felipeandrescinema Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

The Lanthimos Extravagance

[8/10 · 5 February 2024]

The Greek director gives us a new film from his particular filmography, but this time with a higher level of expectation regarding his twisted image of humanity and to faithfully capture his cinematographic footprint with greater eccentricity than on previous occasions. The stakes are raised mainly by its protagonist (Emma Stone), who is possibly in front of one of her best performances, and in turn, one of the best performances so far in the new decade.

Its visual appeal focuses on colorful spaces that accompany Bella (Stone) in her odyssey to discover the experiences of the world and its surroundings, which is attributed unlike the experiences inside the home that are in dark colors, alluding to the oppression of closed spaces and interaction with the world.

Particularly, Lanthimos once again provides sexual scenes as part of his staging, only this time with greater exaggeration and eroticism than in his previous proposals. To conclude, this has been one of the most fascinating experiences I have had in a big screen movie in recent months, the reaction of the general public and the distance with this type of stories make it a solid experience.

Napoleon (2023)

Ridley Scott returns to his roots as a filmmaker of titanic works

[8/10 · 27 November 2023]

In an isolated but no less important debate, the audience has been divided by the lack of competence and ethics imposed in the film, for not authentically recounting what happened in the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, both in his duels/crusades (historical inconsistencies) as in his romantic relationship with Josefina.

My critical vision is more oriented to the technical direction imposed by Ridley Scott, who grants such dazzling staging, and which are possibly one of the last great battles that we see on the big screen, with that total realism that accredits to extras such as the synchronization of battles. The battles of Austerlitz and Waterloo are the best achieved on screen, given that they are not interrupted by an interposition of another scene and by their bloodthirsty look at the conflicts when the cameras are on the battlefield. After going through a bad time with films in recent decades that were released in theaters without pain or glory, Scott returns to direct a film that certifies him as a great spectacle for movie theaters.

Joaquin Phoenix returns to work with Ridley after 23 years (since Gladiator) to rectify that with his acting connection with the ideas presented with the filmmaker, they pave a duo that can be consecrated again, but with the same effervescence as the first time. Phoenix's Napoleon is more intimate than anticipated, delivering a performance more oriented towards the vulnerability of his character and his inexhaustible desire to conceive an heir to the throne.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

JLaw returns to the big screen with a light comedy

[7/10 · 24 June 2023]

The new film by Gene Stupnitsky (Good Boys) is a comedy that, without much pretension, manages to give us a few laughs with a Jennifer Lawrence who resorts to slapstick comedy. Among so many sequels and superhero films, it is a good option for those who want to see something different.

A summer comedy that will please the audience that follows contemporary comedies. The chemistry between the main characters is nice to see, even more so when you have thoughtful scenes throughout the film.

No Hard Feelings is just what you'd expect if you've seen the trailer before. A film that lasts just and precisely, which is constantly accompanied by a nice tone.

Renfield (2023)

Therapy, comedy, action, violence... and Nicolas Cage.

[7/10 · 1 May 2023]

At first sight I was going to see this movie at the theater with moderate expectations, expecting only to see a passing fun fest, and nothing more, but wow! I was wrong, it's outrageously funny.

Unlike other Dracula movies, this one focuses for the first time on Dracula's assistant, Renfield (Hoult), living in the shadow of a contemporary society that has gone violent and rampant. The presentation of it seemed captivating to me, making winks and references to the tapes of yesteryear of Count Dracula.

The set of blood, excessive violence, comedy go hand in hand very well, putting on the table a comedy that has made me laugh out loud, something that hasn't happened to me for years.

The theatrical performance of Nicolas Cage as Dracula seemed to me something crazy and really phenomenal, that despite not having many scenes on the screen, his appearance steals the viewer's gaze. Showing part of his inspiration in Béla Lugosi and Christopher Lee.

Renfield (2023) is a film that curiously has completely exceeded my expectations and has become the funniest thing I've seen in theaters this year, definitely a good viewing to have this month.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

A sweet story about the difficulties of society and the importance of a new beginning

[8/10 · 19 January 2023]

It has been a pleasant surprise to see this story that does not need greater ambitions to do a good job.

Where violence and hero films currently reign, comes this touching film that adapts to the current problems that American society is experiencing, which makes this film truly necessary for these times. We are allowed to analyze this narrative from a melancholic, and at the same time adorable, point of view, where many of us have known the pain and frustration of losing a loved one and not really knowing what to do.

Tom Hanks gives one of his best performances in recent years, reaching the level of a remarkable and human work as it was in "A beautiful day in the neighborhood", where he played a more personal version of Fred Rogers.

The Wonder (I) (2022)

God watches me, while the devil embraces me

[7/10 · 22 November 2022]

Florence Pugh gives a great performance as Nurse Wright, giving her best in every scene. He leaves behind everything that it meant to be within that disastrous project entitled Don't Worry Darling, which did nothing more than pale Pugh's career momentarily, managing to get out of those ties quickly with this new feature film. Possibly we will see her within the awards season as one of the favorites to obtain the statuette.

Another point in favor in interpretive terms is the genuine performance of Kíla Lord Cassidy as Anna O'Donnell, entering a leading role in a film for the first time. She conveys every drop of blood and sweat her character sheds, bringing her to a point where she looks like a professionally trained actress with a long track record, even though this is only a first on-screen attribute. I hope to continue surprising in that way on a next occasion.

The constant denials of a family strongly adhering to their beliefs contrasts with how complex it can be to be under radical orders that put a human life at risk. The struggle between religion and science is present in the course of the narrative, giving way to a pronounced debate, whose plot is developed based on this concept as one of the basic axes, emphasizing something that goes beyond the human and the divine.

Two concepts to highlight in this film are its cinematography and its costume design. Beginning with the staging that visually offers the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland, accompanied by close-ups that focus on the affliction and pain of its characters in moments of tension. For its part, the costumes predominate as one of the greatest virtues of this project, made to the letter, making the viewer really feel that they are observing people from the 19th century.

The Wonder can easily become one of the best Netflix original productions in recent months, attributing a new achievement to Lelio's filmography. If you like period movies, unconventional human events, and the fascination with a divine miracle, this is definitely a movie you want to see as soon as possible.

The Black Phone (2021)

A fresh, original film and suffocating fear.

[7/10 · 30 July 2022]

"The Black Phone" (Black Phone). It is a very interesting proposal for the horror genre, it creates a terrifying atmosphere and at the same time it suggests a very bold nostalgic vision that has been lost in the cinema over the years. It reminds me of movies like "Saw" (James Wan) or "Split" (Shyamalan), since they mostly take place in a dark room that little by little psychologically suffocates their characters.

Filmmaker Scott Derrickson proves once again the solid experience he has within suffocating horror. Projecting a dark and closed setting, accompanied by horrific sequences that correctly return as the film progresses. Added to this, the acquisition of Ethan Hawke to embody the appearance of The Grabber is one of the greatest attractions of the film, making winks and references to other murderers of the genre.

Personally, I think that "Black Phone" deserves to be seen, for the simple fact of standing out from many current horror movies that don't even take the time to captivate the viewer.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

An entertaining retrospective of Nicolas Cage's film career.

[7/10 · 13 June 2022]

This movie shines for having a certain self-criticism on the part of Cage towards what his career has been, highlighting his successes, and even making a kind of mockery of his category B movies. It also feels like a very crazy surrender by the protagonist having a remarkable need to return to his endearing acting origins.

Counting on quite funny fiction dyes, accompanied by a cast that follows the trail of Cage's adventures, mainly Pedro Pascal standing out. His chemistry together with the protagonist, make this story an endearing journey with no return to a comical reflection on the trajectory of Nicolas Cage.

"The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" is one of those movies that we didn't know we needed, and that ultimately makes us briefly forget reality in a very pleasant way.

Hustle (2022)

Adam Sandler is in an unbreakable moment

[8/10 · 12 June 2022]

I've always been a huge fan of Adam Sandler's movies, both comedies and dramatized independent projects. "Hustle" manages to captivate its sports-loving audience. There is suffering, redemption and a lot of passion inside this enthusiastic film.

I highly highlight his emotionality, charisma, humor and a certain degree of reality when placing ourselves in situations of personal improvement. A key to success as indicated by Sandler in the film "being obsessed with the game", providing a concrete projection about the goals we set ourselves to achieve and yearn for success.

I will think that this is a new opportunity for Adam to be nominated for an academy award, I hope so, since there is effort, prior preparation and mixed feelings with the situations generated in this incredible story.

Dune (2021)

The fate of Arrakis is in danger, only a young man can save us.

[10/10 · 12 December 2021]

On several occasions over the last few months I have expressed my great devotion to "Dune", the new film by ambitious director Denis Villeneuve, he has directed major critically acclaimed films such as "Blade Runner 2049", "Prisoners", "Arrival", among others more. The choice of this director for this ambitious project is one of the most successful because he has expressed his love for the Frank Herbert novel for a long time.

The story places us in Arrakis, where Duke Letto (Oscar Isaac) and Laddy Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) lead the government of this planet, located within the constellation of the Navio Argo. On the other hand, we have the son of this prestigious family called Paul Atreides (Timotheé Chalamet), heir to the command of this planet, this character has the ability that when he is asleep, he has visions about the bleak future that awaits Dune for the feared claw of the Harkonnen, the tyrannical family that wishes to possess these lands to become owners of a powerful drug known as Melange, a psychotropic species that can improve mental capacity and preserve the quality of life for a longer time, some beings can acquire psychic powers and the ability to access memories belonging to past generations.

In short, this movie has made me fall in love once again with the science fiction genre, replicating the great success of sagas from decades past such as "Star Wars", "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter". Another great prestige that this film has is to cover political issues such as the possession of territories, wealth, the health system and the decline of the rulers. It also projects an ambitious dynamic of images, lights, clothing and landscapes that fill the most demanding viewer with satisfaction. The dark way of telling the story is another of its great attributes, it takes advantage of the situations put on the screen as a great opportunity to express the tense situation that exists within this universe.

House of Gucci (2021)

This is a story about family, power, and ambition.

[7/10 · 12 December 2021]

"House of gucci" is directed by Ridley Scott, a prestigious director who has brought us great masterpieces of the seventh art, including "Gladiator", "Blade Runner", "Alien", etc.

In this new project, Ridley thoroughly introduces us to the Gucci family, a surname which owns one of the most prestigious fashion companies in Italy and in the world.

The story introduces us to Patrizia (Lady Gaga), who falls madly in love with the youngest Gucci heir named Maurizio (Adam Driver), a character who is tired of carrying the weight of a problematic individualistic family, for this reason, He decides to marry Patrizia to live away from that environment. After this event, the story plunges us into an intriguing series of events that show us the rivalry that exists within the family.

From my point of view, this movie is one of the most revealing works we've seen in recent years, made up of great performances by the faces of well-respected celebrities. The long duration of this film is necessary to build the family strengths and weaknesses that grow with high tension as the film progresses. The script of this film is one of its greatest attributes along with its glamorous wardrobe, they play a great performance in aesthetic and visual terms that cover a complex story that carries with it a large number of decades.

In conclusion, "House of Gucci" is a great retrospective for lovers of fashion, crime, family games and with a great construction of its characters since its inception.

Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)

Technology is here to stay

[7/10 · 12 December 2021]

This film deals with topics which are strongly linked to events that occur in real life: Children have put aside conventional learning elements to be replaced by technological artifacts, it also points out that companies steal your identity data in order to sell you products according to your interests.

"Ron'S Gone Wrong" (2021) is a film that makes us reflect on the dependence on social networks, it also gives us to understand the virtues and consequences that new technologies give us. Virtues could be considered those options that technology offers us to know the diversity that exists of people around the world, a consequence is that technology consumes us and takes away the opportunity to have a deeper contact with nature.

West Side Story (2021)

A powerfully charming adaptation of Spielberg

[8/10 · 11 December 2021]

It goes without saying that everything Spielberg directs is mostly a masterpiece, "West side story" is no exception, the choreographies, songs and costumes make this film a visual charm for the audience. This film sets out to amaze new generations with well-established classic moves.

Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort form an exciting chemistry as the main characters in this story, an excellently chosen cast that displays the love of its protagonists throughout the film.

Spielberg commented that this would be his first film with dialogues properly in Spanish, this makes it visibly like a love letter to the Latin public who witness the cinema.

Finch (2021)

Love the dog, love the robot, and love the human.

[7/10 · 9 November 2021]

"Finch" from 2021 is the new Apple TV movie starring the beloved Tom Hanks. This story shows us the desire of a human to have a specialized caretaker to protect his dog, within a post-apocalyptic time.

I don't want to be too specific in the plot of this film, so you will enjoy the experience better and enjoy it more.

This movie is as moving as it is moving. With the passing of time, robots have become more adorable beings than human beings themselves, they show that within a robotic body, various characters can be stored to understand the true meaning of life. On the other hand we have Finch, a human being who has survived an apocalypse on planet earth, one of the few living souls who still have a heart and consciousness within such a complex time, he is like Forrest Gump in a very distant future.

In conclusion, if you are a lover of Tom Hanks movies, you will definitely love the movie in all its splendor, full of a kind heart and that will make you aware of our present time, we must take care of our environment.