...were not all very recent films and a somewhat random collection, but I thought I'd share my views anyway:


The imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

This is a Terry Gilliam movie through and through. The visuals are stunning and a tad more important than the occasionally slightly messy story, a variation of the old "deal with the devil" motif. The production design is really easy on the eyes, also typically Gilliam, and the film moves fast enough to be entertaining at any time. The acting is top notch, as expected from Ledger, the wonderful Christopher Plummer and Tom Waits as devil. Newcomer Lily Cole is also very refreshing and talented. Of course no one can be blamed for Heath Ledger dying while the film was still being filmed. Depp, Law and Farrell took over aspects of his role and did their best, but it all doesn't make the movie feel any less disjointed. Especially the showdown is a bit of a chaotic, rushed mess. Sadly, that leaves a bit of a stale taste in the audience's mouth, but overall the film is certainly worth seeing for its visuals and performances.

6 out of 10 magic mirrors.



Drag me to hell

This horror flick breathes the spirit of the 80s through and through, despite of taking place in our time. The whole making of the film is wonderfully old fashioned too, reminiscent of classics like "Poltergeist". We've already established in the Evil Dead films that director Raimi likes his characters to beat up old women, and takes it to a whole new level here. Protagonist Alison Lohman doesn't get away much better either, though. The list of things and fluids that end up in her mouth in this film is unheard of. The film is very entertaining, although not too horribly scary most of the time. The disgust effects are so over the top that you can't help but laugh, which was certainly intended, too. Unfortunately the ending falls short, mostly for being flat out predictable and too regular for the genre. Still, fans should get a kick out of the film.

6 out of 10 slaughtered kitties.



Green Zone

Another take on the situation in the Middle East, more specifically the search for weapons of mass destruction after the invasion of Baghdad. Director Greengrass keeps the breathless pace of his "Bourne" movies and has his characters race through the menacing streets as well as dealing with the politics and players in the background. The acting is excellent, Damon makes for a convincing leading man once again. The pace of the film and the story that slowly sheds more and more light on the backgrounds is breathtaking and more exciting with every minute. The action scenes are explosive and realistic. The solution is as frustrating as satisfying, if that makes sense, and sums up the dilemma of the whole situation rather well. After "The kingdom" and "Hurt Locker" another intense, enthralling, true and important film on the situation. Recommended.

8 out of 10 one legged Iraqis.



Fragments

This calm yet intense drama tells the story of a few survivors of a diner shooting and how they deal with the violence they were exposed to or the loss of loved ones. In somewhat unconnected story lines we follow the characters during the days after the event and see how differently they react, how they turn towards God, gambling, fear, indifference and deal with the newly experienced lack of control in their lives. The acting by an excellent cast (Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce, Forest Whitaker, Kate Beckinsale) is top notch and although all characters have a bit of an epiphany at the end of the film, it still doesn't offer an overall solution. How could it? The movie may not grasp the complexity of such a situation in its entirety, but it's still an interesting look at what people go through in such extreme situations. Worth seeing.

7 out of 10 black jack tables.