Tag: téa leoni

There are some mistakes you cannot rick when you have children. “Spanglish” (2004)

SashLeave a comment
directed by James L. Brooks
© 2004 Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

This film could have been a masterpiece. Could have. But someone had watched too many soap operas before shooting it. Anyway, today, I’ve got “Spanglish” for you. It’s a cute romcom drama where the language barrier is the least difficult problem. The film starts with Cristina Moreno (Shelbie Bruce), who’s written an application essay to study in Princeton University. The candidats were asked to write about an important individual in their life and Cristina has described her mother, Flor (Paz Vega). And then we get back to the times when Cristina was a little girl and she was living with her mom in the US. They moved there from Mexico to search for a better life. As you might be guessing, it’s not easy for Flor to earn good money, so her cousin helps her and arranges a meeting with the Clasky family, who are looking for a nanny and housekeeper. Everything would be perfect if only Flor knew how to speak English. However, the family agrees to hire the woman and try to destroy this language barrier. Soon, both the Clasky and Flor will learn way more from each other than English and Spanish. I really liked the idea of presenting two different cultures and showing how they perceive everyday life in their own way. There are several important and difficult topic mentioned in the story, so it’s actually pleasant to listen to their discussions. What’s interesting, the actress playing Flor, Paz Vega, didn’t know English well when they were shooting the film, so she needed a translator to work with the crew. I think that’s a great idea, because her character was even more natural. Even Adam Sandler might be a surprise for you since his role was way different from his most popular ones. I’m not sure what happened to Téa Leoni, because her character was so fake that it was hard to stand her on the screen. And I know Téa from other productions and she knows how to act. Was it because they directed her that way? No idea, but it wasn’t the most convincing performance, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the film ended up being a bit too naive and sometimes I felt like someone mixed two productions – a very good drama and a soap opera. So I’m not rating it high, but it’s still an interesting story to check out. Oh, and Hans Zimmer was responsible for the music, so I guess I don’t need to encourage you any longer.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Life will go on, we will prevail. “Deep Impact” (1998)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Mimi Leder
© 1998 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re a sensitive person who’s struggling with the current world situation, perhaps you can save this film for later. However, it’s a rather comforting story, so you can always give it a try. The film isn’t about a pandemic, yet people need to prepare for the worst here. A young boy named Leo (Elijah Wood), passionate about astronomy, notices something strange while observing the sky. His teacher informs an astronomer he knows about the discovery and soon it is certain that it’s not just a random object. It’s a huge comet that will most probably hit the Earth. Because of some reasons (you’ll see), people find out about it a year after the discovery. The USA and Russia decide to send a special spacecraft called the “Messiah” to change the comet’s path. As you might be guessing, that would be too easy. And you’re right, because after their intervention, the comet splits into two pieces, which are still heading for our planet. Doesn’t sound promising, right? You might be surprised I’m recommending you a disaster film now, but I have a good reason why. Indeed, it presents a horrible situation in which people have almost no chance of surviving. Still, for me this production is also encouraging. I mean, when it comes to a huge comet that’s about to hit us… well, yeah, I can’t so much about it, can I? But when it comes to our situation right now, I can do a lot. A lot, which is actually simpler than we think. Some people share on the Internet how difficult it is for them to stay at home and that they’re losing their minds. I’m sure it’s not easy, I’m in this as well. Still, the characters of this film could only say “goodbye” to their friends and wait. We can avoid meeting people, wash our hands, make sure we don’t go out without a reason, support our neighbours and friends by offering to do shopping for them, stay in touch with people who are lonely by calling them… I mean, guys, we can do a lot! The idea in “Deep Impact” is horrifying, but it also inspired me somehow. We’re in a bad situation, but we’re still in charge of it. So if you’re still looking for some motivation to sit on your butt, I highly recommend today’s film.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I missed dinner last night because I got drunk with little Irish people. “You Kill Me” (2007)

SashLeave a comment
directed by John Dahl
© 2007 IFC Films. All Rights Reserved.

I’m a big fan of Ben Kingsley and when I saw the description of today’s film, I just had to watch it. Even if it was rated 1/10, I would still dedicate my time to see it. Kingsley plays a hit man from New York and his name is Frank Falenczyk, so it means he’s of Polish origins. It also means he speaks with this funny and super fake Eastern European accent. Frank, except walking around and killing people, is an alcoholic and one day he screws up a very important assignment. His uncle is tired of his nephew’s behaviour and sends him to San Francisco. Frank is forced to start going to AA meetings and take up a job at a mortuary. First he was killing people and now he needs to take care of the dead. Karma. What’s more, Frank has a very specific character and he doesn’t mind mentioning his real job at one AA meeting. I guess you already have some picture of him in your minds. Soon he meets Laurel (Téa Leoni) at the funeral home. Luckily, she’s not dead and she has a very similar sense of humour to Frank’s. Those two immediately get on with each other, but one thing doesn’t and won’t change: Frank is a killer. Personally, when I saw Frank in that mortuary, it reminded me of “Six Feet Under” series and perhaps that’s why I enjoyed the film even more. But seriously speaking, it’s not a marvellous production, yet worth seeing, in my opinion. It’s perfect for a boring evening with friends. “You Kill Me” is definitely more comedy than crime and Ben Kingsley is fantastic in this role. I simply had fun with this film. I’m sure you will too.

My rating: 6/10
S.