Flight [2012]

Flight is a 2012 production, directed by Robert Zemeckis from a script written by John Gatins, starring Denzel Washington, which tells the story of an alchoolic pilot who is forced to face his addiction after a plane crash threatens to end his career. Dramatic, surprising and moving, Flight ticks almost every box in the filmmaking to do list and is put in the spotlight with the help of a great performance by Washington.

Script-wise, I thought it was cleverly written- the characters were interesting and real; the story, built around the accident and an inevitabile trial, didn't actually focus on them, but more on the development of the characters; and the climax, the deposition, was emotional to watch. I liked the way they wrote and showcased the crash experience, or how we could see the ups and downs of Whitaker's state, and the ending was surprisingly sweet.

Another strong point for Flight was the casting. I especially loved Don Cheadle and John Goodman, both brought something interesting and different to the table, but my favorites were definitely Kelly Reilly and Denzel Washington. Kelly Reilly was a revelation for me- sweet, talented, peculiar and exceptionally beautiful, she shined throughout the film and I wished I saw more of her. And what can I say about Washington? He is, after all, one of the best actors of our generation, and he nailed this part, perfectly illustrating different sides of a broken man who is caught up on an addiction that could potentially ruin him. He definitely deserves his place in the top 5 actors of 2012-2013 awards season.

From a filmmaking point of view, everything was well-executed. Considering it is a modern story, there's nothing much to say about the sets or costumes, but I did like the direction and the way they shot the air accident. The soundtrack was remarkable- I especially loved the use of Under the Bridge by RHCP.

I thought Flight, overall, is a very good movie that is both interesting and moving, one that features wonderful performances and an emotional story. I highly recommend it, it's one of this year's most underrated films!

p.s. Special mention for the lovely patient in the hospital who's line I still remember: "My cancer might get cancer"

Zero Dark Thirty [2012]

 

Zero Dark Thirty is a 2012 production, written by Mark Boal and directed by Kathryn Bigelow, of Hurt Locker fame. It tackles the subject of the post 9/11 efforts to capture Osama Bin Laden, all through the eyes of Maya, a determined CIA agent who follows her instincts and never gives up on her topic of investigation, the Abu Ahmed courier, who eventually leads them to Bin Laden. 

Where do I start? Zero Dark Thirty is a movie that caused controversy in the US, because of its use of torture- I won't dwel  on that, it's not something that bothered me. What I personally didn't like, or better say, didn't identify with, is the actual theme/storyline. It's hard to relate with a story that you didn't witness or live yourself, especially if it involves national politics. I am not saying I don't sympathise with it, I just don't regard it that as highly as Americans do. The only point in the film that really moved me was the actual raid in the middle of the night, and as far as acting goes, I understood and liked more the soldier roles than Maya's, for example. Speaking about her, I often wondered: what is her motivation after all? Why is she doing this? Patriotism? Lost friend/familly member? I just don't get her- is she a smart woman? or just a very ambitious, stubborn one? Is that last scene in the airplane an evidence of her being happy to accomplish a decade worth of work or finally being able to put behind Bin Laden? And I know you will probably say, well, the story is not about her, it's about the war against terrorism and so on. But if you are right about that, than the script didn't actually portray that well, either.

After the film was over, I remember thinking and actually writing on Twitter that I consider Zero Dark Thirty to be a foreign film, in the sense that it is based on a story/feeling that not most can identify with. It showcases American patriotism- it works for them, the citizens of USA, like Lincoln does, but not for the rest of the world, because of the cultural and environmental differences. Americans used to make universally liked films; this is not one of them and I really don't think it will appeal that much to non-americans, no matter the level of interest for politics and knowledge.

Filmmaking-wise, I wasn't impressed- it was a very well made movie, but nothing was outstanding. I never was a Bigelow fan- Hurt Locker did nothing for me, and I didn't get the whole buzz around her and her directing style; Zero Dark Thirty isn't any different, either, at least in this department. The camera is often shaky, and the cinematography was a bit off, in my opinion.

In contrast to that, the casting for Zero Dark Thirty was remarkable. Jason Clarke was a personal favorite, especially in the first part of the movie, and both Kyle Chandler and Mark Strong did a great job as CIA executives trying to do the right thing, all whilst fighting bireaucracy and uncertainty. As for Jessica Chastain, what can I say? My first impression was: "what is so special about Maya? why is she getting rave reviews for this part?", and I still maintain my opinion that the role is not visibly awards- worthy, but the more I think about it, the more I do see some subtleties in her performances. Still, come Oscar night, I am rooting for Jennifer Lawrence.

So, is it worth it? As I did for Lincoln, I would recommend it just to be aware of all nominated films, but otherwise? Not really- it's a see and forget type of film, at least it was for me. Sorry!

Oscar nominations- the 2013 edition

People, the Oscar nominations are here and there are some surprises. I like this year- not only for the shocks, but also because you can't know for sure who is going to win in most categories, and that makes it more exciting. Seth MacFarlane seems funny, so I guess will have a good time, too. This year's Oscars will be entertaining.

The big players- Lincoln, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, Les Miserables, have all gotten multiple nominations, but I wouldn't be surprised to see major letdowns when the winners will be announced, especially in categories like Director or Picture.

Let's get down to business

Best Picture- nominations
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Lincoln
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Amour
Django Unchained
Argo

Who will probably win? Lincoln or Zero Dark Thirty
Who I want to win? I haven't seen all of them, but I am rooting for either Django Unchained or Argo
Surprises? For me, Beasts, I wasn't expecting to see it here


Best Actor- nominations
Daniel Day Lewis- "Lincoln"
Denzel Washington- "Flight"
Hugh Jackman- "Les Miserables"
Bradley Cooper- "Silver Linings Playbook"
Joaquin Phoenix- "The Master"

Who will probably win? Daniel Day Lewis is the almost sure winner
Who I want to win? Call me crazy, but I am rooting for Bradley Cooper, although I know he won't get it. So let's go to choice nr.2, which is Hugh Jackman, and nr.3 is Denzel Washington
Surprises? None too big, but I was happy when I saw Cooper's name there, I wasn't sure he will make it


Best Actress- nominations
Naomi Watts- "The Impossible"
Jessica Chastain- "Zero Dark Thirty"
Jennifer Lawrence- "Silver Linings Playbook"
Emmanuele Riva- "Amour"
Q. Wallis- "Beasts of the Southern Wild"

Who will probably win? Chastain or Lawrence...or maybe a surprise win by Riva
Who I want to win? Hmm...I don't really care for this category, no female really impressed me this year. Mabe Lawrence, she would be nice- young, beautiful, quirky, talented. Yeah, my pick is for Lawrence
Surprises? Q.Wallis, no doubt. The rest were seen in the other award nominations lists, too.


Best Supporting Actor- nominations
Alan Arkin- "Argo"
Robert De Niro- "Silver Linings Playbook"
Philip Seymour Hoffman- "The Master"
Tommy Lee Jones- "Lincoln"
Christoph Waltz- "Django Unchained"

Who will probably win? I think the battle is between DeNiro and Tommy Lee Jones
Who I want to win? Hoffman, because I have a soft spot for him, or De Niro
Surprises? Uh...Alan Arkin. Don't get me wrong, he is a wonderful actor, but he just didn't impress me in Argo, his part was not awards worthy, I really don't get it. I would have easily put Ezra Miller or Dwight Henry or Garrett Hedlund there instead of him. Oh, and where is poor Leonardo DiCaprio? poor man, what does he have to do to get an Oscar?


Best Supporting Actress-nominations
Amy Adams- "The Master"
Sally Field- "Lincoln"
Anne Hathaway- "Les Misérables"
Helen Hunt- "The Sessions"
Jacki Weaver- "Silver Linings Playbook"

Who will probably win? Again, I think it's between Sally Field and Anne Hathaway
Who I want to win? Amy Adams is such a wonderful, talented actress, I would love for her to win. But I would be fine with Hathaway, too, she is equally amazing.
Surprises? Jacki Weaver- a nice surprise, I liked her more in SLP than DeNiro


Best Director- nominations
Amour: Michael Haneke
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Benh Zeitlin
Life of Pi: Ang Lee
Lincoln: Steven Spielberg
Silver Linings Playbook: David O. Russell

Who will probably win? Very hard to say, considering the surprises, but I'll go for Spielberg or Lee
Who I want to win? Please, please, just don't make Bigelow win again- oh wait, she is not on the list.Yey! Actually, you can scratch Spielberg from my list, too, I wasn't impressed. Anyone else is perfect. Maybe Ang Lee? or Behn Zeitlin? that would be shocking
Surprises? Zeitlin, Haneke and even Russell- this was by far the most shocking category reveal for me, and probably for most. No Tarantino? No Paul Thomas Anderson? No Wes Anderson? No Ben Affleck?


Best Original Screenplay- nominations
Amour: Written by Michael Haneke
Django Unchained: Written by Quentin Tarantino
Flight: Written by John Gatins
Moonrise Kingdom: Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
Zero Dark Thirty: Written by Mark Boal

Who will probably win? A three-way between Django, Zero Dark Thirty and Moonrise Kingdom. Wes Anderson might bag it
Who I want to win? I'm rooting for Tarantino or Wes Anderson, I loved Moonrise Kingdom
Surprises? Amour, I didn't imagine there would be so much love for it


Best Adapted Screenplay- nominations
Argo: Screenplay by Chris Terrio
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Screenplay by Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin
Life of Pi: Screenplay by David Magee
Lincoln: Screenplay by Tony Kushner
Silver Linings Playbook: Screenplay by David O. Russell

Who will probably win? Again, I don't know for sure, it could be Argo or SLP, maybe even Lincoln
Who I want to win? SLP- a great film and the script was definitely one of its high points.
Surprises? Life of Pi?


Best Cinematography- nominations
Anna Karenina: Seamus McGarvey
Django Unchained: Robert Richardson
Life of Pi: Claudio Miranda
Lincoln: Janusz Kaminski
Skyfall: Roger Deakins

Who will probably win? Life of Pi or Lincoln, they will go for the big guns
Who I want to win? Anna Karenina- I have a soft spot for this film and I want it to have some recognition
Surprises? Skyfall? I mean I get why they nominated it, but I wasn't expecting it

Best Score- nominations
Anna Karenina: Dario Marianelli
Argo: Alexandre Desplat
Life of Pi: Mychael Danna
Lincoln: John Williams
Skyfall: Thomas Newman

Who will probably win? Argo or Lincoln
Who I want to win? Again, Anna Karenina or Skyfall, I want some surprises in there, too
Surprises? Skyfall?

Best Foreign Film- nominations
Amour: Austria
Kon-Tiki: Norway
No: Chile
A Royal Affair: Denmark
War Witch: Canada

Who will probably win? Amour
Who I want to win? In absence of Beyond the Hills, Untouchables, or Rust&Bone, I am going with Amour
Surprises? Totally disappointed Beyond the Hills, the Romanian entry, didn't get it. Where in the hell did Kon-Tiki come from?

Best Documentary- nominations
5 Broken Cameras
The Gatekeepers
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Searching for Sugar Man

Who will probably win? I don't know...maybe Searching for Sugar Man or How to Survive a Plague
Who I want to win? Searching for Sugarman, I really liked it
Surprises? No The Imposter? No Queen of Versailles?


Best Animated Feature- nominations
Brave: Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Frankenweenie: Tim Burton
ParaNorman: Sam Fell and Chris Butler
The Pirates! Band of Misfits: Peter Lord
Wreck-It Ralph: Rich Moore

Who will probably win? Uh, Frankenweenie....or maybe Brave. Surprise win: Wreck-it Ralph
Who I want to win? ParaNorman- my favorite animation this year, very funny and well made, but probably doesn't stand a chance
Surprises? The Pirates


One month and a half to go- I can't wait: the red carpet filled with beautiful men and some nice dressed women, the dreaded speeches, the "OMG- he/she/it did not just win!", the opening monologue and much more- 24th of February cannot come sooner!

Who are you rooting for?

Beasts of the southern wild [2012]

Beasts of the southern wild is a 2012 production which premiered at Sundance and gained immense success throughout the year, especially for first time director Behn Zeitlin. It tells the story of a young girl, Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis), who lives in an isolated part of the world with her father, Wink, and a handful of people who refuse to leave their homes, in spite of the incoming water rise that is threatening to destroy their houses and lives.

Beasts is a very good movie, with a touching story, interesting direction and fantastic performances, but still it failed to completely move me. I think it's because the script was not the strongest point of the film. It started out strong- I was taken aback by the wild, dirty and unexpected aspect of everyday life south of the Levee, but also containing something beautiful and natural that you are attracted to, no matter what. I loved the fact that the people were celebrating life even when they didn't have anything else but those houses, when all hope was lost, when they knew the storm is coming. The Bathtub (the town) was made of survivors, and Hushpuppy was the first and strongest of them, despite her age. Wink, her father, is tough on her, but mostly because he wants her to succeed, so he treats her bad enough to make her strong and resilient. But this where the story mostly lies in- survival- and it doesn't go much further than that, unfortunately, which is a pity. Also, a thing I didn't quite get or see the relevance in the end, is the monster deal, although the confrontation was interestingly made.

That being said, the rest of the aspects of the movie were pretty flawless. The direction was beautiful and suited the wild nature of the environment, especially with its shaky camera and, sometimes, not very focused camera shots, and the set design was very well made and incredibly realistic. I also loved the score of it, and I think it should be rewarded somehow. What we should really talk about is the casting, and especially the performances of the actors. Quvenzhané Wallis was flawless and, for such a young girl, she delivered much more than expected. Dwight Henry was also very good and played the part of the father with the right amount of love and toughness, and the rest of the supporting cast was great.

Beasts of the southern wild is a wonderful film from many points of view, but in the end, it fails to make a real difference or, better said, fails to impress and give a lasting impression over time. It is a well made film, beautifully shot, but just not....enough.

"I see that I am a little piece in a big, big universe, and that makes everything right!"

Cloud Atlas [2012]

Cloud Atlas is a 2012 production, based on a David Mitchell novel and directed by two sets of directors: some parts were mastered by the Wachowski brothers, and others were done by Tom Tykwer. It tackles different themes like love, betrayal and hope, across thousands of years and including characters of all sizes and appearances.

One of the most discussed aspects of this film is the level of complexity of the script: it is, indeed, a bit difficult to explain each story and the connection between them, but one thing I have to mention is the fact that it is not that hard to understand. I have read many posts saying some scenes don't make sense or that they found it difficult to grasp the links between the plots, but I wasn't in the same situation: for me it was pretty clear and, moreover, I was engaged and interested in each storyline and the sequences of scenes. Even the almost 3 hours passed by quickly, with the exception of some small parts.

I loved the idea of illustrating a specific theme or feeling across different time periods, showing that it is similar in so many ways, no matter the current status. Love, hope, survival, betrayal and instinct, all are feelings experienced in any situation, in any part of the world, and in the end, Cloud Atlas is a great way of showcasing humanity in all its forms. My favorite storylines involve the 2141 Neo Seoul time, and the music composer one, with the lovely Ben Whishaw, who was criminally underused.

From a filmmaking point of view, it looked amazing- the action and future scenes looked intriguing and interesting, shot in a dynamic way, while the past or present ones were done in a more simpler, subtle way, but not lacking beauty. I particularly liked the score, and I thought the sets and costumes from the future looked very good.

As for the acting, there's not too much to say. All did their job well, some even exceeding, like Jim Sturgess, Jim Broadbent or Hugo Weaving, but no one stood out from the cast. I definitely think Tom Hanks and Halle Berry were overused, and I wished Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw were more present, but overall it was well acted.

I strongly believe that Cloud Atlas is an underestimated movie by most and I don't know why-usually, the complex and star-studded films get rave reviews, but this one is different. Maybe it's the sci-fi. Or because it's directed by the Wachowskis. Or maybe people just don't like to bother with complex storylines. Who knows? I just wish more people would love it. I definitely do, and I highly recommend it. (Expect even a spot in my best of 2012 list)

Silver Linings Playbook [2012]

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 production directed  and written by David O.Russell, based on a novel by Matthew Quick. It tells the story of a recovering mental illness hospital patient (Bradley Cooper) and his struggles to get back his old life. Things get interesting when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

I was pleasantly surprised by SLP and interestingly enough, 30 minutes into the film, I was already thinking it was one of the year's finest. The script is definitely one of the best things about the movie- it's realistic, on point, with no-bullshit or overly dramatic sequences, and most importantly, it manages to be both emotional and funny, both unsettling and easygoing. I also thought the main theme, that of mental illness, was well represented, even if they overreacted in some cases; moreover, since there have been so many people affected by it in the last decades, that depression or anxiety symptoms are common knowledge, unfortunately. The good thing is the film gives it a happy ending and enforces the idea that people can get past it, that you can survive and live a normal, happy life with it, if you just fight hard enough.

One of the SLP strong points was definitely the cast, starting with Bradley Cooper- who knew he could act? I never paid too much attention to him, I always considered him to be just another Hollywood heartthrob, but he was outstanding in this role and I sincerely hope he will be nominated at least for some awards. Jennifer Lawrence was amazing, as expected and she is definitely on her way to stardom, although I wouldn't actually say she is Best Actress material, but close enough. Even the supporting cast delivered, starting with Jacki Weaver, who I love, and continuing with Julia Stiles, her husband, played by John Ortiz, and even Chris Tucker. Robert de Niro was also exceptionally good and worth of its inevitable nomination, but not enough for a win, at least in my eyes- I think the supporting category is very strong this year and will be won by either a Les Mis actor or by DiCaprio.

The direction was very good, although I wasn't a fan of the often shaky, dynamic shots that Russell used, but I did love the close-ups. The music was particularly interesting, especially the Alt J song which I will definitely look up soon, and there's nothing good or bad to say of the sets and costumes- they were perfectly fine for the film.

In the end, Silver Linings Playbook is, indeed, one of 2012's best films and you should definitely see it, for its strong story, approachable characters and way of dealing with a delicate theme.

The Artist[2011/2012]

[SPOILER ALERT]
Wednesday night, with an Orange code in hand, I went to see The Artist! It tells the story of silent movie star George Valentin, who wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion; meanwhile Peppy Miller, a young dancer, starts her journey in Hollywood, gaining new friends and fans on the way.

Whilst watching the film and, especially at the end, I kept getting back to an idea, to a feeling that it gave me. 

I couldn't shake off the feeling that this movie was a metaphor for Hollywood- let me explain. George Valentin, the famous silent movie actor, can be compared to any A lister in modern times: talented, with a bucket full of charm, attractive, loved and envied by everyone. For some years, he is the star of the game, the man of the moment; people can't get enough of him. But when the rules of the game change, or better say, evolve, there is time for new talent to emerge and, slowly, the A lister is no longer considered the hot commodity of the town, and that's the natural rhythm of things-- it's an ongoing cycle. Peppy Miller represents the upcoming artists, the youngsters who may not have the talent of people like Valentin, but they sure do have the charm. And so, George loses steam, Miller rises from the ashes, and therefore, a new star is born.

Valentin does not go down without a fight- he directs his own movie, in hope that it will be a hit and people might still like silent movies, in the meantime losing all his money, passion and ambition (does this situation ring a bell to anyone?). He surrenders to failure and has a meltdown, all ending with a big fire- because you already know Americans are so dramatic and overreacting- they were back then and they still are even now. As all Hollywood movies and, sometimes, real life situations, there is always a happy ending, with the obligatory nice girl and sweet moment of "Oh, I never stopped loving you, I am here to save you exactly before you do something stupid". They quickly make up, move on and start living a great life together on and off-screen.

Although some might say it is an ode to silent movies, I say it is more than that- it is an ode, sometimes parody, to Hollywood, to its system, to its scripts, its charm and attractiveness. It's a story we've seen many times before, with different characters, different actors, in all periods of time, showing the natural order of things- we rise, we succeed, we fall and suffer, but we eventually get up and move on. And while this happens everywhere around the world, Hollywood will always have an upper hand in transforming this type of story in a full-out romance or drama, because that what it does: it creates characters, magnifies the story and makes it more approachable, yet still more attractive and appealing to the mass than your usual drama on the street. The happy ending doesn't always come in real life, but in movies, in Hollywood, everything is fine at the end- hopeless optimistic, these Americans (and I personally love it)! I don't know if you understood what I meant when I said it was a metaphor, it seemed clearer to me when I got out of the cinema theater, but I just couldn't write this review until now, the words just didn't come out.

Coming back to the movie, the great thing about The Artist is the fact that it managed to portray Hollywood, to portray life, in a very simple, yet extremely effective, entertaining, charming way. The lack of dialogue wasn't an issue, as the sets, the costumes, the music and the acting were more than enough to please the audience. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo light up the screen and make you fall in love with them at the first sight, giving fantastic performances all the way through.

The Artist ticks all of boxes, but still, it's not enough, maybe because it does not have the shock factor- it is not memorable. It's something we've seen times and times before, but translated in the 20s, with a more musical aspect to it.

Bottom line, I will tell you what I keep saying to my friends when they ask how the movie was: "Sweet, entertaining, charming, but not mind-blowing. You should see it, it's fun!"

The Girl with the Dragon Tatto[2011]

Usually, I am a big fan of David Fincher's work- I haven't seen everything, but most of it (or what I managed to watch) is really good: it's obscure, the shots are great, it always has a dark, twisted plot, a great soundtrack and the performances are fantastic. This movie fits into those lines.....and that's about it. For me, this experience was underwhelming and I must admit, I was a little dissapointed.

Now, I admit, it's not entirely Fincher's fault. The script, albeit good, with twists and turns, an almost replica of the book (but with the necessary cuts), still feels too much. As a reader of the book, knowing what to expect, I was patient enough to sit through it, but I must imagine that for the first-timers, the first hour was a little boring and afterwards, the unveiling of the actual truth and mistery, during the second hour, was stretched out too much. After Mikael finds out the names and numbers are biblical and asks for Lisbeth's help, things get interesting, but not quite; I was still expecting for a faster pace, a change in dynamics, but all I got was louder, more somber music and the usual scene A, cut to scene B reel- the only good parts where the one where the story of Mikael interwines with the one of Lisbeth, seeing what they were doing in the same time. Maybe it's not the scriptwriter's fault, maybe I should just criticise the book, who knows, but that aspect really bothered me.

As I said, in theory, you could still see and have Fincher's trademark characteristic. The soundtrack was very good, intense and perfect for the movie, the special effects were great and I loved the opening sequence- different from the movie, but still special and very interesting. The cinematography and the directing style were appropriate for this kind of movie and it did gave it an extra edge, but I still wasn't impressed.

One thing that I have to admit whole-heartly- Rooney Mara owned that part. From the simple, almost boring girl in the Social Network, to Lisbeth Salander, that was a huge transformation and I am sure that road was a journey she will not forget. Knowing that David likes to do at least 20 takes of every scene, the rape part must have been horrible- her performance during that moment was hard to watch and listen. As I said, she completely transformed herself in Lisbeth and seeing her latest appeareances, I guess she hasn't managed to shake her off.

Daniel Craig also delivers a very good performance, cold, but entertaining and unique. Christopher Plummer and Stellan Stargard, as grandfather and nephew, are superb, especially Stellan, who gives Martin just the right attitude, not too maniac, but with the right amount of craziness and intelligence.

Overall, although I admit, it is a good movie, I just didn't feel it, I was never in awe, it didn't made me flinch, I wasn't eagerly waiting for the next shot, I wasn't surprised, and no, I don't think it has to do with the fact I read the book, it was just not perfect. I left the theatre saying "yeah, it was ok, but nothing special" and the people around me agreed. My sister says it was too creepy and sadistical for her taste (she is more of a Breaking Dawn girl) and my mother, who has read the book, said it was good, but also too dark and violent, but she liked it overall.

What did you think of it? Am I wrong?

Bridesmaids [2011]

Christmas is not a good time to watch a war movie, or horror or anything too dramatic. You should see something light, funny, interesting. My choice for the 26th of December? Bridesmaids! How was it? I loved it!

The movie, a comedy, had all the right elements: funky, a little bit excentric protagonist, a best friend, weird roommates and, of course, a funny situation that moves along the plot. But still, it exceled in many ways.

First of all, say what you want, Kristen Wiig is funny. Kristen is funny in her own special way, in the SNL way that made her famous and the jokes and style of the famous tv show transcend to the big screen, as well (obvious example, Annie vs Helen speech at the engagement party). The script, co-written by her, has some very funny lines and scenes and doesn't go over the top very often (exception being the very end, with the Megan & Air Marshall video).

3 key moments that had laughing out loud: (1)the last part of the airplane scene ("there's a woman on a wing..."), (2)Annie, in the car with Helen, trying to get Rhodes attention and (3)Lillian, showing up in her designer dress in her apartment, to show Annie. Funny for me, at least.(p.s. I love SNL, as well, some sketches are hilarious, and they have so many talented people in the cast: Kristen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, Taran Killam and so on).

Second of all, the story was simple, endearing, and of course, had the classic outline of a comedy (perfect friends, big situation, friends break up, they hit bottom, they reunite, they are both happy bla bla). You know the drill- but Bridesmaids had a little bit more. I don't know what- maybe it was Kristen Wiig, maybe it was Mellissa McCarthy or Rose Byrne (both fantastic from my point of view), maybe it was the chemistry between the women, or the lovely surprise provided by Chris O'Dowd (cool Brit, did you see him present the BIFAs? hilarious), or the funny script- I can't really say exactly, but it worked for me.

Other mentionable elements that I observed during the viewing: ..and the winners for the weirdest roommates in history are Gil and Brynn; did I ever tell you how much I love cupcakes?; Jon Hamm can play a very convincing jackass- maybe he is one in real life?; Megan is right by saying "you're your problem Annie, and you're also your solution!"- we should all learn from that one and stop complaining.

In the end, it was a great, smart comedy! I liked it! You should see it when you have the chance!

The Help[2011]

The Help is a wonderful story of a young woman who decides to write the story from the help's perspective during the civil rights movement in the 1960s Mississippi.

Before seeing it, I heard some great things about the cast, but that's it; most of male bloggers didn't particularly enjoyed. After the two and a half hours, I can understand it, as it has a more feminist aproach to it.As you can imagine, I loved the movie; I thought it had everything: amazing performances, beautiful sets and costumes, entertaining story, but with an emotional aspect to it, and a great ending.

The female characters are very well built and the performances are just spectacular, especially Viola Davis as Aibileen and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook- they were the two standouts for me, who carried out this sad, but true story, in a beautiful, affectionate, yet powerful way. Emma Stone has a slightly different role then usual, but she delivers;  Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote is a pleasant surprise and Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson is adorable and she will probably receive a Supporting actress nomination.

The movie is not action oriented, it does not have a fast pace- what you get is an analysis of this particular situation in Mississippi; you see and understand what was it like for coloured women in the 1960s to work in an environment full of people like Hilly Hilbrook. You will encounter sad stories, you will have your share of fun (Minny's famous pie), even some romance (hello, Chris Lowell), and you will love the characters.

It had a little bit of everything and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The ladies will love it, the men...well, I guess they can appreciate the performances! You should check it out- I think the Golden Globes&co will hand out some nominations for it!

Double post: Margin call&Let me in

Margin Call

Margin Call premiered last winter in Sundance, but is suddenly gaining momentum during awards season and is apparently aiming for some of them, mostly in the acting department; and they should, because it delivers big time.

I would call this movie a performance one. The actors feel like giants in a world of finance, and you barely notice the other details- music, direction, sets, script- nothing, just them. Everyone, from Zachary Quinto and Penn Badgely (the newbies) to Jeremy Irons and Kevin Spacey, is perfect and play the part in a realistic, no bullshit way. The last two stand out and are in the race for supporting nods, which they rightly deserve. Special mention to Paul Bettany who is great, not amazing, in this movie, but I love him to death, he is one of my favourites.

All in all, an enjoyable movie that you should give it a try!

Let me in

Let me in is a remake after a Swedish film, about a young boy who starts an unlikely friendship with a young  female vampire.

I especially liked the two leads, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Moretz. There is just something special about him; maybe it's his face, his fizonomy and gestures, his awkwardness, but I think he will grow up to be a very good actor. Owen, the character, is sweet, smart, but lonely and missunderstood. That is when Chloe Moretz's character comes in and develops the strange friendship. Their conversations are slow and  sweet, but what else can you expect from 12 year olds? I love the scene when he asks, without actually knowing what it means "will you go steady with me?".

I can't really say the horror element has there, as I wasn't scared in any moment, but it had some dark moments. Over all, it is a good movie, although it wasn't mind-blowing.