joser_h Reviews

The Son (I) (2022)

A cautionary tale not just simply entertainment.

[8/10 · 15 February 2023]

This is a very hard story for all people who have to deal with depression in any way. It doesn't matter which side of the fence you are on.

Yes, the film as an art product can be judged on the level that you like but the message for those who need a cautionary tale is strong and clear, and in that sense, the film is worth every minute no matter how difficult to watch it could be.

The story is about a man who has formed a new family, his troubled son from his previous family, and how this man's life is affected because of his son's behavior.

This is a slow drama set mostly in New York with some heart-wrenching scenes. I thought that since it was related to the upper classes I would feel detached from the account, however, human suffering can be everywhere and can come in every color, race, religion, or ethnicity.

This was what I was searching for and it was more than OK.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

It is not a documentary

[10/10 · 30 September 2020]

Yes, this title fits perfectly into the documentary category but it's way beyond that specification. It is a story. A story between a man a sea creature or maybe an allegory about humankind and nature. Hence, it could be possible to classify it as a drama in all fairness. It is about the original story that unfolds in from of your eyes, it about some of the most beautiful photography I've ever seen, it is about peace of mind and emotional lessons. It is not just a simple tale about a man and his pet, it is an epic tale between two living beings, that ends with deep teaching. Come on, go ahead and watch it, bets are you wouldn't be disappointed. Go for it.

No Manches Frida (2016)

A comedy without any pretensions

[7/10 · 17 September 2016]

I just watched the movie and I spent a good time at it. It's a remake of the German film "Fack ju Göhte" just tropicalized for the Mexican environment -not without some inconsistencies by the way. The film is mostly fun but let's say that I have never known of a school like this in Mexico. It is not just the kind of circumstances depicted in the movie, I mean the school itself -don't try to find one like that in Mexico. Nevertheless this factors do not affect too much the general smiles and laughs that it pretends to deliver. I cannot speak for the international audience that could see this film but from the point of view of the mexicans, even though it is plagued of silly jokes and fault language and situations, it is a film that you can enjoy if you are in the mood. Definitively not the most funny picture I've seen but it worth the ticket. Have fun.

Instructions Not Included (2013)

On how to confront life, how to enjoy life and how to deal with lost but all these through a roller-coaster of laughs, tears and other feelings in between.

[9/10 · 29 September 2013]

After watching "Instructions not included" I can say it is a very good movie. It's not the classic Hollywood comedy. Yes, you will have to read the subtitles sometimes and certainly it is not the classical familiar comedy. Nevertheless it is a very good movie. Forget "Fish out of water father" films, that part is only a fraction in this one nor is the Kramer vs Kramer type although has its part. The film tackles on how to confront life, how to enjoy life and how to deal with lost but all these through a roller-coaster of laughs, tears and other feelings in between. If you are bilingual (English & Spanish speaker), this is a must. This film will be remembered for years to come as the one that broke the inertia of Mexican cinema and probably will sign a new kind of films to come. Go watch it.

Yo también te quiero (2005)

The truth about boys and girls friendship

[8/10 · 2 May 2008]

This film is in Spanish and I am not sure how much the plot of this movie is valid in an Anglo-Saxon environment but.... certainly happens here in the Latin World. The film by itself is not the greatest in history. It is a modest one running only 10 minutes. Forget directing, acting, photography, etc. The important here is the history (based on a true anecdote), about how sometimes a man can't deal his feelings when he meet a girl. That's all folks.

I liked the story and I got a couple of good laughs. That was why I rate 8 of 10.

Hope you will enjoy it. ;-)

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

A Master piece of a new kind

[9/10 · 29 October 2006]

Well. Certainly it is not a classical Hollywood movie. It is hard to see sometimes because of the violence but at the same time once you start watching it you can't stop until the end. Mixing crude reality with a baroque fantasy you are witness of the last battles of the Spanish Civil War at the time you see the end of a "Never-ending story" kind of world. Ofelia is a 13 years old girl that is leaving her childhood and experimenting her last opportunity before the doors of the realm of fantasy will be closed forever but before that happens Ofelia must pass some tests like get a key and steal a dagger to discover a forgotten world. In between, a war is developing. If you are faint of heart, don't see it no matter how much you like fantasy.

See the movie, you won't see another film like this soon in the theater.

Wizards and Giants (2003)

A decent animated movie

[9/10 · 18 September 2006]

Lets start with: My son and my daughter loved it and I enjoyed watching it.

May be it is not as polished as a Big Studio movie, but it is very nice and funny. The kids will be interested and will have more than one laughing.

The storyline is simple (which make it appropriated for small kids), and the characters are very nice. Basicaly the plot revolves around a magic contest and the consequences that the expulsion of one participant has for the magic realm.

Recommended. Absolutely Sacatepóngolas.

The Blue Room (2002)

An odd ordinary film

[2 May 2002]

La habitación azul (The blue room) is a history of marriage infidelities in a small mexican town.

A man is returning to his town to live after a decade of live in the city. He found a friend marriend but ill and soon he start an affair with his friend's wife.

You may already have seen this story before but nevertheless, you want to know what is going on and how it is going to finish.

The picture has a blue dye-coloration that is not always justified and the edition could be smoother, but the acting is good and clever. On the other hand Elena Anaya looks beautiful.

If you like movies presented in flash backs it is worth to watch it.