The Clan, Krisha, Everybody Wants Some!!

The Clan

clan

This true story is set in the early 1980s after the collapse of years of dictatorship in Argentina and the rebirth of democracy.  The Clan is the story of the Puccios family lead by the father, a former state intelligence worker.

Although relatively well off, the father is a brutal, cold-blooded psychopath and kidnaps his affluent neighbors for ransom.  Ransom paid, the victims are never seen again.  The father enlists his sons and closest friends to carry out his crimes.  It all comes crashing down in a thundering climax.

That’s all I will tell you.  See this movie!  It is the product of the Almodovar brothers.  It is well done in every aspect.  Spanish with English subtitles.

Rating: 4 globes

Krisha

krisha

This is the directorial debut film for Trey Edward Shults about an estranged family member and the Thanksgiving dinner that bring everyone together for the first time in 10 years.

The tension starts almost immediately with a tepid greeting from  the large extended family.  Nonetheless, Krisha jumps right in, preparing the 30 pound turkey for the oven.  Krisha clearly struggles to overcome her reentry stress that incrementally ratchets up as conversations with her sister, brother in law and nephew prick old wounds.

Ultimately overwhelmed, Krisha succumbs to old vices that transform her into her former self.  No surprise, tragic and frightful interactions occur.

The cinematography is inventive and played heavily in the effectiveness of the storytelling.  This film can be difficult to watch because of so much conflict but see it anyway.  It is a wonderfully crafted movie.

Rating: 4 globes

Everybody Wants Some!!

Everybody

This film by Writer/Director Richard Linklater (Boyhood) is set in the early 1980s. This sports comedy-drama follows the lives of college freshman baseball players and their introduction to college life.  The entire story takes place before classes begin.

It is a romp through the past.  It is pretty accurate on the era, the mentality, the social behaviors, drug use, sexuality and a killer soundtrack.  Some would say ‘those were the days’.  I remember those days and, for the most part, it brought back a lot of great memories.

On the flip side, the movie never really delivers a solid message.  It is anchored with baseball and layered with college antics, sex, drugs and rock-n-roll.  There are hints of male bonding, coming of age relationships and such, but ultimately, it is a soft landing.  That said, I enjoyed the movie but I wonder what got left on the cutting room floor that could have made this a home run.

Rating: 2 globes

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