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Flakinde
Reviews
Mararía (1998)
Not a good documentary, much less a good drama.
"Mararía" really disappointed me. I can't consider it as a bad movie, but the development just seemed too rushed and non-believable for it to evoke any emotions. Dr. Fermín displays some unprecedented bizarre behaviour out of a passion that one can't really understand where it was born from. I mean, how many times does he ever have a conversation with Mararía?? Maybe once? Also, Mararía never appeared to be a real character, instead more like a film stereotype that just needed to be in the movie (...or else another title was needed?). Some of the best acting came from a role that wasn't really important to the story, that of Marcial, the sub-intelligent yet humble drunkard. Of course, the scenery, the cultural tidbits of the Canary Islands, and other "wow" moments were interesting, but the movie fell short of a documentary (in case this was its real intention), and most importantly, as a solid drama.
Memento (2000)
Neither great - nor horrible
This movie certainly does not deserve to be #2 in the top 250 movies of all time. I was eager to watch this film, with the expectations you get from seeing these kinds of ratings (and especially from a movie from 2000, with all the duds out there these days). I have to say that it is a very satisfying experience, an extremely intriguing movie that will keep you wondering what will happen next. The unusual storytelling style will just involve you even more into the main character's own experience.
But "Memento" is not grand like "The Godfather" is. Not even comparable. I would say it is a VERY GOOD movie, with a very intelligent plot, and great use of storytelling.
However, I cannot believe nor understand those who say that the film does not have a good ending (don't worry - no spoilers here). "Memento"'s ending just brings the whole experience into perspective, it reveals the true magnitude of the main character's condition, and THAT is the surprising element.
Those who say that the movie is bad because it does not have an ending, are the same folks who will tell you not to visit a modern art exhibit because you won't understand the abstract paintings. Give me a break!!! If all creative individuals limited themselves to satisfy those who need to understand everything, many great artists would not even exist.
Watch this film, but do yourself a favor: watch it with a 21st century mind. Sit down and watch the film, and don't worry if you aren't "understanding" every single bit of information. The experience is much more rewarding.
The Humanoid (1986)
Very bad . . .
I picked this one out of the library, and I praise the Lord for doing so, because if I had payed to rent it I might not have forgiven myself very easily. This is an awful movie, very bad technique and very bad story. If you are like me, you will have hope of everything getting better toward the end, and will be deceived. The only reason I am giving it a 2 instead of a 1 is because of one action sequence that did shine amidst the rest (not that it was GOOD, but at least it proved that the directors had the potential to do so much more). Don't even pick this movie, unless you want to study very primitive animation, or unless you enjoy very cheesy 80's visuals against an even cheesier soundtrack.