On flight movies - reviews
Autor: Caetano C.R. Penna | Publicado: 2015-09-02T15:47:00-03:00

Each direct flight between Rio and London takes more than eleven hours, that's when I catch up with latest movies, as I seldom go to theatres or watch them at home. In the past I was more active both watching movies (specially during film festivals) and writing reviews. So, I decided to exercise my non-academic writing once more, and review the movies I watched on board my BA flights to/from London. I'll be brief; only some remarks about each (no spoilers - but, you know, whenever you hear someones opinion you tend to get disappointed - for the best or for the worst - about a movie).

Outbound flight:

Danny Collins, directed by Dan Fogelman

Based on a true story, the movie could have been much better. Instead of exploiting the inner drama of the main character, or going deeper into the drama of his relationships, the movie depicts the story very superficially. It is as if Fogelman was lazy throughout, and did not know how to end the plot.

Cobain - Montage of Heck, directed by Brett Morgen

The cine-biography of Kurt Cobain is not for the fainthearted. His life story is dramatic in itself, and the director managed to capture and present it quite well. I like, in particular, the role played by the animations. I wish we would see more of Kurt talking about himself - but, you know, he wasn't that keen on interviews. The documentary reinforced my dislike for Courtney Love. The big incognitum is why Dave Grohl did not take part in the documentary - 'busy agenda', as it seems he declared to be the reason, seems to me as a lame excuse.

Inbound flight:

Mad Max - Fury Road, directed by&nbsp;George Miller

This action movie entertains, whilst also providing an interesting (and feminist) critique to our capitalist addiction to oil and consumerism. Watching it on a not-so-high definition and very small screen - as I did - is not advised.

The Hobbit - The Battle of the Five Armies, by Peter Jackson

Yet another movie one should not watch&nbsp;on a not-so-high definition and very small screen. To be honest, I only watched it because I had watched the previous movies of the Hobbit trilogy and was curious about the ending. It is&nbsp;entertaining, but after doing it, the feeling is that you've seen that all before - in the&nbsp;Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Get Hard, by Etan Cohen

Note to self: remind yourself of watching more Will Ferrell's comedies! I laughed out so loud that I believe I disturbed my fellow passengers on the flight. This caricature of racist America works well, and I doubt you will not laugh throughout.

Man up, by Ben Palmer



Romantic comedies and British sense of humour: a formula that works. Not as funny as the comedy I watched before, but good enough. I think I identified myself with it, for the moment I'm now in my life. There's a great quote: "You're an emotional jigsaw; you need to piece yourself together. Start with the corners, and look for the blue bits"&nbsp;

While we are young, by&nbsp;Noah Baumbach

Note to self: remind yourself of NOT watching Ben Stiller's 'comedies'. Worst movie I've watched on the flights, and candidate for worst movie of the year. Pretentious... Not funny... and Stiller,&nbsp;IMHO, is not a great actor, specially on a movie that is more of a drama than a comedy. (OK, I did like him on "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", but maybe because - just like Keanu Reeves - he is a good actor when his part entails acting clueless, confused and/or surprised.)

Bonus:

Inside out, by&nbsp;Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen

The latest Pixar animation is a gem! Whilst already available on board of BA flights, I watched it with my little sis and French brother in law on a theatre (in one of only London malls). You know, my little sister, who comes to work in the film industry - and that was the third time she watched it! This, in itself, means something. It's not an animation for kids - although the colours will surely entertain them. The plot is about emotions -&nbsp;Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness -&nbsp;that go inside us from the moment we are born and throughout our lives. Yet another movie with which I identified myself for the moment I'm living. My take on the movie - 'the moral of the story" - is that the battle between Joy and Sadness, in fact, should not be a battle... won't say more not to spoil it. Go watch!