Thursday, February 9, 2012

Moneyball

When I read the synopsis for this film, I was not into it AT ALL. A movie about the statistics of a sport I find very much so boring. That's right, baseball statistics. A yawner. But then, I thought to myself; "Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill & Phillip Seymour Hoffman, it can't be THAT bad." And so, I decided to watch it, and so glad I did.
A true story based on the Oakland's A's general manager, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) trying to get his team to compete with wealthier teams for the championship but fails to do so, using the traditional method. He meets up with Peter (Jonah Hill), a young economist who ranks the players using only their stats. They work out a system in which, using purely numbers, they gather up a winning team within the budget.
Moneyball, a splendid surprise that accomplishes to contemplate the way nerds are taking over even the jock's fields. An outstanding talented cast; Pitt with his first-class performance, Hill bringing his awkward moments that make you laugh and Hoffman fulfilling the skeptical coach which gives the movie a little bit of drama. The bottom line is that this movie is definitely worth your time, you'll find it hard not to like, watch it!



Monday, June 27, 2011

Hunger

A dark, depressive film about Bobby Sands and other prisoners, going on a hunger strike in Ireland because of the inhumane prison conditions and the fierce battle between the IRA and the British state. The film is incredibly realistic, it's painful, intense and powerful. There are some scenes that are extremely disgusting, violent and agonizing to watch, but all in all a very good artistic film with great cinematography.



Friday, June 24, 2011

Animal Kingdom

An Australian independent drama that tells the story about a teenage boy whose mom dies of a heroin overdose, and is left with his criminal family. 
A film with amazing cinematography and excellent acting on every character, from Josh (teenage boy) to Grandma Smurf. A shocking yet not eyeopening film about the criminal empire in a family that though it is not unique, it's admirable in it's genre.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

True Grit

A western film about an alcoholic tough sheriff hired by a determined 14 year old girl to track down her father's killer.  The entire film is a remarkable act, starting off with Jeff Bridges' performance which is superb. No, "superb" doesn't quite cut it. Imagine if "superb" and "magnificent" had a baby and then that baby was filled with steroids, THATS how I would describe Bridges' performance. Jeff Bridges is now my favorite actor. Thank you, True Grit. With a performance like this, makes it such a pleasant and enjoyable American film, and good American films are hard too find. This movie is now going on my iPod, loved it.

Biutiful

Iñárritu's Biutiful is an undeniably moving story about a conflicted father trying to do the right thing before he dies of prostate cancer. Javier Bardem plays out an excellent role, his handsome, expressive face brings out a richly vibrant performance. You will definitely see why he was nominated for an Oscar. You may shed tears more than once, for you will see there is no denying the astonishing power of this film about living, dying and death. The cinematography, goes without saying, is superb. A highly recommended tragic film.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Blue Valentine

An independent drama about a toxic marriage that starts out as a promising relationship and ends up in complete chaos. The performances on behalf of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams is astounding. Each with they're on different styles giving each part a very realistic yet remarkable touch.
Blue Valentine is truly intelligent film that reminded me of Revolutionary Road, in which they both portray how difficult and unhappy a relationship can be. Highly recommended film.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

The Dilemma

A "comedy" directed by Ron Howard about two best friends since college who start a big automotive design project. The plot starts to develop when Ronny (Vince Vaughn) finds out Nick's (Kevin James) wife is cheating on him. The dilemma starts when Ronny doesn't know when to tell Nick because he is already under a lot of pressure because of the project they have to deliver.
This film is not funny at all, it felt like so much work to finish it. And one would think you would at least laugh once, but no, no such thing. The acting on both actors was horrible, but you could tell it was the directing becuse normally I like Kevin James and Vince Vaughn, or maybe they're just getting old. I don't know, but the chemistry was not there. Don't waste your time on this one.