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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Idiots & Angels

An art contemporary animated film about a guy who is pretty much the scum of the earth. He is an angry abusive alcoholic that only hangs around in his local bar all day. His life takes a different spin when one day, he wakes up and notices little wings are growing from his back. As much as he liked his douche lifestyle, he practically gets dragged into becoming a hero.
The film has no dialogue just the occasional scream and laughter. An excellent pessimistic view on life, violent and sexual, just like real life. Plus, the animation is great. Good film that is definitely not for kiddies.

Encounters At The End Of The World

German Werner Herzog makes a documentary film that studies Antartica. From volcanoes, to seals, to icebergs.

The photography in this film is simply amazing, so peaceful that it seems it is out of this world. The interviews with the people living there, were kind of creepy. It seems all of them were crazy dreamers. Great photographic film.

The Rite

Yes, another exorcism film. Ok, so I read some reviews before watching this and I thought I was in for a crappy terror film, but on the contrary, I actually enjoyed it. Yes, you might be surprised, I don't care. It had me thinking all the time "Why does everyone think this is such a bad film?", and then the ending came. That's when I realized what everyone was talking about.
The film is about an skeptic priest-to-be who is an atheist and is proven wrong. He finally believes after 3 exorcisms.
This film made me think a lot about exorcisms. What is up with that!?! The worse part is that some friends of mine have actually been to some! That's just too scary. The priest-to-be is a brave one, I'd be down on my knees with a rosemary on hand after the fist nail that came out of the mouth of the first exorcism.
This movie is what it is. A film about priests and exorcisms. If you are an atheist, don't even bother to watch it, you'll think it's stupid. Meh, for me it was entertaining... Except at the end, cheesy ending.

The Yes Men Fix The World

Two activists try to fix the world by infiltrating corporate events with fake websites, cheap suits and a few props. They attempt to represent a change of heart on behalf of the companies that are guilty of massive crimes, like the Bhopal incident. A good documentary that shows a different approach and unlike other globally situated documentaries, this one displays some optimism for the future.

Rabbit Hole

Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) lose their 4 year old child in terrible accident. This tragic loss has taken them down the rabbit hole, and both parents try to cope with this emotional chaos.
Nicole Kidman gives a stunning performance; a wreck who grows more distant by the day, and snaps at her mother and sister every single time she can because SHE CAN. It shows how a grieving process can be really messy and isolating. Excellent film.

The Next Three Days

A professor in Pittsburgh finds a way to get his wife to escape out of jail, for she has been convicted of the murder of her boss.
This movie is what I would call a "Sunday movie". It's just what you expect it to be although it does keep you on your toes. Typical American film in which it's all action and keeps you on your toes, even though you know it's all pretty much unachievable. Like the fact, that he got everything right, to the last thing but he missed the fact that his son wasn't at the house where the birthday party was at. That's kind of a big deal! But I guess it's all part of it being a fiction thriller movie...
Great to watch on a Sunday night.

Espejitos De Colores

There is over 600 mining proyects in the Andes Mountains range. This documentary film talks about all the damage a single mining proyect can do. The amount of harm this does to our planet is mind-boggling, and the statistics are terrifying. This is definitely one of today's most talked about subjects, global warming. A good topic. But the movie was just to boring, it's missing something and I quite can't put my finger on what it is. I wouldn't recommend this movie, there are other far more better ones on the same subject, like Home. 

Happy Tears

Two very different daughters have to take care of their father which suffers from old age dementia.
Okay, this movie is just weird in my opinion. For example, the meltdown of the husband of one of the sister's doesn't really fit into the story. I guess it's supposed to be a tragicomedy but some scenes are just plain flat and awkward. The fantasies of the irresponsible sister aren't really clear, and sometimes you can't really tell if they are flashbacks or just fantasies. I liked Demi Moore but I wish there had been more of her.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Two young American BFFs, Vicky and Cristina, spend a summer in Barcelona. They meet a daring painter, Juan Antonio, who proposes they fly with him to Oviedo, for the weekend.
I absolutely LOVED this movie. I thought the casting was perfect, it was sensual, dreamy and classy. Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz played amazing roles. And the fact that it was narrated, well, that to me, was the icing on the cake.
I just can't believe I didn't watch it before... What's wrong with me? Brilliant film.

The Way Back

An inspiring true story about a group of multinationals escaping from Stalin's reign, travelling through snow storms in Siberia and waterless deserts in Mongolia, on their way to India and freedom.
With this being said, you know this is going to be an epic, moving film. I thought the film to be an interesting combination of inspiration and tediousness. Inspiring, cause of all they endured. I would have probably died first along with the blind fella. But, some scenes can get to be tedious, like the ones in the desert, they are just way too long and you already get the point that it was a loooooong journey, but seriously, don't put us through that.
Either way, it wasn't all that bad, it made me want to get off my lazy butt and do something...

Whatever Works

An excellent Woody Allen film which delivers amusing dialogue and on the surprising side, an optimistic ending.
An intellectual, narcissistic, Jewish genius falls for a genuinely innocent, southern girl.
This movie has Allen's signature written all over it. Definitely loved the sarcastic yet charming script. And the humour of it all was great, I had my good amount of fair laughs. I highly recommend this film; it put me in a good mood and hopefully it'll do the same for you.

Cherrybomb

A pair of mates whose friendship is tested by the new girl in town.
Why I finished watching this movie is beyond me. The whole movie suggests something terribly wrong is about to happen but it never does. Free spirited teenagers with troubled families trying to be rebellious but they really aren't that bad, all the aggressive scenes are half-way there, the characters are all unlikeable, the make-up
It's just a bad, bad, bad movie.

Los Abrazos Rotos

A dangerous love story between a blind screenwriter and the mistress of a millionaire.
Another fascinating Almodóvar classic and definitely one of my favorite movies of 2009. I overcame with great joy with this film, watching this, my time felt amazingly fulfilled. The last scene was my favorite, just the conversation between the two leading ladies in Girls and Suitcases is gorgeous to look at. A genuine element of a tragic film. Brilliant film, watch Los Abrazos Rotos, twice.