My cinema: recent film reviews

Before the devil knows you’re dead, by Sidney Lumet
32 years after ‘Dog day afternoon’, Sidney Lumet, 83, films ‘Before the devil knows you’re dead’. Like a greek tragedy this film brings out the worst in people, the worst from modern American decadent society, the worst from American suburban lowclass. And shows Lumet’s ruthless cynicism and hopeless vision. The film starts bad & goes worse, scene after scene, until the whole puzzle is complete after the frequent flash backs and forth, wonderfully mastered by Lumet. The result is heavy, very heavy, yet extremely effective. I felt like I had 100 tons on my shoulders when it finished. Great cinema. But go on a Sunday afternoon. [4.5/5]

Rendition, by Gavin Hood
Despite some weaknesses of the screenplay and some scenes and also some inconsistencies of the plot (after all that is not the most important here) this film works quite well and achieves a growing tension as the story develops. Another film about th...(read more)e out-of-law behaviour of some organisations like the CIA in the supposedly biggest democracy in the world. it seems something has definitely changed in politics in the US and this film is just yet another sign of that. Excellent acting too! Very watchable. [3.5/5]

Into the wild, by Sean Penn
This is not only a road movie about the true story of a guy in search for freedom, for the meaning of life. It's also his own inner path, in search of himself. In the beginning he said that the more he knew people the more he liked nature around him ...(read more)and that will change as he follows his way. This great film cannot leave anyone indifferent. And it's not fiction, but based on a true story. The main actor, Emile Hirsch, is excellent and it is well directed by S. Penn, despite some weaknesses, in particular wenn it looks for the easy tear. But the flashbacks are good. And the photography is great too! Highly recommendable! [4/5]

Cassandra’s dream, by Woody Allen
Another drama-crime film of Woddy Allen's english series... This one not as convincing as the previous two, in particular Match point. And no irony nor humour this time. I prefered Allen's Manhattan ones. Woody go back! [2.5/5]
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