'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button': A Cinematic MasterpieceBy Marcos Bernal-SalasIf we could only know at the moment we are born the answers to the questions: What is life all about? How can anyone live it to the fullest without regret? Then everyone’s life will be much happier and blissful. And it’s no wonder that F. Scott Fitzgerald began writing a short story in the 1920’s inspired from a quote from Mark Twain; “Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.” So it seems fitting such an inspiration is now the most anticipated movie of the year. Click here for the full article Magical Heroes in 'Desperaux'By Marcos Bernal-SalasSo it begins as many fairy tales do. Once upon a time, in the faraway kingdom of Dor but unlike most narrations in a fable the story doesn’t begin with Desperaux right away and instead the audience is introduced to the characters that will eventually delve into the beginning of this tiny mouse’s adventure. Most importantly a set of unhappy events that divide the heroes from the wicked characters – although keep in mind there are no real bad characters in this magical tale. Click here for the full article 'Seven Pounds': Provocative at heartBy Marcos Bernal-Salas‘Seven Pounds’ is a well-thought out and executed film. And although audiences will immediately jump to compare it with ‘Paying it Forward’ – the film takes a completely different turn. Yes, the film is about the connections between people but in this case it is up to one man – Ben Thomas – to decide who gets to have a better life. Click here for the full article 'Timecrimes': Superb ClassicBy Marcos Bernal-Salas‘Timecrimes’ sets out in a steady pace watching over Hector’s sedimentary life, as he settles into his new country home, lounging around and relaxing out on the lawn chair. Until suddenly his curiosity chimes in as he inspects the calm surroundings through his binoculars and catches a sight of a naked woman. Click here for the full article A 'Special' FilmBy Marcos Bernal-SalasWhat if we – normal people – could suddenly acquire a super-power? What if there was a pill that could suddenly levitate us mid-air? That’s loosely the premise for ‘Special’ by directors Jeremy Passmore and Hal Haberman – and their first collaborative effort. Click here for the full article 'The Dukes': Doo-Wop band sings the bluesBy Daniel MontgomeryIt’s sad when a film so well-meaning falls so far below standards. ‘The Dukes’, the directing debut of veteran character actor Robert Davi, isn’t much of a movie at all. It’s a ninety minute shaggy dog story, a shabby assemblage of sitcom skits without any meaningful comic or dramatic payoffs. There’s an endearing squareness about this dated material — you half expect someone to put too much detergent in a washing machine. We might be able to forgive its naivete if it were better made. Click here for the full article ![]()
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