After.Life (2009)

The mind is a powerful thing and if someone makes controlling it a way of life, that obsession can leave unforgettable, if not to say, un-livable marks. "After.Life" is quite an interesting, very darkish movie that confuses while discussing some sensible issues about life and death. It is not meant to scare you, although some scenes will look repulsive and make your nose twitch. Liam Neeson can be charming and yet extremely dangerous, making you wonder which end is up until some mishaps bring some light into the whole mystery.

This movie is a bit strange, but doesn't loose its originality, where good and bad come together in a very clear and logical way without condoning it, but simply exemplifying what usually happens when lives are wasted and not cared for. Love and attention are important things in life that are often taken for granted. Life is tough but worth living, and those who might think death can make things easier, they had better think again. ★★★

Director: Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo

Io Sono l'Amore (2009)

I believe Italians have a natural way of showing passion beyond limits. And when it comes to movies, sometimes you can get taken over by that feeling of total loss of self-control, making you uncomfortable when it speaks to you and leaves you transparent. I get that many times, but "Io Sono l'Amore" didn't quite work for me. The story itself is not that bad and has the ingredients to make it an unforgettable love story. Nevertheless, the direction it took made it most of the time tedious and uninteresting.

The emotional side of it failed to engage me into feeling the characters pain, relating to what is going on on the screen. The music couldn't be worse: just a bunch of over-dramatic notes out of place which didn't help create the atmosphere. I was very disappointed, wishing several times that I could fast-forward it to a predictable ending. And I feel bad for it, since Italian movies usually tend to leave a good impression on me. But not this time. ★

Director: Luca Guadagnino

El Secreto de sus Ojos (2009)

The art and talent of telling a simple story in a way that wraps the viewer from beginning until the end is a gift. "El Secreto de sus Ojos" is a good example of that gift, where the director is in no hurry, taking well his time while keeping a good pace. The characters are not complicated; instead, they're quite transparent with their emotions without forcing too much.

The camera work starts simple, to surprise me with a beautiful shot half way into the story, keeping me glued to the screen while the whole scene develops seamlessly. The music is calm, but romantic and the ending is a logic surprise, carried out with simplicity and yet full of emotional power. This movie is for those who appreciate cinema for what it is: pure expression of ideas and a genuine  passion for telling good stories. You should definitely try it. ★★★★

Director: Juan José Campanella

Vampires Suck (2010)

Vampires really have experienced a successful come back, showing up everywhere in every form. "Vampires Suck" does not go so far and instead of digging up an original idea, it takes over another one that has taken over the world. The comedy intention is quite alright and does have a funny beginning, promising and hour and half of pure laughter… not. If you have seen the Twilight movies you will be surprised with the detailed description of the scenes, which is nicely done.

Unfortunately the jokes effects don't last long, making it look a bit over the top and, instead, making me wish a swap between the fake and the original movie. I am a big fan of Twilight and as much as I love the saga, I also dislike the attempt to ruin it in such a bad manner. "Vampires Suck" could have been better, posing as a tribute instead of a trasher. I did laugh in the beginning and Bela's parody portrait was quite good but after the first scenes everything became boring and silly. I guess it's just a question of taste. Mine was a lot disappointed. ★★

Directors: Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer