CIFF Quickie: I’m Gonna Explode (Voy a explotar)
I’m Gonna Explode (Voy a explotar) (2009)–***1/2 Quick Review Two free-spirited teens, one a middle class girl and the other the privileged son of a Mexican congressman, attempt to abandon their lives for an existence outside the prescribed daily dramas. A film raging with the all passion and rebellion of teenage tumult, this Mexican drama is Harold & Maude cool and Badlands powerful. Even at its darkest moments, and it does get dark, I wished I was a teenager watching this movie, feeling its profound impact at a time when I would have mattered most. Directed by Gerardo Naranjo. I’m Gonna Explode (Voy a explotar) was screened at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival. Catch it again today at 11:30 a.m. For tickets visit...
Read MoreCIFF Quickie: Goodbye Solo
Goodbye Solo (2009)–**** Quick Review A Senegalese cab driver in Winston-Salem, North Carolina befriends an old man who wants to be driven to an area in the mountains where he plans to commit suicide. Another stunning film about people in the oft ignored corners of society, this quiet drama compels the audience to be aware of the selflessness and dignity of all people. Red West’s performance as the old man is deceptively understated, while Souleymane Sy Savane constructs a moving portrayal of a man discovering the ultimate meaning of friendship. The Blowing Rock mountain sequence is overwhelmingly affecting–physically, intellectually, and spiritually. A masterpiece from a filmmaker the world needs right now. Directed by Ramin Bahrani and beautifully shot by Michael Simmonds. This film was screened at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival. More at...
Read MoreCIFF Quickie: Orz Boys
Orz Boys (2008)–***1/2 Quick Review Two Taiwanese boys with rocky home lives rely on their imaginations (and a little mischief) as they make the journey to adulthood. Joyfully entertaining and, at times, rhapsodic, Orz Boy captures the spirit of childhood despite facing the turmoils of growing up. The cultural criticism combined with the story of early adolescents on the verge allows positive comparisons to The 400 Blows, while the animations give the film its unique artistic fingerprints. Directed by Ya-che Yang and starring Kuan-yi Lee and Chin-Yu Pang as the boys. From Taiwan. This film was screened at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival. More at...
Read MoreQuickie: The International
The International–*** Quickie Review An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) and a Manhattan assistant district attorney (Naomi Watts) attempt to take on an international bank that has expanded into arms dealing. A solid, compelling thriller with two unlikely leads and even more unlikely director in Tom Tykwer, The International has all the right moves but reaches climax a little too quickly. Sure, the Guggenheim shootout may be one of the best action sequences ever put to film, but the improbable and otherwise lazy third act makes you wish you had left when the shooting stopped. Also starring Armin Mueller-Stahl and Ulrich...
Read MoreQuickie: Gran Torino
Gran Torino (2008)–***1/2 Quickie Review Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski finds himself protecting the Asian family next door when a group of thugs seek revenge on the family’s only son, a young man who refused to join the gang. Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial effort, in which he also stars, is just as intensely emotional as (and perhaps even more perceptive than) Mystic River or Million Dollar Baby, even if it is less delicately packaged. Kowalski’s rough exterior is difficult to penetrate, but once we find a way in, we can’t help feeling that we are seeing a side of Kowalski–and Eastwood–that no one has never seen before. Another masterful movie and performance from a legendary actor turned American...
Read MoreQuickie: Towelhead
Towelhead (2008)–** Quickie Review Jasira, a 13-year-old girl of Lebanese descent, must deal with racism and conflicting messages about sex in suburban Texas. American Beauty writer Alan Ball’s feature directorial debut begins as a piercing, uncomfortable social commentary but devolves into a Bizzaro World after school special. Rarely funny and too badly acted to be dramatic, this so-called dark comedy needed someone with Todd Solondz’s sensibilities to make it both interesting and entertaining. Only Aaron Eckhart, in his role as the older neighbor who lusts after Jasira, finds the harmonic balance between funny and tragic. Also starring Peter Macdissi, Toni Collette, and Summer Bishil as...
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