Directed By: Alex De La Iglesia
Written By: Alex De La Iglesia & Jorge Guerricaechevarria
Cinematography By: Kiko De La Rica
Editor: Pablo Blanco
Cast: Hugo Silva, Carolina Bang, Carmen Maura, Santiago Segura, Pepon Nieto, Mario Casas,
A gang of escaping jewelry thieves get trapped by a coven of witches.
I am a huge fan of Alex De La Iglesia and love his films. I get excited any time a new ilm comes out. He I an excellent genre filmmaker who always offers a comedic and original vision of various genre films. It is always guaranteed that you will see something you have never seen before and his films are never boring. I will go So far as to call him one of my favorites working directors
While this film is not his best. It carries the usual outrageous spirit and energy that had become his trademark. It doesn't ask for more than it is willing to show and portray. You have a feeling that this was a fun exercise for all involved.
Once again Carolina Bang is his female lead. She is usually a femme fatale and doesn't disappoint here. She is obviously the eye candy and makes the most with the role that you can.
Like FROM DUSK TIL DAWN this film starts off one way genre ad then morphs into the other. Only here the first half of the film runs smoothly and is exciting and enjoyable. It involves a heist that has the characters dressed up as street performers. Involving one of the characters Young son as a lookout as it is their day to bond and on the getaway has to deal with his angry estranged wife. The second half is enjoyable and funny though not as engaging as the characters get dumb...er and seem to just go through the motions that the script asks then for.
Though the film at times comes off as stupid. It's inventiveness and maintenance of it's story is actually smart.
The film is more of a straight supernatural comedy that subtly uses the battle of sexes As an undercurrent to the story.
One of the problems is one of it's strengths tone. Due To the darkly comedic tone of the tale. Though characters seem in danger and peril. You know they will somewhat be o.k. Which then shows the movie has no stakes really. So there is no need to worry.
Sure it's violent, But it's all in good fun. It is a film that really has nothing to say except to be entertaining and grab his usual group of actors and put on a show.
One of the things that is a weakness in the film are the special effects that are below the quality that we are used to and looks obviously fake, but t seems to fit in with the film. Like it is supposed to look cheap as practical. Not as smooth and amazing as most films do, but more just a feat in itself and will probably look basic.
No matter what you feel like you are watching a film which is a good thing as ou can lend yourself more to the fantasy and it's playfulness
The films of de La Iglesia feels like you are getting his ideas, personality and thoughts on screen and they are always alive broad and can be subtle but has so much flash that you are always amazed. Each new film he makes always feels like a new cult item that deserves devotion as it made with care as is so different than anything else out there.
The film meet overstays it's welcome and has plenty of running gags throughout that can't help but bring a smile to your face. Like the fate of the hostage they never can seem to get rid of.
The ending comes off more as cute and a spoof rather than feeling like it fits. Though I have problems with some aspects of the film. He film as a whole manages to overcome them and stay consistently entertaining.
Grade: B
No comments:
Post a Comment