CarusProductions Reviews

A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (2010)

A Film Fit for Our Time

[10 April 2012]

First off, those who gave this film a low rating clearly fell asleep during the previews- or were blinded by the CGI effects from the Spiderman prequel.

"Une Bouteille a la Mer de Gaza" is nothing short of what my generation has felt from the beginning. The young wanting better, the old unable to move on from an era no longer existent.

It is a story of two opposites. A teenage girl living in Israel, and a boy living in Palestine. The thought of people from both countries befriending one another is unimaginable considering the circumstances and years of war and rivalry- yet it happens.

Tal is constantly questioning why they are at war. Naim is resentful.

At first, Naim is skeptical about communicating with Tal, blaming her people for the atrocities taking placing in his country, teasingly nicknaming her "Miss Peace".

As time goes along, Tal experiences what every teen goes through- first piercing, first love...

Bomb attacks occur on both sides. At what point Naim is forced to remain indoors keeping his family in shelter at his home. Tal grows worried when she hasn't heard from him in a week.

Somehow the confused youths connect- not only through teen angst, but the tragedy of having to put up with what is caused by the older generations. The young want better, yet the old can't seem to change.

Also, we see the importance of education, and how connections made do change our lives. The final scenes being breathtaking- as Naim is about to leave for his scholarship in France, Tal eager to meet him, they cross paths for a brief second.

The acting is superb, the story is slow-paced but written in a realistic fashion. No matter which country you're from, the storyline speaks what every Gen-Yers has been thinking.

As Naim tells her, "Don't change, Miss Peace. It's the people who must change."

Juno (2007)

The Defnition of Indie

[14 March 2012]

"Juno" is a quirky 2007 comedy written by Diablo Cody, receiving an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and directed by Montreal's own Jason Reitman, it stars Ellen Page as the offbeat teen who faces a difficult decision on how to deal with her unexpected pregnancy.

The film begins in autumn, where Juno (Page) is seen getting rid of the chair which began the journey. The chair is where her and her best friend Paulie Bleeker (played by Michael Cera), the unconventional athlete and star of their high school track team, first conceived their child.

After three pregnancy tests, we first hear Cody's unique twist on words, which gives "Juno" a language of its own. Rollo the store owner (played by Rainn Wilson) says, "That ain't no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, Homeskillet." Thus begins a series of memorable quotes that will leave viewers quoting the film hours after watching.

Being a low-budget indie flick, what makes "Juno" great is the stylistic use of music references, and the fact Juno is a teen unlike no other. She owns a hamburger phone, speaks her mind, and is- pregnant.

Even if Juno does act grown-up for her young sixteen years, she is still a model for a typical modern teenage girl who only wants the best for herself. She might not be ready for motherhood, but understands the difficult decision in the scene at the abortion clinic. After Sue-Chin mentions the baby already has fingernails, all Juno can hear are fingernails in the waiting room, which develop a rhythm of their own as her anxiety grows.

The stares she receives from classmates don't faze her. Juno's main concern is for her child to have perfect parents in a stable home- everything she didn't have growing up since her own parents divorced ten years prior. Nevertheless, history is repeated when Mark Loring (Jason Bateman) realizes he is not ready to be a father, and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) is to adopt Juno's baby on her own.

Overall, the film is memorable and far from predictable. Juno is mature for her age and behaves as though she doesn't care about her child, but in the car scene after she finds out Mark and Vanessa are getting a divorce, she breaks down crying, wondering whether or not families are built to last.

The use of folk music, unique characters and fun tongue-twister dialogue defines the indie genre to perfection. Despite being a comedy, there may be several scenes which will require the viewer to hold a tissue nearby.

After Juno has her child, it is springtime. Cherry blossoms fill the neighborhood as she rides her bike to visit Paulie, the one who has been there for her all along.

The story ends- with a chair. Vanessa is seen holding Juno's baby in a rocking chair, making "Juno" a perfect circle of a movie for everyone to see.

Café de Flore (2011)

"It's in the stars"

[10 October 2011]

Firstly, disregard the two previous reviews, for they are both negative and underrate a great film. 'Cafe de Flore' is not quite for everyone, which I can understand. However if you truly want to see this film, ignore other opinions, otherwise you will miss out on a potential Oscar nomination.

There are two separate stories occurring. One is about a woman in the 1960s (Paradis) who has to raise her son on her own, because he has Down's syndrome. The other is about a music jockey named Antoine (Parent) who is ready to marry again despite the bond he shares with his ex-wife, who was also his first love. His eldest daughter purposely plays certain songs which remind him of their marriage, since the central idea is how music recalls certain memories. Every time a certain song is heard in the background, one is bound to step inside the characters memories.

The other story is the beauty of a mother-son relationship. Paradis is genuine in this role, especially being a real-life mother herself. Her makeup ages her to portray her role well. We see how she encourages her boy to learn despite his disabilities. Remember, this was an era where children like him were discriminated and often sent to institutions.

'Cafe de Flore' is truly a story about the power of love. You have to follow closely, therefore if easily distracted the flashbacks may confuse you. The constant repetition of Pink Floyd, which was also a signature band for Jean-Marc Vallee's 'C.R.A.Z.Y.', is synchronized to perfection. The visuals and acting performances are moving, as the film unfolds by layer, to at last reveal how both stories are connected.

Bol (2011)

If there is one film to see this year...

[17 September 2011]

If there is one film you must see this year- it's "Bol". From the opening scene of lit candles across the screen with a chilling theme song constantly whispering the title's meaning, do not let subtitles turn you away from something so important. Especially considering the state in which many women are still facing today.

It is mainly an ensemble cast. Zainub is about to be publicly executed for a crime (which I will not mention, you must watch the film), therefore she wishes to tell her family's story. She has six sisters- who were only allowed to go to school until the fifth grade. She also has a 'brother'. Despite the father's joy of finally having a son, we soon discover he is with both genders. To prevent the father from having him killed, the family agrees to keep him in the house, and secluded from the real world. This is merely a piece of a beautiful tragedy, all too real even in modern society. Their neighbours are also quite fascinating, since they seem to be from a completely different world. Both the son and daughter happen to be studying medicine.

Zainub's final speech may come as shocking to some, but is it so far from the truth? After all, the meaning of the title is "Speak"...

I will not discuss the story further. Nevertheless, this is beyond "Slumdog Millionaire", which is yet another classic film, but do not expect a perfect ending. Hollywood would not have the honesty to make a film like "Bol", because people in the Western World do not face these situations. Or do we, and perhaps we are too blind to see it?.. "Speak."

Hard Candy (2005)

An Intense Film

[3 September 2011]

For those who believed that "Clockwork Orange" was difficult to watch, "Hard Candy" is even worse in terms of intensity. Both the dialogue and the cinematography is brilliant. It has some similar techniques seen in French New Wave.

It's difficult to believe Ellen Page was already eighteen during the making of this film, since she looked much younger and suited the role perfectly. There are many traces of Little Red Riding Hood, including Page wearing the red hooded sweater. Only here, instead of the girl being gullible enough to fall for the claws of the Big Bad Wolf, she manipulates him at his own game, which makes reference to the Roald Dahl version, or better yet, Angela Carter's "The Company of Wolves".

At one point though, we actually manage to sympathize with Patrick Wilson's role during the infamous torture scenes. However the ball rolls back and forth in terms of which character to side with. Overall, it is a great film, but I would not recommend it to those easily disturbed.

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

10 Stars Well Earned

[21 August 2011]

There are many films which have such high praise and rating. All I can find myself doing is wondering- why? 'Sunset Blvd.' is not one of them. In fact, it earns every star on the meter and beyond.

The female lead is screen legend Gloria Swanson. She was one of the few who made the transition from silent to sound with success. From working with Rudolph Valentino to classic director Billy Wilder, no one knows the business better than Swanson. It's no wonder why she was perfect for the role. She is chilling, even when she doesn't move a finger. She portrays the typical has-been of Hollywood attempting a comeback, despite not being a has-been herself.

"I AM big. It's the pictures that got small."

Many narrators often ruin a film, but the narration by lead actor William Holden meshes perfectly within the storyline. His character is a screenwriter waiting for a big break. An ironic pairing from both ends of showbusiness. Swanson's role wants him to help edit her latest script in order to help her return to the silver screen. She is disturbed, going so far as a suicide attempt to manipulate him to stay with her.

Cecil B. DeMille also makes a cameo. For any of you too young or not familiar with classic cinema, he is known for directing eighty films, such as 'The Ten Commandments', 'Samson & Delilah', and did many silent films earlier in his career with Gloria Swanson herself.

'Sunset Blvd.' is timeless. Even though years change, showbusiness doesn't.

Vertigo (1958)

One of Stewart's Best, One of Hitchcock's Best

[20 August 2011]

It's a high insult that Jimmy Stewart did not win an Oscar for this role. He gives by far one of, if not his best performance yet. His role is cynical, and a true anti-hero in almost all senses of the word.

Stewart's role suffers from acrophobia. When he is asked to follow a man's wife of whom the husband believes is having suicidal tendencies- he becomes obsessed with her to the brink of madness. The whole story, like many films from Hitchcock, is to show the psychological point of view, rather than from actions alone.

Kim Novak is somewhat angelic in here. She gives a great performance as well, as a mysterious woman with many issues of her own. You will see how all the characters tend to be disturbed.

The scenes where Stewart's role experiences vertigo have mesmerizing special effects and camera tricks thought only by the master. The story develops slightly faster than most of Alfred Hitchcock's films, therefore it is very easy to spoil the outcome. Knowing the obsession, every time Novak and Stewart kiss, it is more disturbing than romantic.

Sometimes the academy should think twice before selecting nominees. This film deserves much more than credited.

Kika (1993)

Do Not Let This Be Your First From Almodovar

[20 August 2011]

I am not sure what Pedro was thinking when he wrote this film, considering he made the Oscar-nominated 'Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' five years earlier.

The film tries too hard to be a comedy. Veronika Forque is over-the-top in her performance, which is the point in most of Pedro's films, but this is exaggerated. There is nothing comedic about the infamous rape scene, nor should rape be classified as comedy ever.

I do appreciate the character Andrea, because she represents the media in how she considers every horrific event as news entertainment. Perhaps that is the point Pedro Almodovar wanted to make. Otherwise the rest of the film falls flat.

Do not make this film have you turn away from such a wonderful director. His later works are masterpieces, and he only improves through age. I recommend any of his other films, especially 'Broken Embraces' or 'Volver'.

The Birds (1963)

One of the Best in Horror

[20 August 2011]

It's difficult to believe that a film about a major birds attack could even be remotely scary. Anyone else who would have directed this film could have made it unbelievably cliché. Oh, wait, Alfred Hitchcock is the director, so it has to be great! And it is.

For those of you with a short attention span, don't watch 'The Birds'. The story may seem slow-paced, but it only increases the anticipation. If you appreciate proper storytelling, this is for you.

Tippi Hendren gives a wonderful performance as the leading role. She is mainly calm throughout, though she does exactly what Hitchcock expected; Be a character people relate to. The whole point of horror is to begin in a perfect setting similar to the Garden of Eden, which gives a false sense of security. There is barely any music, which only increases discomfort during the calm before the storm of birds.

The sound effects are to perfection. The story knows the right timing to frighten its audience. The only scenes more horrific than birds attacking humans, are when the birds are simply perched, waiting. The meaning of the film is to show how we mistreat animals. Yes, revenge. Buying lovebirds toward the beginning shows us how they feel imprisoned. Animals were free once upon a time. To have all animals attack, and not only birds, would have been too obvious.

I will not spoil the ending. It is somewhat similar to the original 'Night of the Living Dead' with a twist. Although zombies are not half as threatening as birds.

Expect the unexpected from any Hitchcock film.

Modern Times (1936)

Welcome to the Machine

[19 August 2011]

Charlie Chaplin was clearly a true artist- because artists are the observant types who think ahead while everyone is worrying about the now. He was capable of seeing the negatives of advancements in technology long before James Cameron's 'Avatar' would dumb down our views of cinema as to no more than film being just a painting, and the screen its canvas.

At first, I wondered why Chaplin would show several hundred sheep wandering toward the opening of the film, until realizing what it was entitled to represent- us. We are seen as cattle. All the men in the opening sequence go to work at the exact same time, all dress in the same outfit, and most of all, live their lives in routine. We often tend to go by the likes of what an authority wants us to do, otherwise without order we are lost.

For example, The Tramp is arrested for allegedly "harassing" a poor woman, which was a simple misunderstanding resulted from being overworked. He is sent to prison for some time. Once he is released, he does everything in his power to be sent back to jail, because that is where he is most comfortable.

The Tramp has difficulty adapting to society and is used to being in a place of the same ol' routine, constantly being told what to do, therefore he cannot make decisions for himself. This is what has happened to society- technology has overpowered us to the point where we have created machines which control human, rather than human controlling the machine.

Another aspect I noticed from the film is how the workers and everyone else around use The Tramp as a scapegoat. They blame him each time there is an issue within the factory. Not only so, but the boss also uses him as a guinea pig when testing the feeding machine. He is their favourite outsider, who is simply too trusting and rather clumsy when handling large tasks. This makes it clear where the unique Tim Burton got his inspiration when creating the quirky Edward Scissorhands, another beloved underdog in cinema.

When does it end? Where do we put a limit as to how far technology can lead, or will it be like the 2007 Will Smith film "I Am Legend", where a lone man is forced to face the results of the world we damaged because of technology? Chaplin was decades ahead of his time when asking such questions. He knew people would be over-dependent toward technology, to the point where one could not survive if their computer broke down.

Out for Blood (2004 Video)

A Definitive Z-Movie

[19 August 2011]

It has been almost six years since the first and only time I have seen this movie. Yet it is still quite memorable, for all the wrong reasons.

Anyone who is familiar with Ed Wood would know the Z-movie as a film which often has a gory storyline, yet is created with a lack of artistic interest. The special effects in 'Out for Blood' show no effort from any cinematographer apart of the production.

Luckily most of the actors are somewhat attractive and are constantly being intimate, which gives people a reason to continue watching. The soundtrack is quite great, which includes a cover of the 'Lost Boys' theme, "Cry Little Sister". The makeup of the vampire transformations look like masks rather than theatrical makeup. Not to mention the fake blood which strangely resembles cherry sauce from Chinese food!

I honestly wish there was something slightly more uplifting. Any film is a gamble to make, but one can tell the filmmakers of 'Out for Blood' didn't make a strong effort. Even major vampire fans would be offended. Not to mention the major insult to classic director F.W. Murnau by having Nosferatu in this film, shortly killed in the same scene.

Then again, all the vampires die in this film, of course.

If you're still intrigued by this theme after enduring 'Out for Blood', The Twilight Series, and the dreaded 'Fright Night' remake, watch 'Dracula (1933)', 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', or 'Interview with the Vampire'. Better yet, to where it all began, 'Nosferatu'.

Avatar (2009)

An Honest Review by a Matter of Opinion

[16 August 2011]

Visually, Avatar is one of the most stunning films to see. If films were based only on visual effects rather than writing, directing and acting performances, I would give a 10/10. However that would be shallow, considering as a screenwriter I know it takes more than simple beauty to be memorable.

The 3D experience is quite fascinating, but ask yourself; Would you wish to see this film again? In the comfort of your own home without those 3D glasses to fool your mind's eye? James Cameron is a master of animation. Nevertheless, the dialogue is slightly too formal and simplistic, performed mainly by actors who have obviously not had experience in theatre and Shakespearean plays. Any true actor will agree, "if you can act Shakespeare, you can act anything".

The storyline is not the example of originality, as the plot line is identical to that of 'Pocahontas'. If you do not believe this, simply compare the two plot lines. What differs 'Avatar' from 'Pocahontas' are the character names, and the era in which both stories occur. Otherwise, they are almost identical.

There will most likely be angry comments on this review, since we live in a generation which is mainly judged on looks and different opinions. We simply can't accept those with views which are unlike our own.

Remember, there are many films considered classics, not only for visual effects, but also for the important aspects of film which make a piece memorable. 'The Godfather', 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Atonement' are only few examples. Years from now, 'Avatar' will be remembered as being the first 3D film to have won at the Oscars for predictably-cinematography, art direction, and visual effects. It will not be remembered as a film one could see many times over.

Being mainstream doesn't make something great. Greatness is quality over dollar signs.