Prisoners Review

Prisoners (2013) is a movie directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Terrence Howard, Maria Bello and Viola Davis. This film is a thriller that follows the investigation of the abduction of two little girls in a small town. Keller Dover is one of the little girls' father, and he will do anything to get her back. This is a great film that left me speechless. It's actually one of my favourite films and the best thriller that I've seen so far of this kind.

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On Thanksgiving, two families meet to celebrate together as usual. Everything is fine until the two little girls go outside to play and they don't come back. When the evidence that they are, indeed, gone kicks in, one of the girls' father, Keller Dover, feels angry and helpless towards the police investigation. Detective Loki, who's in charge of the case, will have to keep an eye on every clue, on every suspect, as the girls' lives is more threatened each minute, if they're still alive. When Keller Dover, however, desperately decides to carry out his own investigation on his daughter's abduction.

Personally, this film really striked me as one of the best thrillers I've seen. Sure there are many great thrillers out there, but I think that what makes this one so special is, particularly, Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal's performance. You can see raw emotion in Jackman's desperation, and condused helplessness in Gyllenhaal's detective Loki. On the other hand, another great performance in this film is Paul Dano's. I think he plays a difficult character, that has to transmit a lot of things with a condensed expression. The setting of the film, a quiet village with a cold weather, where no one sees anything, seems just like the best place for this movie. The feeling of uneasement was heartreding.

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To sum up, I really reccommend this film, if you're into this kind of story. My opinion is that, regardless of your preferences, it will, for sure, not leave you without thoughts on it.

Here's the trailer!

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Sherlock Holmes Review

Sherlock Holmes (2009), starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, is a film that was directed by Guy Rithchie. It's an action movie that follows the most famous detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes, and his friend, John Watson, through the investigation of a series of crimes that are commited in the city of London. With hints of humour and an interesting plot, you will see as Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous hero makes a jump to the big screen with a great result.

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Sherlock Holmes has just closed his latest case, with the help of Dr. Watson, his friend and flatmate. Blackwood, the criminal, is now in prison and about to be executed. Even though the fatality of this man's crimes seems over, strange things begin to happen after he apparently comes back from the grave, to start a dangerous game that seems to be mixed with dark magic. Sherlock Holmes will have to use all his skills to get pass the occultism and resolve the case before it's too late. Also, with the sudden appearance of Irene Adler, the woman he loved, the shadow of a new danger will cast over the detective's brilliant mind.

Sherlock (left) and Watson (right)

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Personally, I really enjoyed this film, mainly because I love the way Sherlock Holmes' mind works when it comes to giving an answer to everything from the tiniest details that no one else would notice. His wit combined with Dr. Watson's aim to keep his friend sane and alive is what really lights up this movie. In addition, it keeps you wondering how Blackwood's actions develop, because it all seems like a timed bomb, "impossible to resolve" with all those sectarian symbols. On the other hand, I loved the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. I think it's brilliant and it definetly finishes up the movie for me. Furthermore, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are great in these roles and I don't think that anyone would've done it better in this movie.

How will he solve this riddle?

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I can't think of one thing I didn't like about this movie. It's not a masterpiece, that much I can say, but it really is a great movie that has lots of nice details.

As a conclusion, I can say that I really think that this is a movie anyone can enjoy. If you love action movies and playing a guessing game to resolve a crime with the greatest detective of all time, then watch this film. All I can say is that the second movie was good too so that is a good sign.

Here's the trailer!

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Hail, Caesar! Review

Hail, Caesar! is the last production of the Coen brothers, starring Josh Brolin,George Clooney, Scarlett Johanson, Ralph Fiennes, Alden Ehrenreich, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and more. It's a comedy that follows the kidnapping of Baird Whitlock, an actor in the 1950's, and how Eddie Mannix, a Hollywood fixer for Capitol Records, has to deal with the problem before the news reach to the media while keeping all the actors of all the productions in line. It's a fantastic comedy that clearly has the name of the Coen brothers stamped on it. If you like their humor, chances are this can be a good film to watch for you!

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Eddie Mannix works for Capitol Records in the 50's, in the heart of Hollywood. His work consists on having everything under control in all the productions. In particular, he keeps an eye on actors and directors, having to deal with their problems himself so the show can go on. Baird Whitlock, a well-known actor, is starring as the main character in the companies' latest production: Hail, Caesar! But, as a result of a hidden conspiracy, he is kidnapped and taken away. Eddie Mannix has to find a way to solve this problem before anyone else realises that the actor has gone, indeed, missing.

George Clooney as Baird Whitlock

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Personally, I really enjoyed the humor in this film. However, I understand that it's not the kind of humor that everyone likes. The story was simple but well developed, with some twists here and there. The characters were outstanding on their own, specially Eddie Mannix played by Josh Brolin and Hobie Doyle played by Alden Ehrenreich, in my opinion. The performances were all great and made the film funnier and with a good final result. I had seen George Clooney in another Coen's film, Burn after reading, and I was glad that they chose him again for this film (just the faces he makes are priceless). I also liked the way 50's Hollywood was shown in the movie. You could see all the sets and the little problems between the actors and the directors. This is why I found Eddie Mannix's character so interesting: he was the man in the shadows that everyone knew and trusted with their problems. On the other hand, my favourite performance was Alden Ehrenreich's Hobie Doyle, he was by far the funniest character and he did a great job portraying it.

Here's Alden Ehrenreich and Ralph Fiennes as Hobie Doyle and Laurence Laurentz.

In my opinion, one of the funniest scenes.

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One thing I didn't like about the film is that the story could've been more developed. It had more potential, in my opinion, that it was given. It was still a good story, it's just that I expected something more. Anyways, I enjoyed it and laughed a lot.

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As a conclusion, if you like comedies with silly characters and plot complications that no one had thought about, then this film is for you. All I can say is that the Coen brother's films never fail to surprise me, and this has been no different!

Here's the trailer!

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REVIEW: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is the last film of the Hunger Games saga. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, who's become the face of a rebelion against the Capitol. She has one last chance to end with the horror of President Snow's government and to finish with the oppression the 13 districts of Panem are under. This is a stunning end to the series that will keep you in tension until the very end.

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Katniss Everdeen has survived two editions of the Hunger Games, and her actions are seen as rebellious. After the destruction of her hometown, she decides to be the Mockingjay of the districts, the face of the rebelion. Even though the rebels have gained a lot, the Capitol still stands with Snow as a president. Katniss believes that the only way to end everything is through Snow's death, so she will do whatever it takes to get to the front line of the battle that's just about to begin.

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I read the whole series of the Hunger Games so one thing I liked about this movie it's that it is a great adaptation of the novel. They didn't supress any of the scenes and they remained loyal to the story. As a reader, I really appreciate that. Also, the action sequences were really exciting, with great effects that made it seem like you were there. Throughout the story you could also see the characters in a deeper way that helped you to connect with them and with the story. The cast also did a great job, specially Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta). I was really stunned with their performances.

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One thing I didn't like about the film is that it was really long. However, this is because of the loyalty to the book's storyline and action scenes, so I'm glad that they did it this way.

As a conclusion, if you are a hunger games fan or if you have seen the other movies, I'm sure you'll like this one. It's easy to see that both the cast and the production crew put a lot of effort in this movie. I even teared up a bit because I really this saga and I didn't want it to end, but I am really happy with the final product. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 reached the high standards that were demanded for the end of such a great series, at least for me. So next time you go to the cinema keep in mind that this is an entertaining movie to watch.

Oh, and here's the trailer. Enjoy!

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REVIEW: Jane Eyre

I've read Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë. The book is about the romance between Jane Eyre, a governess at Thornfield Hall, and Edward Rochester, the master of the house. Jane arrives there aged eighteen after a hard childhood, and meets Mr. Rochester, a man in his late thirties with a difficult temper. They slowly fall for each other, but some impediments will make their relationship seem imposible.

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As jane Eyre, it's not so easy for me to open up to people I don't know. Just like her, I'd rather be guided by common sense, putting it over my emotions.

I loved the book, but I think that not everyone would like it because some of the character's feelings may seem too subtle, specially Jane's. My favourite part of the book was when Mr. Rochester disguised as a gipsy woman and pretended to make Jane jealous of Miss Ingram. He was in some way telling her that he was interested in her, Jane! My least favourite part was Jane's childhood at Lowood because I found it boring. I don't think that I wouyld change anything in this book. It is what it has to be,

The jane Eyre film of 2011

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I liked the fact that neither Mr. Rochester nor Jane were perfect on their own, but they complimented each other really well. It didn't matter the age gap between them, not their different economic and social situation, they loved each other. Also, I liked the fact that Jane decided to put her dignity over her feelings. It was really difficult for her but she was really strong.

REVIEW: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is the tragic story of a billionaire and his undying love for a woman that is already married. It is a good film that brings to life the famous novel by Scott Fitzgerald also named The Great Gatsby.

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The story happens in the 1920 decade and is seen through the point of view of Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to Long Island, New York. His neighbour, Jay Gatsby is a mysterious billionaire who is obsessed with Daisy Buchanan, Nick's cousin and Tom Buchanan's wife. Gatsby befriends Nick and then he starts trying to get Daisy's love back.

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I really liked the scenography of this film. It was very impressive and colourful. I loved the character of Jay Gatsby, because it made me feel that there were many things about him that were untold, and that gave him sort of a background feeling of mistery. I also liked the idea of using Nick as the narrator when the main storyline is about Jay and Daisy. I think the acting was really good in this movie.

What I didn't like about the film is that there were some parts that didn't had a clear meaning. I guess I could also say that I didn't like Daisy, because I thought that she played dumb too much.

To sum up I think that The Great Gatsby is a very beautiful and enjoyable film. Not everyone likes it but just the scenography is already  worth a try. And if you like it, I'm sure you'll end up tearing up and loving it just like me!

Here's the trailer!

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REVIEW Little Miss Sunshine

A hilarious and wonderful film about a family that keeps chasing their dreams even when they seem imposible or they're taken back from reaching them. A film that will lead us through family relationships and life goals.

The film is about the Hoovers, a family of the United States that crosses the country to get Olive, the daughter, to reach her dream of winning a beauty pageant called Little Miss Sunshine. To arrive at the show in time, they'll have to face many setbacks and also repair their difficult relationships. It's the story of an unforgettable trip on the road that will change everything for this lovely family of Albuquerque and will put them in extreme situations.

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I loved everything about this movie and I never get tired of watching it. I like the fact that the characters are not stereotyped. You can relate to them because each one has its ups and downs and its flaws. The deepening in the characters is quite interesting. They have a background story and you can see that each one of them has or had a dream, just like everyone else. The sense of humour is probably the film's best feature, and keeps you thinking: "What else could happen to this silly people?". I think that the plot is quite simple, but that doesn't make it a boring film. I'm really fond of the music as well, because I think it suits everything perfectly and gives the film that special point.

I don't really dislike anything in this movie. It's actually one of my favourite movies. Anyways I think that some harsh topics are mentioned in a light way.

To sum up I think this is a brilliant film that is totally worth watching. If you haven't seen it yet you should give it a go. I'm sure that you'll enjoy it as much as I do, because it's a really funny film. Here's the trailer!