Category: fantasy

Real boys don’t come back. “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022)

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directed by Guillermo del Toro & Mark Gustafson
© 2022 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

It took me quite some time to watch this film and I think I saw it one day before the Oscars ceremony… and I’m so glad I did because at least I knew who my real favourite in that category was. And the reason why I couldn’t really force myself to it was because some time before I watched Robert Zemeckis’ “Pinocchio” and… well… it hurt. I mean, as much as I admire Zemeckis, that was a really unnecessary production. Same old story, tiring and even cringy at certain points. So after that, I really didn’t want to go through the wooden boy drama again. But you know what? Guillermo del Toro did something spectacular with the well-known novel and painted it in his own style, with a pinch of mystery and even plot twists I totally didn’t expect. I believe everyone reading this post knows the story of Pinocchio, so I’ll just skip straight to telling you why admired this version so much. First, I had no idea that del Toro decided to go with stop-motion animation, so at the beginning I was positively shocked – if you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m a big fan of this type of animation. Second, this film screams “I was made by del Toro” because it’s not adorable, it’s not cute – it’s beautiful but in a really disturbing way, which I personally loved. Is it a film for children? Well, depends. It’s not that drastic, but it’s not a shiny Disney production with catchy songs either. Besides, it is set in Fascist Italy, so we get some political background and messages, which can be understood only by older viewers. To me, that decision was great as it gave a lot of new quality to the story and made us reflect on the character of Pinocchio from a different perspective. Also, what does a boy who cannot die mean to the army? Expect such questions being asked in this film as well. Besides, I think this version has something that I missed in other versions myself, but I have to spoil it a bit so the next part is only for those who have seen it already. SPOILER coming: I believe that the end when Pinocchio returns to Gepetto is a real cherry on top. Why? Do you remember the ending in other versions? Pinocchio was turning into a human boy. However, in del Toro’s film Pinocchio stays the same. And isn’t that the point of this story? It’s a story that reminds us to stay who we are and love ourselves for who we are. Pinocchio was perfect from the beginning as a wooden boy and so shall he stay one. Damn, that’s what I’m talking about! I had tears in my eyes, but I guess they were caused by my feeling of satisfaction seeing such an ending. Thank you so much for finally making this story mean more than before. *END OF SPOILER* This animation is truly wonderful and I’m thrilled it was awarded. Not only I’m glad that Disney/Pixar was finally not a sure choice, but also incredibly proud that the Oscar went to a stop-motion animation, my beloved style. Please, let’s make more of those! At the end I may just share a funny fact – Cate Blanchett asked del Toro to give her a role in the film and he agreed, but the only character left was… Spazzatura, a wild monkey that makes only monkey noises. And guess what – she went for it. So each time you see that creepy money, remember it was dubbed by Cate Blanchett herself. Isn’t cinema just wonderful?

My rating: 8/10
S.

You prefer things to be comfortable or true? “Men” (2022)

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directed by Alex Garland
© 2022 Entertainment Film Distributors. All Rights Reserved.

Some people say it’s a really lame horror. Some others say it’s a disgusting production for feminists. Well, I think it’s a very intriguing film that you should definitely see and I hope that today’s post will encourage you to it. Before I move to the plot, I have to admit that the title made me chuckle a bit – a horror titled “Men”. Oh yeah, already creepy. But jokes aside, this film is actually some serious extension of that thought of mine. We get to know Harper (Jessie Buckley) who has recently lost her husband, James (Paapa Essiedu). The man committed suicide, which deeply impacted Harper. That is why she’s decided to rent a house in a tiny village and spend some holiday there clearing her mind. The situation is a bit more complex as Harper wanted to divorce James and they weren’t anyhow perfect together, so her grief is very specific. Would you miss a person who used to be your abuser? And that’s not the only difficult question that may come up during this film. Even though Harper is spending the holiday in the middle of nowhere, she still bumps into random local men. I’d like to say that they are strange, but if I think about it – most of them are just typical men you may meet everywhere. Perhaps just because the film itself creates this uncomfortable atmosphere you may have an impression that those guys are somehow overacted or unrealistic. And as I mentioned at the beginning – men can be a real horror we normally don’t notice. If you’re a man reading this post, let me just assure you that I do not blame only men for all the mess that happens in the world. However, this film is mainly focused on showing how sick and harmful patriarchy is. Each of the men that Harper meets in this story is different, yet all of them manage to use their power to manipulate and harm the female protagonist. I have to say that the ending wasn’t really my thing and I was hoping for something slightly different (although visually – it was disgustingly wonderful), but the whole production definitely caught my attention. I didn’t know what this story was actually about before watching, so I really enjoyed experiencing this patriarchal rollercoaster together with Harper. Well, “enjoyed”. After, I’ve read some reviews and I feel like this film is a real drama starter. Funny fact is that it’s not hated only by men or more conservative groups – lots of feminists disliked it in some way as well. From my side – I loved how fresh it was, meaning it wasn’t another copy-paste production that I won’t remember in a month. And no matter whether you agree or disagree with its messages, I guess you can admit it is quite original in its form. When it comes to the story… let me put it this way: been there, done that. What you see in this film isn’t surprising for women. Being treated as an object that belongs to a man? Check. Being manipulated by a man to make you feel like you’re the abuser although clearly you’re the victim? Check. Being ignored by men because they rarely take you seriously? Check. Being called a “bitch” just because you refuse something? Check. It’s not just a film screenplay, it’s reality of millions of women. Once again, I’m aware of the fact that women are not perfect either and they may maltreat another person as well, but explaining men’s, or anyone’s in fact, behaviour by saying “others do that too” is below shallow. If you’re a woman who sees herself in Harper, let me just send you a virtual hug right now. And if you’re a man who feels disgusted by the men presented in the film, let me just say “thank you for being”. But if you’re a man who doesn’t see anything wrong in this patriarchal picture, then I hope you find help and love one day. I’m not rating this film high because I did hope for something else at the end, but generally – it’s a great production to wake up our minds and I hope it’ll wake up yours as well. Let’s hope all those apples fall down eventually.

My rating: 6/10
S.

It knows how to hunt, but I know how to survive. “Prey” (2022)

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directed by Dan Trachtenberg
© 2022 Disney+. All Rights Reserved.

Do you remember the story of Pocahontas? Then if you feel ready to grow up, I’d like to recommend you “Prey”, which is, in my opinion, an alternative version and you can tell it was made in 2022. But first things first – we actually move back to the Great Plains of 1719, where we meet Naru (Amber Midthunder), a Comanche woman. She’s incredibly brave and quite rebellious as her dream is to become a skilled hunter. While hunting for animals, she notices some strange lights, which turn out to be coming from a spacecraft. Yes, as spacecraft in 1719. Cinema is wonderful, isn’t it? Naru is so intrigued by this fact and unusual tracks she finds that she decides to keep searching for the mysterious creature who leaves them. Unfortunately, nobody from her tribe takes her seriously and the woman has to work alone. Until the moment when the mysterious creature becomes a threat to her people. I don’t want to spoil too much and I also recommend you not to check any trailers before watching because not knowing what the creature is makes the experience even more entertaining. If you’re a fan of such films as “Jaws” or “Jurassic Park”, you may feel a similar thrill in this case because we know the creature exists, just waiting for it to show up. Personally, I didn’t feel much encouraged to see “Prey”, but I’m glad I have. Perhaps it’s not that much surprising, yet somehow satisfying. First, I felt like it was quite fresh among all those action/fantasy productions. Second, I love the fact that we’re getting into a Comanche tribe and experience everything from their perspective. Third, Naru is a wonderful female protagonist and she’s an example of a character that many girls may look up to. I’m not a fan of feminising characters in cinema just for the sake of having more actresses on the screen, but I’m definitely for creating new stories, new characters, who are unique – because this way we show respect to traditional and old works, while expressing our creativity and diversity with something fresh. I enjoyed watching this film and I think it’s a great choice for a film night with friends. Cheers!

My rating: 6/10
S.

You’re here because you’re dead. “Kati Kati” (2016)

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directed by Mbithi Masya
© 2016 One Fine Day Films. All Rights Reserved.

I’ve just realised that I haven’t written a post about this film although I saw it several months ago. And I’m angry with myself that I haven’t shared about it sooner, because it’s a real gem of Kenyan cinema. I saw this production on an African film festival and I remember how shocked I was, because I wouldn’t expect Kenyans to work on such a complex and rather controversial topic in their country. Not because I don’t think they are capable of that, absolutely no, quite the opposite, but today’s film might not be appreciated by religious communities and, as we know, Kenya is a very religious country. Yet, they’ve done it and they’ve done it well. The film starts with Kaleche (Nyokabi Gethaiga), a young woman who wakes up in the middle of nowhere. She spots and goes to a lodge, where they tell her that she’s actually dead. The lodge is called Kati Kati and from now on Kaleche has to stay there. The woman is experiencing afterlife in a quite unusual way, which is why I was surprised to see such production coming from Kenya. She realises that all the people in Kati Kati are still struggling with their previous life and what they’ve left behind. Everything you’ll see in this film is deeply philosophical and I was honestly curious how the story would end. Obviously, no spoilers, but the ending was magnificent, in my opinion, with tons of thought-provoking messages. Even though I saw the film many months ago, it’s still stuck in my mind and I’d love to see more of such. Especially since it’s coming from Kenya, a country whose cinema isn’t that popular worldwide. I even said to myself that if this film had been made in the USA, it’d be a huge success. That is why I love discovering the cinema world as I believe there are countless productions worth seeing about which we might never hear of if we don’t put any effort in finding them. I really hope you’ll dedicate an evening to “Kati Kati” and maybe become a Kenyan cinema fan. A bit like me.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Say something nice or keep searching. “The Windshield Wiper” (2021)

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directed by Alberto Mielgo
© 2021 The Animation Showcase. All Rights Reserved.

Firstly, I’m sorry you had to wait a few days for my post after the Oscars, but I guess I needed some peaceful time to reflect on that night. I didn’t watch the ceremony, but somehow I couldn’t stop myself from following the winners on social media. And unlike most influencers and people doing something on the Internet, I wouldn’t like to focus on that obvious incident that took place during the event. I’d definitely prefer to talk about the wonderful films and people who got appreciated. There are very few Oscars that I don’t agree with, so generally I think this year’s winners were on point. Perhaps I feel like “West Side Story” should have been noticed a bit more, but in the end I’m satisfied. Especially about “CODA” winning the main Oscar, as it’s a beautiful story reminding us about the diversity of people and how important inclusiveness is. Bravo! Today, however, I’d like to recommend you a short animation, which won an Oscar those few nights before. It starts with a man in a café asking a rather difficult question: “What is love?”. And for the rest of the film we don’t really get the answer, but a series of visual descriptions. We can reflect on the meaning of relationships, affection, dedication or love generally, as we see and practice it now, in the modern times. Even though the film is rather intimate, I felt so empty watching it. As if I had no emotions to share, which doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate what I saw. It’s a bit harsh production pointing out that love is something mystical and often unobtainable for most of us. Perhaps we may consider some feelings or states as love or being in love, but in real they are nothing like it. So even though I felt slightly overwhelmed by this film, I think it’s great someone has made it. Perhaps we need more of such to realise certain things in our lives. Plus, I really liked the animation style, so it was depressing for my soul, yet pleasant for my eyes. If you feel encouraged by this eccentric recommendation, then I’m glad.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Don’t be afraid of your senses. “Ghosting Gloria” (“Muerto con Gloria”, 2021)

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directed by Marcela Matta & Mauro Sarser
© 2021 Ecologito. All Rights Reserved.

I guess we all need a little emotional break from dramas and difficult topics, so here I am to save you. Today I’m recommending you a production from Uruguay, which shocked me indeed. If you’re a fan of “Ghost” (1990), the one thanks to which people got interested in pottery, then I bet you’ll see “Ghosting Gloria” as some kind of modern remake with South American vibes and way funnier lines. As you might be guessing, we get to know Gloria (Stefania Tortorella), a 30-year-old single woman who works at a bookstore. She hasn’t been lucky in finding a partner and her friend starts suggesting that lack of sexual experiences may be the cause of all Gloria’s everyday problems. One night, however, she finally has a very intimate meeting, which ends up with Gloria’s first ever orgasm. Sounds great? Yeah, but there’s one little issue… the lover is actually a ghost stuck in her flat. And now the woman has to decide whether she keeps looking for a living man to have a “normal” relationship with, or she explores a bit different areas of her sexual life. You know, paranormal activity at its best. Except the fact that it’s ridiculous and rather relaxing, I loved all the little jokes, especially the questions from the customers in the bookstore. Real life, real circus. Besides, it’s a story about a woman in her 30s who’s still not sure what she wants from life and even though we have a ghost giving amazing orgasms, I bet a lot of people might connect to Gloria. If you’re in your 20s, 30s or even 40s and you know what you’re doing, like generally what you’re doing, then you’re one lucky person, trust me. It’s one of those productions that you have to watch with a lot of distance to yourself and what’s around you. Personally, I enjoy such goofy ideas, as long as they are well-made. And in my opinion, this one is. So enjoy the Uruguayan “Ghost” remake. May only such paranormal activities occur in your homes.

My rating: 6/10
S.

There is nothing out there. “The Amusement Park” (1975)

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directed by George A. Romero
© 1975 Shudder. All Rights Reserved.

I like when we remind ourselves of forgotten productions. As you can see, tons of films are being produced every year, which makes us too lazy to get back in time. I’m glad that during one film festival I attended this year they gave us an opportunity to see a production from 1975, which I most probably wouldn’t find myself. It’s a very unusual psychological thriller, which I believe might be a surprising discovery and an important lesson for the upcoming new year. We get to meet an elderly gentleman (Lincoln Maazel) who decides to go to an amusement park. However, before entering, he meets himself, just in a horrible state, who tells him not to go to the park as “there is nothing out there.” The man obviously doesn’t listen, otherwise the film wouldn’t have been titled the way it was. At the amusement park the main character tries to experience as much as possible, yet soon he realises that there’s not much amusement in this park. At least for him and other people around his age. You may think it’s ridiculous and what’s happening there doesn’t make much sense. Luckily, before the film starts, Lincoln Maazel introduces us to the concept of the film so we’re ready for a bit of surrealism and many metaphors hidden in sometimes confusing scenes. The point of this production is to present how elderly people are excluded and often abused by society. Our world is presented by this amusement park and everything that takes place there might be seen in reality, just in a bit different circumstances. You may see how the young ignore seniors’ needs, how they leave them without support or often force to doing things the other ones don’t even want. Personally, it was one of the most emotional films I’ve seen this year. Perhaps it hit me hard because the topic of exclusion is important in my life and I felt incredibly moved by the messages coming from the story. I honestly recommend you to see it, especially while coming up with your New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you’ll change your views and actions after seeing the world from a senior’s perspective. Plus, you may be surprised how creative they were with the form. I’m thrilled and moved at the same time.

My rating: 7.5/10
S.

Two scuzzballs and a fly. “Mandibules” (2020)

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directed by Quentin Dupieux
© 2020 Memento Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

In the world where most people admire Quentin T., I’m one of those who prefer Quentin D. And today I’m recommending you to see his newest film. I have to admit that I didn’t have high expectations and… I wasn’t wrong, to be honest. Still, there’s something in Dupieux’s style that doesn’t let me just forget about his productions. In this one we get to know Jean-Gab and Manu (David Marsais & Grégoire Ludig), two rather “not complicated” men. They’re on their way to do a certain task and while driving a stolen car they hear some strange noise. Soon the guys realise that there’s an absolutely giant fly in the trunk. And this is how we meet Dominique (Dave Chapman). Manu proposes to not only keep the fly, but also to train it (or her, she’s a lady) and use her for money stealing. Sounds like an awesome plan, right? That’s exactly what they think. What happens next is for you to see, but I recommend reading a thick dictionary or play Scrabble before watching the film as your IQ might drop… a… bit. Still, even though I find it all ridiculous and often cringy, I cannot stop thinking about Dominique and her very ambitious trainers. Dupieux has his own world and even if you don’t want to join it, he’ll make you stay. The most disturbing thing is that during the film I was rather frozen and asking myself many existential questions, but then at the end I broke into laughter. Hysterical and loud laughter. So if that doesn’t encourage you to see this film, I don’t know what else can. Oh and I’m a big fan of the main theme. If I was about to describe 2021 with a music track – that would be it. Ridiculously cheerful because you can’t handle it anymore. But no worries, we’re finishing soon. Stay strong, stay healthy and join team Dominique.

My rating: 6.5/10
S.

You’re all mine. “The Roommate” (2011)

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directed by Christian E. Christiansen
© 2011 Screen Gems. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine that Blair Waldorf is your roommate and she’s a little bit obsessed with you. That would be an interesting situation, wouldn’t it? Just in case if you haven’t seen “Gossip Girl” series, Blair Waldorf was one of the characters played by Leighton Meester, who in today’s film plays the villain. Doom, doom, doom. But let’s start from the beginning, shall we? We’re actually following Sara (Minka Kelly), who’s about to start her student life. Soon she meets her new roommate, Rebecca (Leighton Meester), who’s incredibly similar to her. Those two get on with each other pretty well. A bit too well, because at some point Sara realises that she cannot really bond with anyone else but Rebecca. In fact, a lot of strange things occur around her, yet Rebecca is always there for her. I have to be honest with you – this thriller is rather predictable and written in a classic way. Still, what I loved about it was the choice of Leighton Meester as the dark character. There’s something specific about this actress that no matter if she plays a cute and wealthy lady from the Upper East Side, or an inconspicuous roommate with an obsession, she always gives me chills. But don’t feel discouraged – it’s not like it’s a bad film, otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it to you. Just if you watch a lot, then it won’t be much surprising. But other than that, it’s a decent thriller for a cozy evening. Especially if you’re living with roommates…

My rating: 6/10
S.

Just wait for me. “The Lake House” (2006)

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directed by Alejandro Agresti
© 2006 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

In case you feel like nobody loves you and there’s absolutely no person on this planet who’s there for you, I recommend you to see today’s film. It makes all lonely souls feel a little bit better, because all you need is to find a magic mailbox, using which you can communicate with Sandra Bullock or Keanu Reeves – it’s for you to choose. Okay, seriously speaking, it’s an adorable love story with a pinch of fantasy. Kate (Sandra Bullock) is living in 2006. She’s about to move out from her lake house and decides to leave a note in the mailbox for the next tenant. She informs in the letter that the paw prints on the path had been there before she moved in. The message gets to Alex (Keanu Reeves), who is living in 2004 and how surprised he gets when after reading the letter, a dog actually leaves those prints. Somehow those two can communicate, even though they’re living 2 years apart. Weird, huh? I thought so too. And when I was younger, I found this film way too silly. But after years I decided to give it another try and I was “awwing” a lot. Am I becoming a sad cat-lady? I don’t even like cats, so I guess I’m just becoming a sad lady. Not sure which option is worse. Anyway, of course I was a bit angry that it’s not logical and those who enjoy such films like “Tenet” will definitely roll their eyes, but it wasn’t supposed to be a good fantasy film – it was supposed to be a cute romance. And that’s what we got. By the way, if you manage to find this mailbox in real life, message me.

My rating: 6/10
S.