ENTERTAINING

Felix von Groeningen established his position in the world of indie productions by claustrophobic „Broken circle breakdown”, so it was really interesting to see how he will take on the much more positive subject.

Rise of „Belgica”, a club run by two brothers (Jo and Frank) from the margin of society to the fancy discotheque everybody wants to visit will take you on a rollercoaster of hilarious and twisted drug, liquor and sex driven episodes. Along the way, you will be able to see all the Felix's directing talent and listen to some really, really good music.

On the other hand, the story doesn't offer any solutions nor life lessons as some might expect.

„Belgica” will make you laugh and dance, without any false pretensions.

BELGICA - 6/10

FOTO: belgicadefilm.be

DARK, BUT FUNNY

FOTO: static.rogerebert.com

John Michael McDonagh is one talented screenwriter and director. His filmography led me to ”The guard”, dark humored tale of the corrupted and politically incorrect policeman who likes drugs, alcohol and prostitutes and who, by chance, becomes the final obstacle between the trio of ruthless Irish drug smugglers that obtain heroin for the Ireland via Atlantic.

Brendan Gleeson is great in his lead role, while Mark Strong and Don Cheadle present a decent backup. Script is harsh, insulting and quite funny from time to time, but still falls short in terms of consistency.

”The Guard” is one solid dark humored comedy with an attitude.

THE GUARD - 6/10

NOT YOUR AVERAGE FOOTBALL MOVIE

FOTO: nyt.com

Sport movies are basically very pathetic. Story of success from the gutter is a specially fertile ground for too sweet of emotions. Or it should be like that. When you watch Venezuelan ”Hermano” this will surely not be the case.

Backdrop is pretty much the usual one. Two brothers make their way from the bottom of favela lowest soccer league to the jersey of glorified FC Caracas. All the temptations are there along the way: crime, drugs, violence, temptatious women with some serious family tragedy as well.

”Hermano” will follow that well paved path all the way to the last scene. That last scene is what makes this movie excellent with its horrific twist. That last scene is the thing that you just don’t expect.

Without any doubt, ”Hermano” is one of the best ”sport” movies ever made.

HERMANO - 9/10