Movie reviews

KRAJ (THE LAND)

Switched off. This random assembly of scenes that could take place in Poland is awfully amateurish due to theatrically looking sets, sometimes inadequate, e.g. a company which has embezzled a million is located in a derelict building. Poor actors, overlong dialogues, gross unfunny jokes don't raise the level of this production. Most importantly, it's a motley of incidents with no single protagonist to root for.

Seen online, cinematic reception might differ.

MY DARLING VIVIAN

Watchable. I guess you must be a big fan of Johnny Cash to be even interested in who his first wife was. Well, a very happy couple who led a perfect family life is dull to follow and the minutiae given by all four daughters are excessive. I continued intrigued by the life of Americans in the 50s and 60s. Then, when acrimonies arose, it became finally engaging on more than just the cultural level. At the end, you are finally told why the film had to be made and it becomes clear why it dwells on happiness for so long.

Seen online, cinematic reception might differ.

THIS IS SHORT

NEW POINT OF VIEW

LA SIESTA DEL CARNERO (THE RAM'S NAP)

Watchable. Cooking Chilean dishes in Spain, google-mapping, modern witchcraft - engaging, visually attractive but what's the meaning of all this? Seems to lack a point.

SOL

Recommended. The theme of the family takes centre stage for this wonderful drama with the delightful character of Solange (an excellent performance by Chantal Lauby). She's extravagant, smart, a trickster - though in good faith. She drives the movie

KAPTEIN SABELTANN OG DEN MAGISKE DIAMANT (CAPTAIN SABRETOOTH AND THE MAGIC DIAMOND)

Watchable. This cheerful Norwegian cartoon transports you to tropical islands, though with European houses, with realistic backgrounds, especially greenery and glistening water. While the plot consists of a standard set of adventures, distinct characters, including an extravagant pirate cook, lively dialogue - translated by Bartek Fukiet for the Polish dubbing - make it all engaging. Polish songs mar the pleasure but I loved the rhythms that surrounded me during the end credits. Before the credits, a protagonist announces a new adventure so I guess a sequel is on the cards. May be fun again.

OSTATNI KOMERS (LOVE TASTING)

Watchable. Released in time for the end of the school year, it's a very easy-on-the-eye movie about a bunch of numpties. Little is known in the story, least of all why one of the girls has a curator. The film is just an excerpt from the lives of 15-18-year-olds who spend the beginning of the summer smoking joints, having sex, dancing - good techno and some attractive dancing mean it's easy to follow this... no-story. There's no beginning, no ending, no plot as such. Young movie makers are well versed in acting, directing, shooting, sound making, editing. Authentic dialogue gives it a reality check. They just have nothing to say. This movie is typical for the generation: plenty of ways to say things with nothing to tell about.