Movie reviews

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Watchable. Meticulous CGIs have created a fairy-tale castle and populated it with fabulous living furniture.  The teapot speaks with delightful posh British accent (by Emma Thompson). The plot is well-known. What the modern version stresses is that sexism is out. Only, in this musical, music is so run-of-the-mill it detracts from the otherwise beautiful tale.

THE SHACK

Watchable. Octavia Spencer is truly heavenly in her role. Avraham Aviv Alush as Jesus and Sumire Matsubara as Sarayu are also a match for such roles made in heaven. The longest, middle part comes right after a tedious, mundane beginning and creates a bewitching contrast through its rainbowish plentitude of colour and a calm yet strong religious message which lets you come to terms with evil around. The dull beginning and ending can be tiring though.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

Recommended. A really smart movie about what knowledge you need in life. Is it a cultural concept? Or is there a repository of basic resources needed for everyone which should be taught in young age?

SIV SOVER VILSE (SIV SLEEPS ASTRAY)

Watchable. A poor version of "Karsten og Petras", with a similar living toys world but with worse actors or story, only defends itself with a little magic in Siv's dreamscape. And why is it being released now? December, with its festivities, was three months ago.

PERSONAL SHOPPER

Watchable. Sometimes-topless Kristen Stewart amidst a pile of rubbish and nonsense. At some point a mystery appears but ends so absurdly it's just better not to start watching. Acted lousily as well and even for those eager to see Kristen Steward half-naked there isn't much to see. Good cinematography and a modern setting ease the guaranteed frustration with the plot.

DALIDA

Recommended. The film starts with mesmerizing music and immediately the star of a past era shines bright anew. Top-notch music fills the movie and the lyrics create the background for a story of loneliness. At the very first scene you realize a tragedy underscores the celebrity's life. The story's familiar to all singletons nowadays when it's also easier for many women to identify with her: extraordinarily talented, hard-working and unable to hold on to a relationship. A perfect moment in social history for the release. The beautiful actress and enchanting music do the rest.