Mamma Mia! (2008)

★★★¾✩

In the classic ABBA song Mamma Mia are the lines, I don’t know how, but I suddenly lose control/There’s a fire within my soul. And that is what the movie Mamma Mia! is. You watch this movie and lose control. There is indeed a fire within your soul. And all you want to do is dance and sing all day long.

One would, of course, expect nothing less from a movie made with some of the most beloved actors of all time, based on one of the most beloved musicals of all time, which was in turn made from some of the most beloved songs of all time. It includes singing, dancing, romance, Greece, and a fair amount of who’s-your-daddy drama—literally. Meryl Streep shows us that on top of her monstrous acting talent she can also sing surprisingly well, and Amanda Seyfried stuns everyone with her amazing vocals. The only thing that is hard to wrap your brain around is seeing James Bond in a singing, dancing, happy musical scenario. But hey, kudos to Pierce Brosnan for trying something new, right?

The Mamma Mia! experience is, of course, lengthened and made EVEN BETTER by the awesome (if slightly embarrassing) times you get to have with all of the karaoke extras on the DVD. Mamma mia, here I go again, my my, how can I resist you?

The Moguls (a.k.a. The Amateurs) (2005)

★★★¼✩

During the first scene of this film, you as the viewer are sure that you’ve just started watching a tearjerker. In fact, you are probably still preparing yourself by reaching for the tissue-box when you hear Jeff Bridges’ character yell, “We’re going to make a porno!” at which point it becomes clear that you probably won’t be having a sob-fest after all.

The Moguls, or The Amateurs, is a comedy telling of a man, named Andy, who is a little on the broke side—not only in terms of money but in every aspect of his life. He has no real job, is recently divorced, and is having troubles connecting with his son as well as he used to. The lives of all his friends seem to be going just as hopelessly, and so Andy starts thinking about something they could do that would turn their life around—and comes up with the idea to make an amateur porno film. The struggles to do so successfully then commence.

Reading this, or any other description of the film, it is ever so easy to say, and why would I want to see that? It does indeed sound like just another one of those stupid movies that no one really wants to watch. However, in all likeliness, viewers will be pleasantly surprised. For a movie about porn, it is very tastefully done. On top of that there is some very good acting, especially by Jeff Bridges and William Fichtner. There are several genuinely true and sentimental moments, and an ending most won’t see coming. All in all, The Moguls is a film worth watching.

For more on this movie, go to moviesforacent.com

Breach (2007)

★★★¼✩

When it comes to the movie Breach, viewers and reviewers all talk about the same thing—Chris Cooper, and his impressive acting performance.

Based on a true story, this film tells of a man working to become an FBI agent (a.k.a. Eric O'Neill), and his assignment to spy on an agent named Robert Hanssen. O’Neill is originally told that Hanssen is under investigation because of certain sexual habits, but later finds out that this 25-year-long employee has been a traitor for the past 22 years, naming names and leaking information to the Soviet Union. O’Neill finds it difficult to spy on Hanssen, especially at the start of his assignment, as the two of them begin to bond and it seems unlikely that a guy like Hanssen could be involved in this. Turns out he was not only involved, but was responsible for the greatest security breach in the history of the United States.

Although Breach is categorized as a Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller, don’t be fooled. It is a genuinely well-made film with some very good acting, and it’s not just all shooting and car-chases as so many Mystery/Thrillers are. It has depth and complexity, focusing on the truths and untruths involved in any and all relationships. And on top of it all, it reminds us that things are seldom what they seem.

For more on this movie, go to moviesforacent.com

The Return (Short)

★★½✩✩

Let’s start by saying that this is a low-budget, amateur production. That being said, you can—unfortunately—tell.

The Return tells of a family whose members don’t get along exceptionally well, especially the father and son. After one particular disagreement, the son escapes from home, only to return a year later—as a zombie. Although the overacting suits the atmosphere of the film quite well, and the cinematography is not half bad (at least in some parts), there are some disappointing aspects.

The lighting isn’t that great (which is, however, to be expected from a low-budget production), and the sound levels are unequal at times, causing the viewer to strain to hear. The most disappointing thing, though, is what the film is in fact trying to excel most in—digital effects. The effects would have been much more believable if only makeup had been used—for the makeup that was done is really quite good.

All in all, despite the disappointing aspects, the creator of The Return managed to produce a satisfyingly creepy atmosphere and hop on to the zombie train while it’s hot—almost as hot as the vampire train.

http://www.alittlefx.com/

Penelope (2006)

★★★¼✩

Penelope is a film for the fairytale-loving, romantic side of people. It takes us back to the basics of storytelling—a reminder of beloved tales such as Cinderella and Snow White, and their search for Prince Charming.

The story consists of a girl named Penelope who, generations before her birth, was cursed by a witch and condemned to be born with the face of a pig—and to live like so until she finds ‘one of her own kind’ who will love her unconditionally despite her condition. A search therefore ensues for her ‘Prince Charming’, as she simultaneously begins her own search for independence, acceptance, and happiness.

This film includes the typical things—such as ‘good vs. evil’ and important (even if heard before) morals—that one would expect to find in a fairytale. If nothing else, the inner child in everyone will welcome the change from the horror movies and murder-mystery shows it has been forced to watch so much of as of late.

Adam (2009)

★★★½✩

Adam is, as most films are, about relationships. But what makes this one so refreshing is that it not only includes romantic relationships, but all those in a life—the good ones and the bad. It speaks about perception—about how each person perceives the world (and each person in it) differently.

The story tells of a man (Adam) with Asperger’s Syndrome, and his relations to the people around him—particularly to his new neighbor, Beth. It is a wonderful tale of love, confusion and change, and offers the world a glimpse through the window to the world of Asperger’s.

This film will cause you to laugh, cry, feel inspired, and maybe even look at your own life—and those involved in it—from a whole new perspective.

The Prestige (2006)

★★★★✩

The Prestige is one of those rare stories that have an incredibly strong beginning, middle, and end—not to mention all the parts in between. The unexpected discoveries and plot twists keep the viewer constantly captivated, and they can feel their brain working, processing and guessing during the entire film.

This movie tells of the lives, both professional and personal, of two rivaling magicians. It tells of trust, skepticism, truth, dishonesty, loyalty, betrayal, love and loss. The viewer is swallowed into this story and into these lives, feeling the emotions that come along with that.

A perfect blend of Drama, Thriller, Sci-Fi and Mystery, this movie is a must-see. Also, it has David Bowie in it—who could go wrong with that? Just one tip before you watch it: the sooner you get the idea of Batman vs. Wolverine out of your mind, the better.