Grindhouse: Planet Terror

"No more dead bodies for Daddy tonight"

Rodriguez and Tarantino are well-known for their movies filled with humor, excessive violence and of course, a liking for self-derision. The first part of this serie is a zombie movie entangled in a twisted love story and colorful characters. Planet Terror is exactly what any Rodriguez fan would expect from the movie. It is funny, somewhat disgusting and completely wrong but in all the right ways. The clichés are all present to create this amazingly bad taste movie but with all the power of the post-modernist director, Rodriguez creates an atmosphere that is as interesting as revolting. Rose McGowan offers a surprising performance, especially to an audience who know her mostly for her questionable work on the TV series Charmed. However, as a killing-machine stripper named Cherry who aspires to be a stand up comedian, she steps up to the plate and delivers. She manages to be sassy and sexy as well as fierce and supports the movie quite well. The most important quality of the movie is that it does not take itself seriously, and is therefore, to be watched as is. It is a great entertainment and a wonderful representation of a new trend. If you have enjoyed Tarantino’s and Rodriguez work before (Kill Bill, Sin City), you will again.

Young People Fucking

Sex is never 'just sex'.

A lighthearted comedy about sex, love and relationship. The movie is an ensemble piece about 5 different “couples” going through new sexual experiences. Contrary to most ensemble piece, their stories do not intertwine; they are simply linked by theme. The characters are natural, genuine and real. This isn’t a classical Hollywood piece, the actors are not glamorous and perfect, but are to represent real people in real settings. While still being a comedy, Young People Fucking offers situation that most viewers can relate to on a certain level. While being sexy, the movie will not enlighten you to new things, but it is a great comedy to share with friends or a lover. The different stories go smoothly, some developing more depth than others, but all are interesting in their own way. The actors do a great job at giving intimacy while keep it close to reality. All in all, the Canadian long feature combines a well paced script and a great ensemble cast, giving a fresh and fun movie to enjoy by all those young people fucking out there.

DVD - Marie-Antoinette

"Let them eat cake!"

The slow sensual style of Sofia Coppola represents perfectly this story of a woman’s lost of innocence to boredom. While not being necessarily historically accurate, this adaptation of the life of Marie-Antoinette aims to reveal the woman behind the political figure. The movie is mostly character driven, the heartaches and joys, big or small, of Marie-Antoinette represented on the screen with colors and emotions. Kirsten Dunst manages to show the vulnerability of the queen of France and her enormous desire to please. The movie is slow paced, in a stereotypical Sofia Coppola style, but holds all the making of a great movie. The life and growth of a woman is shown through her environment. From the girlish attires of innocence to the overwhelming colors of power to the final scenery of motherhood; Marie-Antoinette is a feast for the eyes. The political pressure behind her arranged marriage is represented by her husband’s impotence, leaving her with an inadequate feeling, both in her political role and as woman. Most criticism about this movie is that it doesn’t represent the queen of France, but the movie isn’t about Marie-Antoinette, the political figure, but about a daughter, a wife, a mother and, most importantly, a woman.

Madagascar 2

"I like to move it, move it!"

Madagascar 2 was everything I expected it to be. I didn’t see the first one, went in with the simple expectation to be entertained for an hour and thirty minutes, and I was. The movie is light, funny and cute, everything you can expect from an animated animal movie. It is not only for children, but very family oriented. Some jokes were hilarious, others were predictable, but overall, it worked just fine. A movie to go see with a friend and have a good laugh. To have seen the first one is not necessary, the storyline works perfectly on its own. The characters are interesting and some concepts explored are very well chosen; like the idea of being unique, while maintaining a part of a group. Beware; the baby lion with the blue eyes will break your heart…