggest problem with this film is that although they tried to mix in fantasy with facts and it worked in some level, it also mocks Lincoln; it definitely makes an interesting point about slavery amongst some good quotes but it’s unsettling and a bit offensive. The story sort of works for the first hour but it falls to pieces, making the public laugh with ridiculous scenarios. I believe this summer has better action movies to watch than a vampire hunting wanna be superhero president.  

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
Karen Posada
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By

2012/06/19 at 12:00am

Reviews

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

06.19.2012 | By |

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

The romantic comedy ‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World’ is a clever refreshing project that will get you thinking about life and will leave you feeling melancholic. The way this movie unravels either directly or indirectly transforms it into a kind of dark comedy, since after all we are talking about death. The subject the film explores is interesting, since the Earth being blown to pieces is quite a real threat we all forget about, but most of the comedy falls out of the film and it becomes dramatic and sad leaving you with a poignant feeling.  

 

An asteroid threatens to destroy planet Earth and chaos spreads as everyone realizes they only have less than a month to fulfill their lives. Dodge (Steve Carell) an insurance salesman is left to end his days alone, when his wife runs away in a panic. Nostalgically he decides to look for his high school sweetheart, in order to do this he enlists the help of his newly met ditzy neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley). In this final road trip they get to know each other as well as themselves and try to cope with the reality that’s in front of them. 

 

The film does have a good chunk of comedy, but what makes it not so funny is the subject matter; this is an eminent reality we all face, death, but even more so the threat that this could really happen to our planet. What I really like about the film is the way it goes about exploring the subject, we see how differently everyone copes with the crude reality; some people still try to lead normal lives, while others go completely berserk.

 

Director Lorene Scarfaria told us in our interview she’s always been curious about love and relationships, and after doing ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ which was a story about eternal love; she decided to explore the opposite side of the spectrum and this was the result. Having Carell and Knightley together in this film is genius; they personalize perfectly the mix of funny and dramatic moments. They are an unlikely pair that somehow fit just right in this film, as they both provide different aspects of life and acting styles. We are districted from humanity’s insignificance in this vast universe by their sweet stories and the ideals and hopes they still have despite of the ticking clock.    

 

Another thing many might enjoy from this film are the various cameos of other actors throughout, so keep an eye out for that. The truth about this film is that despite of some of the wacky scenarios and sporadic funny moments, it’s not enough to save us from the melancholy and sadness of the bigger picture. If you are feel like exploring a mix of humorous sadness, this is the film to do just that, but it’s best to watch it at home when it comes out on DVD.

Brave
Karen Posada
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By

2012/06/18 at 12:00am

Reviews

Brave

06.18.2012 | By |

Brave

‘Brave’ is such a good feel animated film for children and parents alike; also, the 3D for the most part is outstanding. Pixar has finally given us a female protagonist; this redheaded stubborn girl was definitely worth the wait. Although the story gets complex and perhaps a bit dark for a younger audience, it’s enchanting and captivating taking us to unexpected places.

 

This story is set in Scotland in a mythical time that assimilates the middle ages. We get to see Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) grow up into a strong willed woman, who gets exasperated by her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). The Queen tries in vain to teach Merida how to be a Princess every waking minute, but Merida wishes nothing more than to lead a normal life where she can practice her archery despite of it being not very feminine. Merida gets along better with her father, Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd), because he supports and encourages her unlady like ways. Frustrated Merida tries to change tradition with the help of a witch, but she comes to realize that the spell she casts is more than she can handle.

 

Directors Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman created a mother-daughter story unlike any we’ve seen before; it is heart warming, funny and leaves us with a valuable lesson. The actors that voiced the characters where right on and really gave life to each character. The animation is one of the best I’ve seen, there’s only one scene while overlooking some rocky mountains where it looks a bit blurry, but everything else is crisp clear and the 3D makes it feel like you can reach out and touch it all.

 

Everyone’s favorite characters will be Merida’s triplet brothers, who are mischievously cute. The panoramic scenes are breathtaking and look so real; they blend in perfectly with the atmosphere of the story. The story itself draws you in easily, but it does begin to get a bit muddled when magic gets involved. The reason why it’s successful though, it’s the fact that it caters to both the young and the old, it has slapstick humor along with life lessons and a little more mature jokes.

 

The best part about the story is the lesson it teaches us, that we are in control of our own destinies and we just have to be brave enough to see it. This is definitely a good film to take your kids to, because it is not only entertaining but it’s also nutritious. Don’t miss the short-film at the beginning titled ‘La Luna’ by Italian director Enrico Casarosa, which also pays homage to family and it’s just adorable.   

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