Diana's Movie Opinions: 2012

I'm using a star system this year, 1 is bad, 5 is good. Alphabetical. Newest marked with >>>

360

United Kingdom, 2011, 115 min.

****
Numerous engrossing small stories linking together to form a larger cohesive one. Like Babel, except the stories each end on a hopeful note, and Crash without the overt social commentary. I loved this one because it takes you to the edge, gets your adrenalin running, and then doesn't push you over. It's quite a kind movie, really, though looking over into that abyss isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Las Acacias

Argentina, 2011, 85 min

***
A sweet story that moves at a teeth gritting almost real-time pace following a trio traveling in a rattletrap truck from the Paraguayan border to Buenos Aires. I certainly felt like I made the 900 mile trip myself as Argentinian brush and desert rumble by out the truck windows, and I marveled at how
the shots of the gnarled man driving, then back to the comely woman and her incredibly cute baby in the passenger seat, then out to the two side mirrors were accomplished. Did they travel the same road over and over again with the cameraman taking one position then the other? There were no over-the-shoulder shots, so I'm guessing the cameras were not unmanned. The point is, I had plenty of time to ponder these things. If it weren't for the baby, this movie would be stunningly dull. As it is, it's rather a sweet baby-watching opportunity with a nice ending.

The Art of Love

France, 2011, 85 min.

***
A fun French romantic comedy. Plenty of sex and witty repartee. I love julie Depardieu, and she doesn't disappoint here. Enjoyable, slightly shocking fluff.

As Luck Would Have It

Spain, 2011, 98 min.

***
This film wants you to believe it's a comedy until the very end. So I've just spoiled it for you. It's good social commentary and asks the what's right and what's wrong question very well, but it would be better served billing itself as the drama it is and surprising its audience with the brilliant humor interspersed rather than the other way around.

>>>Beasts of the southern wild*****
A difficult, mythical story told beautifully, hauntingly, and fantastically. From the prospective of a very young girl who lives on a slightly fictionalized island with a group of wildlings outside the levees of new Orleans, a natural disaster and it's aftermath are experienced. This is the strongest, bravest little girl in the world and she's a true pleasure to get to know.
The 6 year old star, Quvenzhane Willis, wins my vote by a landslide for best actress. There is good reason this movie won the grand jury prize this year at sundance.

Bestiaire

Canada (Québec), 2012, 72 min.

*
Quite a depressing film in which animals and humans alike show few emotions. All of the animals in this film are captive, which is made abundantly clear and depressingly obvious through shot after shot of ugly fencing and cement combined with bored or frustrated zoo animals. These are juxtaposed with zoo keepers and taxidermists at work. The point is made and rammed on home.

>>>Beware mr. Baker***
A fully revealing music doc with something for everyone. If you're wondering whatever happened to ginger baker, here you go. If you've never heard of him, here is a great piece of music history. If you enjoy seeing a filmmaker get abused (in all ways), and witnessing lots of conflict and drama in a documentary, this one's for you. Finally, if you're looking for an opportunity to see and hear some fantastic classic rock, and drumming in particular, this is it.

Camilla Dickinson

USA, 2012, 117 min.

***
Based on an early story by Madeline l'engle, this is a languid (the director's word) film, with the look and feel of new York in the 1940s. The story is a mild, coming of age tale with numerous family dramas, and no sci fi
(which might be expected, if you're a Madeline l'engle fan). The actors are beautiful and talented. The movie is muted and lovely. Not perfect is the soundtrack which I found overdone to a fault. Gentle emotional scenes kept getting pummeled by huge sweeping orchestrations. Very distracting, and since, in my opinion, soundtrack is half the movie, rating dropping.

The Central Park Effect

USA, 2012, 60 min.

*****
A great portrayal of the incredible variety of birds populating this last bastion of natural habitat on the Atlantic seaboard as well as of the multi-colored persons who watch them. A treat for the eyes.

>>>Chasing ice****
Incredible footage of incredible footage! This film follows a years long project of national geographic photographer James Balog as he and his intrepid assistants set up cameras at various glaciers around the world. The idea is to track the ice loss over a three year period. Once completed, this footage presents the inevitable conclusion that global warming is indeed a reality. The footage itself and the process of capturing it is compelling and beautiful, dramatic and tragic.

>>>A Checkout girl's big adventures***
This romantic comedy is a little too predictable to go high on the list. The characters are lightly sketched, with the bad guy particularly unreal, and most of the conflicts just can't be bought even with the strongest suspension of disbelief. Still, you can eke out some fun and enjoyment from some of the dialog and a few good action moments.

Cloudburst

Canada, 2011, 93 min.

****
I thoroughly enjoyed this film even though some of my friends thought that the very butch role played by Olympia Dukakis was a caricature. I didn't experience that and felt that all three of the main characters were unique and enjoyable. The plot choices that went for shock and pat endings kept this from being a five star movie for me, but it's still a great experience.

>>>Coteau rouge***
A farcical blackish comedy from Quebec that walks up to the edge and jumps off. Fun if you're okay with people getting away with (justified) murder.

>>>Cousinhood****
Another pleasurable comedy in which s number of boy-men grow up. Despite the well-worn formula, the action is quite unpredictable and fun. The characters are quirky and ultimately charming. Expect to enjoy yourself.

The Crown Jewels

Sweden, 2012, 120 min.

**
An almost great movie, well filmed, well acted, but the story falls short and the way it's put together with flashbacks from a police interrogation feels stilted and overly dramatized. It's a great idea with fantastical elements and those should have been emphasized over the murder mystery it tries to be. The murder mystery simply renders the fantasy laughable.

The Do-Deca-Pentathlon

USA, 2012, 90 min.

****
Charming brother/pal movie that goes deeper than expected. The pace is actually quite thrilling, the characters are likable, eventually, and the message is satisfying.

>>>Dragon***
Beautiful cinematography and strong story buoy this martial arts film. This one is in the swordplay and dismemberment tier of the genre, so a strong stomach is called for. There is also the threat and evidence of child murder, not untypical in these films. Aside from those heavy points, the music is grand and the scenery sweeping, lifting this one up.

Earthbound

Ireland, 2012, 90 min.

***
It rather looks like this charming film from Ireland is going to end on a downer note. Then it doesn't. Goofy fun.

Elena

Russia, 2011, 109 min.

*
This is a slow moving film with long, unnecessary shots of dead trees, and no redeeming quality at all. Here's the thing, if you're going to move your camera rarely and watch people doing tedious things, you have to be all the more careful with your continuity. A particularly irritating gaffe then, was spending the morning with a woman and her husband and watching her put every piece of clothing on then hearing her discuss what she's going to do that day, then seeing her doing the thing she discussed she was going to do...in an entirely different outfit. Even though there is murder and mayhem, the movement and pace of this film are deadly and repetitive. Ironically, as I was watching it, I thought to myself, this movie reminds me of a Philip Glass piece - tuneless, repetitive, irritating - then the credits showed that the very composer himself did the music (which was sparse, indeed), for the film. It figures.

The Eye of the Storm

Australia, 2011, 114 min.

***
Incredible cast in a fairly cynical film. Beautiful and careful cinematography take it way, way up. Charlotte Rampling, Judy Davis and Geoffry Rush deliver as expected. But really, no one gets anywhere but back where they started, which is a pretty depressing place. I left feeling quite empty and way way down.

Fat Kid Rules the World

USA, 2012, 98 min.

***
Character studies that go at least a bit below the surface. Fun and poignant, but there are still too many scenes wherein the titular boy is shown gorging himself on food. This serves to bring the attention as per usual to fatness as grossness - not really rising above this stereotype.

>>>Finding north***
Important doc about poverty and hunger in America...today. This compelling film uses real people and historical documentation to consider how we came back from almost eradicating hunger in the united states in the 1970 to 200 million people living here now who don't know where their next meal is coming from. Strong clear arguments with some hopeful ideas for change. The title to this film is based on a great t-bone Burnett song written specifically for it (he, in fact volunteered to do all the music). The plan is to release the movie with a different title more descriptive if the content. This is well worth seeing, so keep your eyes and ears posted.

Found Memories

Brazil, 2011, 98 min.

****
I'm still pondering this absorbing film. It's beautiful and rich with witty moments. It's also a bit spooky, almost twilight-zoney. Or is it? Just as a sensual experience, I'd say this is worth seeing, if you aren't turned off by slow pace and lingering camera work. After that though, this is a curiosity that leaves you with some lingering questions. Sometimes that's awful. Not this time.

>>>Free throw**
A contrived (really, the filmmaker created a contest so he could film it), documentary about kids from a very tough school (Compton high - most known for its atmosphere of violence), who have a chance through a contest to break out and go to college). It's all good news and one does wonder if the bad has just been edited out. However, the good news just gets better and it's a pleasure, biased or not, to watch some great kids display their greatness.

Gimme The Loot

USA, 2012, 81 min.

***
A pleasurable non-violent take on a few days in the lives of a couple of teenage graffiti artists in NYC. At times I had to suspend disbelief at how innocent everyone remains, and I'm still not sure how I feel about that, but this was a window into a world that might otherwise be too hard to watch. Fun, absorbing, and quietly witty.

Golden Slumbers

Cambodia, 2011, 96 min.

*
Poorly executed documentary about the lost films of cambodia. The material is interesting and compelling, but the editing and arrangement is awful. It's practically a tragedy as you pry open your half closed bored eyes and come upon this amazing poignant moment wherein a director fighting his tears describes his unwanted life changes that occurred during the pol pot regime and then jump back to dull, meaningless montages and show-off camera work that adds nothing. What's left of the lost films is finally shown at the very end when you're so ragged out you could care less. Too bad.

The Great Bear

Denmark, 2011, 73 min.

****
A fun and imaginative animated film from Denmark. Numerous scientific gaffes keep it from being perfect (and it's maybe questionable to ask for good science from so fantastical a tale - yet we must, for fantasy must derive from reality), but it's definitely worth seeing. Side note: this film was dubbed, but we noticed the mouths seemed to move matching the English words. Danish does often seem to agree with English rhythmically.

El Gusto: The Good Mood

Ireland, 2011, 88 min.

****
Right away the music gets you. Then the rare treat of getting to see the casbah in Algiers. Finally, these charming men and their rich stories. All combined and then moved along to a very moving concluding concert wherein they all meet again. The editing could use some tightening, but otherwise this is a great pleasure.

High Ground

USA, 2011, 90 min.

*****
Very moving, fantastically filmed documentary about some veterans who climb a mountain. I was moved to tears a number of times when the camera lingered and what was unsaid came through beautifully, painfully and honestly.

How to Survive a Plague

USA, 2012, 110 min.

*****
This is a very compelling documentary chronicling the Aids epidemic from 1981 when people began dying to 1995 when people began to get better. It is mostly action footage, the filmmakers really did an impressive job of gathering and editing Act UP meetings and demonstrations as well as home movies. Combined with interviews from then and now and an incredibly impactful ending it a top notch and moving/hopeful/grief-filled historical document

The Intouchables

France, 2011, 112 min.

****
The blurb points out that this movie is the third most successful in France - titanic being the first. I hate to see lovely little films like this hyped that way, because usually the reason they are so popular is because audiences went to them with low expectations. That changes in the arc of time and later audiences wonder what the big deal is. This movie is not a big deal, but it is sweet and enjoyable. It doesn't teach us anything (unless you didn't think black ex-cons could be nice, or rich people could desire honest interactions), and it's pretty predictable. But it's nice. The acting is great. The minor characters have depth. The plot is satisfying. That it's 'based on a true story' matters not. It's a good story, and that matters.

>>>Italy, love it or leave it***
Tongue in cheek exploration of the various reasons to move away from Italy. This is achieved through a series of whimsical (made more-so by the choice of car, tiny fiat500s - different colors each time), trips to parts of Italy exemplifying various problems with the country, but really also showing those of us not from there a great deal we have never have seen or known about. The couple who narrate this film are charming and smart and conflicted, this adds to the depth (and gay perspective). There's lots to despair about, but even that, in the end, lends this ancient land its character. Well filmed, funny and an enjoyable journey.

>>>Kiss me**
Satisfying enough love story for those of us desperate to see lesbian romances. Not much spark, unfortunately between the two leads. The parents, on the other hand are very chemical. I was impressed with the realistic script and, in particular how the couple's current lovers respond to being left. Of course this makes the movie that much more of a downer.

Liberal Arts

USA, 2012, 98 min.

****
Delightful characters and characters with character. A wonderful smart journey through what your age means and where it places you in the world. The whole cast is mesmerizing. Look for and enjoy a particularly acerbic Alison Janney.

Lucky

South Africa, 2011, 100 min.

***
This is a formula I like very much. An irascible elder and a brave, needy child find and uplift each other. This one is a little south African boy from a small village and an elderly racist Indian woman in the city. It's a Nice script and the movie moves along satisfyingly. Just sweet enough.

Love Free or Die

USA, 2012, 83 min.

****
I've seen Gene Robinson, the first openly gay episcopalian bishop, in other docs, including one of my favorites from a few years ago, 'For the Bible Tells Me So', so I thought this one might be a rehash. Not so! This one looks within the church and follows the slow movement toward change. The bravery of gene as he holds his own and absorbs all as the sole representative for so long is immensely moving. What happens in this film is also immensely satisfying. I was lucky enough to be at a screening with the director who is an eloquent speaker and I learned quite a bit more about film's subjects after it was over - too bad this couldn't be tagged onto the film!

Madrid, 1987

Spain, 2012, 105 min.

***
Though pretty squirmy (especially for those of us with smart dads), this film about a respected journalist and his grandaughter-aged interviewer being trapped naked in a 'grungy bathroom' remained interesting and compelling. The sex part has to be there, and his arrogance, and her poutiness, yet the dialog and action goes beyond these cliches into a rarer and realer place.

The Mexican Suitcase

Mexico, 2011, 86 min.

****
A perfect combination of artful, historical and personal documentation. This one uses the recent discovery of long-lost photos taken by very famous photojournalists during the Spanish Civil War as a jumping off point. Then it explores the variances of war photography, personal versus literal history, archeology, and immigration. There is much to learn here about that particular war, those particular photographers and much more, including the wondrous generosity of the country of Mexico.

Paul Williams Still Alive

USA, 2011, 84 min.

*****
A truly unique documentary in which the filmmaker injects himself and, instead of ruining it, enhances and enriches the film. The story of Paul Williams on it's own is a good one full if despair and redemption. Watching him having to absorb who he was in the presence of this fan camera is an excellent and real experience. This screening was of course turned into one of my top tens because of the presence of the filmmaker and the subject. The reason for going to SIFF made abundantly clear, yet again.

Polisse

France, 2011, 127 min.

***
An extreme downer, with an inappropriate ending (in my opinion), yet fully engrossing and effective. I was left with images from this film for days afterward as it sunk deeper into my psyche. This would have made me angry had these images not been profound and growthful.

Sacrifice

China, 2011, 130 min.

**
Just what you'd expect from a big budget Chinese film based on a popular opera. Over the top drama with lots of gorgeous sets and costumes. There is some animal and infant death in this one that makes it tough to watch. There's also the question about how the actual animals were treated during the filming - the horses in particular, that lowers the recommendation factor.

Safety Not Guaranteed

USA, 2012, 85 min.

*****
This romantic comedy goes for it and comes up shiny. A must see. Filmed in Seattle and Ocean Shores. Very fun and thrilling. Great cast. Great direction. Great script.

Sleepwalk With Me

USA, 2012, 90 min.

***
A short, funny, forgettable walk through one man's examination of what he really wants in life. The moral is pretty standard anti-romantic (and semiconscious), but the sleep disorder device makes it very fun to watch.

The Standbys

USA, 2012, 75 min.

****
This doc follows the career trajectory of three people who work on broadway as standbys which as you learn in the film is similar to an understudy, very different from a stand-in, and not as difficult as a 'swing'. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the insides of theatre life as well as to watch some extreme talent in action. These people are truly amazing and you are quickly pulled in emotionally to the highs and lows of their lives. A ride, for sure.

Starbuck

Canada (Québec), 2011, 109 min.

*****
A man/boy grows up in this charming, warm and witty film. It's a great ride, well worth the journey. The lead actor in this film is perfect gruff and soft balanced, with all the supporting characters written with depth and acted with warmth. Loved it and its messages about responsibility and the family called mankind.

Step Up to the Plate

France, 2011, 90 min.

**
Wow, I wouldn't have believed a foodie movie could be dull until I went to this one. Scene after scene of people gazing meaningfully out at bucolic settings could not be uplifted by the few plating and food designing moments. The plot had to do with a father giving up his high place in the French culinary echelon to his son. Since it's clear right away that this was not really going to happen, there was actually no plot at all. Thus the meaningful gazes were all for not. A snorefest. Ah well.

>>>Sunny*****
This great film from south Korea is a really enjoyable journey into the lives of some fascinating female characters. The story is well structured moving between the present the childhoods of these women the pace is fast and absorbing and emotional. As a side note, there's quite a bit of violence, surprising to me, but necessary to the plot. Most importantly these are really smart, tough and heroic women.

Superclásico

Denmark, 2011, 99 min.

****
A very enjoyable romantic comedy from Denmark set in Buenos Aires.
The setting alone makes this film with seeing, with satisfying cinematography and witty scenes involving wine and soccer rivalries. Unexpected and slightly shocking moments also highlight this film. It would have been even better without the use of narration which pulls the viewer out of the experience.

Teddy Bear

Denmark, 2012, 93 min.

**
Bit of a one liner in which a giant bodybuilder is completely cowed by his teeny tiny little mother. It's a bit sad, but ultimately redemptive as he finds his way out of his childhood home.

Three Quarter Moon

Germany, 2011, 91 min.

***
Here's that formula I like again also seen in the movie, Lucky. Old and young changing each other's lives. This time, it's a cute little Turkish girl and a grumpy, racist German taxi driver. Pleasantly moving.

Trishna

United Kingdom, 2011, 113 min.

**
A remake of Tess of the D'ubervilles set in modern day India. A painful tragic story made even more pathetic and raw in this setting. Told well, filmed well, but I wasn't happy to be put through the inevitable awfulness again.

Under African Skies

USA, 2012, 101 min.

*****
Fantastically done documentary that's practically as good as it's subject, the Graceland album by Paul Simon. The controversy surrounding the production of this album is faced head on and makes a very good argument for the artist and art as transcending politics and potentially creating change on a far more evolutionary level. This argument is amazingly achieved without undermining the importance of the political process. That said, the actual performances by the artists then and now are what move you, right down to your soul. I was brought to tears a number of times by these beautiful and brave musicians. The audience at the particular screening I went to not only applauded, but kept clapping to the transformative music's rhythm throughout the credits.

Valley of Saints

India, 2012, 82 min.

****
Providing the expected vivid color and richness of a film made in India, this film is a pleasant visual journey to a lake in Kashmir. It's never heavy, the lilting guitar musical score offering that clue, but it's a compelling and tasty story.

War of the Buttons

France, 2011, 109 min.

****
Very reminiscent of late 60s era Disney films. Sweeping music, gorgeous landscapes and innocent crowds of children as foreground to the darker backdrop of war and other evils. Innocence, of course, is what prevails. So, this film is a bit dated, and nothing new, but definitely appeals to the nostalgic and sentimental portions of my soul (which are rather large). Also, it's in French.

>>>Welcome to doe bay*
I'm sure this festival is fabulous, but its fabulousness is not captured in the film. Except for a few solo numbers shot in the woods, the sound and camera work are poorly executed. Music performance is extremely hard to capture, and I'm sorry to say that the crew just weren't up to the task. To bad, because it looked like these were really great musicians. So, without the musical performances, what we're left with is a great many producers and local music critics tooting about how unique and amazing they are. As someone who attends This gets a bit old, to say the least.

Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

USA, 2012, 62 min.

****
Good fun and interesting facts about wonder woman's inception. For me, most of my heroes and roll models (including ripley and Gloria Steinem and forgivably excepting Honey West) were there for my enjoyment and hoots of approval. There are also a few cringey moments making it clear how difficult it continue to be for young women to find heroes and role models.

Year of Grace

Spain, 2012, 90 min.

*
I'm all for formulas - I think working within a structure can make a film blossom and exude color - as words do within Haiku. This, however, was an example of formulaic film making with no blood. Young man just looking to get laid and begin his life meets old crabby woman. We're looking for a transition here, and it doesn't happen until the last five minutes of the film and is completely, ridiculously pat. A dead bird and a tedious few hours later, I was unhappy and unfulfilled.

Your Sister's Sister