1 October 2015
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.
THE INTERN (Le nouveau stagiaire) ***
Robert De Niro is utterly charming as a New York retiree and widower who decides to go back to work. And Anne Hathaway is perfect as his new boss in a successful fashion outlet. The workplace is up-market and congenial, their apartments are beautiful, and the multiple plot lines are familiar and endearing.
For this delightful film is by Nancy Meyers, a director who believes in giving audiences humorous, warm-hearted entertainment. Like “Something’s Gotta Give”, “The Holiday” and “It’s Complicated”, all lovely tales of successful, single adults looking for that special relationship. And why not, for don’t we often go to movies for distraction from the tedium of life?
De Niro deserves kudos for this convincing, debonair portrayal, so different from his usual tough guy Mafia roles.
HORIZONTES *** (vo Spanish)
First shown at this year’s Locarno film fest, this documentary is an homage to Cuba’s mythical ballerina, Alicia Alonso, in the twilight of her years, a woman who danced to glory despite her semi-blindness. Swiss director Eileen Hofer follows two ballerinas from the National Cuban Ballet: their brilliant etoile, Viengsay Valdez, and a teenage hopeful, to meld the present and future with the rich past of the Cuban ballet school.
With the gradual opening of Cuba, this film is not only a passionate study of the arduous work and dedication that is the art of ballet, but also a reminder of the life and feelings of the people of this struggling yet vibrant island. Here is a fine recognition of a proud country.
(Showing at the GRUTLI)
And 2 films to MISS :
PREMIERS CRUS * (vo French)
This French film starts off with promise: the rolling vineyards of Burgundy; an elegant, energetic wine-tasting; a dedicated family of wine-makers. But because of serial over-acting, tedious and obvious storyline, and overwrought clicheÌs, this tale of a family in financial turmoil becomes a dull, wasted effort. Pity.
UN DEÌBUT PROMETTEUR – (vo French)
Don’t let the name Luchini pull you into this boring flick. Fabrice’s daughter Emma is for now a mediocre director of films – despite her family lineage. This useless yarn about two brothers, a florist father, (she’s solicited her hapless Dad!) and a blond, goes nowhere and means nothing in terms of intelligence, emotions or entertainment. The title is all wrong…
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune at the 2015 Locarno film festival in Switzerland
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