CRUELLA
Recommended. This blockbuster is meant for the big screen. The baddie is played with relish by Emma Thompson. The star of the show, though, is Emma Stone as plucky Estella. Both ladies get brilliant support from a vast array of actors, most notably Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry as Estella's partners in crime. Emma Stone not only acts in this new take on the famous story but is also an executive producer, together with Glenn Close, who impersonated Cruella De Vil before in "101 Dalmatians" and "102 Dalmatians". The new tale is set in London's West End but parts were shot also at the Tower of London. While the baroness epitomises posh fashion, it's punk that rules. Estella aka Cruella paired with the second-hand shop owner Artie wear Vivienne Westwood-style outfits. However, the "no future" punk decree here turns into "the future". The movie abounds in the music of the time, e.g. Suzi Quatro, The Doors, Queen etc., though contemporary band Florence and the Machine sing "Call me Cruella" over the end credits. The movie contains clever pop culture references, e.g. a fiery entrance reworks the "Hunger Games" trope, a feminist version of a famous Star Wars revelation is played out at some point, the concrete balcony scene is reminiscent of Emma Stone's earlier "Birdman", the protagonist has double-colour hair and laughs like Harley Quinn. The movie's shot with panache and features an impressive arsenal of visual effects, twists of action, mind-blowing costumes and make-ups with which to dazzle viewers. As for the plot, Cruella's vicious obsession with Dalmatians gets a new angle. Armed with a cracking script, the protagonist uses an elaborate subterfuge to perform an amazing sting against the heartless baroness. Because of the complexity of the plot and the issue of power presented the adult way it'll appeal to grown-ups more than to kids. Also, the history of fashion will be incomprehensible to the little ones. There's a wonderful mid-credit. I loved all about this movie. It's just spotless - apart from the Dalmatians. In Poland, both subtitled and dubbed versions are on. 2D only.
THE FATHER
Recommended. Anthony Hopkins didn't give anyone a fighting chance in this year's Oscar race. He won it hands down. You witness the terrifying gradual loss of control of his life, at the same time you also lose track as a viewer. The story superbly steers you both ways: puts you in the mind of a person with Alzheimer's and questions the reality through the underlying conflicts which raises your suspicion as to what's going on. There's also a moral conundrum for the other party involved. The whole thing is quietly profound. Several scenes touch you deeply. The ending is shattering.
Revamped Kinoteka now boasts improved sound systems, fragrant flowers in the hallway, a legible, clear and enticing price list. Due to low daytime ticket prices for seniors (12 zl), the cinema was pretty full even in the early afternoon.
THIS IS SHORT
NEW POINT OF VIEW
YOLLOTL (HEART)
Watchable. Rainforest and its sounds are marred by fake ghostly heavy breathing. Not much of a story. Animated insertions, looking almost 3D were of some interest.
SIMILAR IMAGE
Watchable. From the description, it was meant to present the sounds of nature. You hardly get any sounds, they're of poor technical quality, they're nearly replaced by marks inserted on the visuals on the computer. I only watched till the end to see Ukraine. It appears to be a poor, backwards country with littered woods.
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