Well, hello there, kind folks. If you’re visiting this blog of mine, I presume that you have a certain interest in the cinema. As for me, even since my early childhood, I have had a deep love of everything related to movies and television. As far as I can remember, I have been more at ease in front of a screen than in the yard, outside, playing. It is a great way to travel, though other people’s stories, without having to foot any kind of steep bill. Over the years, I feel that movie-watching has even fuelled my own creativity.

All that being said, I welcome you in my Cinephile’s Nest. I hope you enjoy it here, feel free to come back at any time. Here you will find reviews of current movies and older ones. TV shows also. Some classics that have remained some of my favourites, some that have disappointed me. I will use a very basic star (*) system to grade them from 1 to 5 (5 being sliced bread level). Remember, these are just my tastes. I will try to explain in each review what I liked about these particular movies, without giving spoilers.

Il y aura aussi des critiques en français pour les films francophones, car j'aime également le cinéma dans ma langue maternelle. Avant d'apprendre l'anglais, plus jeune, je louais des tonnes de films traduits en français, surtout ceux de Bud Spencer et Terrence Hill. Ma mère a eu le choc de sa vie lorsqu'un jour, dans la boîte d'un de ces films, Deep Throat avait malencontreusement inséré. Une expérience formatrice pour le jeune cinéphile que je suis.

Bienvenue à tous, amusez-vous bien.

I welcome you all here, enjoy yourself.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Prisoners (2013)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard
Running time: 153 minutes



The Dover family is having Thanksgiving dinner at the home of their neighbors and friends, Franklin and Nancy Birch, when the young daughters of each family disappear while going unsupervised from one house to the other. They are believed to have been abducted, and Detective Loki goes on the case, intent on finding the little girls. Considering that playing by the rules is not getting the job done fast enough, one of the fathers decides to get involved, gravely complicating matters.

With this film, Quebecker Denis Villeneuve truly showed his talent for directing. With a brilliant cast of actors under him, he managed to tell a riveting story that keeps the viewer hooked from beginning to end. The pace is just right and keeps us wanting more.

The cinematography is excellent here, with darkness and minimal lighting playing a huge role. The use of the rainy weather and somber colors for the exterior shots were also a nice touch and fitted nicely with the mood of the characters.

Hugh Jackman was absolutely amazing as Heller Dover, a recovering alcoholic and survivalist having a hard time waiting patiently as the police is looking for his daughter. The intensity Jackman displayed in that role was such that he came right off the screen in every scene. Absolute dedication on his part; kudos. Jake Gyllenhal was also very good. The other actors were also convincing, in their smaller roles.  

Originally, I was really turned off by the ending of this film. Watching it again, I got it a little better, though it still felt a little too artsy and cute for my taste. All things considered, Prisoners is a solid thriller that has to be seen, if only to witness Hugh Jackman’s great acting performance.
Rating: ««««
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