In 1993 a movie about the world war II Holocaust, change the completely the way that viewers see this kind of films. Schindler’s List is one of Steven Spielberg masterpiece and tells the story of Oskar Schindler a german owner of a factory, also member of the of the Nazi Party, responsible of saving the lives of 1200 Jews during the holocaust. Since then Hollywood have tried to repeat the model by digging into the most particular stories about jews been saved by personalities during World War II.
The last installment is the the film “The Zookeepers Wife” directed by Niki Caro and starring Jessica Chastain as Antonina Żabińska. As the owner with her husband Jan (Johan Hedenbergh) of a Zoo in Warsaw during World War II. They witness how the Nazi regime arrived to Poland, displacing jews, invading the city and also killing some of the animals of the zoo, but some German scientist decided to take some animals for experimentation.
Jan and Antonia decided to close the zoo, but comes with a plan to start a animal breeding program at the zoo in order to remain there, using pigs to provide food for the occupying forces. This is just a plan to use the pigs food transport to help jews to escape from the Gettho.
Niki Caro director of the beautiful film “The Whale Ryder” presents the audience a very beautiful story. While you watching the movie, you are always captivated by Jessica Chastain beauty and amazing performance, but fell flat when the story and the direction make the film unemotional about simple happenings, like the horrific killing of animals at the zoo, the struggle of Jan and Antonia as a marriage, trying to raise their kids, but also you’r not able to connect entirely with all the characters, specially the families rescued by the Żabińska family. Sometimes you get lost try to understand why some scenes are over the top, instead of create a visual and tense drama, about a family who saved 300 jews at the Warsaw zoo. To me the biggest waste is Daniel Brühl as Lutz Heck as Hitler Zooologist, his performance is boring and exaggerated.
“The Zookeepers Wife” is a film that could be a better movie, a movie story and a powerful story of another important saviors during the World War II holocaust.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
The dilema of man vs machine it’s been explore in movies, cartoons and also sci-fi novels. Those early days of cinema, when Fritz Lang brought “Metropolis” opened the eyes of everyone curious about this subject. Films like Robocop, Terminator, Tron, Bicentennial Man, iRobot, Ex-Machina, Blade Runner, The Matrix are the perfect example of how technology can be not as beneficial as we think to improve quality of life. On the other hand TV also explore the possibility of AI with Humans and Westworld. With all these examples I can say that every filmmaker interested in make a movie about it, is up to a big challenge.
“Ghost in the Shell” is the Japanese franchise created by Masamune Shiron and tells the story of a public security section 9 in the fictional city of Niihama best know as New Port City. A corporation Hanka use humans with augmented cybernetics and several enhancements as a counterterrorism operative. A young girl (Scarlett Johanson) is the sole survivor of a cyberterrorist attack which killed her parents. Her body is apparently beyond repair, and is use in an experiment were here human brain will be attached to a mechanical body. The experiment is successful, and after a year the girl becomes the Major Mira Killian leader of the bureau section 9.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the dilema of man vs machine is again explored in this movie. The references are so close. Are machine can have dreams or conciseness? How a machine can understand humans and their constant variability in emotions? Is not that easy and the problem with Ghost in the Shell is the movie try to present to American audiences a piece of history from Japan. Being one of most important Japanese creation, is hard to not compare with so many movies. The environment of Blade Runner, the androids erotism in Terminator, Ex Machina and Westworld. The trauma of now a artificial intelligence after been altered from a human being in Robocop. But after all those comparisons, the shadow of The Matrix is there, when meta-humans, altered mentally can achieve the imposible. On the other hand a film should fit perfectly into this analysis is “Lucy” where again Scarlett Johanson becomes a super powerful human after a terrible accident with a mysterious drug.
For fans of the comic, this is a treat as a movie, for people who wants to be entertain this works too, but for someone who is looking for a in depth exploration of artificial experience it could be a big disappointment
“Ghost in the Shell” is the Japanese franchise created by Masamune Shiron and tells the story of a public security section 9 in the fictional city of Niihama best know as New Port City. A corporation Hanka use humans with augmented cybernetics and several enhancements as a counterterrorism operative. A young girl (Scarlett Johanson) is the sole survivor of a cyberterrorist attack which killed her parents. Her body is apparently beyond repair, and is use in an experiment were here human brain will be attached to a mechanical body. The experiment is successful, and after a year the girl becomes the Major Mira Killian leader of the bureau section 9.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the dilema of man vs machine is again explored in this movie. The references are so close. Are machine can have dreams or conciseness? How a machine can understand humans and their constant variability in emotions? Is not that easy and the problem with Ghost in the Shell is the movie try to present to American audiences a piece of history from Japan. Being one of most important Japanese creation, is hard to not compare with so many movies. The environment of Blade Runner, the androids erotism in Terminator, Ex Machina and Westworld. The trauma of now a artificial intelligence after been altered from a human being in Robocop. But after all those comparisons, the shadow of The Matrix is there, when meta-humans, altered mentally can achieve the imposible. On the other hand a film should fit perfectly into this analysis is “Lucy” where again Scarlett Johanson becomes a super powerful human after a terrible accident with a mysterious drug.
For fans of the comic, this is a treat as a movie, for people who wants to be entertain this works too, but for someone who is looking for a in depth exploration of artificial experience it could be a big disappointment
Monday, July 10, 2017
A ship with colonist travel to a mysterious planet searching for a better future. A story that seems to be repeat and repeat but with the fate but with different twist. It’s been 38 years since the ship Nostromo was taken by a mysterious creature who kill them all, except officer Ripley ( Sigourney Weaver) her life changed forever becoming a hero capable to beat this monster in several sequels.
In 2010 Ridley Scott decided to tell the story of the true origins of the Alien trilogy with “Prometheus” a film who left audiences with more questions than answers. Now in 2017 Scott goes back with now 5 films about one of the most famous space monsters trying to connect the dots in “Alien Covenant”.
An unexpected accident kill the captain Jack Branson (James Franco) of the ship Covenant and cause severe damage to the ship needing some major repairs. The big casualty creates a new problem, after loosing the captain the first mate is in charge Christopher Oram ( Billy Crudup) which for the rest of the crew is not the best fit. Chris don’t have leadership and the pedigree to lead the crew to their final destination. Danny Daniels (Katherine Waterson) the chief of terraforming was Captain Branson’s wife, who don’t believes in his capacity either. The crew discovered a strange transmission, end up as a John Denver song, with this information in mind, now captain Oram make the decision to go send the crew to the planet, because there is 7 years left to travel to the final destination and this new planet seems to have the resources with earthlink needs. The trip becomes a tragedy with lost of most of the crew members…
“Alien Covenant” is another attempt to tell the “Alien” story from another angle looking for unnecessary answers to the begining of Ridley Scott original movie. The film explore a new planet which to some people will look like watching a Predator film, where a space monster is hunting humans. Then the story get the absurd idea of trying to connect “Prometheus” to this movie by giving you the answer of where Dr Elizabeth Shaw(Noomi Rapage) and David (Michael Fassbender) end up. The film is confusing from the very beginning by presenting so many characters, so easily to forget, because they die so quickly. The screenplay look for an emotional attachment between audience and characters by presenting colonist as a crew, but also families who are looking for a better future. Sadly you just wonder, who train this people? NASA? The lack of protocols and decisions made by emotions instead a good judgment make then the perfect objective for creatures who know they gonna take the bait.
In essence “Alien Covenant” is the terrible example of how Hollywood, cannot stop doing this movies.
In 2010 Ridley Scott decided to tell the story of the true origins of the Alien trilogy with “Prometheus” a film who left audiences with more questions than answers. Now in 2017 Scott goes back with now 5 films about one of the most famous space monsters trying to connect the dots in “Alien Covenant”.
An unexpected accident kill the captain Jack Branson (James Franco) of the ship Covenant and cause severe damage to the ship needing some major repairs. The big casualty creates a new problem, after loosing the captain the first mate is in charge Christopher Oram ( Billy Crudup) which for the rest of the crew is not the best fit. Chris don’t have leadership and the pedigree to lead the crew to their final destination. Danny Daniels (Katherine Waterson) the chief of terraforming was Captain Branson’s wife, who don’t believes in his capacity either. The crew discovered a strange transmission, end up as a John Denver song, with this information in mind, now captain Oram make the decision to go send the crew to the planet, because there is 7 years left to travel to the final destination and this new planet seems to have the resources with earthlink needs. The trip becomes a tragedy with lost of most of the crew members…
“Alien Covenant” is another attempt to tell the “Alien” story from another angle looking for unnecessary answers to the begining of Ridley Scott original movie. The film explore a new planet which to some people will look like watching a Predator film, where a space monster is hunting humans. Then the story get the absurd idea of trying to connect “Prometheus” to this movie by giving you the answer of where Dr Elizabeth Shaw(Noomi Rapage) and David (Michael Fassbender) end up. The film is confusing from the very beginning by presenting so many characters, so easily to forget, because they die so quickly. The screenplay look for an emotional attachment between audience and characters by presenting colonist as a crew, but also families who are looking for a better future. Sadly you just wonder, who train this people? NASA? The lack of protocols and decisions made by emotions instead a good judgment make then the perfect objective for creatures who know they gonna take the bait.
In essence “Alien Covenant” is the terrible example of how Hollywood, cannot stop doing this movies.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Wikipedia define Heist as a robbery from an institution such a bank or a museum. The long filmography of movies about robberies presents the most easy dilema, what are they robbing, who is going to do the robbery, where and when.
Talk about the subject could take hours and name all the movies, and discuss what are the influences or connection between them, another hour. All I can say the mere concept of putting together a group of people with a primary mission of stealing something, by working as a team and not kill each other in the process is already a complex story.
From Steven Soderbergh “Oceans Eleven” and sequels. Michael Mann “Heat” Bryan Singer “The Usual Suspects” Kathryn Bigelow “Point Break” Peter Collison “The Italian Job” John McTiernan “Die Hard” and Gregory Roy Hill “The Sting” Most of these films, are action packed stories, with some comedy, but also drama.
But this is the first time I seen a movie about a heist, but on the inside is a action musical, of course without singing actors.
Baby Driver is the 6th film by the director Edgar Wright responsible of great films like Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Death and Scott Pilgrim Vs the World.
The story is about a a getaway driver Baby (Ansel Elgort) that as a child suffer a car accident left him with severe tinnitus ( a hearing problem similar to a hiss) the only solution is to hear music. Baby is very talented, but also is questioned by his fellow robbers who think he is un-capable because his hearing problem. On the other hand his boss Doc (Kevin Spacey) assure the robbers he is fine, proving them constantly, he is not mentally slow. In the group of robbers Jason (John Hamm), Monica (Eiza Gonzáles) Leon (Jamie Foxx) they sort of rely on Baby, not necessary as a person but his driving amazing abilities.
The real charm of Baby Driver is the smart use of music on the film, with about 30 tracks songs in the soundtrack, the movie is choreograph by the songs, which make the film a action musical. Something that I haven’t seen before. Another element making the film a new classic is the amazing editing work, done by Jonathan Amos and Paul Machiss. This is a treat to every editor who wants to learn the best tricks, how to develop smart transitions and the perfect drama and comedic timming.
If we talk about the story Wright create a great balance of comedy, action and some dramatic moments. The film contain cool twists in the story that needs to be seen. The dialogue is witty and funny.
Talk about the subject could take hours and name all the movies, and discuss what are the influences or connection between them, another hour. All I can say the mere concept of putting together a group of people with a primary mission of stealing something, by working as a team and not kill each other in the process is already a complex story.
From Steven Soderbergh “Oceans Eleven” and sequels. Michael Mann “Heat” Bryan Singer “The Usual Suspects” Kathryn Bigelow “Point Break” Peter Collison “The Italian Job” John McTiernan “Die Hard” and Gregory Roy Hill “The Sting” Most of these films, are action packed stories, with some comedy, but also drama.
But this is the first time I seen a movie about a heist, but on the inside is a action musical, of course without singing actors.
Baby Driver is the 6th film by the director Edgar Wright responsible of great films like Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Death and Scott Pilgrim Vs the World.
The story is about a a getaway driver Baby (Ansel Elgort) that as a child suffer a car accident left him with severe tinnitus ( a hearing problem similar to a hiss) the only solution is to hear music. Baby is very talented, but also is questioned by his fellow robbers who think he is un-capable because his hearing problem. On the other hand his boss Doc (Kevin Spacey) assure the robbers he is fine, proving them constantly, he is not mentally slow. In the group of robbers Jason (John Hamm), Monica (Eiza Gonzáles) Leon (Jamie Foxx) they sort of rely on Baby, not necessary as a person but his driving amazing abilities.
The real charm of Baby Driver is the smart use of music on the film, with about 30 tracks songs in the soundtrack, the movie is choreograph by the songs, which make the film a action musical. Something that I haven’t seen before. Another element making the film a new classic is the amazing editing work, done by Jonathan Amos and Paul Machiss. This is a treat to every editor who wants to learn the best tricks, how to develop smart transitions and the perfect drama and comedic timming.
If we talk about the story Wright create a great balance of comedy, action and some dramatic moments. The film contain cool twists in the story that needs to be seen. The dialogue is witty and funny.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
The subject of wedding in movies, is just an excuse to bring two people together in a allegedly romantic comedy. It is hard to say in Hollywood how a movie with a wedding in it could be serious. The fact a wedding planning or the event itself is extremely dramatic story. Movies like Airbag, The Hangover, Bridesmaid, Wedding Crashers, My Big Fat Greek Wedding to Father of Bride.
Probably is consider funny the suffering of people trying to reach the wedding day, but if you see it from a different perspective, could be sad to say that weddings are a big opera, where the two main characters are reunited finally, but the chain of events lead to that day is hard enough.
One side of the story which is not covered pretty easy is the unwanted guest. Table 19 is the story of a group of people that been invited to a wedding, they end up randomly in a table with the lest favorite guest of all. The plot seems to be interesting and engaging. Jeffrey Blitz director of the Oscar nominated documentary Spellbound and Sundance winner from the film Rocket Science bring to life this story written by the Duplass brothers.
The story presents a true discovery for every character, who try to find meaning to life, sitting in that round table. A soul searching experience goes beyond the wedding reception area, but falls flat because there is no definition if this is a comedy, a sad story or both.
Probably is consider funny the suffering of people trying to reach the wedding day, but if you see it from a different perspective, could be sad to say that weddings are a big opera, where the two main characters are reunited finally, but the chain of events lead to that day is hard enough.
One side of the story which is not covered pretty easy is the unwanted guest. Table 19 is the story of a group of people that been invited to a wedding, they end up randomly in a table with the lest favorite guest of all. The plot seems to be interesting and engaging. Jeffrey Blitz director of the Oscar nominated documentary Spellbound and Sundance winner from the film Rocket Science bring to life this story written by the Duplass brothers.
The story presents a true discovery for every character, who try to find meaning to life, sitting in that round table. A soul searching experience goes beyond the wedding reception area, but falls flat because there is no definition if this is a comedy, a sad story or both.
Sci Fi Filmmakers are been obsessed with the idea of been the last person on earth. From zombie films like 28 Days later, an apocalyptic world filled with water in Waterworld, a world runs by machines in Mad Max, or the only person on earth living among apes in Planet of the Apes and last but least a machine with conciseness in Wall.e.
A young couple travel to Iceland to discover the wonders of this country now consider one of the most trendy tourist destination of all. Jenai (Maika Monroe) and Riley Matt O’Leary tour around the most popular locations. Been silly and having fun. One early morning Jenai wakes up and looking at the window she see a mysterious bright light. The next morning the couple head out to get breakfast, but they realized that they are alone. Little by little they walk the streets of Reykjavik, not finding a soul. Local supermarkets, restaurants, the cars are abandoned.
With this setting, the film Bokeh (Dir Geofrey Orthwein) presents a very complex dilemma. How a couple can live alone in a strange country with so much resources, but none to help them?. It seems like so easy to everyone to celebrate you can have access to everything the world has to offer for free, but comes with a price. Since humans depends of mass production of food, people who cook for you, farmers who treat your vegetables and fruits. Jenai and Riley quickly realized that they have everything, but they don’t have anything at all. Constant frustrations, loneliness feelings and even the fear of having an accident are brought to the table, because there are no doctors to treat them in an empty world.
Bokeh is a constant reminder, that we dependes so much of everyone. We need been around people, but we also need them to make the world in constant movement. The apocalyptic story fight the excess of resources and the consciousness of self-preservation.
A young couple travel to Iceland to discover the wonders of this country now consider one of the most trendy tourist destination of all. Jenai (Maika Monroe) and Riley Matt O’Leary tour around the most popular locations. Been silly and having fun. One early morning Jenai wakes up and looking at the window she see a mysterious bright light. The next morning the couple head out to get breakfast, but they realized that they are alone. Little by little they walk the streets of Reykjavik, not finding a soul. Local supermarkets, restaurants, the cars are abandoned.
With this setting, the film Bokeh (Dir Geofrey Orthwein) presents a very complex dilemma. How a couple can live alone in a strange country with so much resources, but none to help them?. It seems like so easy to everyone to celebrate you can have access to everything the world has to offer for free, but comes with a price. Since humans depends of mass production of food, people who cook for you, farmers who treat your vegetables and fruits. Jenai and Riley quickly realized that they have everything, but they don’t have anything at all. Constant frustrations, loneliness feelings and even the fear of having an accident are brought to the table, because there are no doctors to treat them in an empty world.
Bokeh is a constant reminder, that we dependes so much of everyone. We need been around people, but we also need them to make the world in constant movement. The apocalyptic story fight the excess of resources and the consciousness of self-preservation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)