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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

Cracks

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Jordan Scott
Writers: Ben Court, Caroline Ip, Jordan Scott (screenplay), Sheila Kohler (novel)
Starring: Eva Green, Juno Temple, Maria Valverde, etc.

For more information on “Cracks”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
“Cracks” is a movie about girl issues – a subtle, elegantly made one. It bares the imprint of female touch so deeply, that it almost becomes a movie that only girls can truly understand. The tagline is very relevant: “Innocence isn’t lost. It’s taken.” Miss G (Eva Green’s character) is a charming teacher who lives in a fantasy world. The fire of her delusion is fueled by the naive admiration of a group of students. Then, a new girl, Fiamma, appears. Her life is how Miss G has only dreamed her own life used to be. Miss G’s fantasies are Fiamma’s reality. The passionate envy the teacher feels toward her new student turns Fiamma into a magnet, an obsession. Rejection is the cold shower that awakes Miss G to her miserable life, the life she’s been denying in her mind. If, watching the movie, you don’t see these things, you probably won’t like it much. It is about something more than boarding school life.

Highlights:
Good acting, depth, and unity of elements 🙂

Downside:
Like any other psychological drama, it may be difficult to understand.

Would I see it again? – Yes, someday

My Rating (1 to 10): 7.5

Recommended: Yes, although you may not like it.

Suggestion:
Watch it in the afternoon, enjoying some exotic treats 🙂

 

The Men Who Stare at Goats

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Year of release: 2004
Director: Grant Heslov
Writers: Peter Straughan (screenplay), Jon Ronson (book)
Starring: George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, etc.

For more information on “The Men Who Stare at Goats”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Yet another good movie that doesn’t seem to be appreciated at its real value. Just look at the top of the poster – it says it stars: “George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and goat”! Perfect! The whole movie feels like an exchange of (not so) subtle jokes within a group, and, of course, outsiders who don’t get it, feel frustrated and hate the movie. However, it’s good satire, does not waste acting talent, and has an opening scene that makes me laugh each time I remember it. The mix of serious and unserious is skillfully agitated.

Highlights:
It’s fun, witty, and the four main actors make absolutely great roles.

Downside:
The humour in this movie doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you don’t think Lyn Cassady’s (George Clooney) moustache is funny, than you probably won’t be amused by the rest of the film either 🙂

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Don’t stare at goats – who knows what might happen!

 

Coraline

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2009
Director: Henry Selick
Writers: Neil Gaiman (novella); Henry Selick (screenplay)
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, etc.

For more information on “Coraline”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Buttons, Scotties, and some Other World – I can’t say I disliked this film, but I did not like it either. Although lots of unusual things happen, the movie bored me. I think that was because it failed to touch a sensitive chord. That is the biggest element missing in this movie. Otherwise, it can leave you gasping at times, because it’s nicely done, definitely not silly, and the story’s interesting. Look out for a scene involving pillows and a sad Coraline – it’s touching.

Highlights:
Fresh and well executed.

Downside:
For me, it lacked feeling.

Would I see it again? – Better said, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again someday… in the distant future.

My Rating (1 to 10): 7

Recommended: Hmm… I really don’t know what to say… Yes, if you like the genre.

Suggestion:
“Be careful what you wish for” 🙂

 

Barney’s Version

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Year of release: 2010
Director: Richard J. Lewis
Writers: Mordecai Richer (novel); Michael Konyves (screenplay)
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, etc.

For more information on “Barney’s Version”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
“First he got married. Then he got married again. Then he met the love of his life.” No, it’s not Rodolfo‘s story :D, but that of Barney Panofsky, played by Paul Giamatti. There’s no spectacular adventure or action in this movie; only good acting and a beautiful story. It touched me. There was a moment when, crying, I just burst into even more tears. That twist is the key to the whole movie, making it special and deeply emotional.

Highlights:
Few films can pull off romance with a character like Panofsky.

Downside:
Those who don’t enjoy an emotional movie, a tearjerker even, will probably not like this one.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8.5

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Don’t watch this movie while eating; it will ruin your dinner. I know from experience – food will come second, you’ll stop for wiping your eyes and nose, and, at times, you will even forget to chew 😀

 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

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Year of release: 1961
Director: Blake Edwards
Writers: George Axelrod (screenplay); Truman Capote (novel)
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, etc.

For more information on “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
Funny how this could be a silly movie, but isn’t. There is a certain charm about it, and it isn’t iconic for nothing. The story may not be realistic – not in the daily world of most people (then and now) – but a lot of people could recognize a few of their own frailties between the lines. For me, it was heart-melting – I just wanted to hug some sense into that girl :)).

Highlights:
It’s romantic.

Downside:
It’s kind of a movie for girls… (for example, Daniel said “meh” about it, and I had to watch it alone)

Would I see it again? – One themed movie day, yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
You’ll hear people talking about this movie, so watching it will give you an idea about the conversation.

 

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