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10/10
Pure Genius - Fritz Lang!
20 January 2012
Imagine waking up and turning over to your lover only to find her missing and a huge black spider on her pillow. Imagine parachute jumping from a hot-air balloon high above the ruins of an Incan city in Mesoamerica. Imagine the chief protagonist dressed like Batman sans cape and living shipboard in a crate complete with your favorite liquors, a reading library and arsenal. Imagine a primary character name Kay Hoog – who happens to be a man. If you can imagine that, then it might be a flash-back to this film. Fritz Lang showed his filmmaking genius early in his career with "The Spiders." These two first installments, beg for a remake and for some creative effort to produce the final two segments - "The Secret of the Sphinx" and "For Asia's Imperial Crown" - that were never made.
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10/10
A Brilliant Film!
20 January 2012
Imagine waking up and turning over to your lover only to find her missing and a huge black spider on her pillow. Imagine parachute jumping from a hot-air balloon high above the ruins of an Incan city in Mesoamerica. Imagine the chief protagonist dressed like Batman sans cape and living shipboard in a crate complete with your favorite liquors, a reading library and arsenal. Imagine a primary character name Kay Hoog – who happens to be a man. If you can imagine that, then it might be a flash-back to this film. Fritz Lang showed his filmmaking genius early in his career with "The Spiders." These two first installments, beg for a remake and for some creative effort to produce the final two segments - "The Secret of the Sphinx" and "For Asia's Imperial Crown" - that were never made.
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Young Adult (2011)
10/10
Theron is not just a pretty face; shows depth and compassion
13 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Theron is not just a pretty face; shows depth and compassion, 2 December 2011

If you have patience and don't walk out of the theater you will be rewarded with a noteworthy performance.

This film really drags through the first 45 minutes. The story line is boring mostly and quite dark. But then our human existence is ofttimes like that. Is it worth spending 45 minutes looking at Charlize Theron who doesn't always look beautiful and is often drunk? Of course its worthwhile! Critics have already forecast that her role may result in a second Oscar for the beautiful South African.

If you can persevere through the first half of the film without walking out, you will be treated to an amazing performance by Theron!

In a confrontation with family, friends and ex-boyfriend, a drunk Theron screams her regret and pain for having an abortion 20 years earlier. Angst that she has held inside for 20 years has essentially stunted her emotional growth. It's a masterful job of acting and brings us into the depths of her soul and regret at destroying her unborn son. surprising message from Hollywood that has so long been dominated by progressive/liberal/permissives.

The film and my comments may be uncomfortable for some especially those in the industry.

it is a rare occasion when Hollywood allows such an accurate yet painful depiction of such a controversial subject. I congratulate and thank the writers, director and producer for putting it all out there. it's about time we started dealing with the truth in these matters and stop the cover-up.

Film is from the director and writer combo who brought you Juno, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody. And thank you Charlize for such an intense and realistic performance!
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Hayfever (2010)
10/10
Sensitive and Powerful
26 October 2011
Don't miss Hayfever (Febbre Da Fieno). It was one of the most popular films at the wonderful Cleveland International Film Festival in March. The screenings were expanded from two showings to five and the lines were long. This is a "don't miss" film. Here are some of the comments from our Italian MeetUp group after the film:

FilmAuthority –

Anyone who purchased tickets for Tuesday's screening of Laura Luchetti's Febbre Da Fieno, or Hayfever for those linguistically challenged is in for a real treat. Members of the Italian group saw it Sunday afternoon.

It is probably the best festival flick I've seen since Cherry Blossoms two years ago. Hayfever has got to be a contender for CIFF "Best Film" this year. I won't get into the plot or characters for those who get to see it Tuesday at the Shaker Square Cinema. And, I wouldn't be surprised to see it get a regular theatrical run as well.

The cinematography was beautiful. Italian filmmakers seem to have a real appreciation of all this visual elements that I appreciate: color; landscape/setting; creative scene transition; and composition. This flick combines the technical with the creative in a gripping story with fine acting. All the elements are there. Highly recommended!

Honestly, seeing Hayfever made the 2011 CIFF a success for me.

Carlo –

Totally agree with Bill, what a pleasant surprise. A super film that touched the heart.

Elia –

I also loved Febbre Da Fieno very much. As matter of fact, I enjoyed every second of it, from beginning to end. It was a bittersweet romantic comedy with an expected heartfelt ending that sends you home with a reflecting mood. I too was captivated by the color, scenery, music, and the alternation moments of reality and surrealism, present and past.

I thought that the protagonists were all very unique, each with a rich and solid personality. I loved the timid, kindhearted, and gracious Camilla, the romantic, loving, charming, but distracting Matteo. I also liked secondary protagonists such as the clients' store, especially the one in search of the wig that suited his look, or the charming and astute little boy impersonating Batman. I especially adored the lovable and genuine soul of Gigio.

I wonder though, based on what we have observed, how does the title "Febbre da fieno" (Hayfever) fit into the plot of the movie? In which other ways would or could have the movie ended preserving the emotional essence that one feels at the end?

A presto Elia

Marissa –

I didn't get the last two messages posted until this morning, but I was able to go down by myself to Febbre Da Fieno last night at Shaker Square. I was even 5 minutes late because I drove all the way from Hiram and was still able to get in. They offer standby tickets for those who didn't reserve in advance. I am glad I made it... it is a little gem of a film.

Ciao tutti.

A presto,
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