Movie reviews

CONSECRATION

Recommended. Set in the evocative Isle of Skye in Scotland. More of a crime story than a horror, especially that at some point a priest conspires with nuns. Two worldviews collide so the rest is subject to your interpretation: either scientific or rational with the added supernatural protection or fully religious. Whichever you choose, it's engaging and truly original. 

THE BOOGEYMAN

Watchable. Based on Stephen King's short story of the same title from the "Night Shift" collection, it also follows 3 earlier Boogeyman movies so you'd expect something new. Instead, a giant spider-like, long-clawed, slimy monster lurks in the dark places of houses. On the rational level it may be a figment of the imagination of bereaved ones but counselling has been a common trope in horrors too. Awfully derivative. I watched only out of sympathy for the protagonists.

SOLARIS MON AMOUR

Watchable. Black and white 1959-1982 science documentaries excerpts mixed with old radio adaptations of Lem's "Solaris" by Jozef Grotowski make this 40-minute (not counting credits) compilation drag. Also, while the visual quality of old films is fine, the audio is not always clear.

The two celestial bodies or the intelligent ocean being a person correspond with building a relationship. While the dream of conquering the space from a century ago was bold and inspiring, the contemporary interpretation seems flat, as if a loved one mattered more than the whole universe - it may have, for the director, but to an outsider it ruins the dream of the exploration of new worlds. On the other hand, as works by grieving creators go, this one is bearable, the personal layer doesn't overshadow the universal one. Still, the educational footage e.g. of a brain or a dentrite simplifies the message hence renders the film more archaic than the footage itself. 

Reviewed from the distributor's screener, cinematic reception might differ.

ERNEST ET CELESTINE: LE VOYAGE EN CHARABIE (ERNEST AND CELESTINE: A TRIP TO GIBBERITIA)

Watchable. This watercolour-style animation tells of two characters who dream of being musicians against their parents' will - a common trope. But the mouse gasping like a dog waking the bear in the morning, the mystery behind Ernest's unwillingness to visit the town,  the undulating road of mountains and valleys, the peculiar laws in the town make for an original adventure. The worst part is the music itself - Klezmer/Balkan style

THE POPE'S EXORCIST

Recommended. In terms of the means of expression, it's blood pumping, nail-biting, frightening for the most part of the movie. But it has a story: the sins of the Church - past and present. And a likeable exorcist who jokes. Interestingly, one of the bands you hear from the girl's walkman is called Faith No More. 

EL CIELO NO PUEDE ESPERAR (HEAVEN CAN'T WAIT)

Watchable. This documentary explains why very young - 15-year-old at his death - Carlo Acutis was beatified. The part where gravely ill patients and their family talk about inexplicable healing is moving. But it drags awfully. Several talking heads repeat the same over and over, only occasionally adding something to the topic. 

마리 키리 (MARIE CURIE) 

Watchable. This Korean musical, musically monotonous, showcases the meaning of the discovery or radium and polonium for humanity: from awe and silly gadgets, through seeking a cancer cure, to the deadly properties of the elements. It's all wrapped up in a consistent story highlighting the Polishness of the scientist. However much I dislike theatre and barely understand physics, let alone chemistry, this performance was engaging. It radiated admiration for education, science and striving for the best in oneself as well as responsibility towards others. Very Korean. Fortunately. Or not. Since the Korean Marie Curie sniffles aloud.

LICZBA DOSKONALA (THE PERFECT NUMBER)

Switched off. More of an essay rather than a movie. Konrad Eleryk makes a cameo - as his usual villain type. But the lack of a plot ruins it anyway.

Reviewed from the distributor's screener, cinematic reception might differ.

14. PRZEGLAD NOWEGO KINA FRANCUSKIEGO (14TH SCREENING OF NEW FRENCH CINEMA)

RODEO

Watchable. Dedicated to "all asphalt pirates", it tells of the burning (pun intended) desire to ride motorbikes. Problem is, Julia aka Inconnu (Unknown) is broke, steals bikes for joy rides and, in her despair, joins a bike gang. With her troubled past, virtual homelessness and disregard for law she doesn't raise much sympathy, though the gang world is brutal: she gets robbed, beaten up on another occasion, is constantly insulted and threatened. She still wants to belong. The crime world personal relationships are nothing an ordinary viewer would want to experience. But the story's engaging, stunts impressive and music enticing in its own right.