Shadow Dancer (2012)

Directed by: James Marsh
Country: Uk / Ireland

Review: James Marsh turns his attention to IRA, after two triumphant documentaries (“Man On Wire”, “Project Nim”) and the second part of “Red Riding” trilogy, where he depicted in an exemplary way the corruption of the Yorkshire police. “Shadow Dancer” tells the story of Colette (Andrea Riseborough), a militant of the IRA caught by the MI5 during an operation in London. However, officer Mac (Clive Owen), offers her a deal: to become an informant for MI5 in exchange of freedom and protection for her son. This is a methodic, slow-burning story of espionage that keeps all revelations and surprises for the end, although preserving the sufficient elements needed to keep us alert throughout the time. Betrayals, interrogations, tortures and sly behaviors make part of this cold story of vengeance. “Shadow Dancer” is not mandatory, but deserves some attention as a solid, competent and adult movie.

War Witch (2012)

Directed by: Kim Nguyen
Country: Canada

Review: “War Witch” covers a strong subject, using raw images and a well-organized structure. Komona, a pregnant girl of 14-years-old, tells her own story. Forced to join the rebel army at 12, she was submitted to several rites to suppress feelings or emotion, including the assassination of her parents and hard beatings every time she started to cry. Luckily, she became a protected “war witch”, after having developed some extra-sensitivity to feel the enemies, due to a drug that they called “magical sap”. But not everything was so gloomy. “War Witch” also uncovers a genuine love story, and proves that even in extremely harsh conditions and savage circumstances there are good souls who might help you out. The time expended with these positive aspects helped to soothe the weight of a disturbing and sad reality, more and more common in African soils. Rachel Mwanza was considered best actress at Berlin and Tribeca Film Festivals.

Les Miserables (2012)

Directed by: Tom Hooper
Country: UK

Review: Victor Hugo’s magnificent literary work, “Les Miserables”, is once more adapted into cinema, but this time as a musical drama. Directed by the talented Tom Hooper (“The Damned United”, “The King’s Speech”), this big production didn’t have practically any impact on me. The musical side simply didn’t work, with most of the songs being presented in the same melancholic mood, while the emotions didn’t surfaced, remaining hidden behind the exacerbated revolutionary chants or the deep laments of love and regret. From the entire cast, only Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter excelled, with the latter bringing into my mind Tim Burton’s dark musical “Sweeney Todd”. Regarding the outer scenarios, I wonder why these high-budget films tend to adopt an artificial appearance, looking more like paintings rather than reality. “Les Miserables” aimed too high and turned out on another unnecessary film.

The Impossible (2012)

Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Country: Spain

Review: “The Impossible” was inspired on the real events lived by a family, during the catastrophic tsunami that has devastated Thailand in 2004. The images are absolutely impressive, showing chaotic landscapes and the tribulations lived by those who were hurt or looking for their families. Although visually appealing, the movie adopted a questionable approach. When mother and son entered the hospital, they didn’t show any concern with the whereabouts of the rest of the family. They didn’t even mentioned them. I found this particularly strange. With flair for the dramatic side, “The Impossible” increases the viewer’s despair with a sentimental soundtrack and evinces some staged situations, hoping to touch your heart and impress your eyes. Bayona's direction, clearly aiming for massive audiences, reduced the chances of creating a more effective film from this particular drama.

Rurouni Kenshin (2012)

Directed by: Keishi Ohtomo
Country: Japan

Review: Adapted from a popular Manga series, what we foresaw in “Rurouni Kenshin” was provided, yet in an uneven manner. The movie tells the adventures of a former assassin who seeks redemption in the beginning of Meiji period. He became a wandering swordsman, known for using a reverse sword to protect people. This new way of life will be challenged, when a wealthy opium merchant gets in his way. A well composed cinematography contrasts with a not so impressive story, where swords and machine guns are mixed. The fights put the energy that was supposed to, yet sometimes look too cartoonish, while the characterization produced a weird effect with the heroes seeming teen-warriors and the villains eccentric. Far from the best samurai movies, “Rurouni Kenshin” can be watchable, but just if we look into it as an animated entertainment.

Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

Directed by: Malik Bendjelloul
Country: UK / Sweden

Review: This documentary depicts an incredible story about an American musician who lived all his life in the shadow, while his records were sold at a fast pace in South Africa, during several years. The movie begins with all the mysteries involving Rodriguez, a man who nobody knew much about. Appearing and disappearing like a ghost, this composer from Detroit was a complete failure in the US, despite the meaningful lyrics and an interesting acoustic sound. Being an inspiration to South African people during the apartheid, in a time where any kind of art referring drugs or sex were banned by censorship, Rodriguez aroused curiosity among several followers of his music. An investigation was started, leading to unbelievable conclusions. “Searching For Sugar Man” is one of the best documentaries of 2012, making justice to a humble and talented artist.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Directed by: Tony Gilroy
Country: USA

Review: “The Bourne Legacy” was written and directed by Tony Gilroy (“Michael Clayton”, “Duplicity”), who sought inspiration on Robert Ludlum’s Bourne trilogy. Curiously, or not so much, Peter Greengrass (director of the last two Bourne’s) refused to direct this movie. The same had happened with the leading role: Jeremy Renner was the chosen, after Matt Damon’s quit. Greengrass and Damon predicted well what was coming with this sequel: Nothing new! Without passion, action scene upon action scene, it could not arouse any thrilling effect, due to the stereotypes of a wobbly plot and a performance that lost the charisma left by Damon. “The Bourne Legacy” could not challenge or provoke because it simply didn’t have anything more valuable to offer, when compared to the other three movies from which it was based on.

Ace Attorney (2012)

Directed by: Takashi Miike
Country: Japan

Review: After two magnificent incursions into the ancient world of Samurais (“13 Assassins”, “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai”), Takashi Miike adapts a popular Japanese videogame called “Ace Attorney” into film, where the players assume the role of a defense attorney in a fictional courtroom. The novice Phoenix Wright is our hero, always saved in the last moment by a brilliant idea or a little help from his friends. The investigation of a mysterious murder reopens another similar case occurred 15 years before, making the battles between attorneys to be ferocious and extremely amusing. The special attention given to characterization, costume designs and hairstyles, worked very well together with the remarkable futuristic scenarios and special effects. Exquisitely laughable, “Ace Attorney” reveals to be a mess... but with a distinct look and personality.

Architecture 101 (2012)

Directed by: Lee Yong-Joo
Country: South Korea

Review: “Architecture 101” is a Korean film that combines romance with architecture. A friendship between a girl and a boy ended 15 years ago in college, in harsh circumstances. Seung-Min, now an architect, was surprised by Seo-Yeon when she appears in his office asking him to build the house of her dreams. At the sound of cheesy tunes, the storyline moves back and forth in time, invoking nostalgic feelings and reviving the 90's. Clearly targeting juvenile audiences, this romance wasn’t sufficiently refreshing or exceptional to get me involved. Architecturally speaking, I would say that some basic pillars are missing here: pace, surprise and a better soundtrack, which make this "house" unable to stand up. Despite the huge success in South Korea, "Architecture 101" definitely is not among the best romantic flicks of the last times.

Jack Reacher (2012)

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Country: USA

Review: Based on “One Shot”, the reputable novel by Lee Child, “Jack Reacher” brings Tom Cruise into the role of a former Army Military Police, whose name was implicated on the random killings of five people in Pittsburgh. Christopher McQuarrie, who got famous for writing “The Usual Suspects”, makes his second apparition as director, but disastrously nothing really stood out in “Jack Reacher”. The plot was impregnated with the usual formulas without bestow anything new. The predictable shootings, the long and tiresome car chasings and a limp ending, are reasons to ask: where have I seen this before?. I didn't feel any empathy for the characters, with Werner Herzog (yes!, the German filmmaker) being the most interesting of the cast. “Jack Reacher” filled the screens with another instantly forgettable punisher.

Django Unchained (2012)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Country: USA

Review: “Django Unchained” is the most entertaining and provoking western of the last couple of years. The story itself doesn’t require much thought, but a delicate subject such as slavery was never handled with so indiscretion before. Tarantino’s mind has created another of his typical electrifying action movies, where bloodbaths and sharp humor join together to generate an explosive combination. Some scenes were deliberately exaggerated, being a mark of the director's style. I would have recognized his hand here, even if I didn’t know who the director was – I think that’s positive. The soundtrack was of bigger importance for “Django” to be classified as an unparalleled western; we can listen to a huge variation of styles such as: hip-hop, classical, romantic Italian or spaghetti western music. This is not the best work by Tarantino, but definitely one not to miss.

This Is 40 (2012)

Directed by: Judd Apatow
Country: USA

Review: Judd Apatow offers another agitated comedy with “This is 40”, a movie that tries to be cool but ends to be exhaustively tasteless. Ten percent of the jokes were well set, while the rest seemed forced and tactless. A more creative plot was needed to make me involved, instead of relying on a bunch of goofy jokes about sex, getting old, farting or hemorrhoids. The acting, often unnatural and full of hysteria, just bored me even more. We can still add to all these factors, an excess of language abuse – once in a while it can be funny, but throughout the whole movie it becomes tiresome and inappropriate. “This is 40” is simply a bad movie, lacking any type of smartness and denoting a great dose of childish talks and behaviors.

Twilight Portrait (2012)

Directed by: Angelina Nikonova
Country: Russia

Review: Angelina Nikonova’s directorial debut is a bleak portrait of a decadent Russia and also a curious character study. The approach in "Twilight Portrait" is raw, with intense and realistic scenes. It was a shame that some details hampered its chances of being more effective. I think the movie would have caused much more impact without the first scene, which serves as a warning for what will come next, losing the surprise factor. Marina, the main character, was brutally raped. Yet, the fact that she had been working with abused children, seemed too calculated by the screenwriters. Despite of these considerations, Marina’s baffling behavior kept me interested till the end, in a film that didn't spare an amoral Russia, where the lack of professionalism, bureaucracy, coldness and violence, are too evident issues to be ignored.

Hello I Must Be Going (2012)

Directed by: Todd Louiso
Country: USA

Review: “Hello I Must Be Going” is a sympathetic film that illustrates Amy’s attempt to re-encounter herself, after a traumatic divorce. Forced to move to her parent’s house, Amy never leaves home and seems to have no purpose in life. It’s when an unexpected romance with Jeremy, who is much younger than she is, will bring her back some self-consciousness. Most of the funny moments seemed very genuine, consisting on awkward attempts to act as normal as possible within embarrassing family situations. Melanie Lynskey did a great job, playing Amy with charisma, while Christopher Abbot played Jeremy, a not so strong character and even a bit overdone in his dilemmas. It’s true that “Hello I Must Be Going” could have been better in many aspects, but despite all its flaws, it manages to inject a bit of fresh air in the so exhaustive romantic comedies.

Of Snails And Men (2012)

Directed by: Tudor Giurgiu
Country: Romania

Review: “Of Snails And Men” is a Romanian comedy that tries to gain our sympathy through the habitual political mockery and social criticism. A factory is about to be privatized in a business involving a French company whose main activity is selling snail cans. George, one of the workers, struggles with despair and comes with a possible solution: trying to persuade all his co-workers to donate sperm, collecting the money needed to save the factory. Crossed romances and popular soundtrack, complete the parody – Michael Jackson Tour, Julio Iglesias’ karaoke moment and many representative Romanian songs gave a good contribution to animate the atmosphere. “Of Snails And Men” is a mildly funny political satire that delivers some dose of good-disposition despite the sadness hidden in its story.

Dredd (2012)

Directed by: Pete Travis
Country: UK / USA / India

Review: “Dredd” is a tumultuous sci-fi movie, evincing urban chaos and futuristic imagery. It was based on the British comic “2000 AD”, which has Judge Joseph Dredd as main character. Helped by a psychic rookie girl (always helpful in these cases), Dredd will be trapped in a 200-floor shielded building, controlled by a dangerous gang. In a flash, the Indonesian “Raid: Redemption” came to my mind. Only this time, a large number of weapons were used instead of fists, not bestowing the same striking energy that emerged from the corporal fights. The merciless behavior showed by every character without exception, turned this film in one of the darkest of the year, but sadly the fierce action scenes eventually fell in standard shootings and hide-and-seek games, in a plot that can't be classified as imaginative or intriguing.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Country: USA

Review: It’s quite amazing the capacity of Kathryn Bigelow to create great films from high-risk subjects. If “The Hurt Locker” was the boldest movie from 2008, I have to say that “Zero Dark Thirty” has my vote in this category for 2012. A movie that gives us a thrilling insight about the operations that led to Osama Bin Laden’s death in Pakistan on May 2, 2011. The keys to success were many, but I can point a few: a gripping direction; a plot that never loses its way, maintaining high levels of adrenaline; the absence of superficial scenes; an outstanding performance by Jessica Chastain; image accuracy, with special emphasis on the military operation; a distinct approach, free from the standard clichés. The torture scenes, despite polemic, were absolutely necessary, since the goal here was to reveal the truth. “Zero Dark Thirty” sustains my total surrender to one of the best contemporary filmmakers.

Vulgaria (2012)

Directed by: Pang Ho-Cheung
Country: Hong Kong

Review: 2012 wasn’t a year of much inspiration for Taiwanese filmmaker Pang Ho-Cheung. After a sloppy “Love in The Buff”, “Vulgaria” was another missed shot on comedy. The first moments had some interest, with a controversial interview given by an experienced film producer in front of students. But suddenly, the movie changed to imbecilic jokes about masturbation techniques, popping candy blow-jobs or sex with animals, all with a cynical silliness that got me bored very quickly. Family problems and Mafia connections were also introduced as mere pretexts to deflect our attention from the uninteresting sexual adventures of producer To Wai-Cheung. “Vulgaria”, as the title suggests, is nothing more than a vulgar movie.

Black's Game (2012)

Director: Óskar Thór Axelsson
Country: Iceland

Review: Oskar Thor Axelsson's debut film had Nicolas Winding Refn as executive producer, taking us to the Icelandic underworld of drugs trafficking and crime. So, it is not surprising if we note some resemblances with Refn’s movies about the underworld, such as “Pusher” or “Bronson”. “Black’s Game” shows the dark path taken by Stebbi, after bump into a childhood friend outside the jail. By joining a dangerous gang, Stebbi will experience things that he would never have imagined. All the cast did a great job, playing properly the dark and evil characters, but this was obfuscated with scenes of drug abuse and orgies that almost looked like one of those despicable low-grade movies. All got worse with a couple of superfluous scenes aiming to impose tension, as well as an hasty ending, which deserved a better conclusion. An hectic film, needing fresh ideas.

Purge (2012)

Directed by: Antti Jokinen
Country: Finland / Estonia

Review: “Purge” is a Finnish bleak drama, based on the best-selling novel by Sofi Oksanen. It tells the life stories of two women, whose memories needed to be purged after years of torments and pain. After having found each other, they will be able to put some hope on their lives. This is the kind of story that we already have seen for so many times, and if it doesn’t get the perfect mood or the right approach, it will fall on banality. That’s what happened to “Purge”. In one hand: scenes of violence and exploitation; in the other: a bloody love story adorned with political connotations and inevitable betrayals. Hope emerges as a possibility in the end, but was achieved through unconvincing sequences of self-repentance and killings. “Purge” was selected to represent Finland at the 85th Academy Awards, but it falls short from what I expected from a drama of this kind.