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Reviews
El guerrillero del norte (1983)
A hard reality!.
The year was 1909, a year before the explosion of the Mexican Revolution, and during that time, it was the time of a lot of abused inflicted by rich people who were backed-up by a corrupted government; a dictatorship lead by Porfirio Díaz, who ruled Mexico over 30 Years. And during that period, if someone protests they were hanged by the nearest tree.
After expending time in the army, Melesio Cabañas, decided to rise up with quite a lot of oppressed peasants; in order to start to contribute with the revolution, against the tyrant government and the rich people.
To all the people who like movies that tell stories related to the abuses inflicted to the oppressed peasants, this one if for all of you; you will not regret it.
Outlast 2 (2017)
A perfect Jonestown Horror-dramatization.
I will begin my review like I always do, with an anecdote:
It takes places a year ago, after I finished reading Stephen King's It; and during the time I was reading it, it mentioned the Jonestown massacre (the one that took placed on Guyana, during the mid 70's). I had heard of this tragic event, from other sources, such as Spanish videos of cults by Angel David Revilla ''Dross"; and after of it, my curiosity grow and decided to search some information related to the tragedy... I end up shocked...two years later, 2023, some months ago I finished playing Outlast (the first one); I found out a little while later that there was a sequel (Outlast 2).
All a can say, to make all of this short is:
Outlast 2 is much more extreme than the first one, you will love it, but at the expense of you sanity (of course, that is an exaggeration), but if you don't mind a bit of masochism; than play it...You had been warned.
Víbora caliente (1978)
A unique western!!!
Through the years, I had seen a variety of western movies: A Fistful of Dollars 1964, For A Fistful of Dollars More 1964, The Good The Bad and The Ugly 1966, Todo Por Nada 1968, El Topo 1970, Todo El Horizonte Pará Morir 1971, El Hombre Desnudo 1976, El Extraño Hijo del Sheriff 1986, La Leyenda del Manco 1987, Tombstone 1993, The Quick and The Dead 1995, La Carreta de La Muerte 1996, and El Valle de Los Gigantes 2003.
(All of them westerns, all of them with their unique stories, none copying one or the other.)
At the same time, I had been a fan of director Fernando Durán Rojas' work, and after a little research on his filmography (Here in IMDb) this certain movie caught my attention (Vibora Caliente); and after the research I end up liking it, just by reading the synopsis. (But unfortunately, four years ago, I didn't magae to find it; until yesterday, and today I had watched it)
Vibora Caliente is a unique western, that doesn't have no elements, no characters neither it's story based from previous movies already mentioned; Vibora Caliente speak for itself. I do recommend.
(And I won't spoil it, you have to watch it, you can find it HD on Blue-ray, like I did)
Mirai nikki (2011)
One of the underrated animes of all times!
This wonderful anime, based of Sake Esuno's manga of the same name (and loyal to it, completely), unfortunately it didn't received the same recognition as most of the other animes or mangas that we were aware of; and it is very understandable, becuase you couldn't compare it to Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2, Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon, Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball, Eiichiro Oda's One Piece or Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto (of courses, there is no obvious comparison among those mangakas and their creations).
All I could say to all of you, that happened to want to give it a try to this one: do it. If you happened to like very depressing themes, such as controversial subjects; then this one is for you. And one piece of advice: do not, I repeat, do not blink or take you eyes away from it, because anything you miss, it is very crucial to understand the story; and if that do not help you understand, watch it again.
Cementerio del terror (1985)
One of the best B-horror movies from 80's.
I will begin my review like I always start them with a anecdote:
During the year 2005, when I used to be an 8-year-old, and during my childhood in Mexico, I remembered that I used to watched channel 22 (a.k.a Galavision), during all weekends; it used to to broadcast plenty of interesting movies of all types, and all genres. One weekend and around dusk time, I remembered that I turned on T.v., and there was a certain scene from a movie where this group of three couples were in the cemetery; performing a satanic ritual, just to frigh their girls, but unaware they resurrect a ''guy"; who later turned out to be a serial killer. Years passed, and I didn't knew what movie that was.
Several years later, during my High School years, I remembered that I watch two of the best horror movies: John Carpenter's Halloween 1978, and The Evil Dead 1981; I end up fascinated of them. And one weekend, while crousing at the Fly Market, I found a certain movie (Cementerio del Terror/ Cemetery of Terror 1985; not aware that was the movie that I saw it's scene on T.v years ago). And as I was watching it, I come to the realization, that it was the movie that it's scene I saw when I was a small kid.
Now that I'm currently 25 years of age, and after viewing it, I realized that this movie was influenced by the other two movies that I mentioned (Halloween 1978 and The Evil Dead 1981).
My final verdict:
If you want to enjoy a really good Mexican B-horror movie, and not care if it has influence from movies of an other country, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Mexican Standoff (2008)
A worthy conclusion!!
As I had mentioned on my previous reviews, of this trilogy (because it turns out to be, this is a trilogy), Mexican Standoff is the third and last entry on The Maria Navajas' Trilogy; a trilogy that was started on the year 2006 with Maria Navajas, Followed by 2008 sequel's Maria Navajas 2.
Known as ''Maria Navajas 3" by the fans, distributed as ''La Culata on DVD. Now this time it was te turned of director Jorge Ramírez Rivera, the director of the previous movie (Maria Navajas 2 2008), and also this time serves as writer of this one; bringing us the final conclusion of this electrifying trilogy.
If you enjoyed the previous two movies, Maria Navajas 2006 and Maria Navajas 2 2008; do not miss this one, too.
María Navajas II (2008)
A sequel that worth your time!!
Through the years I had seen plenty of American, and Mexican movie's franchise, that unfortunately, just the first movie of it worth; and the rest of the others...sight...Well, what can I say?. In this occasion, and after watching the 2006's first movie (Maria Navajas), later I found out that it does have a sequel; Maria Navajas 2 2008.
At first, I was having some doubts, because like all of us had known from experience, sequels unfortunately are not that good; but how wrong I was after I give it an opportunity. It turn out to be a really good movie after all, specially since Mr. Francisco Orosco, the writer of Maria Navajas 2006 (the first one) was involved in writing it; even if Mr. Emilio Ramón Vidal (the director of the first movie) wasn't involved; but turns out, that Mr. Jorge Ramírez Rivera (the director of this movie), it did a pretty good job after all.
Without any spoilers, all could say is this: that if all of you liked the first movie (Maria Navajas 2006), than you should not miss it's sequel; it definitely worth your time.
María Navajas (2006)
Mexican Rosario Tijeras!!.
Like the title of my critic/review imply, this really good 2006's Mexican low budget gem of a movie, even with very noticeable differences with the 2005's colombian movie, Rosario Tijeras and based on the 1999 book of the same name by Jorge Franco; they share a similar plot:
Both protagonist were sexually assaulted by stepfather, both were in the same path of prostitution, both turn gun-for-hireand the both carry an instrument that give them their names (Rosario Tijeras= scissors; Maria Navajas, switch-blades; the only difference was that the Colombian version (Rosario Tijeras) is work for the mafia as a ''call-girl" and paid assassin,
and she's currently death. On the other hand the Mexican version (Maria Navajas) is currently alive.
Even liked I already stated, even if they have few difference, they have a very similar plot, which by the way I don't doubt you will enjoy it; of course, if you are fans of the Colombian book and movie, and fans of this types of stories; this one definitely will be your cup of coffee, if you know what I mean.
Fando y Lis (1968)
TWO PAST COULD DESTROY ONE LIFE!!!
It could had not be well-maded by no other, than the master of surrealism: Alejandro Jodorowsky. In this, he's very first movie and debut, and based on the play of the same name by Fernando Arrabal; Alejandro Jodorowsky delivered us a very deep and powerful portrait of how sometimes, sometimes the baggage of some people's past, could possibly destroy a beautiful future by the side of a beloved one; and could drag that person too, to destruction.
Unfortunately, on it's time, 1968 and during The Acapulco Film Festival; this beautiful well-maded masterpiece, caused a big scandal, which almost cost Jodorowsky's life; to the point of almost deported him from Mexico.
Probably it was do to the fact, that during the 60's, it wasn't "something normal" to see on the big screen, such stuff of his...Probably, because he was ahead of his time. But believe me when I'm telling you, that if you want to enjoy a really good surreal masterpiece; do not miss this one.
Outlast (2013)
JUST FOR THE BRAVE-ONES !!!
I remembered that back then, during my time as a highscholer, my cousin got his PS4; and was most of the time browsing on PSN (Playstation Store), looking for interesting games to buy. We always had been people, that happend to like horror games, until we came across this one (Outlast).
Anyways, I will never forgot that as he was playing it, me and out other cousin, witnesses how the games was; arriving to the mental asylum, and as he was ''cruising" the halls of the place, we felt Righ-away, the tense atmosphere of the place and the game (don't get me wrong, not meaning it in the negative way). So, as he was traveling around the asylum, he came across this guy called Walker... We, the three of us (my two cousins and I), were really frightened... And we just decided that we do not want to know more of it.
Anyways, I would say Outlast is a really good game, and it is not for everyone. But of course, if you are very brave, and want to experience horror to it extremes, than this one is for you.
El güero estrada (1997)
AN OTHER WELL-MADE ADAPTATION!!!.
Like I had said in other of my review, which most of them are dedicated to movies that focuses on other of their kind, this one turned out to be another well-made adaptation of another good Mexican corrido.
El Güero Estrada
(Here comes the full plot summary):
The movie begins with a sheriff patrol, who's chasing a biker on the highway, until the baker heads to the river, and reveals to be El Güero Estrada; who jump to the water, while the officer tries to shoot him, but fail. And before the Sheriff leave, flipped ''the bird" to Estrada.
Then a little while later, El Güero Estrada is retelling that anecdote with exaggeration, to his friends; for that sake of entertaining them. Then Estrada approach to the bar to ask the bartender for a drink, and Mireya( the gypsy) tries to convinced him to her reading his fu, but he declined. A moment later, a man, Garañon, enters the bar and ask Mireya where he can find El Güero Estrada, and she let him know that is the one having conversation with the other on the table ahead; and before Garañon proceeded to approach Estrada, Mireya tries to offer her hand reading services but he declined; and as his heading to Estrada, Mireya had seen Garañon's tragic faith. Then Garañon chat with Estrada, about a 30-pound-marijuana deal, that he wants to do with him; because according to waht Garañon had heard, Estrada is the best in ''The business". And Estrada agrees to make the deal, and after he hook Garañon with a woman that he spend the night with, the agreed to meet on a place, the next morning. The following morning, El Güero Estrada is waiting for Garañon, who arrived to the meeting; bringing the 30-pounds of grass on a pick-up truck. After verifying the grass is ''class-A", Estrada pays him with fake money; and as Garañon ask for an explanation, Estrada proceeds to chase him until he corners him on the woods, and kill him with he's gun. And then Estrada leave with ''the cargo".
That night on an unknown location, a truck with a big group of immigrants is bring to El Güero Estrada, who is waiting for them. And among in the group, two siblings, Dimas and Asusena have high hopes that they will cross the border; and earn money. But Dimas had a little beef with Estrada, because Estrada let them know that they need to be divided on to group: men divided from women, and Dimas didn't like the idea; and Estrada taunt him. But unfortunately, Dimas had to agreed, because Asusena let him know how hard was for both of them to leave El Salvador.
The following morning El Güero Estrada, used one of his friend to distract the border patrol, that is currently guarding one the other side of the river; and as they are crossing, Asusena get stuck on the river, and Estrada help her. But as the other two friends of Estrada decided to leave with Dimas, and the rest of the other immigrants, to avoid ''getting caught"; Estrada accidentally asphyxiated Asusena, because Estrada completas who cute she looked after ''taking a bath", and she took it in the wrong way, believing that Estrada was trying to sexual assaulting her, when it was quite the opposite. After witness the mistake that he had done, El Güero Estrada, impotent, cursed everything and leave the place.
A moment later, Estrada's friends arrive to a Billy Matthews' home, and delivered the immigrants; so they can work for him on his lands. Then Billy receives a phone call from El Güero Estrada, and Billy let him know that he was specting beautiful ladies not ''effing ugly ones", and Estrada promise next time he will bring him a ''beautiful señorita". Meanwhile, Dimas comfeses to a friend, that his worrid something happend to Asusena, but his friend comfort him that Estrada is the best illegal trafficker, and maybe tomorrow they will be reunited.
Meanwhile El Güero Estrada and his friends are enjoying themselves, throwing money like some ''benevolent Gods" to the costumers at the bar. Then two officers approach Estrada, let him know that the leitenant Miguel Becerra is waiting for him outside; but Estrada tried to avoid the meeting, excusing himself but the officers let him know that they are trying to do thing by the easy way, and Estrada forcibly end-up accepting. Once outside the bar, and after getting inside the police patrol, Becerra ask Estrada about what he could know of a man found that on the woods (Garañon); and Estrada denied know something about it, just that he was shot with expansive bullets, according to the newspapers. Then Becerra ask him about a woman found dead on the other side of the border, found by the border patrol (Asusena); and Estrada cynically denied it, stating that he don't know nothing yet, because is not published on the papers. Annoyed by Estradas response, Becerra begins to interrogate him at gun point; let him know that he doesn't need a judge authorization to ''screwed" someone of he's type, and if he do not tell him everything, he's dead. Estrada doesn't have much choice, and snitch on Chicho Marquez (his main contact on the trafficking of immigrants). And as Becerra and his officers leave, Estrada ''flipped" them all.
The following morning, Dimas is getting ready to go to work with the rest of his co-workers, and thanks to his friend, Dimas spotted El Güero Estrada approaching to Billy Matthews' house, and Dimas head to meet him. After Estrada and Billy greet each other, Dimas ask Estrada where is Asusena; and Estrada excuses that they were stopped by the border patrol, and send to Mexico, and once in Mexico, Asusena decided to return to El Slavador, out of disappointment. Which saddens Dimas, becuase they didn't have nothing left, back at home. Then Estrada and Billy have a private talk inside Billy's house, where Billy argued that he is aware that Estrada is laying about Dimas' sister, but Estrada end-up denying it, and promises Billy that next time he will delivered him a ''beautiful señorita", and also adds that he wants he's money, and Billy paid it. Once outside Billy's house, Dimas confront Estrada, by ask him how Asusena return to El Salvador, if he kept the rest of their savings; and Estrada laid by saying that he lend her some money, that he need to pay him back.
A moment later, El Güero Estrada is delivering women from the group of immigrants, to a Asian pimp (because during the argument he had with Billy, he states that he should take the women he brought him, because one is pregnant and the other two cannot handle the job), and without they know it, they are sold to him; and before Estrada leave, one of the women (who turned to be Dimas' friend), ask him what type of work they will do for the ''gentleman", and Estrada lied statithat she and the other will be ''professional escorts". After getting pay and leaving the brothel, and as he's driving, Estrada pull out of the road; because he got frightened by Asusenas' apparition, as a sign of guilty conscience.
The following morning as Dimas is about to begin to work with the rest of his peers, he spotted Billy Matthews' truck, and he approached him. Billy ask Dimas if he needed something, but Dimas let him know that his fine, and the job to; but he just need him to let him go to Mexico, to make sure if Asusena is alright. And Billy tell Dimas that he should wait, because El Güero Estrada is coming during the night, to bring ''some fun" to the others; that he could talk to him, to assures him that his sister is alright. And Dimas agreed. During that night as the co-workers are having their ''fun", with women brought by Estrada, Dimas approach him to ask if he has any news related to Asusena; and Estrada laid that she was taken by two American tourists to Los Angeles, as their children's babysitter, and assures him that if she contacted him again, he will make sure to not forget to ask her about the phone number, which he ''forgot".
The following morning, El Güero Estrada is hanging out with his friends on a remote, and desolate area; playing cards. And after Bing bored for a while, Estrada proceeds to go hunting to the woods; and he indeed go to hunting, but hunting two Guatemalan immigrants, that are trying to head to Chicago to reunited with their family. After he had returned, he tried to play cards to with his friends; and this time he let them know that he had more money to keep ''betting", which causes some wonders in his friends. And then Estrada propose them that this time, they could play russian roulette for real; because last time, before he head out to "hunt", he had trick them that he had place a bullet inside the revolver, when in reality he hasn't. But both of their friends just remain quite; as a sign of not wanting to play anymore.
During the night and as the co-workers are sleeping, Dimas is smoking as his worrid about Asusena; and then decided to go to smoke outside, after hearing that someone had cough. Once outside as his smoking, Dimas witness that a fire flame appeared at a distance on the ground; which shock Dimas, and then after meditating for a while, Dimas decided to head back inside the house.
As El Güero Estrada is getting ready to begin his morning routine, he is approach by two men; who beat him up and take him to a beaten-up Chicho Marquez; how is angry with him, because is aware that Estrada snitch him to Becerra. And Estrada tried denied it, but is useless; and Chicho order he's men to take him to the railroad bridge. Once on the railroad bridge, Chicho's men tried to throw Estrada from the bridge, but he manage to stab one of the men, and the other one throw it down from the bridge; and then Estrada sneak behind Chicho, and shoot him in the head.
TO BE CONTINUED...
La banda del mocha orejas (1998)
A HORRIBLE AND SAD REALITY...
For 3 years (1995-1998), around Mexico City took place a series of kidnappings perpetuated by The Arizmendi Family, lead by Daniel Arizmendi López, ''El Mocha-orejas" (The Ear-Chopper); nickname earned, due to the fact that in order to inflict pressure to the victim's family, they mutilated one of her/his ear, and send it to them so they can hurry-up and send the ransom. The end of this crime dynasty came to an end on August 17, 1998, ''El Mocha-orejas" was apprehended by the police.
And this movie covers up some of the kidnappings perpetuated by The Arizmendi Family, and some names where changed for obvious reasons; due to the fact that this movie was released during the year all of them were apprehended by the police... Unfortunately, kidnappings is a sickness that is still happening around the world...
Lastly: In the movie Manuel Ojeda's character is called Roberto Garameldi (a close synonymous for Daniel Arizmendi's name)...
Warning: Even that it is a very accurate movie on the kidnappings, it have very graphic depictions of ear mutilation scenes...
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
A VERY BEAUTIFUL ADAPTATION!!!
I will begin with an anecdote:
I remembered that during the year 2015, few months before High School graduation, I was in a local store checking on the magazines section; well, back then when in some stores used to have them. And I decided to take and skimmed a video game magazine and I was skimming it, I stopped when I came across with some information of a specific and interesting recommendation( Scott Pilgrim comic book series, so I boguth them, and the movie too)
And after watching the promotional animation, my final thoughts and recommendations to anyone are: DO NOT MISS IT. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
Debut y despedida (2006)
A HEART TOUCHING MOVIE!!!
Even if it's plot it is very simple, about the classic situation of a man like Rodrigo, who happened to fall in love with the most beautiful woman; this is a very heart touching movie, and it meant a lot for me, because during my adolescent, I used to be like Rodrigo, always expecting that at least one girl ''fall" for me but it never was meant to happened.
All of you who happend to come across with this beautiful well-made low-budget gem, and witness Rodrigo's sad anecdote, will be identified with it; because it will bring some ''bells", from that certain period of sad heart broken memories.
El hombre y la bestia (1973)
A TERRIFIC ADAPTATION.
I always have been a fanatic of any type of interesting work of literature, that could possibly captives my attention; that's why I always have a special affinity with horror, since the first time I read Stephen King's work of literature. And few years ago, I came a cross with a very interesting piece of art (Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), that caught my attention; and after reading it, I end up loving it.
Recently, I had read Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which I end up loving it. And after I watched this adaptation of it, all I can say: DON'T MISS IT..
Unhinged (2020)
!!!Something that could possibly happened to anyone!!!
At a certain point of our lives, all of us had been behind ''the wheel" and being honked, cursed or ''flipped the bird". All of us used to think or believe, that it could had been much more better to reciprocated that some behavior to that person than ignored him/her... Unfortunately, we don't have any idea, who we might be dealing with; until is late... Unhinged is one of those movies, that in some way, it show us a moral, a lesson of what shouldn't be done out side on ''streets"...
I would definitely say. That even if it has unrealistic moments, if fulfilled the message and the plot of it..
Expira (2020)
An extraordinary Mexican giallo!!!
In order to talk about this wonderful Mexican masterpiece with influences of the giallo cinema, i need to begin with a big anecdote:
I remembered it was the year 2011, during the beginning of 9th grade, and first of four years of High School; I was searching through all T. V. channels, searching for an interesting T. V Program or something interesting to watch; unfortunately, there wasn't something that might ''caught" my attention, until I found a very interesting movie (Angeluz 1998, directed by Leopoldo Laborde); resulting on my desperate search to know what movie or T.v. Series that was. Until later I found out, thanks to internet; that it was a 1998 movie written and directed by Leopoldo Laborde (which by the way, I proceeded to search more of he's works on he's filmography, and proceeded to search for some of he's movies: Utopia 7 1995, Angeluz 1998, Recompensa 1999, Un Secreto De Esperanza 2002, and Sin Destino 2002). I end-up fascinated with he's work.
Then some years later, in 2020, I remembered I was browsing through YouTube; looking for horror movies, unfortunately my luck was so rotten. But when I thought I was lost, I found a documentary called: Masters Of Horror -Documentary Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street & More!, there they feature the following classic modern horror movies: A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984, The Texas Chainsaw Masacre 1974, Halloween 1978, An American Werewolf in London 1981, etc, etc; but my attention was quickly caught by one in particular: Suspiria 1977. I quickly proceeded to do some research on that movie, and I happend to found that Dario Argento (it's director) had directed plenty of other horrific masterpieces of it's genre. After watching Suspiria, I was fascinated with it; because it wasn't compared to other movies I had watched in the past; and then I proceeded to search more of Dario Argento's work, end-up with other good movies: Deep Red 1975, Suspiria 1977, Inferno 1980, and Phenomena 1985. So far those had been some of the really good movies I had watched by Dario Argento; and I don't doubt some of you had watched already, and know more movies of he's then me.
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Now, it's time for Expira's review:
Like I said at the beginning of my review, I had been a fan of this two filmmakers for some time ago, and I always try to check their IMDb's profiles; in order to check if there is any new projects they are currently working on, and I happend to come at cross with Leopoldo Laborde's Expira (back then it was unknown to me, so far as I was concerned, and according to it's scarce information in here, IMDb: "It will be about a giallo movie, with big influences of Dario Argento's films.). Then I begin I very exhausted search for two years (2020-2022), until I found it; and the result was very satisfying.
Expira is a very well-made Mexican giallo, with strong and noticeable influences of Darin Argento's movies; one can possibly said this movie is strongly influenced by Argento's Suspiria, but in reality and as an spectator I would say it is strongly influenced by Deep Red 1975, and Suspiria 1977(honestly it is strongly based on those two films, and once you are watching it, and if in case that all of you had watched those two films directed by Dario Argento; you will see what I'm talking about).
My final verdict:
If you are a fan of Dario Argento's movies or any other giallo filmmakers, I do honestly recommend you this Mexican giallo masterpiece; that will bring you some good pleasant memories from those classic giallo films, that at a certain moment of our lives, we had watched.
Stray (2022)
What we had been waiting for!.
At a certain moment of our entire gamer's lives, we had been fantasizing with the possibility of playing as any type of animal; and finally that game is here: STRAY. You play as a STRAY cat, who happened to get accidentally separated from it's pack; now with the help of B-12, a drone, they will try their best to return to the surface.
Final verdict: A very beautiful masterpiece, that will captive you from beginning to end.
Firestarter (1984)
A BEAUTIFUL ADAPTATION !!!
I will begin my review with an anecdote, like I always do with my reviews:
I had been a fan of Stephen King's literature works, since high school; since the first time I read Carrie, and end-up fascinated with it, and since then I realized that I will loved "the man" literature work. After Carrie, others like Salem's Lot, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, Cujo, Christine, Cycle of The Werewolf, and why not mentioning Children of The Corn, and Sometimes They Come Back; came to my life. I was aware Stephen King has plenty of other horrible-masterpieces under he's repertory, but I decided to discard them, because I wasn't so much interested on them; but my opinion was about to change, after reading a certain book of he's, and that book end-up having, and still has a special place in my heart, do to the fact that the whole plot has a resembles to the good relationship my father and I have; which book I'm talking about?, FIRESTARTER.
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Now, time for it's review:
I had watched plenty of movie adaptations in the past, based on plenty of very good and interesting books, and they had done a pretty good job; but also, I had seen plenty of very bad adaptation, that cannot be at the same level of the book, making them end-up in a big fiasco.
I had some quite few of Stephen King's adaptations, and so far and honestly, I hasn't been disappointed; some more loyal then others, some others not that loyal, but still a very good entertainment.
After I heard so much about FIRESTARTER, I decided to do research on the books plot; to know and understand, what was ''the story" about. And after knowing about it's plot, quickly I decided to buy the book and read it; and as I was reading it, I began to fall in love with it's story and it's characters; because I brought so much of heart touching memories, about my dad and I relationship ship, when I used to be a kid.
Once I done reading it, and found there was a movie based on it, right away without hesitation, I brought it and proceeded to watch it; final result, it was very satisfying seen after so long, a movie so loyal to the source material that it was based from. Everything I read from the beginning to the end: the chasing of Charlie and her father Andy by "The Shop" agents; the murdered of Vicky (Charlie's mother), by agents of ''The Shop", which was removing all her left fingernails, and Andy rescuing Charlie; John Rainbird (the Cherokee-Vietnam veteran-now- ''gun for hire"), hired by "The Shop", in order to capture Charlie and her father, and ending-up achieving he's goal; the experiments performed by scientists of "The Shop'', in order to see how destructive Charlie's pyrotechnics abilities are in order to used her as a WAR-WEAPON (YES, A WAR-WEAPON!!!); the final showdown between, Charlie and John Rainbird in ''The Shop" horse stables, resulting on the roasting death of ''the gun for hire", and Charlie's burning escaping, in order to reuniting with an old friend, and together approaching a prestigious newspaper agency to tell the truth of ''The Shop" inhumane experiment, and what were used for; after witnessing all that I read from the book, that was very well portrait on the movie (of course they had to cut certain events from the movie, do to the budget), everything was as I re-created on my mind (my own movie recreated on my mind-movie, that is what this movie was about; everything from that I read, everything that I imagined, everything was there... ON THE MOVIE!!!).
My final thoughts on it:
FIRESTARTER is one of those very rare movies, that after you read the original source that is based from, and realized it is loyal to it; you come to the realization that is very loyal, and is not just a loyal movie to it's novel; it is a very touching movie that bring really pleasant memories from the past, and from that beloved person you had them with. (Of course, that was my case)
Toña, nacida virgen (1982)
An electrifying story #####
In order to begin to talk about Toña Nacida Virgen ''Del Oficio", I must first begin with an anecdote:
In the year 2020, 2 years ago I was watching on YouTube few spanish videos related to a Top 10 of the Mexican movies prohibited/censured by certain year by certain regulations stipulated by the Mexican Government; among those movies were Vamonos Con Pancho Villa 1935, La Mancha de Sangre 1937, La Sombra del Caudillo 1960, La Rosa Blanca 1961, La India 1976, Canoa 1976, La Viuda Negra 1977, Las Apariencia Engañan 1983, Presunto Culpable 2011, Tenemos La Carne 2016, etc.
As I was watching one of those two Top 10's videos, one certain movie caught my attention, specially after listening that that movie was very rare; do to the fact that there wasn't even a poster of it, and the information about it's synopsis was very scarce, very minimum. Quickly, I began to search information related to that movie, and what Toña Nacida Virgen 1982 was about; finding a very particular and interesting result, that was described to me in one simple sentence: A LITTLE GIRL WHO WANTS TO BE A PROSTITUTE LIKE HER MOTHER... Later I found out, after done a little more research about it, that the movie was based on a book, an autobiography to be more precise, by a lady named Antonia Mora; a woman who at early childhood had been exposed to that type of life.
Afterwards, I began a desperate search trying to find this movie, because after I had read the short and scarce synopsis, including the fact of knowing that it was based on someone who had been involved in that life at an early age, I was searching and searching without any result at all; and to be completely honest, I was about to gave-up after two years of searching (from 2020 to 2022), but finally on this year 2022, my efforts payoff... I FOUND THE MOVIE.
Righ-away, I proceeded to watched it, and honestly it was a very good crude experience. Why a crude experience?, because the movie is a portrait of a crude reality, the crude reality a woman who wants to follow her mother's ''footsteps"; wanting to be a prostitute. According to the research I done in the past, this movie was prohibited by the government do it's strong portrait of the prostitution, and they weren't kidding about it: From the initial credit sequence to the final credit sequence, there has not a moment, not any scene that are not loaded with a doses of controversy; including a group of kids at the beginning that want to imitate ''costumer and seller" mannerisms; including the treatment some of this ''costumers" inflict to this women; and let's not forget some of the preversities this ''costumer'' put through this women, like forcing them to execute an act of zoophilia... Horrible, isn't it?, but unfortunately nobody care about it, because everything focuses on a woman involved on "the World's oldest profession" (prostitution).
Unfortunately, this electrifying story of realism doesn't have subtitles; but if you had an understanding of the spanish language, than you will enjoy it.
Firestarter (2022)
What a disappointment :(
Like my critic's title said: WHAT A DISSAPPINTMENT.
I remember long time ago, during my time in high school when I first ''met", Stephen King's literature works (after I read Carrie, and ending up fascinated with it); I was so eager to find out more books about him, and I end up finding out the ones that I so far read, and keep reading: Carrie, Salem's Lot, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, Cujo, Christine, It, Rage, Thinner, Cycle of The Werewolf, Firestarter; and why not mentioning two of he's short-stories, that I had read so far: Children of The Corn, and Sometimes They Come Back. (I don't doubt some of you, if not more of you, had read more of Stephen King's literature works)
Anyways, after I read Stephen King's Firestarter and watched 1984's adaptation, I was very pleased with it; not just because it did entertained me, also because it was ''the vision" I had after reading the book. And after I heard they were remaking it, and watched the trailer, I did expected it to be really good; but it turned out to be a big fiasco.
It did entertained me, but I wasn't what I was expecting, honestly.
Do all of you want a really good piece of advice?, do yourselves a favor and read Stephen King's book first, than watch the 1984's version, and then watch this one. But if in caused that you just want to go-ahead and watch this one, please do yourselves a favor, and do not, DO NOT, waste your time with it. (at least, that us my personal opinion as one fan of Stephen King's literature works)
Crepúsculo rojo (2008)
Do not miss this one!!!
If you are a big fan of movies that focuses on social-problems, this one is absolutely, one of the few exceptions from the genre; and made so far. With an unforgettable premise and captivating characters, Crepusculo Rojo, focuses on the story of two old friends, Valente and Dagoberto, a farmer and a sheriff. Unfortunately, this friendship will begin to deteriorate because of ancient grudges between both of them. This story contains classic ingredients, that give a really good and special taste to the story; to the point to keep you ''glued", from beginning to ending.
Carlito's Way: Rise to Power (2005)
I decent adaptation.
Before I begin with my review, I have to start with an anecdote:
I remember used to be in 10th grade, back then at the age of 14; I discovered the taste of reading, and as I found an interesting book, sometimes I ''devoured it" in 1 day, 2 days or a whole week. As I was busy with my scholar occupations, and reading books; I happened to see a very interesting movie poster with Al Pacino name on it (Carlito's Way 1993). My first thought back then was, before searching that movie, why not searching first if it was based on something (you know?, like a book, an original idea or a short story). After browsing on the internet, and did my research, I found out the movie is based on judge Edwin Torres' novels (Carlito's Way 1975, and After Hours 1979); and then I decided if I was going to watch it, first I had to bought those two books.
After struggling find those two books, and figure it out I would have be more easy to found them on Ebay; then I bought them from that buying website. Once those two books on my hands, I began reading them; finishing one, and then finishing the other. My impression after finished reading them both was, this judge it is absolutely a very good writer; and then I decided to go to the local store, and buy Carlito's way, and after watching it, I was very impressed how director Brian de Palma manage to make very beautiful masterpiece; thanks to a very well constructed screenplay by David Koepp (I have to confess, it did make me cried. How not crying after witnessing a person evolved in the drug tride, and that same person trying to get out from that environment, and failing to achieve it).
That movie (Carlito's Way, 1993), it really was very loyal to the source based it on; but I later after rewatching it, and rereading both books I realized it was based on the second book (After Hours, 1979). I was curious about why, and I found out this was because of age factor: Since Al Pacion was around he's 40's-50's, Carlito Brigante was in he's 20's in the first book, and they decided to adapt the second book in which Carlito's age was in he's 50's (and later on the second DVD on the especial edition of Carlito's Way, and according to, if I'm not mistaking, the producer of the movie said it "in order avoid confusion with Martin Scorsese's After Hours, they decided to used the title form Torres' first book).
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Now time for the review of this movie (Carlito's Way Rise To The Power):
I never expected that there was going to be a sequel of the movie from 1993, I always expected it was just one and only; no more. Until I found I was wrong, and saw the DVD at the local store (Carlito's way Rise To The Power); then I took it in my hands, and decided to check on the back of it's case, and that's when o found out it is based on the first book (Carlito's Way). But before I proceed to reread Torres' first book, and then watching it; I decided to browse on the internet I see what people ''have to say" about this one. And what I found back then, it was even Spanish, really horrible; some people considered it not worthy of watching it, some others a big fiasco and shame of the ''first one". After meditating for a minute, I decided why not watching it by myself; and see if it was that bad as some people claim it to be.
After rereading Torres's first book (Carlito's Way), I decided then to watch it. And as this movie (Carlito's Way Rise To The Power) was progressing, I realized people were wrong. Why?, very simple: because of the age factor. The actor Jay Hernandez mage to give a decent performance as a young Carlito Brigante, as the rest of the cast did. Some of you must understand, it is always in some cases like this one, that it is an age factor; it is really impossible to and actor like Al Paciono back than in he's 40's-50's, trying to perform character who is around he's 20's.
My final thoughts, and advice on this movie like any other movies of this kind:
Before deciding to watch any movie, always do research on it; like trying to find out if it is based on something, and if you can find that source that specific movie is based on like a book or short story, then try a find it, even if you don't want to buy it online, at least go look for it on libraries.
La clave 7 (1999)
Another extraordinary movie adaptation!.
I will start with an anecdote (which is real):
In order to talk about this sucessful adaptation from one of the best corridos I ever heard, we must talk first about the man behind the creation of it's song; we must talk about mr. Paulino Vargas(R. I. P). Paulino Vargas Jimenez born in Promontorio, Santa Maria del Oro, Durango, Mexico in 1939. At the age of 13, Vargas met Javier Nuñez, with whom he later will form ''Los Broncos de Reynosa".
Years later, Vargas decided to learn to read and write (according from an online spanish interview published online); and once he had accomplished it at the age of 22, he decided to read plenty of stuff, including history. And thanks to that, Vargas began to cultivated literature ideas to create some of the hundreds of songs he composed; and here's an list of some of he's compositions:
1: La Banda del Carro Rojo.
2: El Corrido de Lamberto Quintero.
3: Carga Ladeada.
4: La Fuga del Rojo.
5: El Corrido de Chico Fuentes.
6: R-1.
Etc,etc.
Unfortunately, Paulino Vargas died at the age of 70 on January 17, 2010.
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Now is time to talk about this successful adaptation:
Even if this movie is a work of fiction, based on the song of the same name (Clave 7); the story behind the song is based on the death of Pedro Aviles Perez, a powerful drug dealer, and the event took place on September 15, 1978; when Aviles and a group of he's people where heading to a certain location in Sinaloa. And they were shot on a highway on as ''La Y", by the army. (Later this event will be immortalize by Paulino Vargas' Clave 7 song; which tell how Aviles' death took place, and it had been performed by plenty of music bands.)
Even if the movie's story has plenty of fiction (because it is very well understood, that ''they" have 1 hour to tell the story) the movie it is completely loyal to the details told by the song; and also for very obvious reasons that we know, some names, and some situations had been changed.
My final opinion: La Clave 7 is another one of few movie adaptations, that manage to stay loyal to it's song (and like I had said on other reviews: it also have to do with who wrote/adapt it, which in this case two famous celebrities contributed for the success of it: Gilberto de Anda (wrote the "Story by"), and Jorge Reynoso (Directed and wrote the ''Screenplay by").
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (2021)
One of the best games from the new era!.
To talk about this beautiful experience, first I had to tell the whole anecdote:
Everything took place a year ago, during a time when all of us have watched Youtubers top lists of 2021 new up coming games; and then all of sudden, a certain game caught my attention (Kena Bridge of Spirits).
It's graphic, and it's small gameplay (back then, since it was just a clip from a trailer), that's what I was attracted of it.
Today I finished it, and honestly to those of you who want to play a new fantasy-action game; this one is for you.