pacolopezpersonal-22057 Reviews

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

A current incident seen from a new point of view

[8/10 · 29 January 2018]

The main lesson is the violence and resentment that pain can cause when you experience that your case does not receive due attention and then you decide to make justice by your own. Hardly is correct the application of that personnal kind of "justice". Usually violence generates more violence in a spiral that is very difficult to stop; the worst thing is that it is contagious to other people and once the process has started it is difficult to stop. this film shows A current incident seen from a new point of view Very good interpretations. Very good film.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Excessive

[5/10 · 29 January 2018]

Excessive, in length, in bicycle rides, in baths in the lake.Excessive in details that do not contribute anything to the argument (like the Star of David, dinners with friends etc.) all this as a wrap to cover two hours with an argument that fits in 5 lines. The best, the conversation of the father with the son in the second hour. A foreseeable end developed in an environment of luxury and easy life

The Last Princess (2016)

A Work close to perfection

[9/10 · 10 October 2017]

A good movie must have among other qualities, a solid plot, good interpretations, emotion, suspense and if it is not too much to ask, to include the amazing element. This film gather everything together and much more if we add the depicted splendor of the Old Korean court. From this work so close to perfection you should not talk much. The correct rhythm between the present moment and the past contributes to increase the intrigue in the form of thinking the spectator to himself of "How will these grave and serious situations be resolved?" or "How some people survived from the beginning to the end of the story?. Many positive values are shown to us here such as solidarity, companionship, struggle for ideals, courage but on the other hand as well many negatives such as betrayal, fear, personal interest, falsehood, cynicism and violence and worst of it all: the cowardice of selling oneself to the invading government. It is best to watch the movie and draw each one's own conclusions. Only two issues remains unsolved: The first one: What happened to the bad guy? And the second : Unfortunately In fact, the story did not end so well since the political situation of both Koreas only allows the monarchy in the films.

The Commune (2016)

Extreme situation of coexistence

[7/10 · 8 October 2017]

Thomas Vinterberg performs an experiment / study of the human personality by gathering a gallery of characters (with whom it is difficult to identify yourself personally) and placing them in an extreme situation of coexistence. The supposed pragmatism or cold- blooded of Nordic people to face problems, here blows up. The ability of the director makes the viewer to take part inadvertently in the plot of the film as one more character of his work. Anna, TV presenter. and Erik professor of architecture form together with his teenage daughter an apparently happy family with no more complications than "the problem" of managing the use of a big inherited house. So great the house that they decide to share the use. The new experience begins with great joy but ends up in a dramatic way by crushing the promoter of the idea of sharing the house. It is interesting to observe the behavior of the teenage daughter through the story and also trying to understand how difficult it can be for a teacher accustomed himself to dominate students and situations from a position of strength to have to give up the domain of his house and almost his way of life for the general interest of a group composed by people whose specific weight is equal to nothing; the parasite that barely contribute, the "bums" that do not compromise themselves in anything, a liberal couple contributing to the experiment with a sick child who possibly might have been better brought up in the privacy of a normal home, etc. In summary, this film is full of teachings and is a great exercise in the expression of different behaviors, through the coexistence of a group of people with whom (out of the movie) it would be difficult to establish a friendship and still less to share your life. Finally highlight the great interpretation of the wife versus the weak of Erik's lover. talking of actresses terms, of course. The plot is set in 1970 but this fact is totally irrelevant.

Tom of Finland (2017)

The success of the hidden

[7/10 · 6 October 2017]

Touko Valio Laaksonen was the man hidden behind the pseudonym of Tom of Finland, a draftsman who began drawing for advertisements, using as complement for the work a camera to capture characters and postures; photos, that later, through his pencil he would become into commercial (or not so commercial) pictures, since he secretly had an inclination: he obsessively drew erotic male illustrations. Tom had in common the use of the camera with Robert Mapplethorpe but Robert used it to enhance the beauty of the human nature while Tom would disfigure it. Tom has in common also with Norman Rockwell to have begun like advertisement draftsman, but Rockwell evolved towards the portrait of the friendly face of life. Tom of Finland is neither one nor the other, he finally became in the creator of an universe in which the super macho man gravitates with all his excesses, adorned by a paraphernalia of uniforms, pants and shirts impossibly tight, leather, etc. whose ultimate aim is to carry the virility and the homoerotic excitement to the last degree. This movie treats the whole matter with great delicacy; to the extent that one of the protagonists tries a psychiatric treatment to cure himself of his "illness". In Europe, homosexuality at that time was socially rejected, punished, and therefore hidden. In América It did not reach all those extremes and a more openly situation contributed to the success of Tom's work. The protagonist ends up pretending to be one of his drawings but only manages to be an outline because his complexion and nature has nothing to do with the characters he drew. His sad and gloomy smile and behavior despite having achieved the success were always accompanied by the inseparable cigarette whose (by the way) omnipresence constitutes nearly an abuse towards the viewer. Throughout the film, every time everywhere cigarettes and smoke are present. It is said that in the movies, in case of the hands and movements of an actor are not expressive enough the solution is a cigarette. Here we come to think that we are subliminally manipulated. Apart from this anecdotal observation the film is worth to watch.

Wind River (2017)

The Western is still alive

[7/10 · 5 October 2017]

Western never dies, it only transforms itself. Hunters no longer go on horseback but on snowmobiles and the sheriff now drives a SUV vehicle, nevertheless the Indians in reservations, fights, shootings and also the stories of this genre of movies remain the same or similar than to the past century, only changes the landscape and the characters, Perhaps Fargo was the movie that started this new modern trend, but basically everything stays the same over time. Aggressions, rapes, revenge, violence and an ending that is always happy and puts things in their rightful place. In the case of this film, the novelty is in the serious reflections on the dramatic loss of loved people and how to continue living in a balanced state of mind, the perseverance that overcomes the inexperience of woman official sent by the FBI and the bravery and determination of the protagonist. It's worth listening to.

The Draughtsman's Contract (1982)

A vulgar story turned into a work of art

[7/10 · 4 October 2017]

The Draughtsman's Contract contained a little special conditions; sometimes it was the draftsman himself who would establish the clauses and conditions and sometimes were the ladies who required him and his "services". The title of the film could have well been "The Draughtsman's pencil". The film is full of sexual / fruity symbolism, which complements a statue of a naked man which can be part of any landscape at any time. The movie also presents an outstanding scenery. Makeup and costumes are so excessive that they contribute visually to give a tone of something never seen before, although on the other side, the main plot is extremely vulgar with an outcome certainly as excessive as the rest of the work. The soundtrack by Nyman is not only a great contribution but sometimes eclipses everything by turning the images into a sort of video clip. It could be said that the features of Greenaway's works are similar to Andy Warhol insofar as their ideas for reinterpreting art can turn something vulgar into a fascinating item.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

No good man on earth

[7/10 · 3 October 2017]

It could be said that the film has three parts, the beginning and the end both are pure show, the central part is a bit slower in action, the argument a little confusing and the acting of the protagonists sometimes is too sensitive and therefore sentimental (perhaps excessively). The final conclusion remains apocalyptic: They pretend to show us that men are humanly worse than animals with no middle term. Here only there are bad men, (not even a good one). The end reminds of the Biblical Exodus with Moses (Here César) leading the people across the desert to a sort of Promised Land that he wouldn't enjoy. We miss the magic of the first movie and the final surprise

Trader Horn (1931)

When the drums play JUJU, or the most realistic film of adventures ever filmed (probably)

[9/10 · 2 October 2017]

This magnificent adventure filmed in 1931 continues amazing to us in 2017. A masterpiece that any lover of the genre should not miss. In spite of the problems and tragic events that occurred during the filming, the movie could finally successfully be finished constituting itself a great economic success of box office, we can say that whoever would watch it once, is sure to repeat and therefore will include this movie into the list of favorite films, the action and the emotion does not decay throughout the film and when it does is to make room for wonderful scenes of animals and jungle constituting itself a nice documentary in parallel to the main plot; besides must be highlighted those scenes corresponding to the savage tribes of extraordinary realism. The feminine touch reminds excessively to the mute cinema but is a sample of the charm of the previous stage

U-571 (2000)

U-571 is not the essential referent.

[5/10 · 1 October 2017]

On the one hand, very good interpretations, rhythm and emotion and on the other hand a very unbelievable argument, plus the same repeated scenes from all submarine films (it is essential to be under enemy frigate / destroyer and depth charges) The soundtrack is so loud and strong that sometimes the conversations can not be heard and a final teaching: you have to be a perfect bastard without feelings towards your crew to become a submarine captain. Very inspired by Wolfgang Petersen's "Das Boot" masterpiece which can only be criticized for its excessive length but this one remains as the essential referent.Das boot sails above U571 so far.

A Ghost Story (2017)

Ghosts can't find their way home.

[5/10 · 26 September 2017]

Scenes endlessly long to fill 1:35:50 of length with a complicated plot, so long the scenes that sometimes you think that the image has been frozen. Among other funny/peculiar things you can see a classic, impressive and omnipresent ghost in white sheet with a female? neighbor in similar situation (even wearing the sheet but with drawings on) saying hello from window to window to each other. If you find yourself lost as the ghosts of this movie while watching it; you should seek explanation in the lyrics of the song, there could be the key that explains everything. This movie requires no popcorn but to watch it with a lot of attention and patience.

Cult of Chucky (2017)

Chucky Did it ...But Which one?

[4/10 · 26 September 2017]

Chucky gets older. It has changed the century and not everything changes for the better. From what is seen he has multiplied by 3, not only physically but violently. This delivery takes place in a psychiatric where everything is white (even the snowy landscape that surrounds it), or Red-Blood with some other character dressed in black, 3 colors for 3 dummies are not enough to reach the height of some previous deliveries. Too much violence and too little content prevent the magic of connecting. Neither the presence of his memorable bride, arouses the interest (You still can remember her walking to the rhythm of Blondie's "Call me" but that was another story. Anyway, If what you want to see is just violence and no more, then, this is your movie.

Viceroy's House (2017)

British Pomp and Circumstance

[6/10 · 26 September 2017]

Once again we can see the brightness of the British Empire, the Pomp and Circumstance. Essentially anglophile where the simple and human behavior of the upper social classes towards people (supposedly) of inferior class or of different culture or religion is a trait something difficult to find and therefore very appreciated when it is produced. The movies shows the last moments of the transfer of sovereignty to India, the process of the creation of Pakistan as a nation and the collateral victims of political intrigue represented here by the viceroy and his wife (officially designated to carry out the whole task) and that despite the efforts of both of them they turn out to be simply marionettes of the British government. To alleviate the great political content of the plot, we also have an insubstantial love story between a couple of lovers of different religion that possibly was not needed; and finally the conclusion that whatever happens in History England always wins.

The Good Catholic (2017)

See Jane Die

[5/10 · 23 September 2017]

A 4-actor film and religious plot has necessarily to communicate much and good to be acceptable. In this case we have a lot of confusion. It is very difficult to find God from the safety and protection of a religious community. God can be found in the difficulty, need and suffering, rarely taking part of a congregation whose way of life is living comfortably. Here we have 4 characters and 4 situations the first one, the superior that believe himself infallible and with right to humiliate. Second; the priest who apparently is normal and flexible but who punishes and make kneeling to one boy who is wrong in singing. Third:The smart protagonist who tries but does not find God and Fourth, the girl who gets tired of not finding something worthwhile in this life, sleeps in a coffin and its motto is "See Jane Die". (Possibly, she is the only one who has God closer). The film is sometimes lacking in rhythm and is only valid for those who endure movies with religious theme. Nothing new.

The Other Side of Hope (2017)

Cinema should be entertainment

[5/10 · 20 August 2017]

So realistic film that sometimes looks like a documentary. It describes the labyrinth that an immigrant has to follow from Syria to Finland to discover the whole story hidden behind the "Refugees Wellcome" in Europe. Nothing surprising. We all already know. There are those who go to the cinema to leave the problems aside alike someone who goes to a restaurant to eat something special or both things; not to be remind you of the T.V. midday news. There are affirmations of the protagonist as: "we go to the bar where the infidels drink" and on the other hand "I have no religion" that contradict each other. You don't know if the final message of the film is: "do not come to Finland that all this can happen to you". Or the best friend of a man is a dog.

The Docks of New York (1928)

Von Cold

[5/10 · 19 August 2017]

Film that tells a story to which could have been extracted much more benefit. aesthetically very influenced by the German expressionist movement. The result is a cold movie that does not leave much memory. Even some point are not clear enough such as the reasons why the girl protagonist tries to commit suicide. It seems a training of Von Sternberg, (not to be confused with Von Stroheim) -Too much German "Von" aristocratic in Hollywood those days- Anyway this movie looks like an essay for his farther works.

Game of Thrones: Beyond the Wall (2017) Season 7, Episode 6

Simply Great!!!

[18 August 2017]

After a first part of the chapter based on strategies and reflections; along the second part come together the show and the extreme emotion, you feel that your pulse itself accelerates and suddenly you can not help but exclaim: Great! Spectacular! The vision surpasses what you expected.

Kiss Me, Stupid (1964)

Not so much

[4/10 · 18 August 2017]

2:34:29 An excessive time length, few characters, too much and empty dialogue to tell few things and with little grace. The songs of George & Ira Gershwin along with the performance of Ray Walston are the best of the film. Incatalogable as musical or pure comedy. Kim Novak shows up too much in everything but interpretation. Maybe this review is like the waiter at the beginning. Everyone laughs but him.

Guys and Dolls (1955)

Memorable & Innocent

[8/10 · 17 August 2017]

This musical improves over the years. Despite its innocent plot it contains the whole essence of the 50's, its sequences become today pure magic they make the viewer keeping the smile throughout the play; the scene of the dice game inside the sewer is more than great, especially when one knows that the die has no marks. Another surprise comes by watching Marlon Brando singing more musical numbers than Frank Sinatra. This musical itself Is a good heritage from the past to the new generations, a real luxury gift.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Season 7 Episode 5

[8/10 · 15 August 2017]

Intense and interesting chapter, not as spectacular as the previous one. In this one. Daenerys after fierce ultimatums (that are resolved by eliminating everybody who opposes her will), she realizes that you can not go through life asking everyone to bow before her. Cersei intends to match the number of dragons with own sons and in front of the whimsical Daenerys a Jon Snow too humble and soft; it is a shame the loss of some characters like Leena Tyrell.