Как прекарах лятната ваканция / How I Spent My Summer Vacation - Now, when Mel Gibson is literally
maligned in the USA, it's not a coincidence that his latest vehicle (and
nowadays we know that Gibson-starring movies are a rarity) has skipped a
cinema release across the Pond. This however is really a pity as How I
Spent My Summer Vacation (also known as Get The Gringo) is actually not
bad at all. Yes, Mel delivers a role which does not require him to
stretch any acting muscle but after all, he is excellent in playing badass
characters. At the same time there are one or two script issues, and
occasional tonal shifts, but at the end the whole thing somehow sticks
together. The final product is interesting, and while it lacks
enough WTF moments to secure a cult status, How I Spent My
Summer Vacation is a passable start for your vacation. (Forum Film) ***
Тъмни сенки / Dark
Shadows - After the disappointment that was Alice in Wonderland,
director Tim Burton returns to a territory which suits him better - dark
and quirky comedy. And this time he almost succeeds in making an
intriguing, visually stunning and, as a whole, funny movie. Almost. On the plus
side, Dark Shadows offers Johnny Depp in his best - he just sizzles on
the big screens, devouring every scene he is in and delivering a
punchline after punchline. At the same time Eva Green as the antagonist
is a symbol of perfect casting and a perfect match for the absurdity of
Depp's character. As I said, visually Dark Shadows is top-notch
perfection, with excellent work from set designers, costume makers and
make-up artists. Oh, and the veins of the
entire film are infused with a charming retro vibe. Which leads us to the negative sides - the script is too
superficial (one character development towards the end is awfully
forced) but worst though is the fact that Depp and Green aside, the
others in the cast are criminally underused. There should be much more of Michelle
Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter, while the character of Jonny Lee
Miller is completely purposeless. At the end the entire affair feels
like if a second or even third instalment waits around the corner.
It doesn't. (Alexandra) ***1/2
Недосегаемите / Intouchables - This is the French
film which has already made above USD 330m (and counting) worldwide and
has not only conjured audiences in its local France but also in
Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea...(don't worry, it would be a
complete flop here). It's not that hard to perceive its global appeal
- it's rare to see a movie with tough issues in its core (the fate of
disabled, poverty, immigration) to be so light, so beautifully crafted,
well-written, perfectly cast and best of all - actually extremely funny.
Ultimately, Intouchables is a movie that cherishes the miracle of life
despite all obstacles and against all odds. And if we draw the line, this
is the kind of movies which is among the toughest to be produced. Oh, and
also, just for a chance, it's filmmakers had resisted the urge to make
the movie a typically French one - so all ... of the script and
pointless scenes are gone. Kudos also to the Bulgarian distributor to
release the title here. Go, seek and watch it, while it's in cinemas.
It's really worth it. (Forum Film) *****
Град на мечти / City of Dreams (Bulgarian Documentary) - Limited
***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Just Fine
** So-so (for genre aficionados only)
* Stay away
