Tag: Romance

DUCK BUTTER (2018)

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Directed By: Miguel Arteta Written By: Miguel Arteta & Alia Shawkat Cinematography: Hillary Spera Editor: Christopher Donlon

Cast: Alia Shawkat, Laia Costa, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Kumail Nanjiani, Lindsay Burdge, Mae Whitman, Hong Chau, Kate Berlant, Jenny O’Hara 

Two women, who are dissatisfied with the dishonesty they see in dating and relationships, decide to make a pact to spend 24 hours together hoping to find a new way to create intimacy.

This is a lesbian romance film that seems artsier. Where it seems like the actors get more outbid it than the audience.

While the film does offer a mismatched couple who affect each other in the end. By having one be the more negative over-thinker who is more afraid to try new things. Yet is an actress and the other a free spirit. Who seems to have no grounding. Whereby the end one is affected in a positive way the other in a more morose way. 

The aspect that the film offers is that these two characters hook up and decide on the morning to spend the next 24 hours together. After some initial conflict with the idea. The film explores the following 24 hours where they get to know one another, good and bad. 

It seems like they go through all the painful aspects and rewarding ones in the son of 24 hours. Which makes the film quirky. The characters and their problems always seem to bring it back to reality.

Even if it always has the aspect of a romantic and fantasy. The emotions at times are what ground it.

While Alia Shawkat is always interesting on screen and graduating to bigger roles. Here she is more nebbish, shy, neurotic, and a little depressed than every woman. Who hooks up with this beautiful free spirit played by the gorgeous Laia Costa who seems too good to be true and by the end. We do get to learn about each other a bit more and the dream girl still is unbelievable but at least we get to see her sweat (amongst other things)  and be human. 

Their relationship is believable and takes what most films would spread out over weeks and months and grounds it into the span of 48 hours for the characters. Where you feel that this is the first time they have ever been open not only with anyone else but maybe even themselves.

It’s an intriguing premise and I wish it had been more involving for the audience but while it offers some surprises. Again it is something that we have seen before and know where it is going. As it feels too familiar.

Not to mention interesting characters. You wish more happened or that they were a bit more interesting to keep your attention. This is why ever so often there is a sex scene between the two of them. Which are graphic yet erotic.

Which then seems to force the film into a third act. This reminds me of the movie CHASING AMY. Where a weird self-sabotage logic emerges and while it is understandable feels like a huge mistake out of nowhere. That is a challenge for the characters to one another where they both know will not have a happy ending so to speak 

Grade: C

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (1998)

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Directed By: David Moreton Written By: Todd Stephens  Cinematography: Gina Degirolamo Editor: Tal Bel-David 

Cast: Chris Stafford, Tina Holmes, Lea DeLaria, Andersen Gabrych, Stephenie McVay

A gay teen finds out who he is and what he wants, who his friends are, and who loves him, in this autobiographical tale set in middle America in the 1980s. Growing up, learning about life, love, sex, friends, and lovers.

This is a coming-of-age story only about a gay teen. What is remarkable is not only when it was made making it an early LGBTQ film but the fact that it is a throwback where the movie takes place in 1984. As it marks the film both nostalgic and kind of fun.

It also feels may be more personal or a testament to that time period. Culture, style, and fashion.

The film feels with some material that might be different for coming of age tales like being introduced to certain sexual acts. Though it does allow for a fresh spin for lifestyles that Have been missing g from these sorts of films or been more relegated to side characters where we never get to see their exploration.

This is definitely an independent movie as the production does offer a smaller story and a tight budget. That leaves some details to be vague.

Unfortunately, the film also leaves some characters or relationships between the characters to be that way also at certain points, but it also helps drive home a certain reality for the film and its characters.

In truth, this is a film all about the lead. So while there is the heartbreaking relationship/friendship between the lead and his girl/friend where the film gives her point of view not too much but enough to understand her confusion and pain. Where the relationship at a certain point remains ambiguous. Though it shows deep emotions. The same can be said of his relationship with his mother who reacts honestly and not necessarily cookie-cutter good or evil. In many ways, her character is the heart of the film. 

It’s also nice to see Lea Delaria in an early role. Where it seems like she is just being herself, but also a guide for the main character.

It also presents what seems like it will be first love but more one-sided. As one seems like it’s love and the other looking for a seduction and hook up but not necessarily wanting all the responsibilities of a relationship. This is a story that mostly involves youth.

One of the film’s major strengths is that It’s not a movie where once he comes out he is persecuted nor is he celebrated. It deals with the complications of coming out with some good things and some bad, but a general sense that it will be ok for the character.

Grade: B-

PRIVATE SCHOOL (1983)

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Directed By: Noel Black 
Written By: David Greenburg & Suzanne O’Malley 
Cinematography By: Walter Lassally 
Editor: Fred Chulack 

Cast: Phoebe Cates, Matthew Modine, Betsy Russell, Kathleen Wilhoite, Michael Zorek, Fran Ryan, Ray Walston, Sylvia Kristel, Frances Bay 

Christine, a student at an exclusive all-girls private school, is in love with Jim, who attends an academy for boys nearby. Christine’s arch rival Jordan also has her eye on Jim, and she is willing to do whatever she can to steal him away. Jim’s uber-slob buddy Bubba is going with Betsy, Christine’s cynical friend, though he would probably be unfaithful if any other woman were willing to get near him. Bubba and his pals sneak into the girls’ school dressed in drag in hopes of reaching the Promised Land (better known as the women’s shower room), while Christine and Jim run away together for the weekend, though their escapade isn’t as romantic as they had hoped.

While I can celebrate this film as a milestone as a teen sex comedy I watched often when I was growing up. It will always hit a certain special chord with me. Though I can also say it’s not really a good film. It’s one that has stayed in my memories over the years for many reasons.

One of them being Phoebe Cates in one of her few I fortunately memorable starring roles and also for introducing Betsy Russell an actress I remember from many 80’s movie and who I had a huge crush on at the time (she was most recently in the SAW movies. Still looking beautiful) I believe why she made such an impact on me was at the time. She not only was an actress I had a crush on, but also the first crush I ever saw topless on screen. Which was as good as nice for me at the time.

You also must keep in mind d to me at that age not only was this erotic and exotic material. It was practically porn so it was sacred and felt like it was contraband almost illegal material or at least material I wasn’t supposed to have access to. Which brought an extra joy to watching it

This film was often compared with FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. When I was young even though that film depicted teen sex with a little more authority and realistic elements in a truthful but humorous way. That seemed to show a heart and decency. Plus it was a good movie. The only reason I can think of the comparison is because both feature Phoebe Cates only here in more a starring role,

I can’t say this is a good movie. As the central plot is simple and dumb but identifiable. The film is more episodic in nature and has to deal with life at an all boys and all girls academy in close vicinity. There is a popular couple who haven’t done it yet, but are planning to once all the obstacles get out of their way. There is a rich girl who wants the popular guy and tempts him often. There is also the overweight hot tea best friend who somehow has a cool girlfriend but is always not only horny it the genius who has all these plans that will go wrong.

The only true noteworthy aspect about this movie is that it lives up to it’s promise when it comes to gratuitous nudity, that Fast times promised and gave more of a snippet of. Here there is nudity a plenty usually provided by miss Betsy Russell a veteran of T & A 80’s movies such as TOMBOY.

Even though theoretically she is the villain. She is always shot lovingly and iconically like a bombshell. She totally steals the movie abs is ken fo the more memorable characters and elements. Even as phoebe cates is mroe representative of love, romance abd a certain innocence. Russell’s character is the movies sex appeal, the vixen truly the bombshell and represents lust. Where even though most male characters drool over her. She spends most of the movie trying to entice Matthew modine away from his girlfriend.

I really wonder were these the only films around and offered for young actors or did they figure they would work their way up the Hollywood ladder by getting their foot on the door with these movies or since it was their first movies did they take it and the material seriously? Did anyone become method like Sean Penn and his character in fast times?

I would advise only Watching this for the nostalgic value and vintage 80’s style and nudity. Other then that it doesn’t have too much to offer. Unless you love lowbrow humor and stupid jokes and bad cross dressing.

Sometimes you have to sit and wonder what was wrong with you that you might have thought these movies were great as kids. I think it was the nudity that made me think that this was a masterpiece in my youth. I have the same weakness now, only in life. As nudity make me one weak.

Debut movie as a choreographer of Paula Abdul who choreographed the women’s aerobic workout. And appears as a cheerleader.

Actress Phoebe Cates not only was the top-billed actor but was a performer for the film’s soundtrack singing two songs “How Do I Let You Know” and “Just One Touch” the latter in a duet with Bill Wray. That just helps give the film that 1980’s cinematic cultural sheen.

My uncle as always Introduced this movie to me. Where it was on cable constantly. He had a crush on Phoebe Cates at the time. Especially in the censored version that played on USA cable channels all the time before they had any original programming really.

This was a film that was necessary in my youth. As it was a film I was probably way too young to watch at the time. Yet it was costantly on cable on HBO in the more R Rated nature it was meant to be shown, but then on USA and Wood channel 11 in New York in the more censored form. Either way it has always had a hint of danger for me. As it was always a film that seemed forbidden.

Watching it later in life it hardly comes anywhere near the danger that I felt, but it will always stand as a film that was one of my introductions into more T & A material and definitely a movie that was more gold standard maturing knot puberty.

GRADE: B-

SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU (2016)

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Written & Directed By: Richard Tanne 
Cinematography By: Pat Scola 
Editor: Evan Schiff  
Cast: Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Taylar Fondren 

The film chronicles the summer 1989 afternoon when the future President of the United States, Barack Obama, wooed his future First Lady, Michelle Obama, on a first date across Chicago’s South Side.

The focus on what it’s not for once as it is a black romance that is not totally comedy.

It’s a very ambitious film a film that mixes fact and fiction, but tries to keep the subject matter simple and charming while sticking to most of the facts. Trying to keep the material fresh even though we know how it will end.

Nor is there an emphasis on sex at hooking up as a major part of the romance. We See the characters as smart and well respected. Even if at times the film falls into cliche perils as part of it’s story line and charm though at least the film tries to give it more of a mature aspect to them.

It’s something that is different a mature and more adult look at romance that is simple and complex. That deals with the future and more about making their way in the world. Through lifestyles and career ambitions.

Doesn’t suffer the same fate as many it seems cliche romantic movies which have already been in the decline over the years. We are more served with romantic comedies which already usually weaken some movies by putting more emphasis on the comedy and then having a romantic scene here or there when we already have plenty comedies that have romantic scenes as side, LOVE story. I guess when it comes to romantic comedies at least half of the film will revolve around dating and romance or the love interest will be more than one dimensional and have character

Though unfortunately it seems in African American based ones it seems the focus is on the couple arguing most of the film which is meant to be seen as funny then finally get romantic towards the end or one or both characters being sex crazed. Which automatically feels more like something out of a sitcom rather than needed for a feature.

Which is why when a film like this feels like a rarity and it shouldn’t it is so noted. When there are and should be plenty of films and stories like this out there. Like the individuals it portrays. As there are plenty of people out there like this but unfortunately only a few get the spotlight or more people get to know

Which might be why the Tyler Perry movies are so successful as they serve an audience that feels disenfranchised and that no one makes films for that audience as his are films that they see themselves not only represented in, but also speak more directly to them and their community. As his films at least seem tailor made or meant to be representative of his audience.

An imagined history based on The few facts we know about the Obamas first dates. That gives this film more of a pop culture glow but also a hook as to why audience might want to see it and is a little different than some others.

According to director Richard Tanne, all of the main events of the film did actually occur on the Obama’s first date with the exception of the community meeting which happened at a later date. Obviously another BEFORE SUNRISE influenced film. as it is more about conversation, character and emotion. Though generalizing it that way would easily be a cop out as the film also adds it own touches to the romance as their day is more adventure filled.

As some romantic films have to be shown and filmed that way to showcase that initial spark and see the chemistry while the chemicals mix and start to bond. We understand why in the future even as challenged and frustrated they might be with one another. Why they stay together. So that there are plenty of situations to observe there differing opinions and points of view

While also showcasing it’s own version of romance that is traditional and not necessarily

The same old. As every person’ love story is similar but different and special to the couple or individual and this films honors that We get glimpses of their future greatness. For her we see the roots of it. How she wants to have her own career and be great. How he hasn’t exactly decided what he wants to do but his belief in people, communities and America and how people naturally gravitate towards him. Both actors are believable as the Obama’s

Michelle comes off as someone trying to carve her own niche and life. Be independent and make her way in the world. Not looking to be defined by someone else. Not have anyone but herself take charge of their life

Barack as a confident young man who has taken the for rallying people and charismatic. It still not exactly sure about his future and defining himself

Grade: B

THE PHOTOGRAPH (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie 
Cinematography: Mark Schwartzbard 
Editor: Shannon Baker Davis 

Cast: Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Chante Adams, Y’Lan Noel, Kelvin Harrison jr., Lil Rel Howery, Teyonah Parris, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Rob Morgan, Courtney B. Vance, Chelsea Peretti 

A series of intertwining love stories set in the past and in the present.

The reason I really wanted this film to work. Is that it is rare that you see black romance onscreen. There are films that have it but they only Come around once a decade. As usually on film they just fall in love and get married as part of a bigger story or they are already married and friends to other people in the movie. A supporting character usually having a wife or girlfriend. Or they are the arguing couple or their relationship is more comedic throughout. Never quite deep and never truly showing love and definitely not romance.

 As it makes or seem like the characters are more materialistic, a sexual, sexual only or shallow. It rarely celebrates the beauty of black characters making it seem like they are only as worthy as their looks or body parts.

This leads to a lack of representation again and leaves black people with very few examples of on-screen love. Which might be why at times and at large it seems to be a rarity onscreen and off at times also.

This film at least tries to work against the negative stereotypes and represent and present a love story that doesn’t rely on race heavily but is a black film Romance. With beautiful artistic characters.

So while this film is a romantic drama. what doesn’t precisely work is that it has two love stories that parallel one another and are supposed to complement each other as well as tell their own and nurture one another. The problem is that the one from the past is so much deeper and more felt throughout. 

While the modern romance is similar it doesn’t feel as deep. As it happens faster and doesn’t have any challenges until towards  the end. Leaving it more bland and quite frankly a bit dull. 

There are no hardships for the romance really because as soon as they see one another we know this is meant to be. While the flashbacks to older characters which is the reason they met and came together in the first place. Has so much drama and meaning. It makes the modern one feel a bit empty.

Though at least we get to see the thrill of the chase at the beginning of their courtship. Trying to impress or. Another and be witty. It also lets us see their passion for one another and the reasons they and their romance grows 

The film might have been stronger if rather than treating it as a puzzle and parallel if the older story was told first and then see how it affects the modern in bits. Though it seems it is there to show parallels as well as keep the story motivated as a kind of mystery.

Either way the film definitely has a cultured vibe and mood throughout with a great jazz soundtrack. It’s nice to see a film of black professionals who are upwardly mobile and successful more upper-middle class. 

One only wishes the modern-day Romance was stronger.

If i had to describe this movie with one word soulful.

Grade: C+

THE WEEKEND (2018)

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Written & Directed By: Stella Meghie
Cinematography: Kris Belchevski
Editor: Shannon Baker Davis

Cast: Sasheer Zamata, Tone Bell, Dewanda Wise, Kym Whitley, Y’Lan Noel, Josefina Landeros 

A comedian goes away for the weekend with an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.

It’s nice to see an all-black romantic comedy once in a while. That offers representation and no stereotypes. It also offers a strong independent female lead who is smart, funny, and not desperate.

It’s easy to fall for lead Sasher Zamata and her character. She is charming even if deeply sarcastic and at times rude. Though usually Go for the Dewanda Wise type character, her rival of sorts in the film. As she seems to be given short change. We barely get to know her and she is treated almost like a villain. When she is actually Put in an awkward situation and treated kind of badly by most involved over the weekend. 

So that whIle Sasher Zamata’s Character is the protagonist and whom we are supposed to root for. She is kind of mean and is written off as being sarcastic to be defensive because she is afraid of getting hurt and being vulnerable. Yet she seems to mostly get her way most of the time. So that rationalization doesn’t always work, but then again is she really that different than guys in these types of romantic comedies? who are ass holes for the most part throughout and unmotivated except when they finally find the one and then no matter how underhanded they might be to be with that person we are meant to root for them be axis they are presented as the underdog?

The film Feels awkward and at times airless due to lack of a score partially. Though like the film and the performances, script, and direction. Just feels like something is missing. Yet it wins you over and stays entertaining. 

Though clear from The beginning where it is going. We Want her to end up with the other guy. The one she has no history with, Who seems more deeper and fun. 

As she has chemistry with both her ex and the next guy. She is a little obvious in her attraction for her ex and her ex makes it obvious he wants her still too but can’t Make up his mind. Which is not only frustrating for her but also for us. 

Though happy the way it ended not storybook and a little Unexpected.

In the end, the film that Is a nice little romantic comedy that is more about bonds and relationships rather than romance and fantasy fulfillment. 

Grade: C+

BANANA SPLIT (2020)

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Directed By: Benjamin Kasulke
Written By: Hannah Marks & Joey Power
Cinematography: Darin Moran
Editor: Brendan Walsh

Cast: Hannah Marks, Liana Liberato, Dylan Sprouse, Luke Spencer Roberts, Jessica Hecht, Jacob Batalon, Steve Little

Over the course of a summer, two teenage girls develop the perfect kindred spirit friendship, with one big problem: one of them is dating the other’s ex.

Though the film seems to start out as a romance. It quickly becomes a comedy that is more about the power and intimacy of friendships. How they have their own kind of romance about them.

The film seems like it is headed into a screwball comedy where the main character tries to get her ex-boyfriend back by befriending his new girlfriend or most be a film of unrequited love but it does turn into a romance that shows the growth of a friendship rather than some romantic triangle. 

One that grows from the bond of both loving the same guy and also just getting along and getting to know one another.

The inclusion of his best friend in this secret and giving him his own place in the story is welcoming. Instead of usually being the third wheel or a driving force at first and then an afterthought.

This is another movie like SLASH where actress Hannah marks stars and you can’t help but fall for her character. She’s funny, enchanting, self-deprecating, intelligent, and beautiful. It also helps that she is the co-writer of the film. 

Being that they are high school seniors or is understandable why they might not exactly be fully formed characters and the intensity the characters have over something. That feels a bit trivial. The film also adds the deadline of marks character leaving for college in the background gives the film a countdown timetable.

The film just has plenty of energy and charm. That leaves it relatable and doesn’t talk down to it’s the audience. It has the spirit of a true teen film dramatic yet usually funny.

The only parents or adults the film shows are mark’s Character’s family with whom she has a wisecracking rapport.

Sex isn’t necessarily treated as precious or fragile in this movie more matter of fact. Though not overabundant. 

The characters here freely make mistakes and are wrong at least half the time. So it’s refreshing to have characters not always doing the right thing or even wanting to. 

There is no real villain but also no clear hero. It’s more a slice of life. As it is subtle and doesn’t show off and has a lot of heart. Not to mention an emo/pop soundtrack that is sugary sweet yet emotional and quite catchy.

The film is open-ended enough for anything to happen to and for the characters. 

Grade: B

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (2011)

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francis-lawrence-water-for-elephants-vizet-az-elefantnak-1

Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Written By: Richard LaGravenese
Based on the book by: Sara Gruen
Cinematography by: Rodrigo Prieto
Editor: Alan Edward Bell

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Resse Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook, Paul Schneider, Ken Foree, James Frain, Tim Guinee

After his parents’ death, Jacob Jankoski is left penniless and homeless. Events lead him to joining the circus as their vet, working under their unstable boss August whose violent tendencies give everyone reason to be cautious around him, including his beautiful and quiet wife Marlena, whom August is very possessive of and who Jacob finds himself soon falling in love with.

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IN JULY (2000)

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Written & Directed By: Faith Akin 
Cinematography By: Pierre Aim 
Editor: Andrew Bird 

Cast: Mortiz Bleibtreu, Christiane Paul, Branka Katic, Idil Uner, Mehmet Kurtulus, Jochen Nickel, Briol Unel, Sandra Borgmann

Daniel is a young teacher, who in contrast to everyone else plans to stay in Hamburg for the summer. Juli, a girl at the flea-market, wants to get known to Daniel and manages to sell him a Mayan ring with a sun on it, foretelling him that he will meet a girl with a sun. One day later Daniel is already on his way across Europe. It seems the prophecy came true somehow.

A romantic fantasy that is whimsical and much lighter then the directors later films.

It begins with a bit of misdirection as a framing device.

Director Faith akin has kept his heart with characters like these throughout his films. Hopeless romantics to a degree and the hardships of reality they must face. He has developed more of a style since this film to really explain and develop his ideas. His next two films after this one HEAD-ON (one of my favorite films of all time) and EDGE OF HEAVEN are more dark and dramatic before returning to his kind of lightweight film with SOUL KITCHEN

This film runs on the premise of many screwball romantic comedies with a mix of spiritualism, fortune and fate. Only here not played for laughs as much. It stays fun while being a bit dramatic and serious but keeps ant darkness to itself and stays in the shadows. The film stays in it’s perimeters. Where it and we know where it’s going, but with wonder how it will get there. Only knowing it will be colorful and different. As obstacles and other amounts are thrown in the way it seems like fare and the sense of free will, will prevail. The film stars Mortiz Bleibtreu who seems to be a regular when it comes to German cinema happily the films he tends to be in that I see are good and noteworthy (RUN LOLA RUN, DAS EXPERIMENT) he returns to faith akin in the film SOUL KITCHEN.

A film that is as light and free spirited as it’s female characters. In fact the film uses a similar photo montage from run Lola run. The film feels in spirit more like the female lead to cover exposition

At first the film seems to be a set up of miscommunication and lost chances then it seems like a modern foreign Preston Sturges film without the brilliant dialogue by making it seem like good and bad in the world and characters around them are willing to help shape their future and throw obstacles at them to guarantee the romance springing the characters. Mostly him into action as she plays more the grinning car who watches as she has feelings for him, but has pointed him far from the target. Watching how far he is willing to go for love and her at certain points. While he begins realizing slowly his own deeper feelings for her. Which he into thinks is camaraderie and friendship.

At least not all the characters they cross are good hearted by somehow always mean well. The film feels at times like it wants to be part of magical realism.

Think is this as a more fun and responsible THE SURE THING.

When Daniel and Juli are traveling through Romania, only photos are shown instead of real film footage. The reason for that is the Romanian government didn’t give permission to film in their country, so they had to take photos instead.

It’s like the universe is forcing him into a romance for his own good. He is the only person who doesn’t realize it as he chases his ideal his perfect is by his side and has been throughout this journey. constantly blind to the obvious around him.

A little rough around the edges but you can tell he is coming into his own. Nice to see such a film that is a bit different in Presentation. Yet traditional in it’s heart. That leaves you warm and charmed.

In fact love and it’s boundaries has usually been at the heart of his work. It is rare that he ventures into romance fully and lightly. This is the latest of his films that I have seen even though it is his first one. I can say not as an insult mind you. It is one of his lesser films so far, but still good and a great experience.

Though each film plays more or less magical and spiritual. This film seems more to be under the influence of it’s time. Though worldly seems more of a product of 90’s cinema. As it came at the end of that era and at the beginning of a new generation of era in cinema.

Originally, Daniel and Juli were supposed to sing The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”, but the rights were too expensive. When the music supervisor was able to secure the rights for “Blue Moon” instead, the script was changed at the last minute to include a conversation on oldies.

All the female characters are gorgeous. So that you can see when his character is so distracted and conflicted. While each woman he meets takes him in a new and different journey as they all have their charms and strengths yet reasons why they are not meant for one another. But yet when their time together ends it leaves him With little direction once away from them. Also it shows his feelings are not about looks alone as all of the females are good looking so there is a deeper connection with his intended.

The moment when Daniel sees Melek for the first time, the walking scene is shot reverse for Melek and played backwards to make a more charming introduction.

SPOILER

Though towards the end it is confusing that once he meets the object of his affection. They seem happy and she seems romantic towards him. Yet disappeared to find out he is in love and then as things become full circle seems more of a convenience for a happy ending then natural

SPOILER END

A frolicking adventure and fun ride. Definitely a crowd pleaser. It’s so lighthearted it’s hard to find something to dislike or completely hate

Though this feels like it loses more meaning at heart and more to say then SOUL KITCHEN which seems more fascinated with the directors interest and fascinations as well as distracted with the soundtrack. More fun than challenging or passionate.

Grade: B+

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (2013)

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blue-is-the-warmest-color-movie

 

Directed By: Abdellatif Kechiche
Written By: Abdellatif Kechiche & Ghalia Lacroix
Adapted from: the comic book “Le Bleu est une couleur chaude” by: Julie Maroh Cinematography By: Sofian El Fani
Editor: Sophie Brunet, Ghalia Lacroix, Albertine Lastera, Jean-Marie Lengelle & Camille Toubkis 


Cast: Lea Seydoux, Adele Exarchopoulus, Salim Kechiouche, Aurellen Recoing, Catherine Salee, Benjamin Siksou, Alma Jodorosky

*Please note that some trivia and facts have been republished from imdb among other sources In this review

Adèle is a high school student who is beginning to explore herself as a woman. She dates men but finds no satisfaction with them sexually, and is rejected by a female friend who she does desire. She dreams of something more. She meets Emma who is a free spirited girl whom Adèle’s friends reject due to her sexuality, and by association most begin to reject Adèle. Her relationship with Emma grows into more than just friends as she is the only person with whom she can express herself openly. Together, Adèle and Emma explore social acceptance, sexuality, and the emotional spectrum of their maturing relationship

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