A MAN CALLED OTTO : Fall in love with the grumpiest man in America

 

COOMING SOON…

BEETLEJUICE : Beetlejuice,beetlejuice,beetlejuice

 

Have you watched the sequel of Beetlejuice yet? What do you make of it? It is true,we usually come to mind the same question when we talk about the same film but in two different periods of time.In this review.I’ll try to give an overview about the first one.If you would like to share your opinion about this new Beetlejuice,feel free to do it.

Beetlejuice is an American comedy horror film.It was directed by Tim Burton in 1988.Its cast involves Alec Baldwin,Catherine O’Hara,Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton among others.It’s fair to point out Beetlejuice was a success,not only had it positive reviews,but also economical.This success made it to win some relevant award,especially the Academy Award for best Makeup.As a curiosity,originally the name was going to be The Maitlands but they decide to change in order to give more relevance to the main character.There is not doubt that the scene which Lydia sings ‘Jump in the Line’  and the characters dance in the air was a challenge at that moment,it was used innovation special effects.In 2024,the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was released to revive this unforgettable movie.

Adam and Barbara Maitlands spend their holidays decorating their country house.While,they came back to the city to buy some things,the couple has an accident avoiding a dog.When they continue the trip,they realize that they don’t refleat their faces in the mirror.Once at home,Adam goes through some weird vision and they discover a handbook for the Recently deceased and they keep noticing that they don’t have a reflection in a mirror.They deduce that they drowned in the river and now they are ghosts.Although they sell the house to a wealthy family,the Deetz.The Maitlands must remain in the house for 125 years and they hire the service of a "freelance bio-exorcist named Betelgeuse.However,who is also called Beetlejuice isn’t entirely what it seems to be

The film still works and is just as a charming and engaging as it was when I watched it as a kid.Michael Keaton is brillant.Ryder,Baldwin,O’hara and Davis all excell in their roles,In other words,we are facing to an iconic movie which or love it or loathe it.

….Though I know I should be wary,still I venture someplace scary,ghostly hauntings I turn loose : Beetlejuice,beetlejuice,beetlejuice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice

MINIONS : Little naughty guys

When we are talking about supporting actors,in our mind come many plenty of famous roles who are always in the back of the movie.Despite their function is really essential.They usually perform similar tasks, and they are hardly ever considered in the spotlight.Yet,there are funny creatures had became almost more famous that the main role and its recognized fame had transcended all borders.Minions are indispensable in our hearts,without a doubt whatsoever.

Minions is an American animated film.This comedy movie was produced by Illumination Entertaiment and distributed by Universal Pictures in 2015.Generally,this film had an enormous success,thanks to its original animation and voice acting.Yet,according to some audience,some part of humor was considered like unfunny and inappropriate.Nevertheless,it strong point was that it became one of the highest fundraising of animated film of all time.As a mentioned before,there is not doubt that its famous dubbing is another positive fact.Its funny characters (Kevin,Stuard and Bob) are interpreted by well-known stars,like Ricky Martin,Michael Keaton,Sandra Bullock or Thalia among others.As a final point,It had a sequel,Minions : The Rise of Gru in 2022,which had a similar success.

Minions have existed since the beginning of time.These little yellow creatures have served history’s most evil masters.Yet,their relationship always ends up dramatically.From a Tyrannosaurus,a caveman,Dracula or Napoleon among others,all of them are accidentally murdered by Minions.After these curious stories,Minios get find without a master,they are totally unserviced.Kevin,Stuard and Bob decide to find a new goal to follow.They arrive in Orlando,but their situation is not easy,Finally,they go to a supervillain convention where they meet Scarlet Overkill,the most famous female supervillain.Scarlet has a crime plan and she considers that Minions should be part of it.Although,according their past masters experience,it isn’t likely a right decision. 

Minions is a funny film which be loved by the kids,with enough winks and sketches to be also entertaining for adults.These little naughty guys are icons,and it’s not only their craziness or the chaos that makes this movie worth watching. 

…Tulaliloo ti amo 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(film) 

MUNICH : This is the story of what happened next

 

Olympic games are synonymous of freedom,fighting spirit,fellowship and healthy competition.Yet,unfortunately,external conflicts and selfish interests are linked with this global competition.This time,in Paris Olymplic games 2024,the Ukrania war or conflict in Palestina are presented in this sport festivity.Fortunately,the safety in Paris seems to be superb.There is not doubt that it happened in Munich 1972 won’t be repeated again.

Munich is an epic and historical film.It was directed by Steven Spielberg in 2005 which was based on the book Vengance by George Jonas.This film meanly shows how the world watched in 1972 as 11 Israel athletes murdered at the munich Olympics.It is fair to point out that Steven Spielberg showed this situation as a masterpiece.Furthermore,Munich was named the 16th best film of the 21st century by The New York Times.As a final curiosity,one of the real terrorism,the last one still live,threatened to Spielberg and his staff because he considered that he should be part of this film stage.

After Munich Olympic games,and also after the death 11 crews of the Israel Olympic team.Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana) has the target to kill 11 Palestinians as a revenge.To Kaufman along with two more members,Steve (Daniel Craig) and Carl (Ciaran Hinds).They have to change their identities and they receive all information to carry out this revenge.Yet,as the assassinations pile up.To Avner Kaufman and his team begin to doubt the morality of their actions.

Munich is one of those unique films that transcends art and taps directly into the consciousness of a hate-battered world.It is Outstanding and Well acted.To my mind itis a perfect representation which was based on the facts surrounding the Olympic games 1972 in Munich, Germany.

..We are supposed to be righteous.That’s a beautiful thing and we’re losing it.If I lose that,that’s everything.That’s my soul.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_(2005_film)

BEST OF THE BEST : Working together is success

 

Spanish national team,Carlos Alcaraz,Aitana Bonmati..among others sport players who are going to compete in the next Olympic Games,give to Spain an amazing prestige.I remember when I was a child,Spain wasn’t a sport potential,less some exceptions like Miguel Indurain or Fernando Martin.However,fortunately,the scenario has changed.Not only in some disciplines are we the best,but also our future is more hopeful.Needles to say that our strong point to achieve this success is played as a team.It is the only way to be the best of the best.

Best of the Best is an American martial arts film.It was directed by Bob Radled in 1989.First and foremost,It is important to remark that this film had generally negative reviews.According to the audience,it was considered a Rocky or Karate Kid copy and many people claimed that its amazing cast,such us Eric Roberts or James Earl Jones,was an appalling waste of talent.Yet,nowadays,it has acquired a following over the years and an inspiration from others films.The film has sprawed three sequels : Best of the Best II (1993),Best of the Best 3: No turning back (1995) and finally Best of the Best 4 : Without Warning (1998).

The plot revolves an American art martial team.Alex Grady (Eric Roberts),Tommy Lee (Chris Penn),Travis Bickley (Chris Penn),Virgil Keller (John Dye) and Sonny Grasso (David Agresta) who are trained by Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones) will face to South Korea in an international martial arts tournament.Alexander Grady is a well-known and retirement fighter martial-art.Now,he works as a car worker,suffered his wife passed away and a past shoulder injury which could paralyze during the competition.This team struggles to the remarkable differences between both teams.Team Korea has financial support and they will be able to train all year versus US team.Not only they need to win with better mentality and the best technique,but also struggle with internal matters.Moral conflicts,the fight spirit and adversities make them more difficult the way.

This film is entertaining and emotional,classic 80s movie.Best of best is filled with engaging training scenes.Honestly,still one of my favourite American martial arts films since I was a young kid.The end is gold in more ways than one!.

…A team is not a team if you don’t give a damn about each other.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_of_the_Best_(1989_film)

WONKA : Every good thing in this world started with a dream

 

‘Every dream starts with a single step.Don’t be afraid to take it,even if the path isn’t clear.Trust yourself,and the way will unfold’.In my view,not only is it essential to have a dream,but also enjoy its every single step,although its way will be challenging.Having a dream is a clear demonstration to be lived,no matter if they are little or extremely difficult,the most significant is to struggle them.To Willy Wonka,his dream started with a sweat step.

Wonka is a musical and comedy film.As it is highly knowledge,Willy Wonka is a central character in the film of Charlie and the Chocolate factory,which I wrote in a previous review.This film was directed by Paul King in 2023.Many people claim that a reboot will hardly ever have any success due to the lack of originality,although it isn’t the case.Added to that,Wonka received positive reviews,which generated great grossing worldwide and some relevant nominations.It is worth highlighting that despite Wonka is a comedy film and especially from Children's public,I also must make clear that Wonka handles during its plot some controversial topics,like classism,capitalism,prejudice,discrimination among others.

This magical story begins with Willy Wonka,who is a chocolatier invertor.His dreams is being the most famous chocolater maker and opens up his own shop.Wonka arrives at Galeries Gourmet to achieve his goal.One day,while he is doing a demonstration,he shows his magical 'hoverchocs’  to the citizens.Apart from its yummy taste,these products make people fly and he immediatelly gets an amazing success.Yet,the three corrupt businessmen in this gallery confiscated the idea and Wonky is in bankruptcy.As a result,Wonka has to sleep in the street,unfortunately he meets Bleacher (Tom Davis) who invites to stay in a weird hostel.There,Bleacher and Mrs.Scrubitt (Olivia Colman) ,the owner to the hostel,cheat Wonka,and he ends owing many years for working.Yet,here,Wonky finds great friends (Noodle,Crunch,Piper,Larry and Lottie) who go through the same punishment than Wonka but they help him to achieve his dream.

Wonka is a bright and delighful movie from start to finish.Full of music,wonder and questioning of the social order.To my mind,Wonka is a very welcome reboot from the unforgettable film Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

...Don’t let anyone steal your dream,it’s your dream,not theirs…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonka_(film)

ROPE : Nothing ever held you like

 

Have you ever seen the film Rope? I am totally sure that if you are a filmmaking lover,you have seen it.Last year,it was its 75th anniversary.Today,from this humble blog,I’ll do another tribute of a Master of  suspense,Alfred Hitchcook.

Rope is an American thriller film.This masterpiece was directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and it was based on the play with the same name by Patrick Hamilton in 1929.It is important to remark that Rope was the first of Hitchcock’s technicolor film.This technique was really new to Hitchcock directions.Yet,its strong point was the plot and how this film was developed.It takes place over the course of one evening and with a unique scene,which was absolutely never watched on cinema industry.Furthermore,the great performance of James Steward is the key to its success.I must make clear that this film achieved negative views due to some controversial aspects,some Nazis ideas and how Hitchcock hides the sexual orientations of the main characters.Apart from these not welcome comments,the film is considered one of the most important movies in cinema history.

Manhattan,two brilliant  students,Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgar are planning to commit a crime from a schoolmate.As an eccentric task,it involves to organize ‘the perfect murder’.Once they had made the homicide,the couple hides the body in a wooden chest.So,to run this experiment,they throw a party in their apartment in Manhattan,where are invited some acquaintances,include the victim’s father and Rupher Cadell (James Steward),who will be on the alert over this weird party .There,Brando uses the ceiling to a table and they try to prove that anyone is not going to realize that in this penthouse there is a death.

To my mind,Rope is a Hitchcock’s underrated classic.There is not doubt that Alfred Hitchcock contains some of the unique and the best filmmaking of it’s time.He was so far and ahead of filmmakers back then and so far ahead of a lot of the directors today.In layman’s terms,Rope is a must.

…Being weak is a mistake.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rope_(film)

THE INVISIBLE MAN : What you can’t see can hurt you

 

It is crystal clear that we are living in a modern and advance society.Yet,unfortunately,there are some ancient issues which continue to be latent nowadays.Racism,labour exploitation,abuse and genre violence among others.There is not doubt that this last one is an absolute drama.Many women are killed every year and most are living unprotected by their partners.From my point of view,governments should nip this problem in the bud and implement more rigorous laws over this matter given that this situation doesn’t seem to have been resolved.Contrary,I must make clear that some women use this worried issue to achieve some benefits,which is also a crime,and it should be punished as well.In this film,Anne goes through this persecution and how her personal background doesn’t believe her.

The Invisible Man is a sci-fi film which was written and directed by Leigh Whannell.First and foremost,I would like to clarify this film is a reboot of the 1933 and besides,it was based on a novel with the same name.I must make also point out that the development of this movie started in 2006,yet it was halted in 2011.Finally,the Invisible Man was released in 2020.According to some experts,before arranging,the movie could be a defeat due to this is a masterpiece of 33s years and it  would be a challenging to achieve a good remake.Yet,it received positive and numerous reviews.Thanks of Its performance,opening sequence,atmosphere,and especially the trendy theme on domestic abuse.It isn’t the first time that we watch the role who character became invisible,there some well-known movies which these characters appear invisible,such as The man who wasn’t there (1983) or the league of extraordinary gentlemen (2003) among others.

Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) is controlled by her couple Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen).He is a well-known engineer and founder of the human-computer company.One night,while Adrian is sleeping,Cee drugs him and she tries to run away from his huge mansion.Her sister is waiting her outside,although this escape is not easy due to Adrian realizes this situation.For long time,Cecilia is hiding in a friend’s house,although she looks like almost quiet,but she is totally sure that Adrian will be looking for her.However,according news Cee’s sister informs,something will change dramatically in Cee’s life.The story turns up surprisingly because Adrian commits a suicic.Before that,Adrian was working on a project which he could be invisible.This circumstance arrives Cee’s mind when he knows over his death.

The invisible man shows that a remake could be just as good or even better that the original.The film is full of suspense,and at times totally chilling and shocking.Elizabeth’s performance is utterly fantastic,and provides the heartbeatin each scenes throughout of the film.

..He said that wherever I went,he would find m,walk right up to me,and I wouldn’t able to see him

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Invisible_Man_(2020_film)

MILLION DOLLAR BABY : Always protect myself

Recently,the 96th Oscar award ceremony has been in .As a usual,apart from the awards,it is a ceremony which always claim some relevant issues in our society such as corruption,climate change or war conflicts.Nevertheless,this year,it is an important claiming to women.This is the first time that 3 film production are directed by women.There is not doubt that women are breaking the glass ceiling in Hollywood.However,this fact already happened in 2004 with Hilary Swank.In that ceremony,not only won award the main character to Million Dollar Baby,but also broke the man’s rules in a boxing world. 

Million Dollar Baby is an American sport and drama film.It was directed,co-produced and starring by the genius Clint Eastwood in 2004.This successful movie was based on the 2000 collection book by F.X.Toole.Yet,according to BBC,it might have been inspired on boxier  Katie Dallam in his tragic story.This brilliant film received seven nominations at the Academy Oscar award and it ended up winning four of them (best picture,best director,best actress (Hilary Swank) and best supporting actor (Morgan Freeman).There is not doubt that its unbeatable cast was the key of this acknowledgement.In this case,audience,critics and cinema worker considered that this tape as one of the best films of the 2000s.I’d finally like to point out that not all that glitters is gold about opinions,a group of disabled people felt the Swank picture wasn't appropriated.

Margaret Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) struggles her way up in the women’s amateur boxing while she is working as a waitress.After her workday,Maggie trains in a boxing gym in Los Angeles.There,the owner is underrapprediated boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood).Despite her huge efford,Dunn considers that Maggie is too old to begin a boxing career,and he nevers train women.Besides,he is totally focused by in a another male boxer.In this gym also works Eddie Dupris (Morgan Freeman) who helps to Maggie to convince Frankie’train.Yet,not only would be their relationship difficult,but also to achieve Maggie’s dream.

Million Dollar Baby was superbly directed and wonderfully acted by a cast who are all on absolute top.We all knew how mesmerising Eastwood and Freeman could be in the film but Swank is a real revelation in what was an Oscar worthy performance.For good or bad,the ending will stay with you forever.

...The Magic of risking evetything for a dream that nobody sees but you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Million_Dollar_Baby

REAR WINDOW : I’m not much into rear window ethics

Why are we so curious about other people’s lives? There are two ways of addressing this topic.Most of the time,it is because we tend to think that their lives of others are upgrade than our own,which shows a huge lack of self-confidence.Yet,in less cases,this fact is considered a distractions from our personal problems or it is simply that to learn from other’s experiences …which is good.Alfred Hitchcock,in Rare Window,transformed this frivolous topic to a masterpiece of mystery.

Rear Window is an American mystery film.It was directed and written by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954.This movie was based on a short story ‘It Had to Be Murder’ by Cornell Woolrich’s.It goes without saying that Rear Window is considered by critics and scholars as a film and audiovisual heritage.So,It stands to reason that this movie received four Academy Award nominations.Needless to say that it was named for one of the best 100 Movies on AFI’s 100 Years.There’s not escaping the fact that nowadays,this film is a successful reflection upon the concept of voyeurism.

L.B,.Jefferies is a a well-known photographer.He is recovering from a broken leg and he is confined to a wheelchair in his apartment,in Manhattan.To Jeff,days are too long and he spends all the time watching his neighbors’ life though his rear window,especially ‘Miss Lonelyhearts’ (Judith Evelyn) and ‘Miss Torso’(Raymond Burr),who live in front of him.These nicknames are invented by Jeff and to him their life is so entertaining.One night,Jeff is visited by his girlfriend,Lisa (Grace Kelly) ,who regularly visited him.After Lisa leaves the apartment,Jeff hears a strong sound and a loud scream of a woman.Soon,Jess looks though from his window to his neighbour and he realizes that Thorwald (Mister Torso) abandons the flat.In that moment.It is clear that something had happened.The next morning,Jeff notices that Thorwald’s wife isn’t at home as a normal.What’s more there are weird movements in his apartment and Thorwald is cleaning a knife.It is crystal clear that this situation isn’t the same that Jeff is used to seeing to from their stranger couple.

One of Hitchcock’s best films and my favourite one,Rear Window remains a brilliant thriller half a century later,It’s tense and suspenseful and it has a little lighthearted humor which makes it both exciting and fun to watch.The acting is great,especially from James Steward.There’s not dull moment in this masterpiece

…We’ve become a race peeping toms.What people ought to do it get outside their own house and look in for a change. 

C

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rear_Window

ALIVE : The answer is in the mountain

To get started,I would like to bring forward a topic that has been on everyone’s lips lately,especially in Hollywood.Some cinema experts totally agree over a opinion about the new way to release remakes over previous blockbuster.In fact,they tend to think,nowadays,there aren’t new ideas,and in doing so,they just invest over versions.In my view,to call Bayona’s film a remake is a mistake,as it is simply another version of the story that was once told in Marshall’s very intense,epic.To my mind,Alive,there is a film I should definitely write before the Society of the Snow.

Alive is an American survival and biographical film.This film was released in 1993 and it was based,firstly over the facts of the Uruguayan rugby team’s crash aboard a flight into the Andes mountains in 1972.This shocking movie was directed by Frank Marshall and written by J.P Shanley.Furthermore,one of the survivors,Nando Parrado helps as an advisor on this film.This year,in 2024,on Netflix and the large screen,we will able to enjoy a new adaptation of Alive,The society of the snow,by the Spanish director J.Bayona.It goes without saying that this last film is an absolutely masterpiece and a perfect version.

After their last match,The Stella Maris College’s Rugby team are invited to an upcoming match in Chile.The team finally decides to fly with some relatives and friends over the Andes in the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.During the flight,there are some turbulences due to the strong storm.The young passengers are really afraid with this emergency because the situations are each more and more dramatic.Finally,the wings and the tail are separated from the fusulage owing to the colliction with a mountain.The plane ends up in the middle of Andes.In a short space of time,some passengers die and some of them are highly ill.The suffering and desperation appears due to the fact they realize that they don’t have enough food and the tracing from the authorities is over.Yet,it is in these moments when the human survival emerges.

Alive is a great film experience. It is based on true events.The film is uplifting and kind of rough to watch at times. Ethan Hawke and Vincent Spano give excellent performances. The screenplay is well written and touching. Frank Marshall did a great job directing this film.I’m not sure over what of these two versions I prefer.And you,what both adaptations do you prefer?

…I’m not dead.I’ve never felt worse in my life,but I’m not dead.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alive_(1993_film)