Moi Aussi, Geraldine! (2009)

This is my first short film. It was shot with a Canon Vixia HFS100 in Mexico City and Valle de Bravo, Mexico, during a summer weekend. It is a surrealistic and experimental piece that started with a dream. I hope you like it and comment. Thanks!

Eagle vs. Shark (2007)

written and directed by Taika Cohen
with: Loren Horsley, Jemaine Clement

New Zealand's Eagle vs. Shark is noticeably in the same vein of Napoleon Dynamite. But with some (Wes) Andersionian-like witty humor, aesthetics and psychological analysis of the characters, it ends up being a unique mix of entertainment. It is a comedic romance between two socially inept characters. Lily, an innocent girl who lives with her brother and whose parents are dead, works at a fast food restaurant, plays the guitar timidly, watches documentaries on sharks (who are lonely predators like her) and has a secret crush for Jarrod, a systematic, meticulous, perfectionist, candle maker, collector of childishly creative objects and video game enthusiast with low self-esteem, who seeks his father's approval (who only praises his dead son) and works at a tech shop.

Taika Cohen does a great job when shooting these characters. Most times alienated from the rest of the cast, and when being part of a collective, like Jarrod's favorite animal costume party, the others are as awkward or even more. Jarrod focuses his energies in training to fight his high school nemesis, a Samoan who bullied him. Lily puts all her effort and patience in trying to catch Jarrod's attention and to be with him. Jarrod's mentality and training techniques are absolutely hilarious. Lily's methods to woo him are just too cute and honest.

The movie has wonderful music that sets the mood. It has unexpected animated sequences that would rarely be seen in Hollywood. It has quirky outfits and detailed mise-en-scenes, plus some memorable phrases and absurd geeky humor that won't disappoint.

Recommended.
Rating: 7.5/10

Taking Woodstock (2009)

directed by Ang Lee

based on the novel by Eliot Tiber

with: Demetri Martin, Jonathan Groff, Eugene Levy, Emile Hirsch, Imelda Staunton, Liev Schreiber, Paul Dano,

Taking Woodstock revisits the three day experience of half a million people who gathered to be in peace and freedom while listening to music. The hippie scene of the 60's, which is directly linked to drug use and antiwar protests, is accurately portrayed in the movie, as it is based in original Woodstock footage and testimonials.

When I was in the theater watching the movie, three old ladies, who were original Woodstock goers, were melting in memories and laughter, they said things like 'oh, that brings back some memories' and everyone seemed to respect them for being part of that, for being part of an event that changed the world.

The movie has two main focuses. One, the organization, planning and issues with the place and event where Woodstock took place. Two, the liberation of a young man's mind as he experiences with drugs and sex.

Ang Lee's vision of Woodstock is better than I expected. It is liberal, as it should be, and reminiscent of the times, entertaining and somewhat informative. I expected less of this 40th anniversary celebration for the big screen. The movie is not revolutionary as Woodstock was, but it has eye catching visuals, especially when representing the LSD trip.

Slightly Recommended.

Rating: 6.5/10