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cameronsmith92
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Russian Lessons (2010)
Thought Provoking
This film does a great job of showing the Russian/Georgian conflict and the devastating toll this took on the people of Georgia. Unfortunately it was an intellectual journey for me rather than an emotional one. The fact that one of the parties to the conflict lied was not news. The fact that it was the invading party that lied wasn't news. This has been the pattern throughout the history of humankind.
I was waiting for the call to arms. The reason why this conflict, these people, this story should be important to me. I think the issue is that the only protagonist are the filmmakers themselves while everyone else in the film comes and goes with little chance for the audience to establish a lasting emotional connection.
The film also goes from saying that the Russians lied to the rest of the world lied. The BBC lied when they rebroadcast the Russian point of view. I found this extension of blame tenuous and without a call to arms it left me with the feeling that I was the next to be blamed.
This is a well made documentary about an important subject and worthy of anyone's time but unlike my fellow reviewer I do not see this as a great documentary.
Yo, también (2009)
Beautiful Film
I saw this film at Sundance 2010 and it quickly became one of my favorites for its heart and realism. The plot resembles a typical love story...Daniel meets Laura at work and over time they discover that they have much in common, enjoy each other's company and start to date outside work.
The difference is that Daniel has Down's Syndrome while Laura does not and that makes their relationship different. In addition despite missing a chromosome Daniel has a university degree and an intellects view of the world which he is able to use to both surprise and teach those around him.
The audience is similarly challenged as the film explores the need all human beings have for love and companionship and the danger of stereotypes when looking for that love. The Directors Álvaro Pastor and Antonio Naharro have managed to get superb performances from the entire cast and I wished I had the foresight to ask them how much of Daniel's humor was scripted for it feels as natural as any conversation I have had today. I sincerely hope to see this film again!
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Hilarious
A slasher with a twist this does for the horror genre what Tremors did for the creature feature. The film keeps a steady pace both in body count and laughs as Dale and Tucker a couple of lovable hillbillies visit their "vacation cabin" in the woods. The film manages to successfully send up every slasher stereotype including hillbillies, college preps, local sheriffs, and insane killers. I viewed the film with five friends and it took all six of us to catalog all the physical comedy, dialog and subtle plot twists that writer/director managed to utilize. I suspect that I will find more when I get the opportunity to see the film for a second time. Of course a good script still needs execution and the location work and special effects are excellent.
The Thickness of Delirium (2007)
Interesting and Quirky
Brian is a passionate film maker and Delirium contains considerable nuanced detail in both the dialog and the shots. The film provides ample time to consider that detail as we follow our characters on their journey to Utah. Along the way there are some beautiful shots of this country as seen from a travelers eye.
I enjoyed the fact that Delirium did not tie up all the loose ends for us. I don't want to give away the ending but the films protagonist has a difficult decision to make and I don't think any of us knew what the decision would be until the actual moment it was made. The unscripted feel of the ending meant I left the movie with a slightly uneasy feeling and my wife and I found that our conversation on the way home much more interesting then after watching today's typical commercial fare.
If you enjoy the drama of life I think you will find Delirium an interesting couple of hours but see it with a friend as you will want to talk about it!