Jul 01 07

The Holiday

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

This movie is perfect for a lazy weekend evening when there’s nothing better to do (or no energy left to do it), so you and your significant other order maybe a pizza or some chinese and get something to drink, and settle down on your favorite sofa in front of your TV set for a couple of hours of mindless and predictable, but sweet romantic comedy entertainment.

Rating: Good.

Apr 26 07

A Good Year

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

I almost gave this film a Good rating; however, I decided my general disappointment merited the lowest rating despite the film’s (few) redeeming qualities.

Three main reasons for my dissatisfaction: a) a glacial pace of development; b) unconvincing, uninspired acting by all involved; and c) a never-ending, boring, tired stream of clichés. This last point can hardly be overstated. I had never rolled my eyes so many times during a film before.

Redeeming qualities: beautiful locale, and some decent cinematography.

Rating: Avoid.

Apr 22 07

Scoop

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

A very enjoyable, very well made comedy by Woody Allen. I spent the whole movie laughing and giggling. The pace is quick and the story consistent. This is pure comedy, in the style of Small Time Crooks and similar Allen movies: neither philosophy nor psychology make an appearance.

The acting is very good, including Ms. Johansson’s, my least favorite actress. Apparently she has learned that the human face has 44 muscles capable of more than 5,000 expressions, and she has begun excercising a couple of them. Besides, the role is very well suited to her.

Rating: Excellent.

Dec 31 06

A Good Woman

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

A tale of love, greed, fidelity, and commitment, this enjoyable comedy slowly weaves the viewer in its web, until he finds himself on the edge of his seat, intrigued and entertained. Based on a play by Oscar Wilde, it contains the expected wit, social critique, clever dialogue and likeable characters. It is set in a gorgeous Italian town, complemented by beautiful photography.

Even Scarlett Johansson’s lack of talent can’t derail this film.

Rating: Very Good.

Dec 29 06

The Break-Up

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

This film attempts to portray a nasty divorce battle as if it were a fun spectacle. Sometimes, especially at the start, it succeeds and provides solid entertainment; however, as time went by, I began to realise the protagonists really hated each other and no happy ending was in sight. It is really difficult to laugh at what is, in essence, a sad and bitter break-up.

Rating: Good.

Dec 27 06

The New World

Official movie website.

Internet Movie Database link.

The creators of this film subscribe to the following views:

  • Dialog is not necessary. It can be adequately substituted by long takes of the actors looking intently at each other.
  • Moviegoers enjoy looking at static scenes of trees or rivers, so they should appear often and last for 20 to 30 seconds.
  • A good film is not required to convey a sense of place, or time flow, or continuity. It is OK for the heroine to be taken hostage, only to join the hero again (many kilometers away) in the next scene.
  • No film can ever be too long.

Rating: Avoid.

Sep 25 06

The Lake House

Internet Movie Database link.

Official movie homepage.

A traditional love story with a time-traveling twist, this film requires the viewer to stop thinking. If you start thinking, you might realise the film makes absolutely no sense, and then you’ll stop enjoying it. Whereas, if you put your brain on hold and stop worrying, you might come out of the theater slightly entertained.

I enjoyed Christopher Plummer’s acting and Sandra Bullock’s natural charm.

Rating: Good.