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• Director: Tarsem Singh
• Genre: Fantasy/Drama/Adventure
• Year: 2008 (US)

The first thing that drew my attention to this film was the visuals, its fantastic approach and its costume design. Right off the bat it reminded me off The Cell, a favorite movie of mine which suffered in casting coughjenifferlopezcough but which still remains a complete visual orgasm, as far as I am concerned. As it turns out Tarsem Singh also directed The Cell and so that explains a hell of a lot.

The movie is set in Los Angeles, right around the 1920’s in a hospital in which Roy (Lee Pace; Pushing Daisies), a suicidal stunt man, is being kept under watch after trying to end his life. Alexandria (Catinca Untaru), a young child that is sort of every nurse and doctor’s pet, roams around the building looking for interesting things to do. When she meets Roy, a playful relationship is sparked, in which Roy tries uses an intriguing story to feed the child’s imagination and get what he needs for himself as well.

The story jumps, between the hospital in Los Angeles and the visually stunning story regarding an Indian, an explosive expert, a former slave, Charles Darwin and the Red Bandit, a group of men who are all after Governor Odious, a man they hate equally for distinct reasons.

Following the thread left off by The Cell, The Fall employs amazing imagery with vivid colors, splendid panoramas and unique costuming. Shot in twenty six locations in over 18 countries, the director brings to the screen exquisite scenes that are like the equivalent of candy for the eyes. Moreover, what adds an additional layer of interest here is the fact that the story is presented to the audience through the words of Roy, an adult, but seen through the eyes of Alexandria, a child. This results in quirky misunderstandings or over-stretching of the imagination that make the entirety of this film, that much more fantastic.

It also must be mentioned that Catinca Untaru is about the most beautiful little creature in film I have seen in a long time. Forget child actors, this girl is rumored to have absolutely no training when she shot this movie (apparently at the age of five). Whatever methods the director employed to get her to deliver this character most definitely worked, and the girl has a shinning charm that leaps off the silver screen and rattles you with laughter. There are numerous parts in this film where the interaction of this girl with others is intoxicating, in particular, one conversation between Roy and Alexandria comes to mind, where she brings Roy a bit of ‘host’ stolen from a priest and which the child calls food; Roy’s questioning and Alexandria’s answering is so natural, so realistic and so funny, that you can not help but get attached to these characters.

Exciting, stunning, intriguing, evocative, thought provoking, this is the first film this year that brings back to mind Pan’s Labyrinth, and while this film fails to hit the more subtle notes that Guillermo del Toro so accurately struck, this to me remains one of the first memorable films of the year. It is not perfect, there are aspects of the story that could have been polished a bit more for the delivery and casting decisions in the part of the Nurse/Princess, which were questionable, but all of these are small problems that hardly bear down on the overall scheme. Also, it should be noted that some people will have a hard time with the fantasy end of this story. Those that are caught up in details and making things work in a linear fashion will find themselves frustrated by a story that makes blunders and fixes itself as it goes, more than once back tracking on itself to change details only because it suits. This is something natural to amateurish story telling, and something that in the context is necessary for this movie, but I get the feeling many people will try to knock it for it. Now…what I am asking myself is, was this movie released too early in the year to be remembered come Award season

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Notes: There are some moments of violence that will likely be unnerving to the younger crowd as well as some imagery that could be disturbing. That being said, language is pretty clean and there is no nudity or sexuality. Overall a pretty good film to watch with the family as long as the really little kids are left with the sitter.
Quote: Charles Darwin: Shoot, you animals. They’ll pay you well for Darwin’s hide.

• Director: Tamara Jenkins
• Genre: Drama/Comedy
• Year: 2007

In my opinion, another of the greats of 2007 that were wrongfully overlooked. The hype was high for this film from the get go, even though it had very little financial backing and played at very few theaters upon its release. Nevertheless the critical acclaim it received was noteworthy. Unfortunately, being the independent film that it was, it still has managed to slip under most people’s radars.

Mixing drama and comedy with fluidity, this film gives us a glimpse at the life of Johnathan and Wendy Savage, two siblings who were abandoned by their mother and who harbor a tremendous amount of resentment towards a father that failed to be exactly that for them in their youth. Now, nearing the end of his life, their father begins to suffer from Dementia and their step-mother dies. Leonard Savage, now without a partner also finds himself having to find a new home and depending entirely on his children, who are forced to find a roof for their father.

Though the film may not readily sound like comedy material, it is in the various character and situations in this film that one finds the smiles; not to mention the excruciating and disturbingly awkward moment guaranteed to make you squirm in your seat in embarrassment for various characters who throughout the movie are placed in some very interesting moments. At times a very lonely film, at other times subtly moving, the play between Johnathan (Philip Seymour Hoffman, in another great character) and Wendy (Laura Linney) makes for unforgettable interactions. This, like ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ is a definite must watch for everybody and quite possible a must own for most.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Notes: Language and adult situations with sexual material and drug content…even if it is the ‘acceptable’ kind of drugs.
Quote: Jimmy: Are you married?
Wendy: No… but my boyfriend is.

That’s right, read them and weep. I know you are all jealous of my new “Death Metal Black with Solar White Racing Stripes” look. They are pretty bad ass if I say so myself. I took the girls to get pedicures and they treated themselves, so why not me right? I am just sorta ticked the girl would not do a pirate skull on me, I think it was well beyond her artistic capabilities. Next time, I will ask them to let me do it myself, I will design a skull logo and do a 2/3 design to make it look as if the skull is embedded on the bed of the nail. Anyway, the best part of this whole thing is that foot rub they give you. I could get used to that every once in a while…

-Fco.

• Director: Louis Malle
• Genre: Thriller/Crime/Drama/Foreign
• Year: 1958

A look at the date will tell you that yes, this is an old school film and that it is black and white. One look at the Genre will tell you that it is not a movie in English. I am sure by now 90% of the people have lost their interest in this, so…allow me to address the remaining 10% that may still be interested. This movie is good, in the old school sense.

One thing that has changed over time is the way we as an audience perceive information. MTV style editing has drastically shortened our attention span. I suppose this can be both good and bad. Good in the sense that much more data can be consumed more rapidly and readily…but bad in the sense that rarely do we pause to take a look at the beauty in slower films, like Terrence Malick’s films or Wong Kar Wai’s…or this one, which is actually not really a slow film, just slower than contemporary thrillers.

In fact, this movie loses very little time getting into the meat of the story, with a murder taking place during the opening scenes, an act that is so cleverly planned, it is flawless, except for one little oversight in the part of the assassin, Mr. Tavernier (a former soldier), who has killed his boss in order to hook up with his boss’ wife. One little mistake, which when he goes to back to correct, ends up multiplied in severity when Travernier finds himself stuck in an elevator when the power is cut by the guard.

At the same time, we are introduced to a young couple of reckless kids who steal Travernier’s car and assume his identity, complicating matters for a man who already has enough to deal with and for his love, who is going to and fro trying to locate her lover whom she fears has ran off with another man.

Long takes are abundant but not wasteful, serving to settle the mood of the movie that bounces between a thriller and a slightly dark humor. Interesting characters are peppered throughout, though the movie does not entirely avoid clichés, which is unfortunate and as can be expected, sound editing is not flawless either, which draws attention to a few spots in the movie which were entirely unnecessary. Nevertheless, this movie is conciced, flows well and keeps you engaged throughout. And you can not go wrong with a soundtrack that features the one and only Miles Davis.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Notes: Pretty clean movie, some very brief nudity, not much language. French with English subtitles. And is it me or does Jeanne Moureau bear a striking resemblance to Helena Bonham Carter?
Quote: Julien Tavernier: How many billions did the Indochina War bring you? And now Algeria, how much?

• Director: Andrew Adamson
• Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Family
• Year: 2008

The Chronicles of Narnia is growing up and this is one sequel that decided to take up where it last left off and build on it rather than take the decline. Darker, moodier and generally more intense, Prince Caspian builds on the fantasy world that the first one establishes and amps up the action; and while the start gets off a bit slowly, the second half of the movie develops with a lot more intrigue than its predecessor.

One year later for the Pevensie siblings is not necessarily so for Narnians, where about 1300 years have passed and none of those seem to have smiled kindly upon the the once happy kingdom. The rightful heir to the throne is now on the run, now that his uncle has been made a father to a son whom he hopes will carry the crown. Doing his best to get rid of Prince Caspian, Miraz arranges his assassination, one which the young prince barely escapes, leaving him with no choice but to use the horn that once used to belong to Susan. And it is that very call which brings the Pevensie siblings back to a Narnia which is “far more savage than they remember.”

The child actors of this movie have grown up and as one saw with the Potter series, these kids have also gotten a better handle on their characters. The improvement is all around the table. Lucy is now more pivotal, Susan is no longer the waste os space in the corner, Edmund is making up for his mistakes of the first movie with style and Peter is no longer the flawless leader the first movie made him out to be, putting him in a collision course with Prince Caspian for power and the ultimate shot at leadership of the Narnian insurgency.

Better acting, better plot and continuing on the path that the first movie started us on, Prince Caspian is definitely a worthy sequel. It is not without its flaws, but as a family film, this movie is one of the best ones that you will be able to take your family to and have both adults and children enjoy it.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Notes: More violent than the last one, but they are careful to keep all bloody shots off screen and make the more gruesome moments of battle implied.
Quote: Prince Caspians: You’re Narnians. You’re supposed to be extinct.
Nikabrik: Sorry to disappoint you.

• Director: Matt Reeves
• Genre: Horror/Sci-fi/Thriller/Action
• Year: 2008

If you take the Blair Witch Project and inject into it a much greater budget you get this, complete with the headache that plagues you half an hour after watching the movie due to the (purposely) poor camera work. At least the effect of the screen movement is not quite as powerful when you are watching it on a big screen at home as opposed to the silver screen at the theaters while sitting on the third row (and I am not talking about the stadium seating area, I am talking about literally, the third row).

The movie is about what one can expect, essentially the footage of a single tape collected in Cloverfield by the Army after the disaster. Interestingly enough, the tape was recorded over previous material, which means that in certain occasions, not only do we get snippets of that doomed day in which Manhattan got its ass handed to it, but also of an event that took place a few days before between the protagonist, Rob, who is scheduled to go to Japan for a job promotion and Beth, the girl that he has liked since forever.

The cast is rather limited, though the extras are many, and basically we focus on Rob, his brother Jason, his brother’s girlfriend Lily, Hud, who is Rob’s best friend and Beth, whom as we already know is the apple of Rob’s eye. Except she does not look much like an apple…more like a splendid Victoria’s Secret model, which is not a bad thing, at all.

Everything is told, more or less, in chronological order (save for the bits from that previous recording that are accidentally leaked through) and explain the events as witnessed by this group who, rather than escaping Manhattan along with the crowds, decide to follow Rob in a quest to save Beth, for he is haunted by his last actions towards her, which brings up the under the surface plot in this movie, the idea of being aware of one’s present moment at all times and not putting things off for tomorrow. Everything that takes place to this handful of people, is because of one person’s regrets about what they did that night and their desperate need to rectify it.

Entertaining, thrilling and kept reasonably credible, given the circumstances, Cloverfield is a pretty solid movie. Thankfully, even the jarring camera work is kept semi-controlled, for even then, you can tell it was carefully thought out and not as chaotic as if an untrained man had truly been handling the camera. The formulaic monster movie is also given a face-lift by employing not only one monster but a number of smaller monsters as well. And the way some of the actions play out on screen, leave the audience with a healthy amount of curiosity in regards to certain details that can not be credibly explained in the movie. This, more than anything, made the movie interesting. The result is pretty believable documentary style fiction that may not be mind blowing, but certainly worth the watch.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Notes: Some violence and disturbing imagery
Quote: Hud: Okay, just to be clear here, our options are: die here, die in the tunnels, or die in the streets. That pretty much it?
Rob Hawkins: Yeah… that’s pretty much it.

• Director: Julie Taymor
• Genre: Musical/Drama/Romance
• Year: 2007

So, this British guy named Jude is out to look for his dad. This girl, named Lucy, is sending off her boyfriend to the war and in between them, is Max, the guy that meets Jude on this side of the Atlantic and introduces him to his family and eventually to Lucy. And because this is a musical based entirely on Beatles music, this couple and pretty much every character in this movie is conveniently named to match a Beatles song, Lucy (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds), Jude (Hey Jude), Sadie (Sexy Sadie), Jojo (Come Together)…pretty gimmicky, but I suppose it works.

The story itself is a romance, focused mostly around Jude and Lucy and sideswipping around Max who is eventually drafted and sent off to the war in Vietnam. Unfortunately, this movie does not have the focus it should have. At 2 hours and 13 minutes, this movie was pushing it on the length category and frankly it could have done with some pretty good fat trimming. The problem I see here is the fact that instead of working a story where the lyrics of the Beatles songs could fit, it seems they tried to fit in songs and force a story around them. The whole bit around Prudence, and most of Jojo and Sadie’s story could have been done away with, particularly since the way it is presented to us is so disjointed and incomplete from the start. For example, the Prudence closet scene? The lover’s stage-quarrel between Jojo and Sadie? The fact that Jojo and Sadie inexplicably are back together at the end? Why waste our time on this when they could expand on the main story instead of brushing past some significant scenes such as the one where Lucy finds her peers (for the sake of not creating a spoiler I will be vague) doing something they are not supposed to be doing. That to me was a lot more important and barely got fifteen seconds on screen.

For somebody trying to look at the story for content, this all can be rather frustrating, specially when lines of dialogue are taken from Beatles songs pushed in to make them work, sometimes effectively, most often not. But that being said, this is a musical and for whatever reason they seem to get a lot more leniency when it comes to content than any genre. Frankly, having heard the hype on this film and comments from a lot of people around me, I think I could very well simply be expecting too much from a film, because most people are not bothered by this, or at least not bothered enough to bring it up.

There is no doubt that this film has gotten a great reception from the public and as far as musicals go I would have to say it is certainly on the upper half for entertainment value. This may be no Moulin Rouge, but you simply can not go wrong with Beatles music and artful cinematography. The true strength of this movie lies in its originality and willingness to present the material in a unique way that is often refreshing and visually intriguing, most memorable of which is a sequence as Max is processed for the army, which is not only texture-rich but symbolically effective; and while the material treated here may be pushing it on the trippy side, with a lot of filter work, its very nature as a musical helps to keep it from imploding. Add in the fact that you have some decent acting and pretty faces along with pretty decent voices and this film can save itself from its own shortcomings.

All in all, would I recommend it? Yes. Would I buy it? Only if it was on sale.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Notes: Some adult themes, drug content and brief nudity. Rachel Evan Woods is all grown up.
Quote: Army Sergeant: Is there any reason you shouldn’t be in this man’s Army?
Max: I’m a cross-dressing homosexual pacifist with a spot on my lung.
Army Sergeant: As long as you don’t have flat feet.

I am stoked about this one. I knew I would eventually want to put the galleries up, show the illustration work I have done and get back into it. Now I can finally show it without kicking you out to my deviantArt site, which is good and all but I like having this sort of content visible through the website. So…feel free to browse around, you will find the buttons on the top right navigational bar. One titled Sketches, the other Illustrations and I think those names are pretty self explanatory. There are navigational buttons beneath the gallery to view multiple pages and you can click on any thumbnail to enlarge. I have tested it on Firefox and it seems to work well, I will get around to testing it on other browsers later.

For now, that is the only upgrades I will be putting on, though a music link and an apparel link may eventually find their way here.  For now, enjoy the drawings and thank you again for visiting!

Fco.

• Author: Mark Haddon
• Category: Fiction - Adventure/Autism

Effectively ‘Dog’ would be a story categorized almost as a children’s book, if it did not deal with a handful of issues that are rather adult in nature. The main character is Christopher, an autistic 15 year old who sets out to write a detective novel trying to determine who it was, exactly, that killed his neighbor’s dog Wellington. And what starts out to be a rather simple journey turns instead into an adventure of self discovery of larger proportions.

Having worked with autistic kids for a number of years, Mark Heddon brings to this book a realistic tale told through the eyes of a child that seems his environment in entirely different ways. The result is an eye opening experience that would do a lot of people good in coming to understand the way the autistic mind works. It is an interesting, unique, moving story, which keeps innocence at its core.

In turn both touching and comic (despite Christopher’s promise to be otherwise, given his inability to tell or understand jokes), ‘Dog’ is an insightful tale that opens doorways into a unique character, his world and his family, none of whom are perfect, all of whom are likeable and all of them struggling to try to juggle a difficult situation as best as possible, leaving in the end, a significant amount of hope.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Notes: Told through the eyes of an autistic child, this story does not read as a simple novel, starting with the fact that chapter numbers are not your typical cardinal numbers but rather a sequence of prime numbers and ending with the fact that his own mathematical mind has such a liking for puzzles and algebraic challenges that the read itself often becomes a curious puzzle itself.

• Director: Ricky Stern, Anne Sundberg
• Genre: Documentary
• Year: 2007

:Though slightly misguided on its focus, precariously teetering between the atrocities taking place in Darfur and former Captain Brian Steidle, this film is nevertheless a significant and concise look at the genocide taking place on the other end of the world as I type this. Filled with powerful imagery regarding the insurgency taking place in Sudan and the furious governmental backlash it provoked, wiping entire villages, burning them to the ground, raping women, killing children…this is a documentary that is hard to ignore even if it is not the most polished of pieces and largely relies on mostly still images.

Former marine Brian Steidle, who after an injury found himself unable to go back to duty, took a job as an observer for the peace process taking place between the Northern and Southern parts of Sudan, a process that completely overlooked the Western part of the country most commonly known as Darfur. Feeling the sting of rejection, two main factions of insurgents raised from the area to attempt to claim their own rights over the land, only to have the Goverment make a cruel and meticulous sweep over the area that is considered by most the very definition of genocide.

It is unfortunately that quite a bit of time is actually spent on Steidle, rather than keeping the focus more on the material at hand, but the topic is powerful enough to be felt regardless of the flaws on the documentary itself. And in the end, it is definitely a documentary worth watching.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Notes: Disturbing content.