Review: WE BOUGHT A ZOO

 

           We Bought A Zoo claims to have been based on a true story; I double-checked the facts on Wikipedia (now that it is back online) and it seems to be true. Now that I think about it, it has to be true. Had this film not been “based on a true story”, it would have remained in development hell. The premise is so preposterously naïve that no Hollywood screenwriter could have come up with it, and no Hollywood producer would have backed it had it been an original idea. After all what type of character would ever buy a zoo on a whim?

Review: IRON MAN 2

Like its predecessor, Iron Man 2 delivers the finest form of entertainment within the confines of a very limiting genre. The first Iron Man was a strict superhero origin story that managed to stand out above the rest thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s quirky acting. This time Iron Man 2 presents the superhero sequel formula with unprecedented elegance.

Review: VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA

Vicky Christina Barcelona is a movie that could only be set in Barcelona. And although it does not capture the physicality of the city, by giving us deep focus placement shots of Paseo de La Gracia, La Sagrada Familia or Parque Guell, it does capture the psyche behind the city. Do not let this misguide you the famous places are there, but Woody Allen weaves them into his story in such a way that they all happen naturally rather than being forced as must-see locations. It is not uncommon for Woody Allen to set his films in European cities, and here he demonstrates knowledge and insight about the culture that has allowed him to survive in the market. Mind that two of the main characters, Vicky and Christina, are actually Americans visiting Barcelona and we see most of the events through their eyes. It is not the true Barcelona but the fantasy Barcelona in which we fantasize about having an adventure in.