FILM OF THE WEEK

IN THE HEIGHTS

This lovely Broadway musical is a collaboration made in heaven between Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the book, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music and lyrics – long before he hit superstardom with “Hamilton.” Their Washington Heights setting is given a spectacular cinematic treatment by Jon M. Chu, the director of CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
The story begins with Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a New York bodega owner, who like the rest of his close-knit Latino community, dreams of a better life. The opening number is suitably called “In the Heights” and sets up the scene as well as the tone of the film in the most satisfying manner. It also introduces its likable, colourful characters portrayed by a terrific young cast, whose energy is highly infectious.
Ramos makes a highly watchable leading man and gets solid support from a strong cast that includes veteran actor Johnny Smits. There is also a scene stealing performance from Olga Merediz, as Abuela Claudia, the honorary grandmother of the community, whose solo number “Patienca Y Fe” brings the house down. An attractive musical with a heart and a sexy salsa rhythm that will give pleasure especially during the current climate. See it on the biggest screen possible but make sure you stay until the very end of the final credits for an unexpected treat!

IT MUST BE HEAVEN

Elia Suleiman, the Palestinian director of many delights such as DIVINE INTERVENTION and THE TIME THAT REMAINS, delivers another spellbinding film, which was originally screened at the 2019 London Film Festival. It has taken all this time to get a release, but it is certainly worth the wait.
Suleiman is Palestine’s answer to Jacques Tati, a man of a few if hardly any words, a solitary man in a strange environment. He decides to leave Palestine for Paris before he moves to the U.S.A and does not utter a word until a New York taxi driver asks him where he is from. “Nazareth” he says, “From Palestine” and the impressed driver gives him a free ride.
The episodic style of his satiric style and filmmaking is an utter joy!

IN THE EARTH

A deeply unpleasant and nasty film from the twisted mind of Ben Wheatly, who started his career with strong films like DOWN TERRACE and KILL LIST before the disappointing HIGH-RISE and REBECCA.
The earth is struggling to combat a virus while a scientist (Joel Fry) along with a park scout (Ellora Torchia) go deep into the woods for a routine equipment check. He also wants to make contract with a missing colleague whose whereabouts are unknown…
This is probably Wheatley’s attempt to make his own APOCALYPSE NOW and substitutes the madness of the jungle with that of an English forest. It is an intriguing premise, but Fry’s protagonist is weak and spineless. Thankfully Torchia’s resourceful heroine saves the day but only just!

THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD

It is four years since the original film – bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) is now heavily traumatised by the violence that happened and is now seeking psychiatric help from a London psychologist, who advises him to escape to Italy and forget about his traumatic experiences. But during his sabbatical as fate would have it he accidentally crosses paths with Sonia Kincaid (Salam Hayek), the wife of hitman Darius (Samuel L. Jackson)…
It is again loud and violent but much better than the original. It looks splendid and sounds terrific on the giant IMAX screen. Hayek has so much fun kicking ass and swearing at a drop of a hat that she unsurprisingly steals the film. An enjoyable escapism!

THE REASON I JUMP

Jerry Rothwell’s profoundly moving and illuminating documentary was one of the highlights of last October’s London Film Festival. It is based on Naoki Higashida’s book and explores further the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from all over the world.
Joss is an English boy in Broadstairs, Kent while Ben and Emma form an extraordinary friendship since childhood in Arlington, Virginia U.S.A. Amrit is a remarkable artist in India while Justina’s loving parents fight a continuous battle against discrimination about her predicament in Sierra Leone.
A remarkable achievement for everyone involved!

TREASURE CITY

A pessimistic film from Hungary’s Szabolcs Hajdo, who tells a series of seemingly unconnected stories about a group of unhappy people.
A woman is treated badly by a flower shop attendant which leads to a big fight, while an anti-fascist demonstration is building up in the city. It is a fascinating film superbly shot, but it is difficult to get engaged to its downbeat style and care much for its unlikeable characters.

PSYCHO GOREMAN: Writer/director Steven Konstanski has a lot of fun with this silly fantasy about an evil prehistoric creature brought accidentally back to life by two siblings while playing in their garden. But Psycho Goreman or PG for short must now obey Mimi and Luke’s wishes and ridiculous requests instead of destroying the world…A preposterous premise which curiously works thanks to the children’s sharp performances. (SHUDDER)

SKULL – THE MASK: A supernatural slasher from Brazil about an old artifact of a skull newly discovered by a group of archaeologists. But it contains an evil spirit and whoever wears the masked skull gets possessed…A curious combination of gallons of blood and gore with daytime soap opera kind of acting. (SHUDDER)

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