Film Journalism

25 Nov 2009
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Volver

Sticky Post By On November 25, 2009 With 1 Comment

Volver (2007)

Director / Screenplay: Pedro Almodóvar  Cinematography: José Luis Alcaine  Music: Alberto Iglesias

Stars: Penelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Dueñas

* * * * 1/2

Three generations of women feel the pull of the ghosts of the past – quite literally with the return of their supposedly long-deceased mother. Fantasy drama from Pedro Almodóvar starring Penelope Cruz.

“Volver” means “to return” or “coming back” in Spanish and, fittingly, director Pedro Almodóvar’s sixteenth feature revisits many of the themes and ideas that fans of his rich melodramas have come to love. As with many of his films, women, whether on the verge of a nervous breakdown or not, dominate. Volver is all about Almodóvar’s mothers, sisters and daughters, his overwhelming respect for their defiance of life’s travails and feckless men. Read more

12 Jan 2009
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Darren Aronofsky – The Wrestler

Sticky Post By On January 12, 2009

Even for enfant terrible and filmmaker behind Requiem for a Dream Darren Aronofsky, directing Mickey Rourke in Oscar-tipped The Wrestler took a lot of work. “He’s got a few bad habits,” he tells Leigh Singer.

It’s being touted as the acting comeback of this century: Mickey Rourke, former ‘80s heartthrob movie star turned punch-drunk Hollywood punchline, grappling his demons as a legendary has-been out for redemption in The Wrestler. The tragic parallels between Rourke and his character, Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson, are manifest and, yes, the actor is superb. But if it’s Rourke in the ring, the guy who put him back there, effectively his trainer, mentor and cheerleader is The Wrestler’s director Darren Aronofsky. Read more

05 Jan 2009
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Benicio Del Toro

Sticky Post By On January 5, 2009

A respected, Oscar-winning actor Benicio Del Toro is a man of many intense parts – none more so, he tells Leigh Singer, than his epic portrayal in two new films of revolutionary icon Che Guevara.

Actors and biopics: it’s like releasing moths into a light bulb factory, and little wonder. Star power plus historical credibility is a heady combination, one that often leads to critical acclaim and awards by the dozen. It helps if the performer bears some physical resemblance to their subject (Denzel Washington as Malcolm X, Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles), but even that isn’t essential (Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash, Anthony Hopkins as Richard Nixon). Read more

19 Dec 2008
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Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson – Twilight

Sticky Post By On December 19, 2008

Vampire flick Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart as a pair of star-crossed teens, and IGN recently caught up with them to discuss the hit film’s romantic chemistry, sexual tension – and dealing with crazy screaming fans. Read more

03 Dec 2008
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Mark Strong – Sherlock Holmes

Sticky Post By On December 3, 2008

IGN caught up with man-of-the-moment Mark Strong at the British Independent Film Awards this past weekend and grabbed a word with him about Sherlock Holmes, Kick-Ass, Nottingham and all-round villainy. This is what he had to say, though beware of minor spoilers ahead. Read more

22 Oct 2008
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Robot Chicken

Sticky Post By On October 22, 2008

Cult stop-motion animated comedy Robot Chicken is the brainchild of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Austin Powers star Seth Green and colleague Matt Senreich. Their quick-fire toy figure sketches lovingly spoof pop culture from the biggest blockbusters to forgotten cartoon shows, often getting big stars from Burt Reynolds to Scarlet Johansson to take part. The first season recently hit DVD in the UK. Read more

22 Sep 2008
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Jason Statham

Sticky Post By On September 22, 2008

Brit thesp Jason Statham is fast becoming the biggest action star in the world, with hits like The Transporter, Cellular and Crank to his credit. This week sees the release of Death Race, Paul WS Anderson’s big-budget remake of the Roger Corman cult classic. In it Statham plays Jensen Ames, a former race car driver imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit and forced to take part in a deadly series of televised races. IGN caughtup with him to discuss the film. Read more

04 Apr 2008
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Park Chan-Wook – I’m A Cyborg

Sticky Post By On April 4, 2008

Best known for his dazzling, visceral, taboo-breaking “vengeance trilogy” – Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy and Lady Vengeance – Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook rewires expectations with his latest, a whimsical romantic comedy entitled I’m A Cyborg and set in a mental hospital with a girl who fancies herself as something of a Terminator… Read more

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