Tuesday 7 July 2009

Review: [•Rec]

“[Rec]” is a Spanish horror movie, released in 2007, directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza. It’s got great recognition among the critics and the public, to the point an American remake has been filmed recently. Generally speaking, the movie fits into the zombie genre quite well, presenting most of the category’s strong features and even adding some original aspects to the mixture.

The story follows a television reporter, named Angela Vidal (Manuela Velazco) and her cameraman Pablo (Pablo Rosso) as they cover the nightlife on a fire station. After some almost annoying minutes of Angela, who at this point starts to get on your nerves, just going round the mostly deserted station, the alarm sounds and the crew joins Manu and Alex, two firemen dispatched to help an old lady that apparently has fallen in her apartment. Once they arrive there, they are joined by two policemen and the building tenants. All seems quite ordinary at first, but soon things get out of hand, as the old lady attacks one of the policemen by bitting his neck, and even worsen when they find out they have been quarantined inside the building by the military forces with no explanation as to why.

The plot is simple enough as to not get in the way of the action and gore, but that does not mean it isn’t there, with an interesting twist at the end. It is filmed in the almost cliched hand-held style, that in this case adjusts well to the story and adds a lot to the terror of the movie. The acting is good, as far as the genre allows, you won’t see any award winning moment, but it won’t anoy you either.

To sum things up, [Rec] is an excelent zombie movie that will greatly surprise any genre fan and that might even convert a lot of non-believers.



Wednesday 3 June 2009

Review: “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”

The British-American production “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” is a drama film directed by Mark Herman. Based on the book of the same name, this story of friendship and two different childhood experiences in the middle of the Second World War will move you to tears.

Asa Butterfield portrays an eight-year old German boy, Bruno, whose father is an important Nazi officer. It all begins when his father is promoted and the family have to move. Different from their fancy house in the city, this one is in the middle of nowhere and near to a concentration camp. Bored and with no friends to play with, Bruno decides to explore the new surroundings, although he is not allowed to do so. After running through the forest for a while, he finds himself in front of a large fence that separates him from people in “striped pyjamas” and from Shmuel, a Jewish boy played by Jack Scanlon, who will become his friend. Bruno often returns to the fence to bring the boy food and to play with him. One day Shmuel’s father is missing and Bruno decides help his friend in the search so he gets into the camp and something really unexpected happens...

The outstanding performances of the two young actors, make the plot vivid and touching. The film is sensitively written since it contrasts the life of two boys of the same age that are growing up in two very different social contexts.

You should definitely see “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” since you would see the holocaust from the point of view of two innocent boys that the only thing they want is to be friends no matter what religion they belong to.

Review: " Troy"

Troy, an epic film with a good mixture of action, history and romance, is set in ancient Greece where kings fought for power and lands, and warriors for honour and immortality. The film intends to be an adaptation of Homer´s epic poem " The Iliad", but fails in the attempt. Troy tells the story of how a war broke out bacause of love and ambition.

The story begins when the two princes of Troy Hector ( played by Eric Bana) and Paris ( Orlando Bloom) make piece with the king of Sparta Manelaus ( Brendan Gleeson). The story reaches a dramatic climax when on their journey back Paris reveals that he has an affair with the beautiful Helena ( Manelaus' wife played by Diana Kruger) and has hidden her in the ship. Unfortunately, It was too late to come back to Sparta. From then on, Manelaus starts off a war with the Trojans which ends when Troy falls and is completely destroyed.

Having a star- studded cast, however, the film has unconvincing and weak performances. But I have to say that Eric Bana's acting is really outstanding. The script is rather superficial and predictable and the direction is quite poor. Yet, the director ( Wolfgang Petersen), makes good use of the location and the landscape is beautifully shot. Your jows drop when first viewing the arrival of the thousand Greek ships, a visual masterpiece.

If you like action scenes, and really sexy actors you should definitely see this film, but remember it lasts three hours. So give it a thought before going.


Tuesday 2 June 2009

Review: "Across the Universe"

“Across The Universe” is a romantic musical film directed by Julie Taymor. It is mainly set in Liverpool and in Greenwich Village. It provides an original insight into the chaos of the 1960s; during the riotous years of anti-war manifestations and rock ‘n roll.

The main characters are Jude and Lucy, played by Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood. Jude, a metal worker on the docks in Liverpool, travels to the USA in search of his lost father and in order to have a better life. It is there that he meets Lucy, a school girl.-They immediately fall in love. The film centres on both of them, two passionate lovers, along with a group of friends and musicians who eagerly join peace and political movements.

Unfortunately, their fairy tale life takes an unexpected twist when things on the protests become worse. The young lovers are torn apart and each of them goes their separate ways. They will have to prove their love is stronger than anything else, to strive for their rights and to find their way back to each other.

“Across The Universe” is definitely a marvellous film. It has all the makings of a first-class musical. The outstanding performance of the whole cast and the unique adaptation of the Beatles songs makes it a ground-breaking film. One particular strength of the film is the psychedelic visual effects. The flamboyant visuals will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you are a Beatle fan, and one of those who are into musicals, you should definitely see it.





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Other interesting links of the film's lyrics . Mind you! If u're going to watch the film, don't click on the links. You'd better watch just the trailer.

You can enjoy these videos whenever u want!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWM5c5KoLow&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79B3FHi0Fs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL4oAUOxJ50&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Dsq9NtiIo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4g_wXJgjic&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxAdoTOnuM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CRKY8l87Io&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79B3FHi0Fs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFJWFGuz48I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTRO3cSFUcE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op7Mqk-lKj8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDW4Y2SzIpU&feature=PlayList&p=81558AB1AAA63402&index=0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH6eiCJ9SDs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWP_lGWYV4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWaenYkdMis&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wmKXQP_3zM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBDQNlc_RlU&feature=related


Hope u like it! See u!


Saturday 30 May 2009

Review: The last Samurai

The Last Samurai is an epic film directed by Edward Zwich. Set in Japan in the 19 th century the main character is an American Captain called Nathan Algren, played by Tom Cruise, who after being taken prisoner by samurais, lives with them and discovers a completely new world that makes him view life in a radically different way.

The story begins when the Emperor of Japan wants to restructure his country changing from the old ways of the samurais to a modern, westernised culture, so he calls Captain Algren to train his army with new weapons and tecniques to fight against Katsumoto, the leader of the Samurais (played by Ken Watanave) who is not in favor of changes. During the first battle between the samurais and the not fully-fledched army, the latter is defeated. Captain Algren is injured and taken prisoner to the samurais' village where he is cured. During his stay with them he begins to be interested in their culture. He starts to have a different outlook on life and He finally fights with them against the Emperor.

The Last Samurai is a brillant portrayal of a changing Japan. The direction is superb, able to recreate the age perfectly. The locations are gorgeos, and Cruise and Watanabe's performance are outstanding. Finally, the battle scenes are so superbly shot that keep you on the edge of your seat.
It may not be the most fascinating movie you have ever seen but for those who love a story of war and heroes, and those who are interested in oriental philosophy and their way of life, The Last Samurai is highly recommended.

Friday 29 May 2009

Expand your vocabulary


In this site there are mutiple choice questions that will help you expand your vocabulary. The plus is that every time you choose the correct answer, the site donates 25 cents to underprivileged children. Just give it a try. You'll be developing your vocabulary and helping children in need in the process. It's really worth it!

Friday 1 May 2009

Podcasts for developing listening skills

I came across this great page with podcasts in English

If you follow the link above, you'll land on the level 3 page, which I think is the most appropriate for you, but of course you can take a look at the other levels if you feel like that.



You see that, on the top right side of the page, you can click on listen to all podcasts. That will open a window like the one you can see to the left of the picture here. There are lots of very interesting podcasts that will help you train your ear. And there also some interesting videos.


Hope you find this useful!