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WATCHMEN (Running Time: 163 min; Rated: R)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

Be prepared for vivid violence and explicit sexual content in Zack Snyders’ rousing graphic novel-based action-adventure film, WATCHMEN. To the twisted delight of a comic book loving audience, Jackie Earle Haley portrayal of the ultra-violent, but justice-driven protagonist Rorschach rivals Heath Ledgers performance as “The Joker”.

In a parallel universe, two generations of masked crime-fighters allied with Dr. Manhattan, an actual hero with atomic superpowers, come out of retirement to uncover who may be targeting them for elimination, and why?

Despite the distraction of a love triangle amongst them, they expose the mother of all conspiracies that threatens all life on earth. The conflicted team of superheroes must decide if the world is worth saving given the self-destructive nature of humankind.

The “Watchmen’” contains a spectacular journey through its re-imagined U.S. history. Starting in the 1940’s, when the band of vigilantes formed, all the way to the story’s eventual setting in 1985, during the Cold-War era and under President Nixon’s’ reign. Unfortunately, the younger set will likely overlook the historically famous references, including the music selected perfectly to embody each passing decade.

Starring Malin Akerman as Laurie Jupiter, AKA Silk Spectre II; Billy Crudup as Jon Osterman, AKA Dr. Manhattan; Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt, AKA Ozymandias; Carla Gugino as Sally Jupiter, AKA Silk Spectre; Oscar® nominee Jackie Earle Haley (“Little Children”) as Walter Kovacs, AKA Rorschach; Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Edward Blake, AKA The Comedian; and Patrick Wilson as Dan Dreiberg, AKA Nite Owl II.

Directed by Zack Snyder (“300”). Cinematography by Larry Fong. Screenplay by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based upon the graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. Edited by William Hoy. Production designed by Alex McDowell. Costume designed by Michael Wilkinson. Music by Tyler Bates.

Produced by Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin and Deborah Snyder. Herbert W. Gains and Thomas Tull are the executive producers. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

WATCHMEN

Starring: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson

Directed by: Zack Snyder

Rated R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language

By John Delia

Watchmen is every mature teen’s dream film, but don’t leave out us action lovers as it kicks huge butt on the big screen. The film goes way beyond other comic character tries in that we duds get some background on each of the superheroes making it more fun to watch. Sure everyone knows about Batman and Superman, but unless you are a comic book muncher, who ever heard of Rorschach, Silk Spectre, The Comedian, or Nite Owl? I found them to be cool crime crusaders.
Watchmen is a very complex, multi-layered mystery adventure set in alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society. During this period of history the President of the USA is Nixon and the cold war has sprung its devilish head with Russia on the move to take over Afghanistan. With America possibly in the sites of Russia for a nuclear attack, the USA has no-one left to help them. Especially since most of the superheroes have retired or lost face in the rag tag society that wants peace, but without the Watchmen’s intervention. The last time the USA was bailed out was Viet Nam, but their biggest weapon Mr. Manhattan (Crudup) has gone into hiding. When The Comedian (Morgan) gets killed, Rorschach (Haley) takes offense and ties to find the killer. After some targeted street attacks, both Nite Owl (Wilson) and Spectre (Akerman) join Rorschach in an attempt to bring the perpetrator down.
It was fun seeing Haley (Bad News Bears) and Wilson (Phantom of the Opera) in the superhero roles. As Rorschach, Haley does some very devastating damage on his foes. The jail cafeteria scene will go down in my mind as the single most wickedly disturbing scene in movies. On the complete opposite side of the coin, Wilson’s Nite Owl uses his brain along with his brawn to thwart his opponents. Trying to choose between his skills in the alley vs. some very tough dudes or his fight for life during the prison break has me on the fence.
The direction in Watchmen by Snyder is brilliant in the way he keeps his characters believable throughout. He does a terrific job with the flash backs that give you the background of the heroes and their reasons for their timely return to the streets. His control of the cinematography does get a little off kilter at times, but he makes up for it during the action sequences. He makes use of some excellent choreography for the hand-to-hand street fighting.
The special effects in this film are awesome. When someone gets blown away, you can’t count the number of parts or the amount of blood that flies around the set. I will say, however that the city models were a bit too unreal and some of the war scenes a bit too over the top.
The film is rated R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language of which there is a lot. So be cautious if your youngsters are immature.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Watchmen is a thriller and a killer. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2009 Miami Int’l Film Festival
By Denise Castillón

Under the guidance of its’ charming new festival director, Tiziana Finzi, the 26th edition Miami Int’l Film Festival runs March 6th through 15th. Once again, red carpets will unfurl to showcase a line-up of independent arthouse films, particularly from Latin American countries, from where some of the best cinema has been produced for the past several years. The 2009 Miami Int’l Film Festival (MIFF) will screen 137 films, from 43 countries, through traditional programs, such as World and Ibero-American Competition, as well as its new program of artistic audio-visual experimental films, Cutting The Edge.

The festival opens on Friday evening, at the glorious Gusman Center For The Performing Arts, with Matt Tyrnauer’s feature-length documentary, VALENTINO: The Last Emperor. Culminating with a magnificent celebration honoring 45 years of the legendary designers’ contribution to haute couture, the film spotlights the career of the revered fashion icon and temperamental creative genius along with his equally-talented business and life partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. [The nights’ festivities, including the opening night celebration party, will be captured on video and posted on this website.]

Beginning this weekend, MIFF festival-goers will have a variety of films to enjoy at the festival. Here are the top recommendations, followed by reviews: 5 DIAS SIN NORA (Nora’s Will), LA NANA (The Maid), and PARQUE VIA

From MIFF’s Ibero-American Competition Program:

5 DIAS SIN NORA (Nora’s Will)
Mexico
Spanish, with English Subtitles/Running Time: 92 min

Mariana Chenillo makes her directorial debut with the delightful dark comedy, CINCO DIAS SIN NORA. The title character, Nora, has carefully prepared her family’s Passover holiday dinner, before committing suicide. Her ex-husband José grudgingly arranges for her kosher burial, which, according to Jewish law, must be postponed until five days later, after Passover.

The necessity of preserving Nora sets off a series of very comical situations and disputes between atheist José, the hypocritical Rabbi Jacowitz, and the devoutly Catholic servant, Fabiana, all of which are mediated by their only son, Rubén. During the preparations, José discovers an incriminating old photograph that reveals Nora was keeping a secret. José’s relentless pursuit into their shared past to uncover the truth evidently melts away his hatred for Nora to reveal his undying love.

The ensemble cast, led by Fernando Luján, includes Juan Carlos Colombo, Max Kerlow, Enrique Arreola, Angelina Peláez, Ari Brickman, Cecilia Suárez and Verónica Langer.

Written and directed by Mariana Chenillo. Cinematography Alberto Anaya. Edited by Mariana Chenillo. Produced by Laura Imperiale.

Screens at Regal South Beach Cinema 18:
Saturday, March 7th, 7pm
Wednesday, March 11th, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 15th, 7pm


LA NANA (The Maid)
Chile/Mexico
Spanish, with English Subtitles/Running Time: 95 min

Writer-director Sebastián Silva’s “The Maid” is an amusing character study of a well-to-do family’s long-time live-in maid, Raquel (CATALINA SAAVEDRA). Sullen and rigid, Raquel’s obsession with her duty to maintain the household for her employers, Mundo Valdes (ALEJANDRO GOIC), and his wife Pilar (CLAUDIA CELEDON) masks her underlying loneliness. What Raquel truly desires to be regarded as a valued member of the family.

When, Raquel begins to have fainting spells from overworking, Pilar decides to hire a second maid to help out. Instead, Raquel feels threatened to the point of harassing each new hire until they quit. Although her behavior becomes quite antagonistic, these antics also provide the films’ comedy.

Then, Lucy (MARIANA LOYOLA) arrives as the latest maid to offer her support to the family. Soon, Lucy’s confidence and energy affects the whole household. But, when Lucy is attacked by Raquel’s temper, she reacts very differently, -with compassion. For the time, Raquel develops a true and caring relationship through her friendship with Lucy.

Starring Catalina Saavedra as “The Maid”, Claudia Celedon, Mariana Loyola, Alejandro Goic, Anita Reeves, Delfina Guzman, Andrea Garcia-Huidobro, Mercedes Villanueva, Agustin Silva.

Directed by Sebastian Silva. Screenplay by Sebastian Silva and Pedro Peirano. Cinematography by Sergio Armstrong. Edited by Danielle Fillios. Produced by Gregorio Gonzalez.

"The Maid" won at the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema-Dramatic, plus actress Catalina Saavedra received an Special Jury Prize for Acting at this years’ Sundance Film Festival.

Screens at the Tower Theater:
Saturday, March 7th, 9:30pm
And at the Regal South Beach Cinema 18:
Monday, March 9th, 9:45pm
Thursday, March 12th, 7:15pm.


From MIFF’s World Competition Program:

Enrique Riveros’ drama "Parque Via", like “The Maid”, is a character study of a lonely servant. However, the tone and style is completely different and unusual. The extremely slow pace of "Parque Via" may be difficult to bear, but it sets up very well its shocking climatic conclusion.

Beto (NOLBERTO CORIA) is the elderly caretaker of an extravagant house that is up for sale by its refined owner. Because of the extended length of time the residence has been on the real estate market, Beto, through his repetitive daily rituals of maintaining the home and watching the TV news, has surrendered to an isolated and almost wordless existence. His only company, beyond visits by his employer or her real estate agent, is Lupe (NANCY OROZCO), a hooker who makes house calls.

After ten years, Beto has become so resigned to living cloistered indoors that he now experiences panic attacks whenever he does venture out into the real world. Then, his worst fear is realized, the house, his home, has been sold. The dilemma of where can Beto go from here is addressed quite radically.

Stars Nolberto Coria as “Beto”, supported by actresses Nancy Orozco and Tesalia Huerta. Written and directed by Enrique Rivero. Cinematography by Arnau Valls Colomer. Edited by Javier Ruiz Caldera and Enrique Rivero. Produced by Paola Herrera and Enrique Rivero.

Enrique Riveros’ feature directorial debut, PARQUE VÍA, won the Golden Leopard and FIPRESCI Award at Locarno International Film Festival 2008, and the Best Latin American Film and Audience Awards at the Ficco Festival in Mexico.

Screens at Regal South Beach Cinema 18:
Saturday, March 7th, 4pm
Monday, March 9th, 7pm
And at the Tower Theater:
Sunday, March 15th, 9:30pm

***Confirm film dates and times at: www.miamifilmfestival.com" www.miamifilmfestival.com

DVD’s IN THE NEWS

By Al McGhee

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA March 3, 2009: Beverly Hills Chihuahua is now on DVD and at local stores. The canine comedy follows the adventure of Chloe (Drew Barrymore) a diamond-clad pooch from Beverly Hills gets lost when while on vacation in Mexico. Being a Chihuahua helps her along since it’s the national dog of Mexico. Papi (George Lopez) an amusing Chihuahua who’s crazy about her heads to Mexico to find her. While there Chloe gets help from Delgado (Andy Garcia). Its Disney at it’s best as show by the huge box-office it got when it opened in theatres.
The DVD’s bonus features include Deleted Scenes, Blooper Scooper, Legend of the Chihuahua” Animated Short and Feature Audio Commentary by Director Raja Gosnell.

AIR BUD Special Edition March 3, 2009: The original Air Bud is now on DVD. The movie that started it all gets a chance to show off again. When Josh Framm, a 112-year-old boy, finds himself in a new city with no friends, he’s too shy to try out for the basketball team, However, while practicing one day he meets Buddy, a runaway golden retriever who surprises him with his ability to score baskets. The two become friends and later teammates in this cunning release from Disney.
The DVD’s bonus features include Dog-U-Commentary with The Buddies and the Original Theatrical Trailer.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY March 10, 2009: The Golden Globe Award Winner for Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical, Sally Hawkins is featured in this funny upbeat comedy about a schoolteacher whose unstoppable optimism guides her life. Bubbling forth with giggles, laughter and jokes, life’s a bowl of cherries, even when she comes across a few pits. Whether it’s a cranky driving teacher or a fiery flamenco instructor, Poppy emphases life on the Sunnyside of the street.
The film has bonus features including Behind The Wheel of Happy-Go-Lucky, Happy-In-Character and Audio Commentary By Director Mike Leigh. The film is a Miramax release.

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS March 10, 2009: The movie drama is based on a best selling novel by John Boyne. Eight year old Bruno has to move away from his Berlin home when his father a high ranking officer in the German Army during WWII gets relocated to a small rural area just outside a concentration camp for Jews. Lonely and bored Bruno takes walks exploring the woods nearby. On one trip he sees a boy behind a fence and starts to communicate with him. When his parents find out about his friendship with the boy, things take a turn for the worse.
The Bonus features include Deleted Scenes, Friendship Beyond The Fence Featurette and Feature Commentary by Writer Director Mark Herman and Author John Boyne. The film is a Miramax Release.