Huevos De Oro

The last Bigas Luna film of the four MTV showed over the past couple of weeks, I definitely felt Huevos De Oro was the best one. Being more funny than tragic and more balanced as far as the different themes go, we watch the rise and fall of Benito González, a young man longing for success. Where Las Edades De Lulú was full of sex that wasn't all that pleasant to look at, the sex scenes in Huevos De Oro are less vulgar and are cut from their ruff edges because of the funny conversations the characters hold during their time doing it. Also the tragedy part was less tough to deal with and didn't have the overdramatic outcome as for example the ending of Jamón, Jamón. And where La Tete I La Lluna made you feel a bit of uncomfortable because of the banal farting jokes, Huevos De Oro felt as a more serious film, despite the comedy. Overall these returning themes in Luna's work were more balanced out, protecting itself from becoming too over the top. As in Jamón, Jamón, Javier Bardem is seen again as the male protagonist. Almost as if it comes natural to him and he doens't have to put too much effort in it, his performance is strong, authentic and a real pleasure to watch. Like most of Luna's characters, Benito González is well written, and layered, being both seductive and funny as also at times agressive and a real business-man with big dreams. Besides Bardem's very solid performance, Huevos De Oro also features nice performances from Maribel Verdú and Maria De Mereiros as the woman González says to truly love and the one he marries. And almost unrecognizable, it also features actor Benicio Del Toro as Bob, the gardener from Miami.

What is it about?

Benito González, a hard working construction worker, dreams of one day making it big, having his own huge building made. Alongside these big aspirations he likes to spend his time off with seducing beautiful women and having sex with them. Like a real macho man, he loves his women and can't get enough of them. When the first woman he says to really love, Rita, leaves him for his best friend, he then decides it's time to move on and get to work on making his big dreams a reality. Taking advantage of Marta, the daughter of a wealthy business man, he marries her to gets hold of the finances he needs to build his dream building. Marta whom he only marries for money, loves him, but he doesn't love her back. Instead Benito loves Claudia, a model who dreams of becoming an actress and has found in Benito both her love and a guy who can help her make her own dreams a reality. When one night Claudia decides to put a piece of clothing that belongs to her in one of Benito's jacket pockets, Marta find out about Benito having a secret mistress. Benito's marriage now seems to be doomed, but when the two women meet and talk about their love for Benito, they find piece with each other. Their passion for the same man leads to the three of them making love together. Everything seems to be fine now afterall, but then one night tragedy strikes as one of them dies in a tragic accident, and slowly Benito's imperium starts to crumble piece by piece.

Final Verdict: ****

A very enjoyable film, Huevos De Oro, is a funny drama with solid acting. A good story and good directing by Luna, make for a very succesful piece of cinema. As with his other films what really keeps his films interesting are the characters and their relationships. Feeling very real and sincere, Luna's characters struggle with real emotions. Not shying away from sexual content, Luna shows real life and real struggles and real passion. In Huevos De Oro one scene that really stuck with me was the one where Maribel Verdú's character, Claudia, has sex with Benito and moans 'Miami, Miami' as they dream of one day going to America. With her Spanish accent she turns the word into something sexual, which makes for a very funny moment. It's this way of mixing comedy with tragedy that keeps this film feel fresh and realistic. Saved from getting overdramatic, Huevos De Oro feels really to have hit the right key and therefore succeeds better than the other three films of Luna MTV has recently showed. Having his own style, Luna's films are not for everybody, but if you enjoy Spanish cinema, you will likely enjoy Luna's films as well.

Brick

'Keep your specs peeled', tells main character Brendan to his most reliable friend Brain. It's just an example of the great dialogue which Brick is full with. Great smooth lines and lots of 'lingo' only the characters understand constitute part of the coolness of this movie. Wonderfully shot, you keep your eyes pierced on the screen to watch the next shot hit you. In director Rian Johnson's first feature length film everything seems to be well thought out. Also the writer of the screenplay, Johnson's involvement is bigger than most directors, which isn't a real surprise, considering it's his first film, made independently, so no big studio involvement. This is his get-into-Hollywood card and telling by his new film, which will feature big name actors like Rachel Weisz and Adrien Brody, it seems he got in already and got in fast. Watching Brick you notice Johnson has lots of talent. The writing is fresh and influenced by the film-noir genre, as is the whole film. For instance, there's the detective sorting out the dissapearance of his girlfriend and soon thereafter her death, there's the guy who operates as his brain and does all the thinking which he can't do himself, there's the mysterious bad guy and his handler 'the muscle', and the femme fatale. The main difference here, though, is the fact that the film takes place at a high school and involves some teenagers and twenty year olds. Speaking lines at high speed that sound almost if Shakespeare wrote them, you constantly are aware of the two colliding worlds, the inner which comes straight from a film-noir and make the teenage characters act like adults talking heavy stuff, and the outer which gives them the appearance of some high-school student hangin round its parkin lot and sports field. Holding the film together is the very nice performance of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the still young actor who already got a bunch of films under his belt, and the also great supporting cast, with especially nice performances from Noah Fleiss ('Tugger') and Noah Segan (Dode). Together with the great cinematography, it makes for a very good and, even though highly inspired by the film-noir genre, a very original film.

What is it about?

On the telephone, Emily, Brendan's girlfriend, aks him for help since she is said to be in big trouble and has really messed things up. Confused about what happened, Brendan suggest the two to meet, but she can't. Next she hangs up and Brendan's left hanging, not knowing what exactly happened to her, but determined to figure it out. Together with Brain, his smart friend with the big specs, he starts looking for clues to find out where Emily might be, his only leads being the words: 'Brick', 'Tug', 'Poor Frisco' and 'Pin'. Three of them don't ring any bells, but the last one 'Pin' does and Brain sends Brendan off into a search. He starts with Kara, the high school actress, then is lead to a party where he learns more about Laura and the school jock Brad Bramish, which eventually leads to Dode, a guy hanging round a place called 'Coffee and Pie, oh My'. When after a short conversation with Emily, in which she still won't spill the beans of whats really going on, he gets his hand on a note she got from Dode earlier, with only something that looks like a drawing of a capital 'A' and the word midnight beneath it, Brendan figures it's the place where Emily and Dode will meet. However when Brendan finds the place, Emily's dead. Now even more determined to figure out what happened to her the moment she called and what caused her death, Brendan is about to be lured into a darker underground world and find out the other meaning behind the word 'brick'.

Final Verdict: ****

Even though this film has a lot going for it, it didn't blow me away like I expected to. It seems to lack something that would really have turned it into a favourite that you want to watch over and over again. One of those things might be all those things that make the film so great. 'Cause, even though the dialogue is great and different, it is hard to follow sometimes because of the speed with which it is spoken. And the story is good, but when you can't get hold of every word that is said, you feel like you miss something crucial to the story, which you actually don't. I can tell, 'cause I watched the film twice, first without subtitles and then with. But overall the film is really good. The camerawork is terrific, coming up with great shots from different angles and lots of fast pans, like the scene where Brendan and Brain meet in the library, filmed from behind the book, the actors only seen in profile, or the one where Brendan wants to throw a brick through Tugger's car's window, but then gets hit instead. First a shot is shown of Tugger walking up fast at Brendan, looking angry. Close thereafter comes the punch with, instead of the camera tracking backwards towards the place Brendan is hit, the camera tracking forwards, making for the feeling of a very powerful punch. Then the camera pans right to where Brendan falls after getting hit again, then left, to where he is hit next, then back to right stopping in the middle to show Brendan's hand reaching against the car's window. It's a treat to watch this one shot, as are all the other ones. As a viewer you feel you're watching a real pet project that feels very complete. Brick really is a nice solid and fun film, with a good script, very well written characters, and strong acting. Very narrative driven, 'cause unlike some films nowadays the story alone is already that good, it's a great achievement for a director who's just getting started.

Me And You And Everyone We Know

As you watch a young woman, black short hair and a bright pink striped T-shirt, talk into a micropohone you realise this isn't your usual indie comedy/drama. Different and yet simple and recognizable, Me And You And Everyone We Know really is about you and me and everyone we know. Showing a handful of different characters that in some way all are connected to each other, but not in a way the characters in Crash were, but way more subtle, director Miranda July has made a beautiful collage of regular people struggling with divorce, growing up, love and so much more. Beginning with Christine, the woman in the pink T-shirt, your sucked into her imagination and her way of thinking. Being a bit quirky and looking exteremly sweet, like a young puppy dog, she looks as if she could just have walked out of a romance novel. Played by director Miranda July herself, Christine is looking for affection and when she has found her special someone she falls hard for him. That special someone is Richard, wonderfully played by John Hawkes, who gives a performance that feels very authentic and real. Together Christine and Richard seem the perfect match and you can't help falling in love with their love, if that's even possible. But these are just two of the wonderful characters July has put together. Beside them there are Richard's sons, one a teenager struggling with his parents' recent divorce and the usual stuff teenagers go through, and the other still so innocent and unaware of the unkindness and dark side of the world. Then you also have two girls who are each others best friends and share everyhting together, an elderly couple cherishing their last days, a little girl that acts wise beyond her years and prepares herself for her future which means marriage and having kids, and the owner of an art gallery who needs to learn how to be nicer. Most of my heart went out to Christina and Richard, though, who besides the number of different characters are the main focus of the film and who share this bond together and suck the viewer into a deep love in which word aren't necessary. Beautiful is the moment that they share somewhere near the end of the film where Christine lays her head on Richard's back and holds his hands. It shows just how much you can say without saying a word, just the power of touching each other and make a physical connection. You sometimes forget how just a simple touch from a person can mean so much, but Me And You And Everyone We Know makes you remember.

What is it about?

Christine Jesperson, a struggling performance artist and a cab driver for elderly people, is about to make a connection with a man she still has to meet. When one day one of the elderly people Christine drives around takes her out to go shopping for shoes, Christine meets that man, Richard, a young father who recently divorced from his wife and works as a shoe salesman. Having instantly felt a connection, at home lying on her bed Christine dreams of what could be a beautiful love. When she heads back to the shop she and Richard have a short walk to their cars and chat a bit. Soon thereafter Christine finds Richard is thinking she's moving way too fast since the two have just met and don't know anyhting about each other. Meanwhile Richard's sons, Peter and little Robby, are chatting on their computer and two young girls chat with an older guy on the street, who they think might be attracted to them. Next, the two girls, who are in Peter's class and who gets teased by them, ask the boy for a favour which involves some sexual act, while little Robby goes online again to finish the chat he and his brother had with someone about poop. That someone is a person Christine has also met just recently and in this way the characters in Me And You And Everyone We Know are all connected to each other, while they try to figure out life on their own.

Final Verdict: *****

Me And You And Everyone We Know is something very special. It has this movie magic feeling that is quite rare. Watching this film is like watching all these beautiful thoughts go by. You smile, you laugh, you dream, you think. This film is so much about feeling and emotion. It's just astonishing how much I could relate to every character and also quite strange how much you get out off something that is actually kind of simple and altogether not that much. Here you have all these different characters that are like you and me and that could have just lived in your own street and do their everyday things. And I guess that's what make you connect and relate so much and gives you this extreme feeling of satisfaction and completeness. Some characters, especially Christine, act like some people only act in ther minds but never in real life, which makes for these beautiful movie moments. July, who's own background as a performance artist has obviously helped her a lot in creating this beautiful on screen world, has done an amazing job directing. Never does this film feel too art-like or absurd, which it could have been. But it really stays very open and accessible for a large audience. To capture this film in one word is saying it is pretty or sweet, 'cause that's how you feel when you watch it. This film is one of my friends' favourites and now I know why, 'cause it's one of my favourites as well.

Pi

From the opening credits to the end credits, Pi is a visual fiest. The way they edited the whole film makes you feel as if you're inside main character Max' head. The soundeffects and soundtrack add to this feeling as is the great camerawork. Creating a sort of chaos, director Aronofsky knows how to translate Max' state of mind perfectly to the screen by using many close-ups, first person perspective shots, and unsteady camera movement. Added to this is the strong soundtrack. Clint Mansell has done an amazing job finding the perfect soung to carry these images. Played by Sean Gullette who has a great sounding voice, you watch Max going paranoid. The only person who keeps him from going totally isane is Sol Robeson, nicely played by Mark Margolis, who also can be seen in Aronofsky's latest The Fountain as well as the highly praised Requiem For A Dream. The story is very intense, questioning the universe and taking the viewer together with Max on this search for clarity. Always trying to push the boundaries, Darren Aronofsky is someone with great ideas and vision and a unique style, which make him someone to be kept an eye on to see where he goes next.

What is it about?

Max(imillian) Cohen, a mathematisian who tries to find a way to understand all existence, lives all by himself in a small apartment full of equipment. Obsessed by numeric patterns he now tries to figure out the stock market. If everything around us can be understood from numbers, so he thinks, and patterns emerge when you graph the numbers in any systems, there must be patterns everywhere in nature. Therefore Max concludes that in stock market there also have to be numeric patterns and he's going to figure out how it all works. Having severe headaches ever since as a little six year old he stared into the sun, although his mother warned him not to, Max struggles with his mind. Because he digs into the stock market to do research on its behaviour he soon is followed by a Wall Street company. At the same time he meets Lenny Meyer, a Hasidic who is searching for a pattern consisting of 216 numbers that are to be found in the Torah and believd to be a code from God. With his mind starting to hallucinate he starts to be overtaken by all the buzzing in his head as everything seems to be closing in on him.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

A very interesting film, Pi feels like one of those music videos from the '90s. Shot in black and white, Pi stylistically gives way to Max' mind. Everyone who has seen Requiem For A Dream, knows Aronofsky is great in finding a way to express feelings through cinematic means. Pi features a lot of great scenes, like the one where Max is pinching a brain with a pen in the metro station or the scenes with max in front of his bathroom mirror. The best thing about this film is how well the audio and visuals work together. They really complement each other and give life to something that is almost impossible to capture. From start to finish Pi seems never to stand still. Constantly in motion like the mind, Pi is a very intriguing film that isn't like anything I saw before. Perfect for anyone who wants to watch a film that is different and original.

Breaking The Waves

It takes a while before this film takes off, but when it does, it goes with full force. Breaking The Waves is the second part of the Golden Heart trilogy by Danish director Lars von Trier. Shot with a hand-held camera it looks as if this film could have been part of Dogme '95, but it isn't. Set in a small town in Scotland the film tells a story about love and faith and features an exceptional performance by actress Emily Watson. With the camera constantly turning and looking up as if looking through one of the character's eyes, the feeling of being actually there is strengthened. Showing another story about naïve people, Breaking The Waves tells a very moving story, that kind of feels like a fable with a message. Using little clips to introduce the start of a new chapter in Bess's life which are accompanied by parts of songs, for example Elton John's 'Your Song', the story has a clear structure that takes its viewer on a journey to watch the life of a young woman unfold. This use of music, that is non-diegetic, is one of the reasons this one isn't part of the Dogme movement, although some people happen to think it is, which is probably because of Von Trier. Experiencing both good and bad, Bess, the main character, lives in a small town where the people are very religious. Played by Emily Watson, Bess is the movie's main focus that is carried by the phenomenal tour de force performance by Watson. One of the best performances I've seen in my life so far and probably one of the best I will ever see, Watson inherits every emotion of Bess as if they are her own. With her big glistering eyes she steals every scene she's in. Great are the scenes where she talks to God, fully immersed in what you think to be her own imagination. Breaking The Waves also features great performances by Stellan Skarsgård and Katrin Cartlidge, who died in 2002 at the beginning of her forties, and who play Bess' husband, whom Bess marries at the beginning of the film, and Dodo McNeill, Bess' sister. But the one who really excells is Emily Watson. She is what makes the film interesting and the main reason you keep watching. It wouldn't even have mattered if this film was going to turn out to be really bad, Watson gives a must-see performance. Fortunately after a rather slow start, that you take for granted after you see how good it has been for the development of the characters, the movie reaches great heights as well. A fascinating drama that leaves you speechless, even though you feel like screaming hysterically like Bess does many times, once you figure out step by step where this story will lead you to.

What is it about?

Consisting of seven chapters with a prologue and epilogue, Breaking The Waves is the story about Bess McNeil, a young and naïve Scottish woman living in a very religious community. Insisting she will get married, Bess finds approval to marry Jan, an oil-worker living outside Bess' community which makes him an 'outsider' just as Bess' sister Dodo. When Jan returns from the rig, Bess and he get married, even though Bess' family hardly know anything about Jan. After their marriage Bess life consist of making passionate love to Jan and she seems happier than ever before. Even though she has always known Jan one day has to get back to work at the rig, she feels very hurt and gets mad when it's time for him to leave. She only finds rest in the church where she prays to God who seems to answer her prayers and tell her what she can do best. Jan goes back as Bess is left waiting. Only having contact by calling her from the rig, Bess waits long hours for Jan in a telephone cabin until he finally calls. When he does they tell how much they miss each other and pretend to make love over the telephone. Still praying for Jan she aks God to bring him back to her soon, since it seems unbearable for her without him. When in about a couple of days Jan is said to return for a week, Bess gets very excited. This isn't for long though, once she finds out about an accident on the rig in which Jan is involved. Blaming herself for her prayers to God in which she asked for God to send Jan home, she heads into the everyday struggle of getting Jan to survive and be healthy once again.

Final Verdict: *****

Feeling very layered, Breaking The Waves unfolds itself little by little until it reaches the finish line beautifully making you forget the film is almost three hours long. A film that has many things to offer, it tells a great story about real passionate love, nomatter in what circumstances, and a strong believe that everything will turn out right as long as you follow in Gods footsteps and listen to your loved one. Von Trier has made a great film that is more watchable than for example Dancer in The Dark. Where Dancer In The Dark draws heavily on tragedy, Breaking The Waves is more a mix and puts the focus on love. Despite the sad events, the story is also very uplifting. With great characters that move you and which you happen to really care for as the movie goes along, Breaking The Waves leaves you with a great experience that sticks. The real force in all this, however, is Emily Watson, who's performance is pure brilliance. It must be a really great character to play, and Watson succeeds in every way. A film that turned out to be far better than I expected it to be, it's one that can not be missed. And surprisingly one that I would choose over the also great Dancer In The Dark.

Insomnia

Said to be a remake of a Norwegian thriller with the same title and actor Stellan Skarsgård in the lead role, the 2002 version directed by Christoper Nolan and produced by Georgle Clooney and Steven Soderbergh is made so well, that you wonder what the original must have been like. With colours of icy grey and lots of white, Nolan shapes a mysterious location that fits the story perfectly. One scene in particular stands out making it feel as if suspected murderer Walter Finch is slowly creeping up on you through the fog, as detective Will Dormer and his team are chasing him. The landscapes look amazing, giving you little chills and making the film even more intense. Telling not your usual detective story, Insomnia takes the concept to a new level, making the detective also guilty of a crime which adds a lot to the suspense. Marvelously played by Al Pacino, you watch detective Will Dormer torture himself with his guilt, being unable to sleep, he lies awake without the daylight fading to black, because in this Alaskan town where the movie takes place it happens to be the time of year it never gets dark. Both Robin Williams and Hilary Swank are very good as well playing the suspect and the young detective who still has a lot to learn. Seen again in a more serious role, instead of the comic he often plays, Williams shows once more he is good at doing both.

What is it about?

Detective Will Turner and his colleague, detective Hap Eckhart, arrive in a small town called Nightmute to investigate a murder of a teenage girl. Welcomed by fresh faced detective Ellie Burr of the local police force, they start trying to solve the murder. After having done some interrogations the team sets out to a cabin where it is said the murderer of the girl might be found. When the team arrives, Walter Finch, the suspect, isn't at his cabin yet. So when he finally arrives the team is still hiding out spying on him. When one of the cops accidentally makes a mistake Walter realises he's being watched and starts to run. Coming out from there hiding place the team start giving chase and surround the cabin Walter has entered to hide in. Once the team get in, their suspect already ran off through a hole in the floor that leads to the outside. While the rest of his team set out on a different path, detective Will Dormer jumps through the hole to get to Walter. Surrounded by fog, Dormer can't barely see anything, and isn't sure whom he's following anymore. When he notices someone standing at a distance from him, he takes the person to be Walter and fires immediately, not yet aware of the harm he has really done by this one action.

Final Verdict: ****

Strong from its very beginning, Insomnia is a very well made film that tells a great story about a detective struggling with his conscience. Good acting and a beautiful setting turn this film into something special, feeling fresh and distinguishing itself from other thrillers by adding new twists to the usual detective murder story. The beautiful shots and very interesting characters make this film into a very exciting movie that is higly entertaining and keeps your full attention until the very end. With Insomnia director Nolan once again shows he is very talented. Already having a large following his films appeal to a very broad audience that like to be lured in into a story full of twists and surprises you don't see coming. Though not as brilliant as his earlier Memento, Insomnia surely is a great film that make you forget you're actually watching a remake.

Dial M For Murder

A husband who's planning to kill his wife, Dial M For Murder, adapted from a play, is another great Hitchcock classic with one of the best crime stories. Almost like a stage play itself, the movie unravels Tony's secrets little by little. Telling the story with his usual dose of suspense, as a viewer you're lured in into this mystery. Knowing Tony's the bad guy you wonder how and when the police will find out he's the one they're looking for. Almost completely told from the apartment where the crime takes place, as a viewer you keep anticipating on the things to come. Hitchcock knows eactly how to make a real treat out of a story like this, zooming in on handbags and keys that play a major part in the psychological tension. With Grace Kelly once again as his leading lady, it's hard to take your eyes off the screen. Always looking very sophisticated giving the characters she plays a certain charm not many actresses can, Grace once again steals the show. Ray Milland who plays the husband, also is great, making Tony a very likeable and charming man, even though he has the most evil plans up on his sleeve. Looking a lot like James Stewart, you can't help wondering though what this movie would have been like with not Milland but Stewart in the lead role.

What is it about?

Tony Wendice and his wife Margot seem to be having a perfect marriage living happily together in a beautiful apartment. However, this is only on the surface, as the mesmerizing Margot used to have an affair which has made Tony decide to murder her. Instead of carrying the plan out himself, he makes someone do it for him. On the night that the murder will take place Margot is left home alone while Tony and Mark, the guy she had an affair with, set out for a late night out. Having set up everything very carefully, going through every step of the plan, Tony seems to have figured out the perfect way to murder his wife. When Margot's lying safely in her bed, the guy Tony hired enters their home in order to execute the plan. Knowing that Tony will call to wake up Margot, the murderer hides behind the curtains behind the desk on which the telephone stands. However, when Margot is woken up by the telephone call, Tony's whole plan goes entirely wrong as it is not Margot who gets killed, but the man coming to murder her.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

A very pleasant movie, Dial M For Murder is a very good crime thriller full of exciting moments and a very solid plot. Having seen A Perfect Murder on Friday I was really hoping to get my hands on Dial M, of which the former is a remake. Happily surprised, this morning I found out the BBC was going to show it on television today, making it possible for me to compare the two. As with almost every remake, the original is the one really worth seeing and exceeds it's latest version in almost every way. This is also the case with Dial M For Murder, even though A Perfect Murder is very nice as well adding a lot of new twists to the story. Because of this A perfect Murder couldn't be called a real remake anymore, as it is almost an entirely different movie, which is perhaps one of the main reasons of also changing its title. With Dial M For Murder Alfred Hitchcock delivers another entertaining film that shouldn't be missed and that is a real fiest for every Hitchcock fan. Perfect for a night full of suspense, it's a sure hit.

Hard Candy

Starting with a chat session between an older guy and a teenage girl, at first glance Hard Candy seems to be the well known story of a guy trying to pick up younger girls, eventually leading to a dissapearance and a search around town. But this time the girl who agrees to meet the guy in public knows exactly what she's doing and is well aware of the consequences. She isn't blinded by some kind of teenage love and definitely will not be taking advantage of. Instead, she got some things up her sleeve that he doesn't know about. Shot in a flashy music video type of style, Hard Candy delivers powerful performances by two not (yet) so famous actors. Trying to put a new take on a concept used a gazillion of times, Hard Candy succeeds in being fresh and original. This time the so called damsel isn't in distress, it's the guy who's after her that is. Director David Slade gradually raises up the tension like a modern day Hitchcock, leaving his audience in suspense of what might come. The editing is great switching between shots of her taking a shower or running up the roof while he is trying to untie the ropes that keep him at distance. As a viewer you feel the tension rise between these two characters that are after each other like cat and mouse. Turning the film into a psychological game, leaving its audience in the dark of what is real and what isn't, you wonder how far this girl is really willing to go. Director Slade knows to hide the real intentions of Hailey very well, keeping the feeling of unsureness alive. Added to this is the outstanding performance by Ellen Page, who pulls it off to play both sweet and innocent and at the same time out of her mind crazy. Patrick Wilson, who plays Jeff, the guy who's terrorised with this girl games, succeeds in hiding his character's identity perfectly never showing any signs that convince you of him being the pedofile Hailey thinks he is.

What is it about?

A guy, Jeff Kohlver and a girl, Hayley Stark meet up after some chats on the internet. At first it seems Hailey is just another naïve teenager not fully aware of what she's setting in motion, being an actual prey for what seems to be a pedofile. However when Jeff meets his little girl, she seems to be showing the confidence of a mature woman instead of a teenager, being fully aware of whom she's dealing with. Though noticing he isn't dealing with the usual victim, she does go with him to his house, making him decide to play along. When she refuses to take a drink that he mixed, because of the drugs he might put in it, he knows this is going to be though. But at the same time it isn't really clear what Jeff wants either. Is he really a pedofile, or is he just someone who got a bit too far by actually meeting with the girl he chats with? What if he isn't at all this bad guy that Hailey seems to think he is? These are questions that keep popping up into your head while you're watching Hailey's little plan unfold.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

A well made, strong powerful psychological thriller, Hard Candy keeps you on the edge of your seat constantly putting questions in your head and making you think. Presented with lots of close-ups of both Hailey's and Jeff's face, the camera tries to take you inside Hailey's head, keeping you guessing of what it is she wants, just as Jeff is trying to figure it all out himself too. As a viewer you feel just as trapped as he is, as you're watching a game unfold played by this saddistic girl. Who is the real bad guy, is it him or is it her? This film shows how everyone is just another human being. Just because someone is attracted to little girls, doesn't mean you can't care for him or feel sorry for what he goes through. Watching Hard Candy you're stuck between feeling sorry for Jeff, even if it's just a tiny bit and rooting for him to untie the ropes and escape, and at the same the feeling that he gets what he deserves, choosing Hailey's side. Hard Candy is a fascinating disturbing thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go, not until Hailey decides to do so.

Dare Mo Shiranai

I shall start by saying that this is an incredible film. Absolutely beautiful, this is exactly how I like them. A story that will probably haunt you for days and touched every bit of my heart. Just the title alone, Dare Mo Shiranai (Nobody Knows) , captures so much of what this film is about. Before I watched it I wasn't even aware of these circumstances some children grow up in. Yet very wonderful, this story is also quite shocking and very horrible. You don't want any kid out there to have ever go through this. Director Hirokazu Koreeda, who also wrote the story, has found a way to tell this story as if you're there not only as a witness, but as one of the kids. As a viewer you really come to feel for the characters and the situation they are in. You almost feel part of them yourself. Bringing attention to small details by zooming in on tiny little gestures, the camera seems to show every aspect. I loved how Kyoko's nails, the eldest daughter of the family, were painted red by her mother and then after their mother left, Koreeda put the focus on her nails again, one time with the nail polish still on and one time with almost nothing left. Both showing how long their mother has left as well as how now she's gone Kyoko's nails won't be painted red anymore. Also the camera shows the children's feet a lot of times making you feel a lot closer to them. You see them run around, full of life. Not only giving great insight in how these children live their lifes, Koreeda also succeds in capturing the beauty of the city that is Tokyo. He shows this city so big that it makes you realise you probably never would have thought there are kids out there making a living all by themselves. The acting in this film was perfect. Both very quiet, intimate and subtle. Yûya Yagira exceeds as the oldest son, Akira. He carries the film with his powerful performance. Watching him go through all this, you can only imagine how it must feel like when this is your real life situation. Yagira is very moving being capable to show the hurt he goes through on the inside by the way he looks with his eyes, speaks and moves. All of the other children are played tremendously good as well. Little Yuki looks very sweet and Saki, the girl who befriends them, is like Yagira, being able to tell so much by saying nothing at all, but just using her facial expressions. Also the mother who abandons her family is portrayed very well by actress You. She really is like a real mother being very aware of the situation she puts her family in. She managed to give way very well to showing to be both funny and caring, but also hurt by not being able to give her children the life she wants them to live. Her character seemed very similar to the mother in the film Anche Libero Va Bene. Overall this film reminded me the most of Hana To Arisu. The cinematography was quite the same and the characters were quite similar being very silent, but at the same time showing so much by the way they moved and interacted with each other.

What is it about?

A young boy, Akira, moves to a new apartment together with his mother Keiko. To the owners of the complex they introduce themselves as a one parent family with Akira as the only son. Soon the viewer finds out Akira isn't Keiko's only child. In quite a disturbing moment, the two open up their two suitcases and two little kids pop out. Mother only aks them if it was very hot to be in the suitcase that long, to which they answer yes, very. It's just the beginning of many more disturbing moments to come. After Akira picks up the oldest sister from the train station the three children, besides Akira, are being told by their mother that they can never leave the house for noone can find out more than one child lives in the apartment. Almost every day Akira goes out shopping for groceries as his mother works til late in the evening. When one time Akira wakes up he finds a note that his mother has left without knowing when she'll be back. Luckily, she comes back after four weeks, but this is only for a couple of days. She then leaves again, but it stays unclear if she'll ever return again. As the oldest of the children Akira takes good care of his siblings, the question is however, how long he can be able to do this.

Final Verdict: *****

One of the most beautiful films I ever came across, this film happens to show exactly what it is I so love about cinema. The story, the characters, the way everything looks. This film truly succeeds in being perfect. When you watch it you feel so sad and feel the emptiness of these kids' future. You have no idea what will happen to them next as everyday is a new day of survival and struggle. The idea that some kids really live like this, all by themselves without a parent to watch over them, is something I can't even begin to imagine. The title just sums it all up. These four children living together without anyone knowing. It's quite a scary thought. When the youngest of the four, Yuki, is taking outside for her birthday she is so mesmerized by everything she sees. Being locked up for days, living in the apartment that to them is their whole world. It's very disturbing to watch these kids go through all this. At the end something happens that is so devastating, it broke my heart watching it. This story is so overwhelming and to some kids this is their truth, their everyday reality. A real eye opener Koreeda has delivered a wonderful piece of cinema that everyone should see even if it just to be informed and made aware things like this really happen in our world today.

The Best 3 Of June

So after another long month of movies it's time to pick the best 3 of June. Overall it was another interesting month with very diverse films. The three that made the list however are films that either really surprised me, because I had no idea they would be this good or that made clear to me once again why the director of the film has gained so much praise among his peers for the work he creates.

1. The Station Agent

A wonderful film, that really moved me and tells a beautiful story about dealing with being different. With some of the sweetest characters, this story shows that there are people out there who don't care how you look, but love you for who you are on the inside. A great debut by actor and first time director Thomas McCarthy who made a perfect little gem of a film. Never did a film touch me so much emotionally, I really love it. I can only hope his next film will be as good as this one.

2. Duo Luo Tian Shi

Only my second Wong Kar Wai film, Duo Luo Tian Shi (Fallen Angels) made even more clear to me why he's considered such a great filmmaker. A great piece of cinema, Duo Luo Tian Shi is a film with amazing cinematography and also a very nice story about life in the big city seen through the eyes of different characters. Wong Kar Wai really is gifted and makes beautiful films. A lot of directors working in Hollywood today can learn a lot from this guy.

3. Vertigo

I didn't review this one, 'cause it was my second time watching it and it really feels like it doesn't need a review. Already a true classic this film which need no introduction is directed by the one and only Alfred Hitchcock. I love all his films. The way he creates suspense and has a perfect eye for every detail is just amazing. One of the best filmmakers to have ever walked this earth. Even though I really like Vertigo just as much as I seem to like every Hitchcock film, except for Marnie, my favourites will always be Rear Window, Strangers On A Train and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Having finally watched Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire on Sunday, I couldn't wait to see the latest effort from the Harry Potter franchise, even though I wasn't too happy about Goblet. Expecting this new one to make the same mistakes, I was very surprised this time they actually did it right, making it the best Harry Potter film so far. Or at least, I think it is. I guess a lot has to do with director David Yates being in charge this time around, who made the lovely Girl In The Café just a couple of years ago. I'm very happy that he will also be directing Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince since this new one has a lot of great moments. Filled with excitement, buzzling with energy and having a very good and clear structure, eventually leading to a big climax at the Department of Mystification, this new Harry Potter finally feels like it really delivers. I really liked the beginning, almost looking like you were going to watch a horror movie. Also I loved the moving of the camera during Harry's Occlumency lesson's from Snape, adding to the suspense of those scenes. Imelda Staunton indeed gives a great performance as Dolores Umbridge, although I don't know if it could get her an Oscar nomination, considering the type of movie. What I liked the most about this one was that it really felt like the first Harry Potter film of the series. The feeling of friendship was really back, which was something I really missed in Goblet. This one didn't feel rushed either. They really took the time for everything leading up to many beautiful scenes, some very intimate, like the conversation between Sirius and Harry at the headquarters of the Order. I also didn't feel there were any gaps, even though they left some things out. This film finally brings the magic from the books to the big screen and now I've seen this new movie it really makes me wonder why they couldn't fit in certain storylines like the one with Rita Skeeter in Goblet, if in this one they seem to have plenty of time telling almost everything from the book both including Grawp and paying attention to the thestrals, the flying horses which are invisible for those who haven't faced death.

What is it about?

When Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts arrives, he almost is expelled from school when two Dementors attack both him and Dudley Dursley. Luckily there turns out to be a witness, Mrs. Figg, who lives across the street from the Dursleys, but whom Harry never knew was also part of the magical world. After a trial, Harry gets permission to return to Hogwarts once again. Having met the order of the Phoenix before being sent back to school, Harry knows this year's gonna be extra tough now Voldemort is gaining more power every minute. His biggest obstacle however this year seems to be a new teacher who goes by the name of Dolores Umbridge and who was also present at Harry's trial earlier. Operating in order of the Minister for Magic, she soon gains power at Hogwarts making new school rules for the students and refusing to practice real magic during her class focussing only on theory. Because of this Harry and his friends decide to form their own army of resistance, called Dumbledore's Army. Because it isn't allowed to start student association's anymore, the group has to meet in secret. With Harry acting as their teacher, the group starts to make real progress. This eventually leads to some of them (new friend Luna Lovegood, Neville, Ginny, Hermione and Ron) fighting together with Harry in a battle against Voldemort's followers.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

Finally a film that does real justice to the books, Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix feels fresh and is a total delight bringing back the magic of the series. Already one of my favourites of all the books, this film feels very complete. Building up tension and suspense, it really feels it's going toward a clear direction. This film proofs that it still can feel very complete without including everything. I loved how the Ministery of Magic looked, it was just like I imagined it to be and the scenes where they practice as part of the D.A. looked great. Also I can't wait to see more of Bellatrix Lestrange, 'cause even though Helena Bonham Carter's part was quite small, you could already see how great she's gonna be in the upcoming movies. The same can be said about Sybil Trelawney, played by Emma Thompson. When Dolores wanted to send her away from Hogwarts I felt both a bit teary eyed, but also giggles because of Thompson's perfect portrayal. She looks so sweet and naïve with the big glasses on. She stole my heart immediately. As a whole this film turned out to be amazingly great. There was good character development, the costumes, special-effects and sets looked beautiful as always and the story was told very well. This one definitely seemed to look very good. And one thing that caught my eye was how they changed the look of Sirius' face when he appears in the fireplace, so much better! So far this is my favourite of all the movies providing lots of laughs and bringing back the feeling of true friendship that's such a big part of the story. It really is a cool, fun film that every fan Harry Potter will love.

Las Edades De Lulú

I have to thank MTV for giving me this education on Spanish director Bigas Luna with showing four of his films. After Jamón, Jamón last week, now it was time for Las Edades De Lulú an adaptation of a novel with the same title. Starting off very witty, I thought maybe this one could be as enjoyable as Jamón, Jamón or maybe even better. Also with a lot of sex scenes, as the movie progressed they happened to get more explicit and kind of freaky. I have to say I really enjoyed the first part of the film where Lulú is still a young girl exploring her sexuality. Even though the film is a lot about sex, it doesn't make you feel awkward watching it. Because Luna doesn't romanticize the scenes it makes it possible for the viewer to really relate to the characters and their experiences. Lulú seems kind of clumsy sometimes, not knowing exactly what she is doing sexually, which helps in making the viewer understand all this has to be taken lightly. Like Jamón, Jamón, this film also mixes comedy with tragedy. Reaching the end, the film becomes darker as Lulú starts to fall in the hands of wrong men who make her take part in sexual acts, she doesn't want to be part of. At this point the comedy has given space for the tragedy. Whether I like this change I'm not quite sure yet. But I do like that at the end the film turns darker and starts to show a serious subject, taking itself also more serious. But it is the aggresiveness of the sex scenes that make me unsure if the film had to become this dark. At the end their was a lot of nudity, making it look very vulgar, almost as if watching porn. Another thing what was kind of distasteful was the fact that at some point Lulú, without knowing, has sex with her own brother, who always thought she looked really good, but kept distance, because they are brother and sister. Aside from all of this, the film has good character development and Francesca Neri gives a very nice performance as Lulú. She has a really beautiful face and I had a feeling I had seen her before, but I'm not sure yet which film it could have been. But maybe it was an Italian one, considering Neri is actually Italian, even though it's a Spanish film. And as I expected Ely, a tranvestite in the film, was actually played by a real woman. Somehow I can definitely see the difference.

What is it about?

Lulú, a young woman falls in love with Pablo when she is still a student. Helping her explore her sexuality the two make love on Pablo's couch, taking away Lulú's innocence. Being a good friend of her brother, Pablo and Lulú soon after having met, get married. Instead of having a big glamorous wedding, they keep it very simple. The next step is having a daughter, since Pablo always said he would love to have a daughter like Lulú. They now live together, and even though they're happily married and are parents, they keep experiencing with sex and are still very attracted to each other sexually. When one day the two of them watch a tranvestite in a bar, called Ely, they start to include other people in their acts of sex. This leads to a party where Lulú gets blindfolded and thinking she's making love to Pablo, she instead makes love to her own brother, Marcelo, whom is helped by Pablo himself. Not sure if she feels disgusted by this she does leave Pablo, eventually getting interested in gay sex. As she starts exploring the dark underworld of pleasure and sex on her own she gets involved with dangerous people, making Pablo the only one who can help her.

Final Verdict: ***

I have to say I liked it less than Jamón, Jamón. This one just didn't had a big climax and had actually a bit of a lousy ending. The nudity and sex scenes kind of took over, even though I am capable of seeing through it all and concentrate on the characters. I thought this film was nice at the beginning, it only started a bit slow. Bigas Luna definitely is talented and I really like his style. But this film turns a bit too dark balancing on the edge of tastefulness and disgust. The sex scenes are very graphic and the loud moaning of Neri made me lower the volume not wanting people to think I'm watching very bad porn. Films with scenes like this really makes you wonder if some actors really have sex during the shooting. Idon't think so, but it could be since they really are butt naked and seem to be really going for it. Next week there will be another Luna film called La Teta I La lluna, and by the look of the preview they showed during commercial break, this really could be a nice one and it seemed the story is similar to the movie Malèna by Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore, which I very much enjoyed.

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

Now that Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix is already out in the movie theatres, I felt the need to watch fourth film, since I still had not seen that one and like with all trilogies or longer, I like to come prepared. I have read all the books though and love each of them dearly. However, besides the first film I'm not too fond of the movies so far. The big reason for that is the fact that I've read all the books and as with almost all book adaptations, the movies are never quite as good as the books. This is especially the case for the Harry Potter series. The books are perfect. They feel very complete, full with little details and descriptions and no movie can capture the whole spirit of the books. Added to that is that the books are kind of big too. Lot of things happen to Harry and his friends and many different characters get involved. So like with the other films, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire feels rushed. And just as the books get bigger with every part, the films feel more rushed every part. This time everything goes amazingly fast, especially when you remind yourself of the scenes in the books. For instance the Quidditch World Cup at the beginning of the film is over before you even realize where exactly it is Harry Potter and his friends are. This all feels strange, especially because it all starts very exciting, filling the viewer with expectations. The same is done with introducing new characters like Rita Skeeter. Everyone who has read the book knows she plays a big part in the story and for me she was the most interesting new character. So when the film showed her for the first time I immediately got excited thinking about how great her character was in the book and the great storyline she had. In the film Rita is introduced making a picture of the four school champions and then she interviews Harry, of course making up a lot of the story by telling lies. But that's it. After this she vanishes. However in the book she has a big storyline which is really cool. Because she keeps writing stories that aren't true she eventually drives Hermione crazy making her take revenge for all the damage Rita's done. But in the film there's nothing of that. Also no character development. Ron and Harry have a little fight, but it's over before it even starts. In the books it all takes longer. And that's the problem of reviewing a film like this when you've read the book. 'Cause all in all the film looks really good. The special-effects are great and the dragons look impressively real giving the film some of its most exciting moments during the school tournament. So if you haven't read the book I guess you think the movie's really good. But if you have read it, you feel it misses a lot of the book's magic and the film's full of gaps explaining almost nothing.

What is it about?

Harry is in his fourth year at Hogwharts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but before he gets to Hogwarts he has a dream about Lord Voldemort. Not quite sure what it all means he goes on to attend the Quidditch Cup together with Hermione and the Weasleys. Everything seems to be alright and the group has lots of fun until one night something happens outside of the tents. Harry and his friends are woken up and rush to get in safety. The Deatheaters, Voldemorts followers, have arrived and have started a riot. Fortunately the three friends make it out safe, but there's no doubt Voldemort's back and Harry's in danger. When they finally arrive at Hogwarts professor Dumbledore informs the students about a school tournament that will take place this year at Hogwarts together with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The tournament is only meant for the elder students, making it impossible for Harry to get involved. However, when the goblet of fire reveals who the champion of each school will be, Harry's name appears, even though Cedric Diggory is already chosen to represent Hogwarts. This makes not one, but two champions for Hogwarts. Risking his life, Harry has to compete in three challenges with danger at his side now Voldemort finally has returned.

Final Verdict: ***

Even though I'm not totally satisfied with the outcome, the film is nice and looks great. It just isn't cool they left so many big parts out. And after watching it I came to realize how little screen time Hermione and Ron had. They almost didn't seem to have any big part in this film as the focus was mainly on the tournament and its challenges. Also there was almost no Hargid or Malfoy. All this shows how much better the books are, even though the movies are fun to watch. I like that the three friends are growing up both in character as in real life and I'm still really looking forward to Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. Hopefully they really do justice to Dolores Umbridge (so far I've heard great things about Imelda Staunton's performance which even is said to be Oscar worthy) and my favourite character Sybil Trelawney. I guess it will also feel rushed, but if they don't chop out all of the big storylines it could be a really nice one.

Dancer In The Dark

Probably one of the hardest films to watch, Dancer In The Dark shows a real tragedy where almost everything seems to go wrong. The second time I watched this film, it's still had a major impact on me just like the first time seeing it. Never before did I see a film reflect so much pain. I'm not all too familiar with Lars Von Triers' work, besides Dancer In the Dark I've seen Dogville and The Idiots, so I'm not sure if from all films he made so far this is the most tragic one. I do know this one is the final part of a trilogy called 'Golden Heart', which are about people like Selma who despite everything they're going through keep a sense of naïvity. Selma's love for musicals is reflected through the movie by scenes of singing and dancing, making the film itself a musical too. It's strange though to call it a musical, since musicals always seem happy and fun and this film is quite the opposite. Personally, I don't really like all the musical scenes. The scene with the song 'I've Seen It All' is great, as are the last scenes from Selma in prison. But the tapping scene in court and the one after Selma kills Bill seem kind of out of place, even though as a viewer you know it's all in Sema's imagination and it's her way of dealing with life. These scenes also come kind of a relieve for the viewer, since the emtions can build up so high, that's it's nice to been given a moment to breath between all the suffering. Throughout all of this singer Björk does an impressive job in playing Selma and keeping her character alive. Björk manages to get hold of every one of Selma's emotions and showing them as her own. Her facial expressions, her voice, her movement, they all fit perfectly, making her performance a perfect portrayal of Selma. Making her look brave, always showing the joy in her eyes, Björk looks angelic winning the audience attention. Von Trier could not have found a better actress to play her. It's really one of the most stunning performances I've ever seen. It's very praiseworthy how, besides all the crying and sobbing, Björk keeps her character real not falling into the trap of making her come off as overexaggerating and pitiful.

What is it about?

Dancer In The Dark tells the tragic story of Selma Jezkova, a young woman from Czechoslovakia, who has come to the US to work as an immigrant and is dreaming her life away working in a factory. Spending most of her days working, her only relieve from her work is drama class, where she rehearses for a version of the musical 'The Sound Of Music' in which Selma will play the lead. Living in a trailer together with her son, Selma is taken care of by Bill, an American cop, and his wife Linda. Also her best friend Kathy whom she knows from the factory and Jeff, who has a crush on her, take good care after the young woman. Everything goes dramatically wrong though, when Bill comes knocking on Selma's door and starts informing her of his secret. Always looking as if having no financial problems at all, he tells Selma about his need for money and his fear of losing his wife, because they're really not as wealthy as it seems. In exchange for his honesty, Selma decides to tell him a secret of her own. It turns out, Selma almost has no eye sight left and eventually will turn blind. She has always known this and is sure her son Gene, who will turn thirteen very soon, will have the same future. Working many day shifts int the factory, almost all of the money she earns will be saved for an operation for Gene that will make him able to not go blind when he gets older. This is also the main purpose of why Selma came to the US and didn't stay in Czechoslovakia. When one night Bill finds out about where Selma is hiding this money, he later on makes up this fake story to his wife about Selma falling in love with him and trying to take their money. This money is actually Selma's which Bill has stolen from her. Next thing the two get involved in a conflict which has drastic consequences for Selma and the future of her son Gene.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

A film with a huge impact, never before did I see a film reflecting so much emotions and being so real, not scaring away from becoming to overladen with heavy emotions of pain and suffering. The ending is amazing, closing the film with a big emotional bang that hits you unexpectedly. Just like your life can be taken away in a split second too. It's strange that a film with so much hurt can also provide for some laughs and remains higly enjoyable. The subtle love story between Jeff and Selma feels like real affection being very honest and realistic. Dancer In The Dark is a great film and provides for a whole new experience. It's original and fresh, really standing on its own. With Björk giving a performance of a lifetime, her character and the story of the film grab hold of you and never let go. It's an emotional rollercoaster thrill ride that must not be missed.

Half Nelson

Half Nelson is a film that grabs hold of you almost immediately when it starts. The film features fine performances by its leading actors and is gripping from start to finish. As you may or may not know a 'half nelson' is a wrestling hold, used here as a metaphor for struggle as director Ryan Fleck explains in one of his interviews: 'It works for like addiction or political struggle or anything and that’s sort of it.' Bringing the relationship between a teacher and a young student to the forefront, Half Nelson tells about the struggle with addiction and the she-might-go-wrong future of Drey, the student, played by Shareeka Epps. Intensifying the struggle is the use of camerawork which provides for full close-ups of the actors and the frequently switching between in and out of focus makes the images seem unstable just like the mindstate of the film's characters. The one who most shines in this film is Ryan Gosling. The young up and coming actor who got nominated for his first Oscar by playing Dan Dunne, the teacher. Totally deserved, Gosling inhabits every part of his character, showing his raw emotions, from confusion to loneliness and uncertainty. Supporting him is Shareeka Epps, who is astonishing as Drey, giving her character freshness and intelligence by giving a beautiful subtle performance.

What is it about?

Dan Dunne is a young history teacher and also basketball coach, who's struggling with a secret drug addiction. When one day after practice Drey, one of his students, caughts him in the act in one of the bathrooms from the locker room the two start an uncommon friendship. Concerned about Dunne, Drey tries to look after her teacher as much as she can, the same way as Dunne tries to look after her. Coming from a one parent family, Drey has a tough time growing up. Almost always being on her own, with her only sibling being in prison. Dunne, also very much alone, has a tough time growing up too, even though he's already an adult, he also has a lot to learn still. Feeling extra miserable now his former girlfriend is getting married, he falls deeper and deeper. Even though he know he has to stop using drugs, they are his only escape. At the end all goes wrong for the young teacher who needs to be taught himself by the only person who can save him from going under, his student, Drey.

Final Verdict: *****

Half Nelson is a fresh take on the teacher student relationship, putting the focus for a difference on just one student instead of a whole class who needs to be taught. The actors do a tremendous job bringing their characters to life and giving them real subtance and making them feel real also, without the feeling of being forced. The look of the film as a whole feels raw which is intesified by the always moving camera closing up on the characters. A truly moving film that touches you deeply on the inside. Sometimes laughing, almost all the time smiling and close to tears, Half Nelson is an extremely well made drama and succeeds in being original and different, bringing its viewers a story about life and growing up. Meant to be seen by a big audience, it's a little gem that shines bright.

Jamón, Jamón

After returning from Lisbon, Portugal, this was the first film I watched. Definitely different and a bit awkward I did really like it. It all begins a bit slow, but the last half hour is great. This film shows that an over dramatic story can still be enjoyable, because of its structure. This film has a clear beginning, middle and end. In the last half hour everything comes together, you feel the tension between the characters rise and it all ends in this big dramatic climax. Director Bigas Luna makes the story really work by his great directing. This film can be said to be a real 'Tragicomedia', which is very popular in Spanish cinema. Just look at Pedro Almodóvar's films which have a lot of soap-opera like elements to it. You hate it or you love it. I find myself falling in the latter category of people who love these kind of films. I liked how Luna enhances the drama by making objects fall apart and showing these actions in slow-motion. Penélope Cruz, the 'Madonna of Mardid' is very nice in this film looking stunning and both very seductive and innocent at the same time. She's perfect for the role. It has a lot of nudity in it, showing her breasts a couple of times. Also the sex scenes are kind of rough. They aren't about making sweet love, but more about physical attraction. I especially liked the part where Penélope's Cruz character walks home with a bag of grocerys and Raul falls off his motorcycle. The dusty locations add to the beauty of the scene. And the red Cruz's character is wearing fits really nice in that particular image.

What is it about?

Silvia, a young woman and her boyfriend José Luis are very in love until Silvia tells him she's pregnant and they make plans to get married. Knowing his parents, and especially his mother, aren't really fond of Silvia, José's afraid of their reaction of getting married. Just like expected his mother gets mad and insists the two break-up, wanting José to look for another woman instead of Silvia, the daughter of a prostitute. But José really loves Silvia and only want to marry her. Failed to convince him, José's mother starts an evil plan. She and her husband own a company for underwear which mother designs. She remembered a guy who she thought was very attractive and hires him to make Silvia fall in love with him. At first Silvia doesn't want to know anything about this guy Raul, but the more they meet the more she starts to feel attracted to 'El chorizo'. Meanwhile José's mother starts to like Raul as well. They have sex and she asks Raul not to visit Silvia anymore in exchange for a new motorcycle. Raul promises not to visit Silvia anymore, but without José's mother knowing, still does. When José and Silvia have a fight he starts noticing there has to be someone else, another guy. Silvia says their only problem is her pregnancy and José having no interest in their child. Eventually José comes to know what's really going on with Silvia and Raul and it all ends very tragically.

Final Verdict: ***1/2

This film is true madness. At the end all characters seem to have had sex with eachother. There's a lot of sexual attraction between the characters and they all cheat. José makes love to Silvia's mother who works in a bar as a prostitute. Raul seduces Silvia and also makes love to José's mother. And Silvia eventually also starts kissing José's dad. So in the end they all betray each other. Probably not the most realistic plot, but it does work very well. You just have to see through it all and not think to much about it. Just go along with it and you will like it. This film is both comedy and drama. Comedy, not meanging very funny and providing many laugs, but more in the way that you shouldn't take things too seriously. It's strange though how a film with such a story of family betrayal and extremes can still be a joy to watch. Adding to this joyment is the way Bigas Luna tells the story. I loved the metaphors he uses and the slow-motion techniques. And even though the story is crazy and close to ridiculous, it really fits well and has a good structure. I'm still not quite sure what to think about this film though. At the end I started to really like it, but the beginning started off kind of slow. The way I see it, the film is very good, at least for what it is. In itself the film is well structured and has good directing. The actors are very good as well, especially Javier Bardem. There is something very cool about the whole atmosphere and I loved the locations. On the other hand, though, the film is very strange. Everyone makes love to eachother and cheats. This makes the film kind of weird and some people might find it stupid or unrealistic because of that. It's not that this film could have been better, because it's good the way it is. I do have a love for it, but I guess that saying that it might become a favourite of mine goes a bit too far.

Kill Bill: Vol 2

I watched Kill Bill: Vol. 1 already a while ago, but I still knew pretty clearly what is was about, so when I saw Kill Bill: Vol. 2 last night I didn't have any problems with getting back into the story. I guess not that much happens, beside all the amazing fight scenes. I'm not sure yet which one I like better, but then again I rather think of them as one film. It's not really a sequel. Just like in the first part there are really cool characters and lots of one on one fighting. I already found Daryl Hannah's character the most interesting, apart from Uma Thurman. She's really bad-ass in this film, which fits her quite well. And in this part she is even more cool. Too bad she didn't whistle, but she still had her eye patch. I really loved her fight with Uma. The close-ups and dialogue were great in that scene. Also during the fights with Pai Mei the camera almost seems to be jumping from one place to all of a sudden a close-up of his face. It so reminded me of these old Samurai flicks. It's great how he cites other films and work during his own. It makes his films such a joy to watch. The scenes of Uma in the car, which are in black and white, are also really fun.

What is it about?

As Kill Bill: Vol. 1 already showed, the story is about 'the Bride', who in this volume actually gets a name: Beatrix Kiddo. Thus the whole : 'hey kiddo' reference here isn't just an awesome way to say hello to someone, but it's actually her last name. As we found out in the first part, Beatrix is shot during her wedding, or as we now found out, her wedding rehearsal. She survives and the first thing on her mind when waking up in the hospital is revenge. Little does she know on that moment her baby is still alive. In volume 2 we learn how and when she found out she was pregnant and why they tried to kill her during her wedding rehearsal. Also we find out who Bill is and if she is able to survive from being burried alive and if she gets her baby daughter back.

Final Verdict: *****

Overall I really like the whole feel of the movie. It just oozes coolness. The fight scene with Elle Driver I liked the most, just like the one with Vivica A. Fox's character in Kill Bill: Vol. 1. Both scenes remind me a lot of the tv-series Alias. I'm almost certain Tarantino kind of took that from the season finale of season 1, because he starred in one of the episodes called 'The Box' and obviously is a fan of the show. That scene from Alias was the longest fight between two women ever to be shown in a tv-series. And the two scenes from Kill Bill, kind of look like that scene. Also I was amazed by the cuteness of B.B., Beatrix's daughter. I don't think I ever saw such a cool kid. But this film really is a feast and a celebration of these old Samurai movies. I remember seeing Kill Bill: Vol. 1 for the first time on my pc, but only really liking it the second time when I watched it on television. It's a film I can really appreciate. Just because as a viewer noticing all the references, you really feel taken seriously, like Tarantino is challenging your film knowledge. And it's just cool when you actually recognize stuff.