14 June 2019.
By Neptune
MEN IN BLACK **1/2
I had expected super fun and fireworks from this rebooted MIB, with the likes of Thor turned Special Agent, and those cool black glasses.
But no, unfortunately, despite deep-voiced Aussi Chris Hemsworth who is such a delight for the eyes, and the always superior Emma Thompson as the head of the whole “circus”, as they like to call it. The new girl, Tessa Thompson, is cute and smart but there are too many holes in the scenario and too many moments when one has time to think…where is this going, and do I really care?
Liam Neeson feels redundant and out of place, and the alien creatures are just not that endearing nor spectacular so, really, take it or leave it. Pity.
L’HOMME À LA MOTO *** (vo Spanish)
You’ll wonder why the red light takes so long for the two guys on the motorcycle, but that’s not what they’re waiting for… They are waiting for the elderly woman to take money from the ATM machine, and then wrench the bag off her shoulder. In their haste, they drag her along the sidewalk and it looks as though she may be badly injured or even dead.
Thus starts this tale about the strange relationship that develops between the thief and his victim…a tender, delicate film that is typical of the depth and human side of Argentinean cinema. Reminiscent of Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”, it is actually based on an incident that happened to the mother of the writer and director of the film, Agustin Toscano.
The first part is fact, the rest of the story comes from his fertile imagination. There is the gritty face of poverty and the tension between petty thieves; there is the thief’s little son who tags along and the strained bond with his ex; and there is the hurt, bewildered woman whom he ends up nurturing. They all have their secrets, with Toscano creating here a universe of need and loneliness.
This small gem of a film is playing at the Grutli cinemas.
TAMBOUR BATTANT *1/2 (vo French)
This Swiss (supposed) comedy about a silly rivalry over a municipal fanfare contest in a “typical” Valais village is too predictable and clichéd to be taken either seriously or pleasantly. It’s just tiresome… Once again, a pity…
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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