Plata quemada (Burnt Money)

Another movie, inspired by a true story. The Movie tells the story of two criminals on the run . Ahh..but there is a twist. Isn't there always.

Nene & Angel are lovers. Okay..that twist wouldn't be such a big deal. But when you get to examine their relationship, you wonder how and why they cling to each other. You have Nene , played by Leonardo Sbaraglia ...he seems to be the brains, the "Clear thinking" one. And then you have Angel ..who is played with a quite magnetic intensity by Eduardo Noriega.. a young man with some serious mental issues. In the after math of a heist gone wrong, they have to hole up with their straight cohort Cuervo until they can get their documents and the right opportunity to get out of the country.

What we experience then is a long slow wait . You see Angel retreat deeper into himself as he can't block the voices that he hears. You see Nene trying to reach him both sexually and emotionally. Only to be rebuffed. Of course the rejection, the cabin fever of being holed away makes him seek comfort away from it all. Nene begins an affair with a young woman...And that's when it all hits the fan.

I like this movie because , it dives just enough into the subject of how mental illness and a life of crime can effect two people in a relationship. The sexuality of the characters is incidental to the story. I really enjoyed and loved this movie. I think you will too.

Someone even made a very appropriate YOUTUBE Video... Here...But it is sort of a spoiler...So you have been warned.

Cloverfield

I thought this film was GREAT!

I know some people take issue with the handheld camera shakiness...and true it can get a bit messy and distracting..But I think in trying to make you believe what is happening at that moment it works.

"Cloverfield" is your basic "MONSTER ATTACKS" movie. Only..instead of us concentrating on what the monster is, where it's from ,and what does it want.. We are treated to the anxious horror of what panic in the streets, and unknown fates can do to us and our psyche . The story is told from the perspective of what was recorded on the camcorder. You have the guy Rob...he's leaving for a new job in Japan..there's a party for him..where the job to record all the well wishes on video falls to his friend Hud. You see a small story in between...Nothing to in depth and distracting..but just enough to set what is to come when ..OUT OF NO WHERE ..ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE.

What I like about this film, is that the Monster doesn't DOMINATE the screen with it's "WHOA" factor, the destruction , the desperation to reach loved ones, the unknown of what lurks in the dark, and the terror one can feel in a Post 9/11 world. I admit..I watched this film with jaw completely clenched. I'm not a New Yorker, but the images are quite comparable to the destruction of 9/11 that it can be quite scary to watch.I think not showing too much of the monster the way most of the "Godzilla" films do , is exactly what makes this film much more terrifying.

I think you should rent this right away. You won't be disappointed.

Keillers Park

The tagline for this film is "How much are you ready to sacrifice? Well.. some people will go through the ringer for love.
As someone who has seen many gay themed films..I am well aware that in the RELIEF film makers have in being able to express films from their perspective..honestly, the theme can go bad fast. Most of the time , in an effort to express how gays and lesbians are just people , a belief I hold..a lot of the movies are just stories you have heard before , but with the players being gay. So it's hard, at least for ME to be impressed by a film, when I've seen the plot before, if the only difference is the character's sexuality. Well I think that is where this film EXCELS.

This film tells it's story in flashbacks and present. We meet Peter,and we are told his story of how he has come to the situation of being arrested and charged with the murder of his lover Nassim. We see how Peter meets the intriguing and passionate young man.. We see how Peter's repressed sexuality & psychological passion is awakened by Nassim . The initial sexual encounter speaks volumes. Peter holds back but his astonished wonder is not to be missed . Nassim is eager and open in every way. It is a wonderful, passionate, erotic, and beautiful encounter. And yet it is shot in a way that doesn't come across as gratuitous . And then we view the consequences of it all. Peter loses everything for the chance to be himself. Yet Nassim is passionate in such a child like manner, his wild eyed wonderment is intoxicating to Peter in the beginning, but like any relationship, that "Honeymoon phase" fades. When Peter becomes cranky and difficult , Nassim runs away.

And here is where the story gets a little tricky. There are points when you aren't sure of Peter's guilt or innocence, after you see some of Nassim's behavior. Yet you feel for Peter either way. If he did it you understand and sympathize, and if he didn't..you are hurting that he could lose even more, after he has lost so much ...all for love. You see a man sacrifice so much for love only to watch every one around him leave,loss of financial security,and the loss of what all was sacrificed for. It is a bittersweet movie . But much better than I ever expected.

Netflix~ Why YOU should Have It

Okay..let me preach the praises of NETFLIX

I use to be a member of the famous rental chain, that is well known for it's LATE FEES. Let me tell you a couple of stories.

I rented films from this place...On my days off, I would rent three films that I would want to see. I like a lot of foreign films , documentaries, and gay themed films. My hubby..not so much. So I would take him to work. Stop and rent three, watch all and return them on the way to pick them up...I did this often. One day I did this. I was told I had a late fee, because of a certain film. Of course I let them know, I turned it in the same day.. It was impossible, to take off the fee. Which they DID. I thought , okay..mistakes happen. I try to be reasonable. Then..On another day..I go in, grab my films..and am told again..I have a late fee. Of course I dispute it. The person behind the counter tells me the movie was scanned in at 1:00am. I proceed to remind her, that they aren't even OPEN at that time and what time THEY CHOOSE to scan movies in is NOT my problem...It was taken off. But I was so upset, because I am feeling now like this is NOT a mistake...But the clencher happened another day. I rented three movies, I had 3 days to watch. I turned them in the next day, cause I didn't want any issues with the whole late fee thing. My hubby was even mad at me, because I took them back before he could watch ANY OF THEM. I go in..hear the same "You have a late Fee" diatribe"..they told me which movie..and my hubby, who happened to be with me that day..went off, cause he knew I brought it back early, cause he remembered what ensued afterwards, Needless to say..I NEVER WENT BACK.

So here is why I love Netflix...Of course you all know there are NO LATE FEES. I registered with them on a Saturday, had the movies Monday. They have more titles then what is available at your local video store. Your local video store usually only carries the big hits, the award winners, and the critically acclaimed films it expects to be requested. I live in Detroit, Mi...and they tend to carry more of the films done by and requested from the African -American Community...Now..I'm black..so that's not an issue. But the variety is very limited in most local stores. I love to see foreign films from all over. Famous and little known titles. I'm not trying to sound pretentious .. but I just like trying to expand my movie viewing. And the local video stores aren't going to get EVERY FILM out there if only ONE person is going to rent them. It's wasted space on their shelves, and it's money wasted if it isn't going to be repeatedly rented. ..I understand that.

With Netflix.. I can get movies from anywhere.. I don't have to drive to the video store to get it ..which is a pain with what gas cost today...only to get there and find out they don't have what I want. I don't have to waste gas driving it back. As long as I mail the movie back..I got another on the way. I use to rent 3 movies every Saturday, which costs around 15.00. With Netflix..I pay 18.00 a month. I can get 3 movies on Monday, watch them all, mail them that day.. Netflix will receive and mail out on Tuesday, and I'll have them on Wednesday. Do the same, and have 3 more on Friday. That's six DVD's within the same week. So instead of 15 bucks a trip. I'm way ahead of the game, and saving money at the same time .

I urge all of you to try Netflix..Yeah I know that other video place has DVD's by mail (Netflix Sued them)...and you can take there mail in envelopes back to redeem for more films. ..But I will not do business with them as a matter of principle. I prefer a business that says what it does, and DOES WHAT IT SAYS!

Enchanted

Just what every one wants a need a little of in their life. "Enchanted" is a wonderful fantasy meets reality tale.

The Evil Queen Narissa doesn't want to lose her crown when her stepson Prince Edward, played with awesome sugary sweet comedic timing by James Marsden..finds his true love. To prevent that, she pushes the potential candidate Giselle down a magical well , where wishes anever come true and there are no happy endings..

And she lands where else????...NEW YORK CITY!

She runs into Robert , played by Patrick Dempsey, and his daughter Morgan. They take her in, thinking she's a bit ... And of course, the chaos ensues.

The ideas of true love, destiny and reality all come crashing together here, and it is a fun ride to be on, to watch the " fantasy" come alive in Robert, and to watch Giselle come down to reality to see pass the glitter dust.

I loved this..Yes I cried...so what. Watch it..You will too.

El Crimen Perfecto-{The Perfect Crime}

Okay...this film is just fun to watch unfold.

It all starts with Rafael ...The resident top salesman and "Romeo" of a department store. All the ladies love and want him, he has his pick of them all. He is also in serious competition for a management position with Don Antonio. Which ends in murder.

But here's where hi problem REALLY begins. He is aided by the homely Lourdes. She helps him dispose of the body. But then proceeds to blackmail Rafael into a relationship. Now he has to figure out a way to get rid of her, without getting nabbed for murder.

This movie is a very effective Black comedy. One of the best. I watch a lot of foreign films, thanks to NETFLIX ... it's possible to see so much more than what a local video store has to offer. And A lot of times , I measure the power of a film from another land with how long a film with Subtitles can hold my hubby's attention...He HATES subtitles... Well he LOVES this movie. So it can hold his... I'm sure it can hold yours.

Enjoy.

Shake It All About

I loved this movie. It was very heartbreaking , but very fantasy fairytale romance at the same time. It's not only about the choices we make..but about the consequences and aftermath. Jacob's confusion is pretty much the central character and theme.
His forays with a woman in a sexual way as a gay man is obviously very new and intriguing ..and we kinda understand that it's a part he should explore...but we also feel the pain of the betrayal of the sweet sweet Jorgen.
I think both sides of the story are played very well In the end...all you want is for happiness to prevail for everyone...even if it isn't happiness in a fairytale way.