La Llamada

"La Llamada" is a boring, not funny Spanish religious comedy. The movie has however a really good and enjoyable cast led by the beautiful Macarena Gómez, indeed all the actors are great. The problem is the direction and editing: each scene is painfully long and what could have been a good idea for a short is tiring for a full length movie. Nevertheless I managed to get to the end based on Macarena Gómez, whose mere appearance lights the screen.

It deals with two beautiful young girls, Maria : Macarena Garcia and Susana : Anna Castillo, are two rebel teenagers who spend their time in a religious camp at the Segovian mountains . But their rebellious attitude will collide with two religious nuns from a rigid ecclesiastic order , the oldest , Gracia Olayo, and the youngest, Belen Cuesta. And an unexpected twist, God himself appearance : Richard Collins, who shows up to the ingenuous Maria. By the way, the crazy girls attempt to amuse themselves by dancing at discoteque and musical concerts. At the same time, the likeable teens try to get their religious freedom as well as God love, thanks to the surprising appearance by the singer Richard Collins as God character.

An amusing and fun film but disconcerting story with ridiculous incidents and surprising happenings. It is an acceptable movie but containing absurd events and embarrassing adventures . However, the musical acting, charming songs and enjoyable set pieces make it for the non-sense script. The disconcerting screenplay doesn't make much sense, but it has its moments here and there. Catching songs originally composed by Dolly Parton, Henry Mendez, Linda Thompson and Annie Lennox. Being wonderfully performed by Richard Collins, Macarena Garcia, Anna Castilla, Gracia Olayo and Belen Cuesta. These actors are completed by brief apparitions, almost cameos, by secondaries as Secun de la Rosa, Nuria Herrero and film producer himself : Enrique Lopez Lavigne.

It contains a colorful and evocative cinematography by Miguel Amodeo. Miguel is one of the best Spanish cameraman who has photographed notorious films and series such as : La novia, Kamikaze, Locked-up, Fermat room, Princesa de Eboli, Ministerio del Tiempo, Hispania and Money heist. Being shot on location in Alcala de Henares and San Rafael, Segovia, Castilla Leon . It packs an agreeable and emotive musical score by Leiva. The motion picture was regularly directed by the newcomers Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, they are the true authors of the novel it was based on. At the beginning they did not want to shot it , but they didn't find adequate directors, then they decided to make it. It won Asecan award to best cinematography, Miguel Amodeo, as well as the best secondary actress to Belen Cuesta. And best Spanish film nominee, directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. Rating 5.5/10. Acceptable and passable.

I went into the movie knowing pretty much nothing about it and i absolutely loved it. I suppose you could say it's a bit unusual but i loved the music, singing and performances, it was overall a great experience to me. I'd recommend watching it for sure, i also recommend keeping an open mind while watching it, let yourself fully enjoy the movie. Only thing I don't like about it is that I couldn't find the music recorded for the movie anywhere to stream or buy(except for two songs, which are both on Spotify and were performed by Macarena García) so that made me sad and i feel like some character backstory was missing but otherwise it is a pretty good movie in my opinion. Though keep in mind I'm a bit of a fan for somewhat strange movie and musicals.

It was great how Susana accepted Maria quitting the band to finally do what she loves, instead of outcasting her, and being mad at her. We can see true friendship happening, and ultimate acceptance. Also, a great way to update and make religion more appealing to the younger audience.

And it is great to show and illustrate how church is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Please watch this, and learn from it.

A really funny masterpiece that breaks with the typycal spanish humor. Fantastic BSO!