Thoreau-2

I saw this film completely unaware of its marketing campaign, so I can only evaluate "Paranormal Activity" based on its own merits. And thus, I have to agree with Mark Savlov from the Austin Chronicle: this is a sorry excuse for a movie, and it's hardly scary at all. The story is preposterous, and the acting didn't impress me at all, but the worst thing is that the thrills aren't many to begin with, and when the supposedly creepy stuff finally starts to happen, it's not so shocking. Some people might say that it's more realistic this way; I'd say it's mediocre and shows the lack of creativity from the filmmaker. Too much hype, in my opinion... I wish they had gone all the way with this idea and really scared the heck out of us, "thrll-junkies".

I've read some negative reviews of "Snatch" by some famous movie critics. Don't listen to them at all. The reason they don't like the movie is simple: they're too old for it, and they missed the point. They're used to the old, orthodox way of storytelling and this is too radical for them. I can't help but remember an anecdote about Beethoven, who upon hearing someone complain about his music being too "strong" replied: "but this isn't for you, this is for future generations". Same thing here, this movie is too good and too thrilling for obtuse minds. To dismiss the most common complaints, It's not "disorganized", it doesn't "need a script doctor", and it certainly doesn't "have too many characters and locations" (unless we're talking about people with really short attention spans). Few directors would be able to manage such a large cast, and so many threads with the class and skill of Ritchie. Probably you'll have to see it 2 or 3 times to understand all the twists and turns in the story, but you'll appreciate the editing and technique from the first time you see it.

If you liked "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", you'll love this one. But if you don't like movies that are intelligent as well as energetic, entertaining and gripping, go see what the critics recommend.

There's been a lot of German movies and documentaries made about the unification of West and East Germany, but I think this one is one of the most interesting ones I have seen. Following the life of a troubled photographer and some of his friends that are trying to adjust to this new capitalist system, he feels left behind and disappointed by the Western way of life and the changes made to his home city, Berlin. The city provides a great background against which these stories are told, and the photography in the film is really beautiful. Being a photographer myself I was moved in many ways by this documentary, and I believe that many people would enjoy it, even if they're not involved in photography. It's a very interesting work.