So I keep singing a song. “Elvis” (2022)

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directed by Baz Luhrmann
© 2022 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I was scared of watching this film, to be honest. I remember how excited I was when “Bohemian Rhapsody” was screening, I ran to the cinema totally thrilled… and I left horribly frustrated. I have to admit that I’m a bigger fan of Queen than of Elvis, yet still I find him a true musical icon and I didn’t want anyone to disrespect him the same way they disrespected Freddie. Sorry, being totally honest. But as you can see, I’m recommending the film, so it couldn’t be that bad, right? Well, it wasn’t spectacular either, but first things first. I guess I don’t need to introduce you to Elvis Presley, about whom this film is all about. Although, not that ALL, because we go though Elvis’ career from the perspective of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). To be honest, I was curious about his role since Tom is rather seen as an actor who always plays nice characters. And I hope he gets back to those roles, because this one is not his best for sure. However, Austin Butler, who played Elvis, may get ready for a success and more offers from producers. I was amazed by this young man and his charisma shining from the screen. Not only he resembles Elvis, but he did his homework well and I feel like he understood his character. I’m not such a big listener of Elvis and I bet many may disagree with me, but I didn’t feel like Austin was parodying the musician – not at all. He showed the authenticity of Elvis and all his faces, which to me is a role worth recognising. Great job! A lot of critics point out that it’s not a classic biopic and I have to agree with that. From the very beginning you may feel confused by the narration and the way the story is going, quite rapid editing and lots of glam attacking you from everywhere. I didn’t like it at first, but the longer I was watching, the more I was getting used to it and found it a nice contrast to the character of Elvis, who was presented as a simple guy loving music, not a show business product. Still, if I’d had to choose the director, I wouldn’t have chosen Baz Luhrmann to this story, but that’s my personal opinion and I know that even the family of Elvis appreciated his work, so who am I to judge? However, I’d need someone, who could tell me the story of Elvis, filled with music and passion, and a bit less of the managing and political drama, if you know what I mean. But hey, the scenes with B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison) and jamming in the club were so good I wish I could be there myself. And I think there are several quality moments in this productions, so in the end I do recommend it. Especially since that could be the first big role of Austin Butler, who should totally be seen more. And also because Elvis songs are awesome and you may bounce a bit to cheer yourselves up.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I’m not sad, I’m naughty. “My Life to Live” (“Vivre sa vie: film en douze tableaux”, 1962)

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directed by Jean-Luc Godard
© 1962 Panthéon Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Another day, another horrible loss. Jean-Luc Godard was a true icon in the world of cinema, not only in France but surely also in many more countries. He had his own, very unique style of filmmaking, which we’re lucky to be admiring even after his death. Today, in order to dedicate this post to him, I’d like to recommend you “My Life to Live”, one of his famous works. We get to know Nana (Anna Karina), a young and gorgeous Parisian, who doesn’t want to continue the life of a wife and mother, willing to become an actress instead. However, living on her own quickly leads Nana to financial problems, so she has to find a way to make more money. One day, she’s taken for a prostitute on the street and accepts the offer given by some random man. Slowly, Nana starts treating such “meetings” as her new job and way to provide for herself. I have no idea what caused that, but I was absolutely stunned watching this film. The idea seems pretty simple, yet the way it was presented… marvellous. From the very beginning we barely see faces of people, and when we do, they are shown with a certain purpose, giving us chills. Or me at least. The way the camera is sneaking behind people’s backs, as if it was some kind of nosy observer – thrilling and unusual. I personally adore such camera “play”, because I feel like it’s playing with us. The camera itself entertains us adding to the experience. Besides, Anna Karina is magnificent, full of elegance and authenticity, which makes the character of Nana even more fascinating. I’ve read so many things from this story that I’m not sure which to share with you. Perhaps none. Because I feel like Godard’s films shouldn’t be overly analysed – they should be seen and experienced. All I’d like to say is that this production makes you reflect on your life and maybe answer the universal question “what if…?”. What if I changed my job? What if I broke up with my partner? What if I went to see “The Passion of Joan of Arc” at the cinema? Well, perhaps “My Life to Live” will answer your questions. Thank you Jean-Luc Godard for being. Just being, that was already more than enough.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Giving your heart to somebody is the most perplexing thing. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (2022)

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directed by Cooper Raiff
© 2022 Apple TV+. All Rights Reserved.

Today’s film is considered a comedy/drama, but I have to tell you that despite several funny moments, it has left me with an existential crisis. I swear. And I bet you wish to learn more about that so here we go: Andrew (Cooper Raiff) is a 22-year-old man still trying to figure out what to do with his life. One day he takes his younger brother David (Evan Assante) to a bat mitzvah (Jewish coming out of age ritual, often a big event for the child). During the party, Andrew meets Domino (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter Lola (Vanessa Burghardt), who’s sitting in the back not willing to join other children. The man finds out that she’s autistic and it’s difficult for her to take part in such activities. Andrew makes a bet with Domino that he’d take Lola dancing and wins it as he finds a way to encourage the girl. Since he’s a real party animal (if I may call him this way considering it’s a bat mitzvah), he doesn’t only make a great impression on Domino, but also on other parents, who offer him to be a party starter at their children’s events. Why not, right? It’s a job after all. In the meantime, Andrew and Domino get to spend more and more time together. The woman is fascinated by his relation with Lola, Andrew’s charisma and some inner warmth that apparently she’s lacking in her life. What happens next is for you to see, but I have to tell you that my sensitive soul ended up reflecting a lot after this film. It’s my personal opinion, but I feel like this story is horribly real. It shows how miserable our life is no matter how much we pretend it isn’t. I’m sorry for sounding so pessimistic right now, but that’s how I read the story. When we’re young, we feel like anything is possible, sky is the limit, carpe diem and all other lame sentences you may find tattooed on people’s body parts. But then, the older you’re getting, the more you realise that we’re all craving peace and safety. And we end up with wrong people, doing wrong jobs, spending our free time in a way we wouldn’t like to spend it, but if that gives us at least a pinch of peace, we’re holing on to it. That is why I find the character of Lola so perfect in this whole story as she, as an autistic girl, follows her own rules and doesn’t want to agree to something that’s not right for her. And that’s why Lola and Andrew get on so well with each other, while there’s a huge contrast between her and Domino, who’s already accepted the reality as it is. You have to forgive me such depressing post, but I’m just expressing my feelings about this film. I do believe it was missing something to amaze me (yet I’m not sure what exactly), but it’s definitely a film worth your time. It hits hard, but sometimes we need that, right?

My rating: 6.5/10
S.

I declare that my whole life shall be devoted to your service. “The Queen” (2006)

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directed by Stephen Frears
© 2006 Pathé Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

I guess you’re not surprised to see this film being recommended today. Considering the situation, I’ve decided to dedicate today’s post to the Queen and “The Queen”. If you haven’t seen it yet, I believe now is a perfect moment to catch up on that. The film isn’t a typical biopic, as it presents only a short period of Queen Elizabeth II reign, the year 1997 to be precise. Those who haven’t been born back then may not remember – it was the year of Princess Diana’s tragic accident, and that’s exactly where we begin the film. Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and her new Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) have to manage the unpleasant situation. The whole story about the monarchy of the UK is quite complex, but shortly speaking – Diana wasn’t respected by the Royal Family, but at the same time she was the mother of a future king, so after her death it was difficult to decide how to react. They couldn’t treat it as an official royal death, but at the same time people were expecting the Royal Family to show respect. I find this film fascinating because it presented those events from the perspective of the Queen and partially Prime Minister. Perhaps we’ll never find out what was actually taking place in the Buckingham Palace, but this film reminded me that we should always consider both sides of everything. As much as Diana had some conflict with the Royal Family and her own reasons to leave them, they also had their own reasons to push her away. Maybe for us it was easier to sympathise with Diana as she was similar to us, ordinary people. However, when you’re a monarch, you have to follow certain rules, protocols, which isn’t easy either. So even if you may feel like doing something, you always have to remember about who you are and how your actions will be judged by others. I’m absolutely amazed by Helen Mirren for playing the role of the Queen (for which she was awarded an Oscar and many other) as she presented her in a very authentic way. I didn’t feel like I was watching a biography about a monarch, I felt like I was watching a story about a woman, who has to do her job and does it the best she can. A woman, who has to find compromises and get used to new expectations. A woman, who sometimes has to do things against her own will. A woman, who seems incredibly strong, yet deep inside she’s constantly questioning. And I believe that’s exactly how we shall remember Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace.

My rating: 7/10
S.

It’s time for me to disappear in a puff of smoke. “Magic Camp” (2020)

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directed by Mark Waters
© 2020 Disney+. All Rights Reserved.

Not that long time ago I started my little adventure with Disney+ and except feeling constant nostalgia watching old animations, I sometimes end up watching some random productions there. One day, I spotted “Magic Camp” and I guess I was having a rather overwhelming day because I thought that’s a film I could stand that day. It had the word “magic” in the title and Adam DeVine in the cast, which immediately put me in a good mood. So, Adam plays Andy – a young adult who’s a talented magician, but whose career path has switched a little bit. He gets an invitation to become a counsellor during the upcoming magic camp for children. There, Andy meets his huge rival and crush (oh, what a coincidence), Kristina (Gillian Jacobs), who, unlike Andy, has succeeded as a magic performer. Anyway, they are not there to fight or… do other things, they are there to teach and train little magicians, one of whom is Theo (Nathaniel McIntyre), a very motivated boy coping with a recent life tragedy. Maybe it all sounds a bit complex and dramatic, but in fact it isn’t that much. It’s actually a very relaxing comedy, which may bring you some magic to your life. Personally, when I was little, I was a huge fan of magic and magic-like things. It was my dream to become a powerful magician who could fly, do magic tricks and hide under a cloak of invisibility. Then reality hit me and I realised that the biggest magic of our time is paying bills and having a full fridge. However, getting back to this world of magic was really pleasant for me and I honestly had fun watching the film. I recommend you to see it no matter how old you are and if you have children – then definitely organise a family movie night with them. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I feel like we’ve forgotten about magic in films. We do have a lot of fantasy and sci-fi productions, but where’s magic? Did it finish together with Harry Potter series? I hope not, because I believe that with the use of magic, even this abstract concept of it, we may learn a lot and teach the youngest about important values. So remember to check this film out and get back to the world of magic for a short moment.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I’m still here. “Maria Full of Grace” (2004)

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directed by Joshua Marston
© 2004 Fine Line Features. All Rights Reserved.

Before I start encouraging you to see today’s film, let me just say that I’m a huge fan of the title and the poster. Considering what the film is about, chapeau bas and clap clap clap for the idea. You’ve already googled the poster? Alright, so we can start. As you might be guessing, it’s a film about Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno), who’s a 17-year-old girl from Colombia. She has a simple job thanks to which she can provide for the family, including her sister who’s a single mother. One day, however, Maria quits her job as she’s not treated well by the boss and soon she finds out about her own pregnancy. A bit overwhelmed by what’s happening, she decides to find a new job in the capital, Bogotá. On the way, Maria meets a man who has a very tempting offer for her – she would become a drug mule. Her task would be to swallow a lot of little packages with the drug, fly to the US, not let them catch her and deliver the drugs. Risky? Yes. Illegal? Yes. But what can a desperate and panicked teenager say when someone offers her a lot of money, which equals a chance to change her miserable life. What I personally enjoyed the most about this drama is that Maria is presented as a simple girl who just follows her path. She’s not a rebel, she’s not fighting against anyone – she just calmly accepts her fate, even if it causes her troubles. You may really get into this world of a lost young woman that is just trying to find peace. Besides, you may not see a vicious person who’s trying to break the law, but a big-hearted girl who just wishes to change the reality. And instead of finding help, she’s being used by evil people. At some point, Maria gets to know other female mules and we may also see how they cooperate with each other. That despite their abstract situation in life, they manage to stay together. We may also see how little life means to people who are blinded by money. There’s a lot to see in this film and I really hope you’ll find a moment to see it. In fact, Catalina, who played Maria, was nominated for an Oscar as the Best Actress in 2005. She had four very talented ladies nominated together with her so it wasn’t easy to win, yet I’m glad she was spotted and appreciated.

My rating: 7/10
S.

It takes a certain kind of mindset. “Thirteen Lives” 2022

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directed by Ron Howard
© 2022 United Artists Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

I’ve just read that claustrophobia is the IRRATIONAL fear of confined spaces. Let me tell you something – if you got stuck in a narrow tunnel with a limited amount of oxygen, losing your mind wouldn’t seem so irrational, would it? Why am I starting with all that? Well, because today’s film is definitely not a pleasant experience for people with claustrophobia, so in case you’re one – honey, you’re not irrational and perhaps try watching something else. You’re welcome. However, if you think you can handle claustrophobic pictures, then it’s a great title to check out. The story is based on a real cave rescue that took place in Thailand in 2018. A group of boys from a local football team and their coach went to explore Tham Luang Nang Non cave and while they were inside, heavy rainfall flooded the cave and trapped them all inside. Nobody knew whether they drowned or somehow survived, because even for trained experts it was impossible to enter the cave. The whole world was following the rescue updates and many people outside Thailand got involved in it, including John Volanthen (Colin Farrell) and Rick Stanton (Viggo Mortensen), two British divers. After two weeks since the accident, they got an approval to dive into the cage, they managed to swim through some narrow passages and, surprisingly, they found the whole group of missing boys still alive. Despite their happiness, it was impossible to find a different way out and letting dehydrated and starving boys without any experience dive was tantamount to letting them die. And at this point I’m leaving you with many question marks in your head so you can see the film yourselves and find out what happened there. To be honest, I couldn’t focus much on the technical parts of this production as I was absolutely fascinated by the story. It’s amazing that there are people who can risk so much to save another person and who are also incredibly stubborn and creative, because they never say “no” no matter what. I also have to point out that Colin and Viggo did an amazing job in their roles and I think I’ve discovered Colin Farrell as a different kind of actor thanks to this film. There’s also a documentary about those events called “The Rescue” directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vaserhelyi. I haven’t seen the documentary yet, but I feel like I may recommend it anyway. It’s a story that should be shared, watched and remembered. But if I may suggest, watch “Thirteen Lives” first as the most important part is what they did after finding the boys and if you learn about that in the documentary, perhaps seeing it in this film won’t be that surprising and mind-blowing as it should. Nevertheless, huge respect to everyone involved in that rescue – you’re true heroes.

My rating: 7/10
S.

They will make cemeteries their cathedrals. “Demons” (“Dèmoni”, 1985)

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directed by Lamberto Bava
© 1985 Titanus. All Rights Reserved.

Italians and horrors? Si, certamente! No idea what’s your opinion, but I’ve always seen Italy as the land of adorable comedies and mesmerising dramas. However, they are also pretty good with horrors. If you don’t believe me, try “Demons”. It’s a bit of an oldie, but totally goldie. Okay, before you die of cringe reading my rhymes, let me tell you about the plot. We actually go to the cinema where a bunch of random people are about to see some creepy film. Just like us. During the screening, strange things begin to happen, because what the audience see in the film, kind of starts happening to them as well. The situation gets ever creepier and more serious when a film character turns into some weird creature, kind of zombie, kind of demon. And, as you might be guessing, the exact thing is about to happen in that cinema. Doom, doom, doom. Simple idea, but so satisfying. Just let me make it clear – it’s not one of those films that are actually going to scare you. It’s rather disgusting… and disgusting. Even though it was made in 1985, the make-up, costumes and special effects can really make you frown or turn your head away. In fact, I think that modern horrors are not as creepy as those older ones. Yes, we have better technology, we may create the atmosphere as if the film was reality, but I still find old horrors more disgusting, which is a big advantage, just saying. Plus, I seriously loved the idea for this horror. To be honest, I’d love to watch it in some old cinema. Or even better – organise a screening of it in some old cinema and make sure that during it some actors start showing up looking like those demons/zombies/whatever you call them. If there’s someone with some spare budget liking my plan, let me know and let’s do it! And to everyone – if you’re looking for a good film to see with friends, that’s your title. It’s honestly entertaining, easy to follow and not that shallow as many horrors. So enjoy this disgusting performance.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Those are our children. “Jhalki” (2019)

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directed by Brahmanand S Siingh
© 2019 Panorama Studios. All Rights Reserved.

I bet that if you hear someone saying “hey, let’s watch an Indian film”, you probably think it’s going to be an overly cheerful Bollywood production with lots of goofy songs and dancing in very strange moments. However, as much as I love such films (I really do), I also appreciate their dramas a lot, as they are honest and genuine in their simplicity. Today I’d like to recommend you a film that touches hearts. At least it has touched mine. We get to know siblings, Jhalki (Aarti Jha) and Babu (Goraksha Sakpal). They are little children living in a poor village where it is common for parents to be selling their daughters and sons in order to provide for the rest of the family. As adults, we know what’s going on from the very beginning, but the story is presented from the perspective of Jhalki, a 9-year-old girl, who simply cares about her younger brother and is worried when he suddenly disappears. She’s trying to get adults attention and ask them for help, but they either ignore her or don’t want to get involved as they’re aware of the child slavery. I have to be honest with you – I didn’t feel like that’d be a film I’d like. As much as in musicals I don’t mind awkward acting, in dramas it bothers me a lot. Plus, I felt like the story was being told a bit too slowly. Still, the longer I was watching, the more I was realising how pointless my criteria is because the main point of this production is to put a spotlight on the problem of the child slavery. And when we have to deal with such topic, nothing else should bother us. Especially, since at the end we get to learn about the actual numbers, statistics and reality of Indian children, which makes you forget about all the details that perhaps you disliked in the film. To me, this production doesn’t only show this horrible problem, but also how helpless children are and how easy it comes to adults to be using innocent little humans. For the sake of making business and money, adults destroy childhoods. It’s disgusting and that’s all I want to say. However, thanks to this film, you may see amazing little Aarti Jha, who plays the role of brave Jhalki, and who did a wonderful job, in my opinion. Plus, you may also get to know the man who’s saved over 86 000 children from slavery and trafficking. No words can describe how grateful I am for such people as Kailash Satyarthi and let’s hope more will follow his example.

My rating: 7/10
S.

We both screw people for money. “Pretty Woman” (1990)

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directed by Garry Marshall
© 1990 Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Today I’ve got an absolute classic for you, which every self-respecting film freak should watch. And it’s not because another romantic comedy is a must-see, but because lots of artists get back to this production and it’s become some kind of source of inspiration. For those who haven’t seen it yet, let me just shortly tell you about the plot: a man meets a woman. Simple. The man is Edward (Richard Gere), a corporate raider in a fancy suit and way too much money, and the woman is Vivian (Julia Roberts), a sex worker with slightly less astonishing belongings. Edward has recently been dumped by his girlfriend, so he does what every freshly re-singled guy does – seeks for attention, and that’s how he meets Vivian. Firstly, it’s just a one night “cooperation”, if I may put it this way, but later Edward decides to give his companion an offer: she would become his escort for the upcoming week and a bunch of boring business meetings. When he mentions 3,000 dollars and new clothes, Vivian doesn’t think twice and accepts it. And as you might be guessing, their relation develops in the next days. As much as I’m tired of most romantic comedies, it’s one of those that I’m glad were made. First, we have a rather difficult social problem presented here – prostitution. What I appreciate about the story is that it shows a different perspective on this profession and viewers may sympathise with Vivian, who, in real life, perhaps wouldn’t be that much respected by some. In fact, this film was supposed to be way more dramatic and present prostitutes as people who really don’t care much about anything but money. Personally, I’m glad the producers changed their minds. Second, I’m amazed by Julia Roberts in this role. I generally consider her a very good actress, but, as I see it, she’s always been quite fixed in her acting. I heard “there’s Julia Roberts in the cast” and I thought “oh, I guess I can imagine what kind of character she will be”. However, Vivian is a totally different story, my dear. She is iconic, she is intriguing and she is very feminine. I couldn’t stop looking at Julia even though there was Richard Gere in a neat shirt right beside her. That means something! So if you haven’t seen “Pretty Woman”, I definitely recommend you to take a look. Perhaps you’ll understand more references in modern productions, or just spend a pleasant evening watching two rather worth being watched and handsome people.

My rating: 8/10
S.