Hidden Figures (2016)

Genres

Biography | Drama

Director

Theodore Melfi

Country

USA

Cast

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parson, Glen Powell, Mahershala Ali, Donna Biscoe, Rhoda Griffis, Maria Howell, Aldis Hodge, Paige Nicollette, Gary Weeks, Saniyya Quinn, Olek Krupa

Storyline

The story of three African-American women mathematicians, Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), who all served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the space program.

Opinion

I am not a big fan of space, NASA and stuff like that but I love Octavia Spencer and the trailer was so promising they made me want to see this film so bad. I had to wait a lot, but I've finally seen it, and I see why it got a nomination for Best Picture. And should have won if we consider the actual winner. That said, "Hidden Figures" is a beautiful, heartwarming and inspiring film that gets better as it goes along. It will make you think, laugh and cry, and will make you want to re-watch it right away.

The story, as much as unappealing it may sound to someone like me who is not interested in the subject, is actually very engaging and will have your attention for the entire running time. It is also quite educative as it shown me a part of history I wasn't familiar with. But most important, by telling the story of three amazing, smart, talented women, it made me interested in learning more about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.

Through the lives of those women, the film addresses many important social obstacles such as racism and sexism. I don't know whether it was historically accurate or not, but it was quite shocking to see such smart and educated people act like that. It also states that talent and hard work are what really sets us apart, and that the fight against racism and sexism isn't a lost cause.

What makes "Hidden Figures" great is the ability of director Theodore Melfi to keep the soft tones of a comedy from start to finish, downplaying some situations - such as those in which Katherine runs more than a mile to go to the bathroom -, but still providing some dramatic charge and delivering plenty of emotions.

Then, of course, the film wouldn't be the same without its cast. Taraji P. Henson gives an excellent, ironic and biting performance as Katherine Johson and Janelle Monae also gives a fantastic performance as Mary Jackson, but Octavia Spencer's sassy performance as Dorothy Vaughan is the one Oscar worthy.

Fences (2016)

Genre

Drama

Director

Denzel Washington

Country

USA

Cast

Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, Saniyya Sidney

Storyline

Unable to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, older and bitter sanitation worker Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) tries to raise his family and comes to terms with the events of his life. 

Opinion

I have never seen the trailer for "Fences", but I was very interested in it because it was directed by leading actor Denzel Washington and Viola Davis was on his side. A film featuring those two fantastic artists has to be great. Well, "Fences" was more than that. It was an astonishing, complex and powerful film about life.

The simple yet deep story, based on August Wilson's play, is an intimate account of Troy's life and those around him, from his family to his friends. It is very interesting, well developed and told in such a beautiful way it makes time fly by.

With this film, Denzel Washington explores the issues that affected a lot of African American families in the 50's, especially the frustration resulting from race. I am not going to act like I know what it was like because I didn't grow up in the 50's and I'm not black, but I feel like the film was able to convey all of that. 

The fences between white and black people aren't the only fences in the film. And not even the most important. That role goes to the only material fence in the film that is an excellent metaphor of how hard it is to isolate yourself, and to the immaterial ones, those Troy has erected between himself and his sons.

What I liked the most about "Fences" was its theatrical structure. The feeling one has while watching the film is the same of a play, when words are at the center of the stage with non-stop dialogue scenes that are probably too long but not boring and that engage you in spite of the topic; when actions aren't shown but told; when a great staging is able to overshadow any special effects.

But most important, when acting overshadows everything else. Denzel Washington completely inhabits Troy's character to the point it's hard to imagine him being a different person in real life. He truly gives all of himself with an emotional performance raging from joy to despair, and he is able to make you feel compassion for his character. Equally powerful and superb is Viola Davis's performance as Troy's wife. The best moment of the film belongs to her as her character finally explodes conveying all of her feelings. 

Moonlight (2016)

Genre

Drama

Director

Barry Jenkins

Country

USA

Cast

Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sander, Alex Hibbert, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Jaden Piner, Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monae, Patrick Decile

Storyline

It follows the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami.

Opinion

The hype about "Moonlight" was so high, I went to the movies expecting nothing short of an astonishing film. Unfortunately, that's not the film I saw. I instead found myself watching a tedious coming-of-age film with great acting.

The story, which sounded very compelling and relatable to a lot of people as it is about a gay boy with a messed up mother, dealing with bullying, ended up being truly awful simply because it was told horrendously. It never seems to take off and doesn't go anywhere - at some point though the plot got a bit better and got me believe it was going to be interesting. That, of course, didn't happen.

The story is also quite unoriginal, predictable and clichéd. I wouldn't have had a problem with that if Barry Jenkins was able to say something new or different. It wasn't so. The film deals with so many issues, from being gay to bullying to dysfunctional mother/son relationships, but it just doesn't seem to convey anything. I'm not even sure what the director was trying to say.

There's still some good in "Moonlight". The cinematography by James Laxton is stunning, the colours are so rich and vibrant, and the music suits the film perfectly.

Another great thing about this film is the acting. I first saw Mahershala Ali in "House of Cards" and immediately liked him. I liked him even more in "Luke Cage" where his magnetic presence made him one of the most interesting things about the series. And now here he is, giving a sublime performance as a drug dealer. Naomie Harris also gives a brilliant performance as the mother, and the three actors (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes) playing the central character are all wonderful, delivering the character's emotion through their eyes and body.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Genre

Drama

Director

Kenneth Lonergan

Country

USA

Cast

Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, Gretchen Mol, C.J. Wilson, Tate Donovan, Kara Hayward Anna Baryshnikov, Heather Burns, Erica McDermott, Matthew Broderick, Kyle Chandler

Storyline

When his brother passes away (Kyle Chandler), Lee (Casey Affleck) is obliged to return home to take care of his teenage nephew (Lucas Hedges) and this return to the past reopens an unspeakable tragedy. 

Opinion

I haven't seen any of Kenneth Lonergan's films but my gut told me "Manchester by the Sea" was going to be a great film. Maybe it's because of Michelle Williams - the lady sure knows how to pick her films - or the depressing nature of it - yes, I'm attracted to depressing things. However it is, I trusted my gut, like Olivia Pope would do, and I kneel before Lonergan because this film truly is one of the best films of the year.

This film doesn't have much of a plot, but that's what I enjoyed the most about it. It is one of those films where not much happens, that are slow paced but in spite of that, it still manages to engage you and keep you interested. I'd say that's mainly because of the non-linear storytelling. 

Anyway, the most surprising aspect of this film is that while handling very depressing and tough themes such as redemption and guilt, Kenneth Lonergan still manages to deliver some humour. And it isn't at random, it is indeed well balanced with the drama and the director makes use of it just at the right moment.

In addition to being filled with sharp and smart dialogue, the screenplay also features great characters starting from Lee, the main character. At first, we see a drunk who is rude with everyone around him. The kind of guy you can't understand and won't ever like. As the story unfolds, though, and his past emerges we come to know a broken man worn out by guilt and that guy is spectacularly portrayed by Casey Affleck. Without being melodramatic or overacting, he delivers the anger, the sadness and the depression of Lee beautifully and arguably gives the performance of a lifetime.

The supporting characters are also quite well written, developed and well acted, especially by Michelle Williams who manages to give an emotional performance filled with the pain of the character despite having a small amount of screen time. The same can be said of Lucas Hedges playing Lee's nephew. The young actor has a bright future ahead.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Genres

Biography | Drama | War

Director

Mel Gibson

Countries

USA | Australia

Cast

Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Hugo Weaving, Ryan Corr, Teresa Palmer, Rachel Griffiths, Richard Roxburgh, Luke Pegler, Richard Pyros, Ben Mingay, Firass Dirani, Damien Thomlinson, Matt Nable, Robert Morgan, Nathaniel Buzolic

Storyline

It tells the story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), the conscientious objector who served at the Battle of Okinawa refusing to kill people and that eventually receive the Medal of Honour for his bravery.

Opinion

I am no fan of war movies and I don't particularly like Mel Gibson either. "Hacksaw Ridge" though was acclaimed both by critics and public, so I made the sacrifice to sit through this two hours and twenty minutes long war film. And it paid off.

To my big surprise, Mel Gibson not only delivered a solid war film but one of the best I've seen in a long time. A raw, violent, real and emotional war movie that manages to stand out from the genre because of its story.

It isn't just another fictional story like it usually happens. Instead, it is based on the true story of a remarkable man, Desmond Doss, who volunteered during World War II not to kill the enemies but to save lives. In order to do that, he refused to even carry a rifle. So this is not only a story of war, but a story of bravery that shows how much a determined individual can do.

What I liked the most about "Hacksaw Ridge" is that it can be divided into two parts. The first one is slow paced and deep and takes all the time not only to introduce the main character and to explore his motivations but to develop the supporting characters as well. The second part is fast paced, it is about the Battle of Okinawa and that's when Gibson does a wonderful job portraying war as it is through blood, corpses, destruction, explosions and more. And he does it in a quite detached manner which gives the film a documentary vibe, and the use of a realistic cinematography and spectacular sets really help to capture the brutality of war.

Then, of course, the film wouldn't be the same without its lead. Andrew Garfield gives a terrific performance as Desmond Doss as he brings to the character so much heart to make him feel believable. No less important is the supporting cast among which Vince Vaughn stands out giving an unexpectedly excellent performance as Doss's sergeant. Who knew he could play such a deep role in a war film? I sure didn't. 

Lion (2016)

Genre

Drama

Director

Garth Davis

Country

Australia

Cast

Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Abhishek Bharate, Divian Ladwa, Keshav Jadhav, Priyanka Bose, Deepti Naval, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Storyline

Five-year-old Saroo (Sunny Pawar) gets lost on the street of Calcutta, and survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) in Australia. 25 years later, he (Dev Patel) sets out to find his lost family.

Opinion

Although I've seen it on television over and over again for a month or so, the trailer wasn't enough to make me watch "Lion". I thought it was going to be the beautiful on paper but poorly executed film that ends up being a mess. Then I read tons of people saying how beautiful and moving this film was so I decided to give it a shot. But the one I've seen was not a flawless film. Emotional, maybe, beautiful, sure, but exceptional, not really.

The story - which is based on a true story - is actually compelling and gripping and I found myself immediately engrossed with it. The problem was the execution, just like I thought. While the first part is fantastic, emotional and so on and so forth and feels very authentic because of the use of Hindi, the second part is just flat. It doesn't flow very well, it lacks emotions and it features a romance that doesn't add anything to the story and the Australian part ends up being a little boring. 

That big difference between first and second half highlights one big mistake from the filmmakers, the decision to bring to the screen a chronological story rather than a non-linear one, which only puts furthermore under the spotlight the weak part of the script.

Luckily "Lion" doesn't have any other major issues other than that. The cinematography is excellent, breathtaking at times, especially the filming in India. The musical score is also excellent and adds an extra emotional layer to the film.

And then there's the acting. It is easily the best part of the second half, with Dev Patel delivering a great performance as adult Saroo, a confused young man is search of his family, and Nicole Kidman who barelly has some screen time, but that steals the show with her few scenes as a loving and devoted mother. The best performance though, for me, comes from Sunny Pawar who plays 5-year-old Saroo. He is astonishing, and I feel like he doesn't get enough credits for that performance. 

La La Land (2016)

Genre

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

Director

Damien Chazelle

Country

USA

Cast

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Jessica Rothe, Sonoya Mizuno, Callie Hernandez, J.K. Simmons, Tom Everett Scott, Meagen Fay, Damon Gupton, Jason Fuchs, Josh Pence

Storyline

Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, meet while pursuing their dreams in a city known for destroying hopes. 

Opinion

I am one of those people who were super excited about "La La Land" even before knowing what it was about. Damien Chazelle, the director of "Whiplash", a movie I deeply love, and the leading duo, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, two talented actors with a wonderful chemistry, were enough for me. Then the movie turned out to be a musical, and I don't do musicals, but I still had faith in it. Then it was tremendously acclaimed both from critics and audiences and that only increased my expectations. And after so much waiting, I can finally say that it did leave up to the hype.

"La La Land" is not just a musical. It is not just a film. It is a spectacular cinematic experience. It is an extraordinary and moving love letter to Hollywood. It is a charming and inspiring work of art.

With this film, Damien Chazelle proves yet again what a great filmmaker he is, triumphing in both direction and writing. His brilliant script features a fantastic, unique and inspiring story that focuses on the two main characters, leaving the side plots to the sides, like they are supposed to, and that looks like the typical romance but evolves into something larger than life.

Chazelle tells yet again a story about following your dreams that unfortunately cannot be shared with anyone, not even with that person that supported us while pursuing our dreams. He says yet again to never give up on your dreams, but he also shows the downsides to that.

And he makes a remarkable use of the camera, giving meaning to every single shot, and making each one of them incredibly stimulating, not only for the eyes, but for all the senses. He takes a modern and dirty Los Angeles, and makes it feel retro using a stunning, abstract cinematography by Linus Sandgren that evokes Woody Allen's "Manhattan".

And just like any great film, "La La Land" also features a score that is simply perfect. It doesn't just accompany the film, but it's actually an integral part in transforming a simple night at the movie theater into an astonishing experience. Same goes with the musical numbers. Chazelle and his talented creative team delivered stunning numbers from the very beginning, with a opening sequence set on a Los Angeles freeway that took my breath away and put a huge smile on my face.

Then of course there's the cast. I don't think words are enough to describe the magnificence both of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's performances and their talents. They act, they sing, they dance, and they excel in all of them. Neither of them has a fantastic singing voice, but that's what makes their performances even more enchanting. And the chemistry these two have, well it is simply perfect.

I don't know when it's the last time I was this invested into a film. Or when I felt the need to rewatch a film as soon as the credits ended. 

Arrival (2016)

Genre

Drama | Sci-Fi

Director

Denis Villeneuve

Country

USA

Cast

Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma, Mark O'Brien

Storyline

When twelve mysterious spacecrafts appear around the world, linguistic expert Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is tasked with interpreting the language of the alien visitors.

Opinion

After that poor excuse of a science-fiction movie "Passengers" was, I was really looking forward to "Arrival" as everyone said how good it was. And they were right, "Arrival" is indeed a thrilling sci-fi masterpiece and an extraordinary thought-provoking film.

Based on Ted Chiang's book, the well paced and engaging story isn't the typical alien invasion we get with blockbusters, but it's something completely different. The encounter with the aliens indeed is a confrontation between two cultures. This is the focus of the film, the struggle to communicate, which unfortunately is an issues still nowadays.

It also deals with the fear of the unknown, but the most important part - at least it was to me - is the intimate human side of the story whose incredible emotional power makes the film for a fantastic experience. How is that? Because it teaches to accept the finitude beauty of life. To enjoy every single moment. And I say no more. I don't want to spoil it for you.

However, the real reason this film works is the characters. They are not the typical clichéd plot devices very common in films of this genre, but they feel like actual people I was able to connect with almost immediately. And it's probably because the main character is a woman, a strong woman that uses her knowledge and skills to change the world. And it's properly developed. And wonderfully portrayed by Amy Adams who gives a superb, moving and vulnerable performance (only to be robbed of an Oscar nomination).

The greatness of "Arrival" doesn't stop there. The film in fact features a cinematography by Bradford Young that is not nothing short of breathtaking, and a wonderful musical score composed by Johann Johannsson. Not to mention the production design. Simply mind blowing.

Hell or High Water (2016)

Genre

Crime | Drama | Western

Director

David Mackenzie

Country

USA

Cast

Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gil Birmingham, Marin Ireland, Katy Mixon, Dale Dickey, Kevin Rankin Melanie Papalia, John Paul Howard, Christopher W. Garcia, Margaret Bowman

Storyline

In order to save their family's ranch, unemployed oil and gas worker Toby Howard (Chris Pine) and his ex-con brother (Ben Foster) commit several armed robberies, and Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) is tasked to track them down. 

Opinion

Western is not my genre, but, because of their interesting approaches, recent films such as "The Rover" and "Slow West" are making me appreciate it a little more. "Hell or High Water" is another of those movies as it is a very engaging and complex crime drama film with flawless performances.

The film, however, does have a few problems, the biggest being the story. After the watch, if you examine it, you'll realize how simplistic and basic it is. It's basically the typical and therefore predictable heist story.

But, and that's what makes this film different and better than movies of the same kind, the story focuses on four characters - two brothers robbing banks and the two cops tasked to track them down - and, as predictable as their moves are, they make the film very interesting. And the credits go to the writer. Those characters have such a depth, they really feel like real people. Also they are "fed" with witty dialogue, which is always nice.

David Mackenzie, who also directed the wonderful "Starred Up", did a wonderful job. Maintaining a slow pace to this kind of film was definitely a risky move, but it did pay off as he was able to make the interactions between the character highlight engaging. Something else I'd like to point out is Mackenzie's ability to make ourselves feel uncomfortable with the violence in this film.

"Hell or High Water" isn't just a movie, but it's a beautiful - probably I should say ugly - portrayal of America as it goes a little deep into the current economic state with banks and the country's use and misuse of weapons.

The film also features stunning cinematography that will stick with you even once the film is over, and, as mentioned above, great performances. Jeff Bridges is excellent as a xenophobic ranger, and he does have a great chemistry with Gil Birmingham who also does a great job as Bridges' partner. On the other side of the fence there are Chris Pine and Ben Foster, both giving fantastic performances - especially Pine - in the role of the two brothers, and they both deliver their characters' desperation.

Hugo (2011)

Genre

Adventure | Drama

Director

Martin Scorsese

Country

USA

Cast

Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Helen McCrory, Michael Stuhlbarg, Christopher Lee, Frances de la Tour, Richard Griffiths, Marco Aponte, Kevin Eldon, Gulliver McGrath, Angus Barnett, Ben Addis, Emil Lager, Robert Gill

Storyline

Hugo (Asa Butterfield), an orphan who lives in a Paris railway station, gets interested and tangled in a mystery involving an automaton left by his dead father (Jude Law).

Opinion

Martin Scorsese making a children's film? I didn't see that coming, and I'm sure neither did you. Another thing I did not see coming was how disappointing "Hugo" would have been. While it arguably is a visual splendor - and you don't need the 3D to see and say that -, the film pretty much lacks substance.

The biggest problem is the execution. What a mess! The story really looked great on paper but apparently something went wrong because what was supposed to be a magical, engaging adventure filled with mystery and suspense ended up being a tedious, heartless story that goes on and on where nothing interesting happens for most of the time. And the plot holes definitely didn't help.

Another problem is the lack of warmth and emotions in the relationships between several of the main characters. It all feels so cold. And I believe the reason, other than Scorsese not doing his job well, is the main actor, Asa Butterfield, who looks like a piece of wood most of the time and makes you wonder whether it's an animation film you're watching or those are real people.

Anyway, despite all these emotional problems, Scorsese still manages to make a tribute to cinema while expressing his love for this art, and with some breathtaking scenes, he is able to show the sense of wonder the first audiences must have experienced.

And like I mentioned before, visually the film is spectacular. It's not only the special effects, but also the fantastic set design and costumes, and the stunning cinematography. The music as well contributes in providing the film with a little magic that should have been provided by the story.

Worth of a mention are Ben Kingsley who delivers a quite touching performance as an early film pioneer. Easily the best performance of the film, and Sasha Baron Cohen who is surprisingly effective as the Station Inspector.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Genre

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

Director

Woody Allen

Country

USA

Cast

Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Michael Sheen, Nina Arianda, Carla Bruni, Yves Heck, Alison Pill, Tom Hiddleston, Corey Stoll, Sonia Rolland, Daniel Lundh, Thérèse Bourou-Rubinsztein, Kathy Bates, Marcial Di Fonzo, Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, Emmanuelle Uzan, Adrien Brody, Gad Elmaleh

Storyline

While on a trip to Paris with his fincée (Rachel McAdams) and her family, romantic at heart screenwriter Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) finds himself mysteriously going back to the 20's where he meets his favourite writers, musicians and artists. 

Opinion

Probably it's because, just like Gil, the protagonist, I'm romantic at heart, but I don't simply love this film, I find it someway magical. 

Nostalgic, romantic and full of hope, "Midnight in Paris" is a terrific film, one of the best Allen film in ages.

After several not so appealing stories, Allen delights us with a charming, beautifully written story that blends comedy, fantasy and romance like never seen before, and that transports us into the director's magical world. The use of time traveling as plot device is simply brilliant, and it's incredible how Allen manages to make this story seem so real despite all the unrealistic things going on.

There are numerous themes in this film, and among them all the love for a city, in this case Paris, definitely stands out. Then there is the nostalgia for ages neither the protagonist, Allen himself nor we have lived in, but still believe only in that era it could have been possible to truly express oneself.

Then there are two layers, the surface that makes you understand how important is to live in the present and that we should start appreciating it, even though dreaming will always be more fascinating, at least for me. Then there's the core that makes you realizes that we have forgotten about the profound aspects of life.

The characters may be the typical Allen personas, but that also means witty, humorous, excellent dialogue as we are used to. And it balances to perfection the magic of both the story and the setting. To add an even bigger wow effect there is a stunning cinematography and an absolutely wonderful score.

And the all-star cast takes the film even a step further. I don't usually like Owen Wilson, but he was different here. Of course it's because of the character he was playing - a nostalgic, romantic writer -, but he gives his best performance ever in my opinion. The supporting performances are excellent as well, with a special mention for Rachel McAdams in the role of Wilson's finacée, and Marion Cotillard as the lovely girl who had an affair with Picasso and Hemingway.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Genre

Adventure | Animation | Comedy

Director

Lee Unkrich

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, John Morris, Don Rickles, Blake Clark, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson, Emily Hahn, Jeff Pidgeon, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Garlin Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg

Storyline

Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the other toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.

Opinion

It rarely happens that the third film of a trilogy manages to not be a failure and to live up to the previous installments, especially if those films are spectacular. But this is Disney-Pixar and they barely know how to let people down, and "Toy Story 3" is a magnificent proof of that.

Structed like in the previous films, the storyline still is about the fear of being discarded and unwanted, and the obsession of being forgotten, but it doesn't get boring, not even for a second.

The screenwriters delights us with an emotional plot that will make cry even the most hard-hearted, and the characters have never been like this before; they are more courageous, sweet and the human characters are more involved into the story.

And that leads to the themes addressed by the film. Because of that, the film has the opportunity to portray the transition to adult life, necessitated with the departure for college and eventually to decide what to do with all those things, toys, that have been a huge part of a person's life.

But they didn't forget to keep it fun. Cast aside all the messages the film conveys, the film is a wonderful, entertaining ride whose interesting plot and cute, cuddly villain will make you keep your eyes glued to the screen.

Basically needless to say is how fantastic the animation is, but I'll still spend some words on it anyway. Whether 3D at the movie theater or 2D at home, the animation is better than ever, and the moves of the characters more than anything else are simply perfect.

Can't wait for "Toy Story 4". 

The Help (2011)

Genre

Drama

Director

Tate Taylor

Country

USA

Cast

Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Ahna O'Reilly, Chris Lowell, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel, Sissy Spacek, Anna Camp, Brian Kerwin, Aunjanue Ellis, Ted Welch, LaChanze, Mary Steenburgen, Leslie Jordan, Nelsan Ellis, We Chatham, Tiffany Brouwer, Kelsey Scott, David Oyelowo, Dana Ivey, Ashley Johnson

Storyline

In Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960's, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone) has just graduated and returns home. When she arrives home and finds that her nanny and family's maid Constantine (Cicely Lowell) has been sent away by her mother (Allison Janney), she decides to write a book about the black women who have spent their lives taking care of Southern families, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. The first to open up will be Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), followed by many other. 

Opinion

Once in a blue moon there's an interesting film on TV. That happened to be last night, and while I'm still trying to decide if I want to read the novel or not, I couldn't miss the chance to watch this film for the millionth time. So here I am, writing about The Help, a beautiful, realistic, touching and delicate drama of hope, friendship and ugliness that grows up from the inside that will have you laughing one moment, and crying the next.

Actor, director and writer Tate Taylor wrote and the screen adaptation and directed this film wonderfully. Simply and passionately narrated, the film has the right amount of humour, balanced with very emotional - not mushy - moments.

This is a story of Afro-Americans, of racial segregation, of wickedness, of social exclusion for those similar but different. It's a story of courage that teaches to never give up.

The character development is outstanding. It's amazing how even the less important character feel important. Let's take Skeeter's lover, he has such a tiny screen time, yet he evokes some emotions in you. Or the newspaper editor, he has a few scenes, but it's the male character you are more likely to remember. The dialogue is brilliant, and is perfect for each character.

The acting is top-notch. Emma Stone nails Skeeter. Aesthetically different - some may say uglier -, she gives a great portrayal of a woman divided between two worlds. Also she deserves credits for playing a less attractive role because that really requires some guts. Viola Davis is so powerful throughout the film, and keeps her Aibileen very authentic and realistic. Octavia Spencer is the woman here. She is superb, and with her portrayal of Minni she does show how struggling and frustrating is the life of a waitress. Among a great supporting cast, Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard stand out.

Quotes

Aibileen Clark: You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

Constantine: What you doin' hiding out here, girl?
Skeeter: I just couldn't tell mama I didn't get invited to the dance.
Constantine: That's all right. Some things we just got to keep to ourselves.
Skeeter: The boys say I'm ugly. Mama was the third runner-up in the Miss South Carolina pageant...
Constantine: Now you quit feeling sorry for yourself. Now that's ugly. Ugly is something that grows up from inside you. It's mean and hurtful, like them boys. Now you not one of them, is you? I didn't think so, honey. Every day you're not dead in the ground, when you wake up in the morning, you're gonna have to make some decisions. Got to ask yourself this question: "Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today?" You hear me? "Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today? You hear me today?" All right? As for your mama, she didn't pick her life. It picked her. But you, you're gonna do something big with yours. You wait and see.

The Fighter (2010)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Sport

Director

David O. Russell

Country

USA

Cast

Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee, Frank Renzulli, Mickey O'Keefe, Jenna Lamia, Bianca Hunter, Erica McDermott, Sugar Ray Leonard

Storyline

For Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), boxing is a family affair. His tough-as-nails mother (Melissa Leo) is his manager. His half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale), once a promising boxer himself, is his very unreliable trainer. Despite Micky's hard work, he is losing and, when the latest fight nearly kills him, he follows his girlfriend's (Amy Adams) advice and splits from the family. 

Opinion

Not what I expected. This is the first thing that comes to my mind when thinking about this film. Maybe it's because I do associate Mark Wahlberg to mediocre films, and I thought this would have been just a film about boxing, with tons of fights and nothing more. But David O. Russell directed it, and Christian Bale did another of his amazing transformations for the role, so I couldn't help but give it a try: I'm glad I did. 

Based on a real story, The Fighter is a family drama with a boxing background that reaches a whole new emotional level for the genre.

Brilliantly written, as said before, the story isn't focused on boxing, but mostly deals with family problems, drugs addiction, and failures - of a crack addict on one side, and of a bartender who drinks to not think about the place she works in on the other side -, but also redemption. It is the story of a man who didn't give up, and the title couldn't be more appropriate.

Lot of people are wondering how different the film would have been if Aronofsky made it. I think we should focus on the incredible job David O. Russell did, and put the 'What ifs' aside. Because let's face the truth, his direction is flawless, and when it comes to biopics, he is the man.

What else can I say? The grainy, documentary-like cinematography gives the film an authentic look. The soundtrack features wonderful rock classics like The Rolling Stones "Can't You Hear Me Knocking", and Led Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times", and a newer rock piece, The Heavy's "How You Like Me Now?".

The acting is the best part of the film. Mark Wahlberg did really surprise me, delivering a great performance as Micky Ward. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo provide a good support. However, Christian Bale is star. Not only he did drop 30 pounds of weight for the role - we are used to see him continuously physically transformed -, but he did become Dicky Eklund: the desperate need to be appreciated for what he could have been can literally be read in his eyes. 

Quotes

Dicky Eklund: Are you like me? Huh? Was this good enough to fight Sugar Ray? Never had to win, did I? You gotta do more in there. You gotta win a title. For you, for me, for Lowell. This is your time, all right? You take it. I had my time and I blew it. You don't have to. All right? You fuckin' get out there, and use all the shit that you've been through, all that fuckin' hell, all the shit we've gone trough over the fuckin' years, and you put it in that ring right now. This is yours. This is fuckin' yours.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Genre

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Director

David O. Russell

Country

USA

Cast

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, John Ortiz, Brea Bee, Cheryl Williams, Patrick McDade, Dash Mihok, Matthew Russell, Paul Herman, Patsy Meck

Storyline

Released from a psychiatric hospital, and  determined to win back his estranged wife, Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) meets recently widowed Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help him get his wife back if he enters a dance competition with her.

Opinion

While the most of the girls were, and still are, falling in love with what Hollywood has been calling romantic comedies, I felt for this masterpiece.

Based on Matthew Quick's novel, Silver Linings Playbook is a mess, but what a mess! It is an emotional rollercoaster ride about real people, real situations, and experiences that finds the perfect balance between comedy and drama, and deals with mental illness, depression, early death, gambling, football fanaticism, dance, hope, and family, all in 122 minutes.

David O. Russell brilliantly tells a sweet, hilarious, yet complicated story, and manages to turn the film into a romantic comedy without the audience even noticing it. 

The soundtrack really deserves a special mention, because we all know that when the music is in harmony with the scene, the film gets stronger. Each song has its own purpose, especially Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour" and Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash duet song "The Girl from the North Country".

The best aspect of the film, however, is the acting. Even though it is a comedy, Bradley Cooper plays one of his most serious roles, and he is just outstanding. Jennifer Lawrence, the real star of the film, delivers one of the most powerful performances of recent years. The two fill their roles with so much life, it is impossible to not fall for their characters. The supporting cast does a brilliant job, and we finally get to see again De Niro truly engaged to his character. 

Quotes

Pat: The only way you can beat my crazy was by doing something crazy yourself. Thank you. I love you. I knew it the minute I met you. I'm sorry it took so long for me to catch up. I just got stuck.

Pat: I mean, the world's hard enough as it is, guys. It's fucking hard enough as it is. Can't somebody say, "Hey, let's be positive? Let's have a good ending to the story?"

Pat: This is what I learned at the hospital. You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.

Gravity (2013)

Genre

Sci-Fi | Thriller

Director

Alfonso Cuarón

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen, Phaldut Sharma, Amy Warren, Basher Savage

Plot

Medical engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) work together to survive after a catastrophe destroys their shuttle and leaves them adrift in orbit.

Opinion

Gravity is a flawless, astonishing, beautiful, emotional, thrilling and absorbing film that makes you forget you are watching. Instead, it feels like experiencing. 

The film, extraordinarily realistic, makes the audience feel in a constant state of anxiety, anguish, hope, fear and desperation.

However, the reasons that makes of it the great science fiction film it is are others. Most of the credits goes to the brilliant screenplay written by Alfonso Cuarón and his son Juan, the stunning special effect - basically everything you see on screen is fake, but it never feels like it -, but most of all the outstanding photography - the opening shot of earth and space is absolutely stunning. 

The acting is great. While George Clooney gets very little screen time, Sandra Bullock has the chance to shine, and she does throughout the whole film. She perfectly conveys each of her feelings, and seeing her alone out there makes you feel alone out there too.

I do really regret not watching it in 3D in theaters back in 2013.

Quotes

Matt Kowalski: You've got to learn to let go.

Matt Kowalski: So, what do you like about being up here?

Ryan Stone: The silence.

Matt Kowalski: Listen, do you wanna go back, or do you wanna stay here? I get it. It's nice up here. You can just shut down all the systems, turn out all the lights, and just close your eyes and tune out everyone. There's nobody up here that can hurt you. It's safe. I mean, what's the point of going on? What's the point of living? Your kid died. Doesn't get any rougher than that. But still, it's a matter of what you do now. If you decide to go, then you gotta just get on with it. Sit back, enjoy the ride. You gotta plant both your feet on the ground and start livin' life. Hey, Ryan? It's time to go home.

Moneyball (2011)

Genre

Biography | Drama | Sport

Director

Bennett Miller

Country

USA

Cast

Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Pratt, Casey Bond, Stephen Bishop, Royce Clayton, David Hutchinson, Nick Porrazzo, Robin Wright, Kerris Dorsey, Ken Medlock, Nick Searcy, Jack McGee, Brent Jennings, Spike Jonze

Plot

Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's (Brad Pitt) successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.

Opinion

Every time I watch a sports film about a sport I'm not interested in, my main concern is that the film is going to be boring. But this wasn't the case.

Moneyball is a solid drama about baseball that goes beyond being a film about baseball; it is less about game-winning and more about people, about one man's vision and determination to change the system. What makes this film stand out from the others of the same genre is the absence of all the clichés: the film is not action-packed, there are no emotional moments and no motivational speeches as usually happens.

The film is helped by the great cast. Brad Pitt does an excellent job with Billy Beane's character, and his superb acting ability carries the film. Jonah Hill finally shows off his fantastic acting skills, delivering a fantastic performance - better than The Wolf of Wall Street's in my opinion. Philip Seymour Hoffman is wasted to play Art Howe.

Quotes

Billy Beane: How can you not get romantic about baseball?

Billy Beane: Would you rather get one shot in the head or five in the chest and bleed to death?