pruber_rel Reviews

Nightmare Alley (2021)

Too much story for a film

[8/10 · 14 February 2022]

"Man or Beast" Nightmare Alley is Guillermo del Toro's presentation of a film of intrigues, betrayals and crimes, adding his already characteristic mystical and nightmarish touch. The cinematography of Dan Laustsen, with whom he previously worked on The Shape of Water, is truly marvelous: every frame is perfectly lit, whether in daylight, shadowy interiors, or dim night. The production design by Tamara Deverell and the sets decorated by Shane Vieau are great, the details in each location create the right atmosphere for each moment. Something that was not fully used was the music, since although at times it perfectly complements the scenes, at other times it feels short. The performances of all those involved are good, but nothing outstanding, especially because more than for a film it seemed that they acted for a photograph: each look, each pose, is beautiful. Finally, the main problem for me: the plot is too long, I could easily place it in a novel where you have all the time to develop the characters before the second act, but in the movie it feels very long, and although it is a necessary introduction, there is nothing else that keeps the film attractive outside of the images. The plot is very powerful, and the ironic ending is just what was needed, but as a movie it doesn't quite work. I do recommend it, because it's a good movie, but it's not without flaws.

Scream (I) (2022)

Great for a final movie (not more movies, please)

[9/10 · 25 January 2022]

"It's always someone you know"

Scream is a genre in itself. Without a doubt, over four decades it has established itself as one of the freshest franchises within the horror genre. Despite being a typical slasher movie, it just uses its typicality as an attribute and tells us everything that is going to happen before it happens, but always leaving an unexpected element to provoke a feeling of satisfaction in the viewer. As they did not tire of repeating within the film, Scream (2022) is a "requel" that meets each of the type's conventions. Without a doubt, the original cast was a success and has been demonstrated in all the films. Neve Campbell is THE undoubted protagonist of the entire saga and continues to be so in this latest film, and together with Courtney Cox and David Arquette they make up the trio that appeals to the nostalgia that, according to the film itself, every requel needs. However, the weak point is in the new faces, neither Jenna Ortega nor Melissa Barrera have enough charm and strength to sustain the story and I can't imagine a continuation in which they are now the protagonists. Without a doubt, the saga must end here. Special mention for the tribute to Wes Craven that is moving and quite appropriate, both within the film and in the end credits.

House of Gucci (2021)

Right and wrong

[7/10 · 9 December 2021]

An ambition that grew over time, even for those who seemed not to have it. A journey through the years that portrays the debacle of a marriage. More than the Gucci House, the film talks about the Gucci-Reggiani marriage. Without a doubt, Lady Gaga, Adam Driver and Al Pacino stand as the stars of the film, despite criticism of Gaga's Italian-Russian accent. All three present studied and understood characters, with nuances that allow the viewer to feel captivated. In contrast, Jared Leto's cartoonish performance broke the rhythm in all of his appearances, with a comedy that I didn't understand if it happened unintentionally, and that's why it feels out of place, or pushed in, and therefore doesn't feel genuine. Either way, it didn't work. The art direction seemed very appropriate, obviously favoring costume design, but with successes also in makeup and hairdressing. The musical selection with a lot of pop takes the scenes to the present time and they are enjoyed if you are a fan of that genre. Despite its two hours and 38 minutes, it did not feel long. But there was something that distracted me all the time, besides Jared Leto: the diversity of accents. I didn't understand why Lady Gaga had such a strong accent, while Adam Driver didn't, or why Jared Leto's accent didn't sound like Lady Gaga's; furthermore, why try to make them sound Italian when the movie is spoken in English, and why add Italian phrases here and there when the rest of the dialogue is in English? That was something that didn't make sense to me and was distracting. With right and wrong, watch it if you are interested in gossip from the fashion world.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Failed comedy

[7/10 · 19 August 2018]

Not that I expected much of this film considering that the first film was not a masterpiece, but at least it is fun and has fluidity in the plot, this last element is what the second part lacks; the musical themes seem to me that they are put to the force, without the naturalness of the first part. The performances of the original cast shine again, they feel comfortable with their character, but it is the new cast that does not convince, at least not everyone, including the leading role, who should be the most accurate in their interpretation. It is not completely bad but it is failed.

The Student (2016)

A piece of Russian intensity

[7/10 · 1 August 2018]

A world-wide vision on the religious fanaticism, since it is not a Russian history, is a history that must be located in some part of the world and in this case it was Russia. From the outset, I have no doubt that Russian cinema is very intense; I am not an expert in the filmography of that country but the last Russian films that I have seen are truly visceral, anchored crudely in reality. This film is 80% masterfully directed in the intensity of its plot. Added to that brilliant baton, the interpretations of the protagonists are superb and the soundtrack is truly exquisite. However, there are two things that I did not like: the photograph could have been sublime due to the subject that was treated and it was not, and the end, after so many minutes of filmic intensity, is diluted with the scene of the school board meeting. Without a doubt, it is a recommendable film, it is a beautiful sample of the contemporary Russian cinematography.