Film

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button': A Cinematic Masterpiece

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

If 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-Salas

So 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 heart

By 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 Classic

By 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' Film

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

What 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 blues

By Daniel Montgomery

It’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

A Gem of a 'Slumdog'

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

The story begins with Jamal Malik who is one question away from winning 20 million rupees on India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” Jamal is instantly under suspicion of cheating and the question of how can a penniless orphan from the slums of Mumbai have knowledge of life and love becomes the center attention Click here for the full article

Great 'Role Models'

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

In the latest installment of the R rated comedy ‘Role Models’ chimes in as perhaps the most offensive and hilarious film to date. After all that people have experience in the last couple of months – from the economic stress to the presidential race – is finally time for them to unapologetically laugh out loud. Click here for the full article

'Repo! The Genetic Opera': A modern rocky horror picture show

By Daniel Montgomery

The musical score is a mixed bag. The wittiest and most affecting songs go to Head and Brightman. The Largos get the strangest; it’s possible the entire family, from the acting to the music, is meant ironically. Alexa Vega, try as she might, seems vocally and emotionally out of her depth in some of the numbers, including one that includes the lyrics “Why are my genetics such a bitch?” and another in which she rocks out about teen rebellion with Joan Jett backing her up on lead guitar (literally — Jett materializes in Shilo’s bedroom). Click here for the full article

A Funny 'Synecdoche, New York'

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

The latest Charlie Kaufman film is here. ‘Synecdoche, New York’ is nothing short of impressive and without a doubt to become one of the writer-director’s funniest masterpieces. The outrageous storyline follows theater director Caden Cotard (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) whose life at the suburban local theatre in Schenectady, New York is beyond dreadful. From then on the storyline explores his worries, sense of abandonment, failing marriage, mysterious health conditions and deteriorating reality; to his ultimate death. Click here for the full article