Balance - Wolfgang & Christoph Lauenstein (1989)

This crazy animation won the Animation's Oscar back in 1989. It explains to us why greed is one of the seven deadly sins. Four characters try to survive in balance on a platform and fish all together. But when one of them finds a mysterious music box, everyone becomes greedy and balance disappears with life costs.

Method Actor (2011)

Oh my..English director Justin Stokes gives us one of the most impressive shorts of this year. He presents the monologue of a single actor. John Shrapnel is just perfect for the role. As he tells us about his story being an enormous actor, we dive into his personality ending in a dark, distorted mind. Direction and conclusion at its best. Enjoy!

Tini zabutykh predkiv aka Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)

A haunting experience from the great Georgian director Sergei Parajanov forty six years ago. A mysterious love story between Ivan and Marichka. Their love is so strong that even when Marickha's father killed Ivan's father, it didn't mean anything to them. When Ivan leaves to find work at another providence, Marichka dies accidentally and that makes him crazy. He feels lost and surrenders to misery. After a long period of grief, he returns back to reality and meets Palagna. They get married and she wants children. But his mind is still on his dead love. So then she tries sorcery but she comes under the spell of a powerful wizard, Yurasic and falls in love with him. Yurasic challenges Ivan and kills him. A tale, such fantastic and magic that blows your mind away. Directed as nothing else I have ever seen, this diamond is still original and gives you the creeps. So much color and intense, a true masterpiece, but maybe not for everyone.

Commercial 2011! For sure...Enjoy the Christmas mates...

It's time for our celebrating commercial. Enjoy tender moments between our evil heroes. And sleep tight!

Tonight - Nomint (2011)

Merry Christmas fellow friends..Try not to be paranoid...Ho Ho Ho!

TONIGHT from NOMINT on Vimeo.

Liam (2000)

Back at the 00s, Stephen Frears directs one of the most sentimental films about childhood. Liam Sullivan is a very cute young boy facing difficulties in speaking. He witness the dramatic situation happening at his family when his father losses his job. His mother is really devoted to her children but the father starts having a racist rave. He thinks that Jews and Irish people who live in Liverpool at the era of Depression, are responsible for his loss of work and joins into a racist clan. In the middle while, Liam gets a regular dose of fire and brimstone at church, as he is ready to make his first Holy Communion. His teacher and the priest fill pupils minds with hysterical thoughts of hypocrisy and madness around Christian ideology. A marvelous and tender story about the lost innocence and a stunning performance from the young Anthony Borrows.

Cyrus (2010)

John is a tender man who feels alone after his divorce seven years ago. But he still has contact with his ex wife who now tries to help him find a new woman. As she invites him to her marriage pre party, she encourages him to speak to several women. There he meets Molly and they get in love soon. She is something new in his life and that makes him really happy. Until he finds about that she leaves with her son, Cyrus. He is a weird and jealous 22 years young man but he isn't ready to share his mom with someone else. So he is ready to put some troubles at John's relationship. But he has to learn how to live first. Excellent performances by Reilly, Hill and Tomei who deliver three convincing and realistic characters who want to share emotions. Just great!

Spider-Man (Atari 2600) (1982)

Another funny commercial back from the 80s. Even Spiderman can't handle the difficult stages of Atari 2600 video games as Goblin teases him.

Emak-Bakia aka Leave me alone - Man Ray (1926)

Welcome to the abstract cinema of Man Ray. Another great piece of this individual artist containing Rayographs, double exposures, soft focus and ambiguous features.

3 Idiots (2009)

Raju and Farhan start a quest in order to find their lost buddy, Rancho. They were all studying at the same university where Director Viru aka Virus leaded students to commit suicide after their failures. On their way to Rancho, they encounter another student, Chatur, now a successful businessman, who reminds them of a bet they had undertaken 10 years ago. We will see their stories and how the met through continuous flashbacks. Rancho was keeping a secret about his real identity and our friends will face difficulties until they reach him. Rancho also was in love with Viru's daughter, beautiful doctor Pia but he never expressed his feelings towards her. A strong story about friendship, love and acceptance. Excellent script, beautiful images and real characters promise you a powerful experience from Malaysia.

Miller's crossing (1990)

One of the best gangster movies ever. In my personal opinion much better than 'The Godfather'. A script that deserved an Oscar maybe. Tom Reagan's loyalty to Lio, a prohibition-era crime boss is a fact. He tries to solve problems with other mobsters on his own unique way as an advisor. When he messes with Verna, a dangerous woman, he gets caught in divided loyalties. Lio thinks he is a traitor so Tom changes place at the opposite camp, helping Johnny Caspar, an insane mobster at his illegal business. Dane, Caspar's second hand doesn't really trust him and wants to get rid of him. Verna also asks Tom to protect her brother Bernie from Caspar. What is Tom's plan about this crisis and who is going to stay alive finally? Suspense and black humor attached by a sparkle of drama in this marvelous flick. Coen brothers direction at its best.

The Party (1968)

What can you say about Peter Sellers? A great actor, maybe one of the most important comedians of the last century. And this film is one his classics. A funny and remarkable story about an Indian actor, Hrundi V. Bakshi. He tries to be polite and useful but in the end he destroys everything on his way. After a mistake of Mr. Clutterbuck's secretary, he will be invited at his villa to enjoy a party alongside other famous people of the cinema's industry. He will meet various characters and enjoy there as a guest. Soon he will be a part of this funny situation that is going to change everything on the place. A drunk battler, an drawn elephant, a Russian dancers ballet and a lot of other incredible incidents will transform the villa to a circus. One man show by Peter Sellers. Recommended!

Conan the Barbarian (2011)

As a great fan of Robert E. Howard's stories with Conan, this flick was so and so for me. Conan is the hero of an epic era, a story so violent and dark that I finally think no director can actually transfer it on its original idea on the screen. I won't compare it with the old one with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the protagonist, because they are two completely different styles. It is still watchable though. On this film, we can see the origins of this Cimmerian warrior, how he was borned and raised to be a fearless swordsfighter. After the death of his parents, he seeks revenge on Khalar Zym, a warlord who wants to join back the pieces of an ancient mask and bring back his dead queen with the help of his witch daughter. Conan will fight against horrific monsters and supernatural evils as he has to save the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign. Nothing special in direction, some splatter stuff and a proposal for a cool 'epic action' afternoon.

Super 8 (2011)

Joe Lamb misses his mother who died on an accident at the factory she was working. His father Jack who is the Deputy at a small town near Ohio, thinks that Louis, his wife co-worker is responsible for her death. Joe and his pals are planning to complete the direction of a b movie during the summer of 1979, as they are great fans. So Joe is going to meet there Alice, Louis's daughter and there is going to be something among them. As they shoot a scene near a train station, they witness an incredible train crash. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and our little heroes are trying to explain them. Army appears and controls everything. And secrets well kept for years are responsible for this chaos. Quite cheesy film, with a sparkle of suspense, it began well but in the end it was so predictable. It reminded me of the 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial' in a different way as also Steven Spielberg participates at the production of this flick.

Crank: High Voltage (2009)

This film is so fucking insane that is going to be a huge cult in a few years. The story continues from the end of the first film, with Chev Chelios surviving a fall from a helicopter and kidnapped from the Chinese Triangle. The mafia takes off his heart and replace it with a mechanical one that needs electricity in order to keep going. So Chelios spreads chaos and destroys everything on his way to take it back. He has to kill Johnny Vang, a chinese mobster and confront some of the toughest guys around including Don Kim, another Chinese mafia boss and El Huron who wants him dead because Chev has killed his brothers. Chev will find help at the faces of his ex girlfriend who is now a stripper, a Chinese prostitute and an old Indian friend with Tourette's syndrome. Incredible action scenes, references to Japanese anime as 'Locke the Superman' and even Godzilla. A must seen for every B movie fan outhere.

From within (2008)

Sometimes the critics on Imdb, don't represent the real quality of a movie. I think this flick deserved a better rate though. The reason is that this simple horror film was actually a small surprise instead of its low budget production. In a small town at the States countryside, evil is all around. It possesses all witnesses of several suicides, making them following their deadly path. Started from a curse of an outcast teenager who blamed the authorities for his innocent mother's killing. Lindsay is a young girl who used to be friend with Dylan, son of the local preacher who becomes fanatic and attacks on Aidan, brother of the first dead teenager, accusing him for the deaths. He also penetrates people to take the law on their own hands but the curse is not going to end this way. Secrets are going to be revealed and death will take place everywhere. Excellent script, interesting story line and an surprising end as well.

Killshot (2008)

A quite watchable film, based on a pulp fiction book. Armand aka 'Blackbird' used to be one of Mafia's hitmen. Now he wants to retire but after finishing his last job, he interferes at the personal matters of the big boss who now wants him dead. He will meet Richie Nix, an arrogant and ambitious thief who wants to be teached the tricks of crime business. Soon they got more troubles as Nix unsuccessfully tries to blackmail a real estate agent. Now police chase them and Armand also finds new targets to eliminate at the faces of Carmen Colson and her ironworker husband Wayne who witnessed the incident. As they placed in the Federal Witness Protection, they will find also a shelter that help them to reconsider the problems that leaded them to break apart. Mickey Rourke's delivers an interesting performance and the direction that sometimes flaws, finally keeps you satisfied.

Death race (2008)

This was a quite entertaining film but nothing more. With Jason Statham as Jensen Ames, a construction worker who is being accused for his wife murder. Madam Hennessey, the evil director of Terminal Island prison alongside with her assistant, Ulrich are behind this plan. Jensen is a tough guy and doesn't want to stay long in this hell so he will accept the offer to participate at the 'Death Race', a game where criminals race armored cars and kill each other. The one who wins five times, is getting released. Jensen will find difficulties in there as Pachenko and his brotherhood want him dead. He will take the place of Frankenstein, an ex former but now dead champion and with the help of his technical team will find the way to freedom! Action in high levels and fast direction are the points of this production.

Father and Daughter - Michael Dudok de Wit (2001)

Can you really express the sadness of the loss of someone beloved? One of the best animations ever, with plenty of awards worldwide. Just open your heart and feel the emotions. Excellent script, sound track and direction as well. Enjoy!

Colombiana (2011)

The Catelaya or Cattleya Flower is a genus of orchid found from Costa Rica to Tropical South America. Cataleya is also the name of a little girl raising at the tough neighborhoods of Bogota, in Colombia. Her father Fabio used to work with Don Luis in illegal operations. But now their relations have been broken and soon Don will send his mercenaries to kill Fabio and his family. Cataleya will witness her parents slaughter and will escape in Chicago finding her uncle Emilio. She will ask him to train her as a killer as she wants to pay back Don Luis. After two decades and some violent murders, she will be ready to confront the mobster who ruined her life. Agent Ross is also on her trails in order to arrest her but he will be unable to proceed more as she always lead the game. Luc Besson was on the screenplay of this entertaining film. Nice action scenes, a beautiful female hero and a little bit of drama, just perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Harold & Kumar escape from Guantanamo bay (2008)

In my previous article about the last Harold's and Kumar's adventures, after the happy ending where we found our heroes enjoying their meal at the White Castle, Harold finally spoke to Maria and expressed his feelings towards her. So on this sequel, Harold and Kumar decide to go to Amsterdam because Harold doesn't want to wait ten days to see Maria again. But on the plane, they will be accused as terrorists due to Kumar's childish behavior who started smoking weed into the cabinet. So they will be arrested and sent to Guantanamo Bay. But hopefully they will escape before trying the horrifying cock-sandwich and they stop by a friend in Florida asking for help. They will continue their trip to Texas in order to find Kumar's ex-girlfriend's fiancé, Colton, and try to prove their innocence. But Kolton is ruthless and will lead them back to the blind justice of racist agent Ron Fox who actually wants them dead. Once more our fellow guys will face racism, ignorance and despair but they will finally gain freedom. And of course Neil Patrick Harris will be there one more time for them. More hilarious than the prequel this film is just a huge comedy. John Cho and Kal Penn are good actors and the script is working correctly as well. Enjoy and laugh loud!

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

Harold Lee and Kumar Patel are two roommates who live in a parallel universe. The first one is conscious office worker and the second is a lazy medical ex student. They both have a passion, smoking weed. Harold is also very shy and feels uncomfortable to contact with any woman instead of Kumar who is thinking all the time about sex. One day as they feel hungry, they decide to organize a trip to White Castle, a famous fast food restaurant. But they encounter a lot of problems, including racist cops, a raccoon, a bunch of punks who always laugh on them and a horny Neil Patrick Harris. It will be a long trip where the two buddies will realize that even the simplest goals in life can be impossible to achieve, due to such disturbances as irony, circumstance, error, and misfortune. One of the coolest and funnier flicks I saw this period. Full of sarcasm and satire for many issues as it is racism, capitalism and the American way of life. Just excellent.

Grave encounters (2011)

Another horror flick at the style of 'Blair Witch Project'. Lance Preston is the showman of 'Grave Encounters'. With his crew, he travels around the States and investigates paranormal phenomena in haunted places. Their next show is given at the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital. A huge place that used to hostel thousands of psychopaths since the 1930s. There was also another dark issue, the case of Dr. Friedki, an insane doctor who experimented on the bodies of the poor patients. Lars and his partners will lock themselves into this building but they willbe trapped  in a labyrinth maze of endless hallways and corridors, terrorized by the ghosts. Time stops there and insanity starts. The problem here is that you will not see something new. People who get lost around a haunted place, ghosts that roaring like lions are not looking real, the script also was not excited. You will listen over fifteen times the word 'Fuck' instead of a normal dialogue between the actors. It is worth seeing and it is much better than 'Paranormal Activity' as well.

The man with the beautiful eyes (1998)

This marvelous animation won a Bafta prize back then. It is based on a Charles Bukowski poem. It is about a bunch of kids who are playing around, near to a quiet house surrounded by a pond full of goldfishes. The owner is a healthy strong man with clear eyes and they noticed him only once when he went out drunk and saluted them. He became a symbol in front of their innocent eyes but the society doesn't accept so easy our idols and tries to disappear our hopes and dreams. Just great!

The Man with the Beautiful Eyes from Jonathan Hodgson on Vimeo.

Immortals (2011)

A long period ago before first humans start walking on the land, there was an epic battle between Gods and Titans. The first won and put the Titans into a jail, in the bottom of mount Tartaros. But now, a new warlord, crazy for glory and power, Hyperion conquers ancient Greece piece by piece. His army kills innocent masses, destroy everything as they seek for a legendary weapon, the Epirus Bow. The only one that can unleash the Titans. Zeus has been transformed into a wise old man who advices brave Theseus, a young strong peasant to follow his destiny and save humanity from Hyperion and his hordes. Stylish and gory as '300', it was a nice gem especially if you watch it in cinema. I liked Mickey Rourke once more for a very satisfying role. The direction was fine and the visuals just amazing. The only disappointing thing was about the plot that disturbs the ancient Greek Mythology blending Theseus and the Minotaur legend with the epic battle between 12 Gods of ancient Greece and the Titans. As well no one God never died actually. But it is still an enjoyable movie.

Rango (2011)

Rango is a pet chameleon who lives in his fantastic universe containing life and action in his glass box.One day, after an accident he will fall out from his owner's car outside in the middle of a desert. Now survival is a difficult task. But he finds shelter in an old western town called Dirt. Citizens don't welcome him as they confront more serious problems, especially when their water deposit begins to empty. Rango after some hilarious incidents becomes the Sheriff of this town and he really feels for it. But being a hero and playing a hero are two completely different things and Rango is going to understand it soon. The Mayor who is a foxy turtle has plans for this city. And Rango is a problem. So he calls for Rattlesnake Jake, a vicious cold blood killer to end his life. Nice screenplay, interesting direction and a cool cast including Johnny Depp are the right components for this successful animation.

Kokuhaku aka Confessions (2010)

Revenge has been served. And no one is going to escape from it. Yuko Moriguchi's four years daughter becomes a victim of two twisted pupils. Shuya Watanabe has a psychological complex with his mother who abandoned him and used to torture him. She was a scientist, a mechanical engineer who preferred her career that raising properly her son. The other boy who was being involved in this crime was Naoki Shimomura, an ordinary but not so clever student who tried to become friend with Shuya even if the second always thought he was just better than him in everything. So Yuko organizes a crazy plan that drive these two insane and send them into a hell trip with no return. Mizuki Kitahara is also another young killer who poisoned her whole family and now tries to help Shuya. But hope is not enough. This was one of the best psychological thrillers of the decade for me. Much stunning as 'Old Boy', suspenseful and creepy, it was just perfect. RECOMMENDED!

The Illusionist (2010)

A great animation from the French director Sylvain Chomet, also well known for  'The Triplets of Belleville' back in 2003. Hand drawn in a specific style, this is another stunning spectacle. A French magician or illusionist (call him whatever you prefer) can't find a serious collaboration and live a proper life. He spends his time wondering around and decides to travel to Scotland and give there another show. He will meet a young woman working as a house maid at the local pub and she will escape with him into an adventurous trip. The meaning of life and sharing things in a beautiful canvas that make you smile. Nice!

Thought of You - Ryan J Woodward (2010)

I believe actually that you don't need words to describe your feelings sometime. So this is a nice example of remaining speechless watching this emotional gem. It is about acceptance of the other side. A dancer who lives in color is being sad because his beloved girl lives in another state of consciousness. When she will try to change at his own level and liberate herself from being a free spirit, they will be finally together. But is this the point of their love or was it just a perception of reality for him? Thinkable and sensitive as well.

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

Mobius - Vincent Laforet (2011)

This is a great short from the talented director and photographer Vincent Laforet. One of the best sci fi shorts I saw this year. A journalist tries to investigate the cause of a brutal death in the middle of a desert. There are rumors of vanished people and strange things flying on the sky. When he will  be chased by two killers, he will try to hide on a park with abandoned airplanes. But time and space are not as they seem and he will live a real endless nightmare.

Mobius from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Black death (2010)

Set in a medieval world, a bunch of mercenaries are seeking for a lost village, Their mission is to find out its leader and destroy the whole place, as they have orders from the powerful church. The Bishop thinks that something evil lives there and this is the reason that plague kills thousands of people all over the country. As they need some help to cross the forest, a monk will help them as he think it is God's will to find back his beloved woman who escaped there in order to survive from the plague. But he will be a marionette in a game of death that will change him from inside. They will find also the mysterious village where people don't believe at any religion and soon things will get messy. A dark and gory film that worth watching with a good cast and great cinematography.

Into the wild (2007)

Sean Penn is not only a great actor but also a brilliant director. His film is just so real and powerful that made me feel so many things. It is about the life of Christopher McCandless, a young student who after finished high school, he decided to leave his house and family back and discover world. He wants to go in Alaska and live there alone in the wilderness as a free man. He will meet several people who will help discover his self and truth about love, happiness and respect. They will also take some lessons of dreaming a better world from him as well. Chris has an incredible way of thinking and he never changed his mind of living a life away from the modern civilization. A romantic hero that made people smiling. Incredible movie. One of the best I saw this year. RECOMMENDED!

Kill squad (1982)

When Joseph, a successful businessman becomes a victim of an assault, his life is ruined. He has to live now on a wheelchair and he seeks for revenge also for his wife's rape an death. So with his best friend Larry, they call in help of some other old friends and co fighters from the Vietnam war. They all own to Joseph as he was their leader and they helped them escape from hell. Now it's time to help him back. So they will start investigating for the members of the gang that harmed Joseph but the cost will be high as they will become also victims of a sniper one by one. And Larry will have to find out the real truth about the whole story. A classic violent film of the eighties, full of fights and action scenes. Don't underestimate it, even if the plot is so simple.

Simya-ui FM aka Midnight FM (2010)

Ko Seon-young is a famous radio hostess but tonight she is going to give her last show, because she has to look after her sick daughter. But this show will be endless as a mysterious guy calls her and threatens to kill her family if she won't follow his orders. He sent to her a list of songs he wants to be played. He enters her house, start killing people and seeks for her daughter. Ko now is on the run in order to save hers little daughter life. Another fan of her show will try to help her as also her coworkers. A suspenseful film with good acting and fast direction that keeps you impatient. Another cool Korean movie as well ;) Enjoy!

The curious fate of humankind - Laura Sicouri (2011)

In a fantastic world of a fabric, the machines have taken control and everything is working correctly. But what if something happens? A funny short animation. Enjoy!

The Curious Fate of Humankind from Laura Sicouri on Vimeo.

Celda 211 aka Cell 211 (2009)

This was fresh and cool. Juan Oliver is a young man who is going to work as a prison officer. Unfortunately he gets trapped into the prison as a riot begins and there is no escape for him. So he poses as a prisoner and tries to survive at a place where hell looks like paradise. Malamadre is the boss around here and he leads the riot. He has nothing to loose and he doesn't care for his live. His mates are the toughest and become cruel to the other guards that also have been trapped inside the jail. The special forces are ready to take back the place but Malamadre has something to show them. He threatens them that he will kill three special inmates, terrorists of the ETA if they will try something. After Juan's wife tragical end outside the prison, he will drive crazy and kill the responsible man for that. And he will find out that his life will end up in this shithole. So time for these two different men finishes.

The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)

This is an epic tale full of sorcery, sword fights and lots of naked women. It was released by the same studio that made ''Conan the Barbarian" in 1982. But I love both of them. So let's return to the plot. Titus Cromwell is planning to rule over every land of this fantastic and forgotten world. So with the help of a demon called Xusia he attacks at King's Richard's kingdom, Ehdan and conquer it. Talon, the prince who witness his family's brutal death, manages to escape. After eleven years he will come back as a mighty warrior and with the help of his mercenaries, he will seek for revenge. But as he is not interested for the throne anymore, he will help Mikah who now is the heir and his sister Alana to gain back the kingdom and free people from the slavery of Titus. The rebellion is ready to start but there is also another threat that will appear from the past.

Kontroll (2003)

Bulcsú works as a ticket inspector at the filthy stations of the underground. With his crew they witness surrealistic moments of confrontation with illegal passengers, junkies and other ordinary people. Their job is not an easy one as they feel that no one likes them. Bulcsú has found a shelter on his job and he usually sleeps on the abandoned stations after midnight when they are empty, trying to avoid any communication with the life upon the surface. A dark tale that blends crime elements with drama but also comedy with noir. The excellent soundtrack also is a good point as well the remarkable direction of Nimród Antal. Recommended as a great experience of cinematography from the author!

Signal - Maxim Zhestkov (2011)

Can the humans decode the unsolved mysteries of the universe? You can find the answer or not, in this stunning short sci fi animation. The short camera and the direction works fine as the music helps the whole production. Great!

СИГНАЛ / SIGNAL from Maxim Zhestkov on Vimeo.

Ajami (2009)

This was such an impact to my brain. An authentic film that reveals all the tragic incidents that happen in Tel Aviv between the Muslims and the Christians who live there. A compilation of five stories of different people who actually are all members of the same community. Omar is an Israeli Arab who tries to survive along with his family and escape from the nightmare of death, due to a crazy vendetta that has started between his relatives and a gang of extortionists. He loves Hadir, a Christian girl but their love has no future. Malek is an illegal Palestinian worker who tries to save some money and help his sick mother. Soon he will collaborate with Omar and try to sell some drugs but he will be also trapped at a vicious game of death and betrayal. Dando is an Israeli cop who tries to find out who killed his beloved brother. Soon all of these characters will face their fate in a crisis that will change their lives forever. Excellent film that nominated for the Best Foreign Language film in 2009 and won a lot of other awards around the globe.

The Sender (1982)

Another lost film back from the 80s. A psychological thriller that will keep you satisfied. The story is simple as that. A telepathic man who lives in his disturbed world, seems to be lost and tries to commit suicide. Dr. Gail Farmer tries to help him out and discover what happens about him. Soon she and the other people who work on the same hospital will taste the supernatural powers of this strange man when his dreams will become a real terror to everybody. Gail will also contact with his dead mother who her spirit tries to kill him in order to stay with him forever. A suspenseful gem with dramatic consequences and manipulating cinematography. It is a pity that movies like that didn't get the recognition they really deserve.

There Will Come Soft Rains - Nazim Tulyakhodzayev (1987)

Our world without us. A journey through an urban environment, viewing the dynamic life of a city without the people that inhabit it. This amazing animated film based on Ray Bradbury's sci-fi novel "The Martian Chronicles", on the short story called "There Will Come Soft Rains". It won the "Golden Dove" Award on Leipzig International Festival for Documentary and Animated Films in 1984. It is going to haunt you for a long time for sure. Excellent!

Lifted (2006)

Back to the animations gems and one of my favorite animation studios: Pixar. Actually with no dialog but an interesting score, funny characters and special effects, this little diamond can give you all the entertainment you need in a small package. Just quality!

The Killing Joke - Sebastian Lopez (2011)

An excellent production dedicated to the 70s horror films. A young woman is being chased by a clown in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by abandoned factories. The suspense is working properly, the actors acted really good, the composition was impressive and that gave as a result a beautiful film. Enjoy!

The Killing Joke from sebastian lopez on Vimeo.

Little red ridning hood - Tomas Nilsson (2008)

A different view at the classical story of Little red ridning hood. Brought in a digital way, this fantasy tale becomes a very interesting animation. Enjoy!

Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.

Gorath (1962)

Earth is going to collapse under the massive impact with a mysterious star, called Gorath that it has sixty times the Earth's mass. Japanese government who is leading the space exploration and research, is sending JX-1, a special rocket that finally looses control and crashes onto the gigantic star. Now it is time for a second team to fly JX-2, even if they are not ready yet. Their will to rescue the planet is so big that they are ready to sacrifice themselves. Among them, there is Tetsu Kanai, a brave space pilot. In the meantime, two astronomers, Kano and his partner Tazara are really worried about the collision of this mysterious star. How can they advance the war against this approaching threat? This is the greatest challenge for scientific world and not only. When the spaceship approaches Gorath, Kanai looses his memory while observing it and collecting data from a near distance. Scientists all over the world begin a new project. To move earth from its position and they start manufacturing jet pipes on the South pole that will unleash a huge power force into the sky but will be this enough? Dr. kono is opposite to the theories of Mr. Kano that Gorath increases its mass from time to time but as time lasts, they are both anxious about our civilization's fate. Cheap production, cheaper effects but this gem is still worth watching. A propaganda film of Japanese empire about a dream of space age.

Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus aka Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures (2005)

A road movie based on the strong relationship of two different men and probably two different cultures. The first one is Johann, a German guy who travels around Brazil and sells aspirin for a living. He ended there after spending some years working on the ships and believes it is the best option to continue his life there as he also escaped from the Second World war and the destroyed Europe. The second is Ranulpho, a guy from Brazil, borned at a town in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes he is being so arrogant but the truth is that he really knows nothing about life and work. So Johann tries to help him and when his life is in big dangerous, Ranulpho will be there and pay him back. Soon they will become best friends but war is near and Johann soon will have to find new solutions again in order to survive. What can I say about the screenplay, the acting, the direction? Just perfect. Enjoy real cinema!

The muppet show - She loves you!

Ok another great gem from the past now. I was crazy with the Muppet show as a child. So enjoy this group of beetles sing a classic Beatles song. Funny as hell!

Blind - Yukihiro Shoda (2011)

I am a crazy fan of Japanese artists. I have to admit that. This beautiful short film really touched me so I had to immediately share it with you. It is about a young man who lives in a post apocalyptic Tokyo where people have used to live with gas masks. But the line between reality and fiction is so thin. The soundtrack is incredible, the poetic direction is also stunning. Enjoy the Asian taste!

blind from YUKIHIRO SHODA on Vimeo.

El retorno del Hombre-Lobo aka Night of the Werewolf (1981)

Erika and her friends like to research about paranormal activities through old manuscripts, incidents and visiting monasteries, castles and other haunted places. But the other two girls don't really know the motivation of evil Erika to resurrect Countess Elisabeth Bathory, a satanic witch who alongside her followers ruled over life and death in Medieval Europe. Bathory used to have a werewolf as a slave named Waldemar. When she comes back to life as Erika sacrifices one of her friends, she wants to slave hin back again. But Karen, the other young woman falls in love with Waldemar and helps him into his epic battle against the evil company. Ok, it was about time to return to one of my favorite genre of fantasy movies. Great cinematography and a nice atmospheric musical score with some sound ripped from Ennio Morricone's ''One upon the time in the West''. Cool gem for Paul Naschy fans and terror genre enthusiasts!

O' Horten (2007)

Another great film from Norway. Last years I 've been a fan of Scandinavian films as I think they complete their own style of cinema. This is a sensitive drama where our fellow Mr. Odd O' Horten is ready for his retirement after forty years at the service of national railway as an engineer. His life is going to change more when he realizes that common things and routines also change. He has a lot of strange experiences and meet more weird people around him lately. Sometimes he feels alone and he is thinking of his simple life where everything was tight and peaceful. A real film for the elderly people. Sensitive, bittersweet, poetic, some times mixed with equal parts of black humor and surrealism. A beautiful experience though.

Take the money and run (1969)

Every time I watch a Woody Allen's film, I admire him more and more. I think he is one of most multi-talented people of world cinema. This gem is back from 1969 and we can see how clever he was almost forty years ago. He plays Virgil Starkwell, a looser who becomes a criminal from his childhood. His mania about stealing can't stop over the years. He will try to rob banks but he will fail. When he is driven to prison he always tries to escape unsuccessfully. After he is being released, he meets Louise, a shy and faithful young girl and they start a relationship. But even familiar happiness can't help him to stop his obsession of stealing banks. A very funny story with comical situations, interesting narration as it was more a documentary than a film and excellent acting from Allen himself.

Control - Daniel Binns (2011)

So summer is over. Let's control our feelings and get back to our ordinary rhythms of life. But what about this scared guy who can't control his life and situations as well? How can he treat his mind in order to find his internal calm? A beautiful animation. Enjoy!

Control from Daniel Binns on Vimeo.

The Eagle (2011)

Marcus Aquila is the son of Flavius, commander of the legendary 9th legion of Roman empire. His father and his men disappeared a few years ago as they entered into the unknown territories of North England. His family reputation vanished and now Marcus as a new commander arrives in England in order to restore his father's name. After a battle, he will get wounded and the army will award with an honorable retirement. But he decides to return back to England along with his slave, Esca and confront together its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth. An alternative proposal at the Roman empire wars, dedicated to the cost of human lives. Not the classic one but a very interesting film though.

Les chiens isolés (2011)

A short film but actually a big sensual experience. An old man who works at a fuel tank platform feels alone when his best friend tells him that he is going to quit. He gets drunk and let his emotions explode. A bittersweet story about loneliness and rejection. Nice colors and an impressive result as well for this cool animation!

Les chiens isolés from CRCR on Vimeo.

Kak ya provyol etim letom aka How I ended this summer (2010)

Pavel is a young guy who works at a desolate island near the Arctic territories. His daily duty is to receive and send radio signals through the transmitter. Alongside with his colleague, Sergei who is a weird guy, born and raised at this difficult environment, they are trying to do their best at work. And survive of course. One day, an important message arrives and Pavel has to give it to Sergei. But because he is afraid of his reaction, he decides to delay to transfer the message. Things get complicated and soon the atmosphere gets poisoned with lies and fear. Are things as bad as they seem actually? A spectacular Russian film with stunning photography and great acting from just two actors. This is the great Russian school of cinema where you can picture emotions at every move of our heroes.

Oasis Terminal (2009)

Another beautiful experience from Colombia this time. Ruben Fernandez directs a short film where emotions are so strong. Our civilization has been collapsed one more after a nuclear war. A young man looses his father into the battle and soon he remembers his childhood as he also dies slowly, wounded from a bullet. He will meet his friend who now belongs to the enemy camp and he will give his eternal goodbye. The music is amazing and so emotional, the plot was good even if the direction was a little bit slow. But again it is a great work!

Oasis Terminal (english subtitles) - short film from Ruben Fernández on Vimeo.

Atrocious (2010)

I used to be a fan of Spanish horror movies (check 'Rec' or 'Tombs of the Blind Dead') but this film was so disappointing. I was expected something supernatural or maybe a bigger taste of terror. It was an awful experience though waiting for nothing. A family arrives at their villa, at the countryside near Sitges in Spain. There are rumors about a ghost girl who helps whoever gets lost inside a labyrinth who is located near their home. The two youngsters, Cristian an Debora want to search the place and find the truth. But they will regret it soon. Actually this film is much worst than 'Paranormal activity'. The editing sucks, there is no serious direction, especially when you spend three minutes just looking on the ground with infrared light and the whole thing is a total disaster. Go out for a beer instead!

See piu fung wan aka Black Ransom (2010)

Detective Mann is the leader of the A team at the police investigations bureau. This time he has to search about the loss of various leaders of the Chinese Mafia, better known as the Triangle. Sam is a former cop who lost his brother due to Mafia boss, Ice and he seeks for vengeance. For that reason, he forms a special squad and they illegally active against the mobs. They kidnap them, take the money and then kill them. Sam also was in love with Eva, a relative of a former mobster and this cost his job. His new lover is so jealous and tries always being on his side. Things get more complicated as Ice is in love with Eva and Mann knows that Ice is the responsible for the death of his ex wife. Now he and Sam have a common enemy instead of their critical game of survival. A very interesting action film including drama and suspense that keep you stuck in your chair. Enjoy!

It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

This is a smart and bittersweet film to watch. A young guy, Craig faces psychological problems that make him feel depressed. He wants to commit but he can't do it finally so he ends into the psychiatric ward of a hospital as he looks for a cure and an observation. He has to stay five days and hang out with other patients. One of them is Bobby, a sensitive man who is ready to leave the hospital but still has many problems with his family. Craig also meets Noelle, another tired soul who found a shelter in the hospital and they are going to feel something big between them. He will realize how beautiful life can be and there is no space for anxiety actually. A tender film, with a great cast, nice direction and lots of emotions. Cinema for the hearts!

Laundromatik - Jeroen Swyngedouw (2011)

An excellent stop motion animation from the Krank animations team. Can you imagine a fantastic world behind our laundries? Could it be a magic power that moves the washing machine or an industrialized mechanism?

LAUNDROMATIK from Krank Animations on Vimeo.

Clock dj - Musikame (2010)

A very interesting experimental audio project from Spain. Enjoy!

Clock DJ from David Salaices on Vimeo.

Trolljegeren aka Troll Hunter (2010)

Thomas and his mates are students who investigate a series of mysterious incidents where bear killings happen near Oslo. They follow a hunter,Hans who seems to keep a tremendous secret about the existence of mythical creatures, better known as Trolls. They are two main categories of these, the mountain trolls and the forest trolls. So the brave team will fight against both of them. They use infrared light as a weapon to kill every beast who stray from their territorial boundaries. It is a difficult mission and soon the three youngsters will loose faith and have casualties. It is a strange, new stylish film that didn't impress me so much actually. I would like it more dark and efficient. The acting was just fine, there was also fun but I expected something more serious maybe. But you have to try that if you like adventurous fantasy films!

Shi er jin pai aka The twelve gold medallions (1970)

Miao Lung is a mighty swordsman. He decided to intercept twelve gold medallions from reaching their intended destination. These medallions are actually messages to General Yao Fei that instruct he and his followers to cease their resistance to a Tartar invasion, sent by Prime Minister Qin Hui who is the traitor. He charges Jin Yantang with the delivery of this medallions. Jin is Maio's master and father of Jin Suo who was engaged with Miao. So their happiness is going to end as Miao rejects her in order to fight with her father. But Miao doesn't know that Jin Suo shares his patriotism, and works against her father secretly. So they join forces again, along with some other heroes and will confront the traitors in a deadly battle. A great story as long as a retro kung fu spectacle. Dramatic but also entertaining it was another amazing production from the unremarkable Shaw Brothers studio!

Priest (2011)

In the future, the human civilization has collapsed. The eternal war with vampires weakened our kind who now lives behind armored cities. The church is controlling everything and whoever disobeys the order of the holy men will be in trouble. Priests used to be the special assassins who helped to exterminate the vampires at last. But a new menace from the past appears and when our hero's niece gets abducted, he will not follow the rules but manage to save her at all costs. He will find allies at the faces of a sheriff who seems to be the boyfriend of his niece and a former Priestess friend. An interesting film with dark atmosphere, nice action scenes, a good cast and maybe a sequel?!

Última Parada 174 aka Last stop 174 (2008)

Sandro and Ale-Sandro are two boys growing up at the tough suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Sandro witness his mother cruel death while being robbed in her small restaurant. His dreams have been destroyed and he can't forget that. He tries to live with his aunt but finally he escapes to Copa Cabana to find a new life. But he messes with poor children who steal for a living and use drugs as well. Alessandro brutally kidnapped by a drug dealer who raided him as a criminal. His life was violent and he managed to escape when his father died at a battle with another gang. These two youngsters will meet in different situations and the will become best friends. But they will separate again. Alessandro's real mother still seeks for him but she will be cheated by Sandro who appears in front of her as her real child. And soon things will be out of order as Sandro gets more and more violent, lost in the world of paranoia and drugs. A marvelous but also sad film that is realistic and dramatic due to the actor's excellent performance and powerful direction, based on a true story.

Bionic Ninja (1986)

A secret conspiracy happens to Hong Kong once more. The top technical secret film is being stolen from Gordon who is under the services of Mr. Smart?. The attacks continue by two individual gangs even he doesn't have any more the parcel. In the meanwhile, a clan of ninja who cooperates with Russian KGB follows him and observe the whole story without interfeering. CIA sends Tommy, a tough agent to take back the film at any cost. When he will be attacked by the Ninjas, he will go and take some Ninjutsu lessons from a Japanese master. By the book as we way. This thing was actually ridiculous. As Godfrey Ho uses two separate movies to complete the story, the whole thing becomes finally horrible. There is no acting at all, but lots of nude scenes blended with action and numerous fights and the classic bad dubbing who completes this crappy work.

Paul (2011)

A very humorous touch in a special story as well. Two comic freaks, Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings visit the States for the famous festival of Comic-Con and decide to continue their trip and go to New Mexico and Roswell in order to have fun. But they will accidentally meet an alien, Paul who needs their help. The reason is that he escaped from the government and he plans to return to his planet. But agent Zoil and his partners are looking for him and their order is to capture him dead or alive. So the cool couple of friends will help him finish his earth trip. Another woman, Ruth who was working at a parking and also accidentally found out the existence of Paul will accompany them to this dangerous trip to freedom. A cool film, with some real action shots but also full of clever and very funny quotes.

Nordkraft aka Angels in fast motion (2005)

What a great film. Three different personalities mess into the game of fate. Each one fights for survival though drug addiction. Placed in the grey Aalborg in Denmark, these three individuals are looking to upgrade their lives. Maria is a drug trafflicker, living with her boyfriend Asger who looks to live in his fantastic world, trying to be a tattoo artist unsuccessfully. She wants a better life for her and she is adored by Hossein, a mysterious Persian guy who has business with Asger. Steso is a junkie. He is so fucked up with drugs and he can't deny that. He loves Tilde, a girl who is a clinic patient. She can't stand him any more and so they break up. Allan seems to be the toughest guy among our heroes. He worked as a sailor and his face got injured at an accident where he got burned. He has to payback his former friend Frank as the last one didn't rat on him while police arrested him and sentenced him to jail in place of Allan. All these characters will be part of a game of life and death. A realistic process to the drug problems and their consequences through life. Beautiful and inspiring!

Djinns aka Stranded (2010)

A special force is landed in Algeria during the 60s. Their mission is to find a destroyed airplane at the desert and seek for a important suitcase. They don't know what it contains though. They will fight against rebels and they will find a shelter at a secret village in the middle of nowhere. Soon they will confront more serious enemies, the spirits of the forgotten people known as Djinns. These evil visitors full their minds with madness and paranoia and make them kill each other. I liked the claustrophobic sense around this tale. Modern heroes fighting for survival against ancient cultures. Where hides actually our greatest fear? Well done.

Frog crossing - Denimrock (2011)

Very cool animation about the dream of a frog while crossing a street. A nice, effective and so creative idea with a cool soundtrack. ENJOY!

FROG CROSSING from DENIMROCK on Vimeo.

The island (2005)

Lincoln Six Echo lives an ordinary life in the near future. As a survivor of an unknown incident he thinks a lot about his past but he can't remember exactly what has happened. He likes Jordan Two Delta, another survivor. But when she wins a place in the paradise on earth, calles the island, he will investigate and search everything about this Utopian land as he supposes that everything is a huge lie. Soon he will find out that reality is not as it seems and they both are victims of a bigger plan, being clones and kept as a source of replacement parts. They both escape from the facilities and trying to survive in an environment they couldn't even imagine, facing a real nightmare. A magnificent film with suspense in high levels, it reminded of me another older one, THX 1138.

Chernaya Molniya aka Black Lightning (2009)

I like fantasy films and even if they come from Kazakhstan. The story goes like this. A young student Dima is dreaming of having a car in order to date his gorgeous college mate Nastya. His best friend Maks also likes her and there is going to be an intrigue between the two boys for gaining her love. On Dima's birthday his father will buy him finally a car. But it won't be an ordinary car but an old experiment vehicle that flies due to Nano-catalyst engine. After a tragical incident causing Dima's father's death, he will decide to help innocent people and give his personal fight against crime. His biggest opponent will be entrepreneur Kuptsov, who is drilling in the underground part of the city, trying to reach a huge diamond vein and needs for more power for his illegal operation. So he will try to find Dima and steal his car. A very entertaining film, full of action and nice acting!

Vinyl (2008)

You don't have to be a record collector to realize the agony of our friend. If you are a music lover, you are going to enjoy this film to the maximum. RECOMMENDED!

Bui bun si mun aka The master (1980)

Gao Jian is a lazy and arrogant student of the martial arts school ran by vain Si Fu Shi Chen-chung. One night after his punishment in his school a wounded man reaches his house. He is Jin Tien-yun, a legendary warrior fleeing from a fight in which he was stabbed in a sneak attack and now has to hide from his pursuers, the Three Devils. Gao helps him and in return, Jin decides to teach him some serious kicks. Gao has to live alone for a year after Shi believes that he is traitor of his school. Then he tries to kill him but Jin interferes in order to save Gao and as his wounds are not fixed yet, he gets into a final battle with the three Devils. So it is Gao's turn to seek for revenge. Excellent fight scenes, very good cast and the classic style of Shaw Bros productions is here to entertain you as well.