PASSENGERS... are you enjoying the ride?

What would you do if you are facing an imminent solitude? Facing the fact that you will be alone for the res of your life? That life has played you a bad trick and now like if you were left alone in a dessert island you are facing the rest of your life trapped in a bubble by yourself? Obvioulsy the right thing to say would be to face the inminent destiny that awaits you or just opting to take your life, but what if you can actually change things and that means choose someone to join you in this horrible situation? You have the power in your hands to take someone's life to fulfill yours, what would you do? Would you face your destiny by yourself with all the perks and cons that that implies or would you opt for bringing someone to  the same situation so you both can go along meaning the life of that other or others will be taken for any possibility in the future. Of course the right thing and the moral thing to do is to face you destiny by yourself, but we as humans we are social creatures. We need that interaction to survive and full fill a lot of necessities and desires, so wold those circumstances justified the end? Would it be understandable and ok to have someone that will join us for the rest of our lives, to enjoy, and love, and fight the daily struggle even that means taking away that persons will to choose what would they wanted for their life?

All these philosophical questions serve as an interesting plot for a new sci fi film that pretends to explore the moral side of humanity when facing extreme situations like the ones just described but sadly, all of them just hang as a possibility for more falling for the easy way trying to please the crowds with a cheesy plot full of cliches and a lack of real plot that take us nowhere, trying to follow the rough path for a couple that fell in love and now is struggling with the circumstances they are trapped in. This is "Passengers" (2016), a new film that shows as a science fiction/ adventure  on the cover just to turn into a romantic adventure that lacks of romance and adventure, not even fits as a comedy as they just keep the sci fi because it's setting but with so many influences feels confusing and reminds us another movies like the one of a big ship sinking in the middle of the ocean after been hit by an iceberg while two passengers try to save their love and future together, or others about a man drafted in an island far away from civilization and trying to survive by himself while trying to find a way to get out of there, almost getting crazy and loosing himself for the lack of interaction with any other person.If we mixed those two examples we get something similar to what we are about to see, now just happening in the space as a place far away where we are trapped with no other way to go and played by two of the most popular and bankable celebrities of this time.

Chris Platt plays the role of a young man that left his planet to take this journey to populated a new planet where traveling for 120 years is needed, but when his capsule fails after an accident waking him up after just 30 years of the trip, just to realize that he is the only one among the other 500 passengers, leaving him trapped in the space ship by himself. Even there are more people around, they are sleeping to make it through the trip and get to their destination alive because there is no way to go when traveling deep in the galaxy, so has to make it by himself, meaning finding a way to kill time, entertain himself, leading this to the feeling of a life without purpose. Until he runs into beautiful girl, that while she is sleeping, he will get into all her life just to find some kind of connection that will push him to his limits at the point of the possibility to wake her up as a perfect companion to the new life he got into, but depriving her of her own choice to have a life and taking away her opportunity to continue her journey to this new planet. Since the moment we saw the poster, the preview or bought the ticket we knew how this goes. She will wake up to feel just as he did, trapped by the circumstances, facing the reality of losing her porpoise to go into this journey and leave her planet and all what was part of her life back there.

Again all these potential ideas are left on the side, with the potential of hitting into a darker story about those decisions that sometimes we are forced to make, pushed by circumstances, and how do we face them, how strong can our will to survive can be and how close we can get to try to finish with our own life when seems like there is no more reason to keep living. Instead of that we get a try out of a new kind of romance where two persons fall in love just and first of all because there are the only option for each other. Second because most of what happened was intended by him to pursue her, so he knows all details he needs to surprise and charm her, but we can't but wonder, will they fall for each other if the other passengers were walking around and if he wouldn't had all the information about her, putting him in a regular situation where a guy tries to get to know a girl. And using a new setting of finding love in space, they will translate any kind of cliche into a possibility for romance in a space ship, that feels more like a five star hotel or a luxury cruise. Sadly not even the romance works as we can't relate to this guys and we can't root for them under their situation. And as if we were under the stars, when romance starts to feel good and around, it's put on the side for a crisis that these two have to face in order to save their future but maybe to get them closer or add a little more adventure to the story, as if we were asking for it?

Or maybe was the intention of add some purpose to a story that keeps trying and trying to be something that is not even fun and needed. So what keeps this space ship and film on board is the charm and chemistry of the two actors, the FX that definitely create an evolving setting, an amazing photography and score that trap us visually into this possibility and mainly is Jennifer Lawrence character the one that we care more about, is she a victim of her circumstances after leaving earth just in a quest of doing something than no one has, write about it and go back to her life that won't exist anymore just proving her lack of commitment with the people around her, just trying to find perfection and justified by the fact that she needs to keep looking and searching for something that amazed her by doing what no one has instead of finding happiness in the simple things of life, one that has been and now is trapped by the situation of falling for a way the made her fall in love and open herself as she hasn't before just to realize that this man was selfish and took her life and her choices, even he is proving to be the right one and making her feel this way, this kind of love, but is it real love an illusion based on their destiny? Would it be the same as when someone leaves everything to follow their spouse or partner for a better job or life opportunity? or is it all about the fact of someone making a choice for us? Is there a justification in order to save someone's life to sentence other's? Is it real love and destiny when someone chooses us because we are the only option and because life tries to slap you i the face for all the wrong choices made before? Well next time you better choose right when going to the movies and looking for a realistic, deep and romantic story.

JAMES FRANCO...12 hours express

Pocos actores trascienden de la fama al talento nato, y muchos se encasillan y forjan una carrera basada en estereotipos o popularidad, pero solo unos pocos logran moverse en la industria de tal manera que su talento se expande en todas direcciones, no solo actuando, sino produciendo, dirigiendo, escribiendo, ademas de relacionarse con otro grupo de actores que terminara en un pequeño circulo en una industria que mas que talento y arte busca crear negocio. Asi el caso de James Edward Franco, quien no conforme con lograr popularidad y reconocimiento en la industria filmica ha buscado la oportunidad de mostrarse como artista y fomentar su unica vision y talento para contar historias con valor personal para el. Y todo comenzó en Palo Alto California, en abril de 1978, hijo de hijo de una guionista y ocasional actriz y un hombre de negocios en el Silicon Valley, y nieto de una editora de libros YA, era de esperarse creciera alrededor de arte y cercano a una industria que lo llamaría mas tarde como estrella del mañana, creciendo a lad de sus dos hermanos, Dave el mas chico, también actor, pero a pesar de actuar en obras en la secundaria y tener el deseo de la actuación, temía seguirla por miedo al rechazo. Sin embargo después de su primer ano estudiando Literatura, deja la universidad para perseguir su sueno y teniendo que trabajar en McDonald's para mantenerse, lo cual le dio la oportunidad de practicar acentos con los clientes y tener una lección de humildad que a la fecha agradece.

Tan solo despues de 5 meses en talleres de actuacion decide empezar a audicionar, logrando roles en comerciales y series de television pero su debut filmico viene con "Never been kissed" (1999), una comedia romantica protagonizada por Drew Barrymore, sobre una joven reportera que se hace pasar por estudiante para escribir sobre aquella nostalgica etapa y lo que interesa a los jovenes de esa generacion pero termina enamorandose de su profesor y lograr vencer su inseguridad por no haber sido popular cuando adolscente y conseguir su primer beso. Franco aparece como el chico popular de la escuela que hara la vida imposible a la joven protagonista. Tras esta cinta vendria otra comedia adolescente, "Whatever it takes" (2000), otra vez interpretando al joven popular de la escuela y que actua como patan para acostarse con todas las chicas que lo idealizan, pero la cinta no brillo mucho al contar una historia simple que la opaco en una epoca inundada de opciones en este genero. Sin embargo, esto le abriria la oportunidad de protagonizar un filme para television interpretando a James Dean, en una historia biografica del popular joven, y aunque la cinta no logro el interes deseado, la actuacion de Franco gano excelentes reviews y nominaciones a premios como los Emmy, Golden Globes, SAG, entre otros, poniendo al actor en la mira de laindustria.

Y no paso mucho para que su fama creciera al foar parte de la trilogia de la adaptacion filmica del super heroe "Spider-man" (2002), interpretando al joven Harry Osborn, el mejor amigo de Peter Parker, un joven que tras ser mordido por un arana obtiene habilidades similares a dicho aimal que le permitiran ayudar a otros en necesidad y combatir el crimen mientras lidia con el hecho de ser un adolescente y lo que implica crecer con una responsabilidad tan grande. Las secuelas "Spider-man 2" (2004) y "Spider-man 3" (2007), fueron un éxito que se fue incrementando con el tiempo, inclusive la segunda parte es considerada mejor que la original, mientras la tercera fue una decepción. Le seguiria la cinta "Sonny" (2002), dirigida por el actor Nicolas Cage quien busco personalmente al actor para su protagonista, en una historia de un joven que es expulsado de la milicia y regresa a su natal Nuevo Orleans para terminar trabajando como prostituto. La cinta solo gozo de una limitada exhibicion y fue aplastada por la critica. Por fortuna logra colarse en la cinta "City by the sea" (2002), donde el actor interpreta a un adicto vagabundo en una historia sobre una familia tratando de sobrellevar los errores del pasado, y co protagoniza al lado de Robert de Niro, quien lo eligiria para el papel tras ver su trabajo previo y buscando involucrarse en un cine mas serio y artístico, forma parte del elenco de "The Company" (2003), un drama dirigido por Robert Altman,  protagonizado por Neve Campbell sobre la compañía de ballet Joffrey Ballet, pero la cinta paso desapercibida por la critica y publico.

Tratando de seguir construyendo su carrera mas allá de ser una cara bonita mas, forma parte de "The Great Raid" (2005), interpretando a un capitán de una elite infantería en su historia verídica en las Filipinas durante la segunda guerra mundial. Desgraciadamente y apesar de abrir en pleno verano y contar con un presupuesto digno de un blockbuster, la cinta fue totalmente ignorada. Sin embargo para 2006 las cosas mejorarian logrando dos roles protagonicos, el primero en "Annapolis", interpretando a un joven luchando por ser aceptado en la fuerza naval ubicada en el puerto del titulo y u lucha personal con su distante padre. El drama no logro buena recepcion en taquilla y la critica la aplasto, apesar de su esfuerzo entrenando en clases de boxeo. El segundo tampoco seria miel sobre hojuelas, interpretando al legendario héroe Tristan en "Tristan & Isolde", un romance épico basado en la leyenda medieval sobre un guerrero que se enamora de la hija de su enemigo al ser rescatado por esta, poniendo su relación en un drama entre familias y países enemigos, pero otra vez, la historia se quedo corta y no genero el interés necesario para ser un éxito poniendo en tela de juicio el potencial del actor como iman taquillero. Ese mismo 2006, aparece en "Flyboys", donde logro adquirir su licencia de piloto en otra historia de guerra, ahora situada en la primera guerra mundial y que cuenta toda la trayectoria de un grupo de jovens pilotos desde que se enlistan, su entrenamiento y su exeriecia en batalla. Pero nuevamente el resulado no es mas que otro desastre en la carrera del actor.

Para 2008, las cosas toman un nuevo gira al co protagonizar al lado de su amigo de su tiempos en television, el actor Seth Rogen, en "Pineapple Express", una comedia de accion sobre un mesero y su dealer de mariguana que se ven perseguidos por asesinos a sueldo tras verlos cometer un asesinato. Producida por Judd Apatow, y su singular humor, la cinta fue todo un exito e inclusive la interpretacion de Franco, como un drogadicto levalio una nominacion a los Globos de Oro. Gozando las mieles del exito, meses mas tarde lo vemos en el polemico drama "Milk", cinta basada en la historia real del primer politico gay y su lucha por la igualdad de derechos para los homosexuales en EUA. Al lado de un elenco de primero que incluye a Sean Penn y Josh Brolin y bajo la dirección del talentoso Gus Van Sant, el actor interpreta a la pareja romántica del protagonista. La cinta no solo fue un éxito sino que cause impacto social por su temática llevandola a participar en todos los premios de la temporada de la industria fílmica. Demostrando que su carrera es mas por amor al arte que la fama, participa en varios proyectos meramente como actor secondario o cintas independientes sin ambicion taquillera, ente ellas "Camille" (2008), "Nights in Rodanthe" (2008), "Shadows and Lies" (2010), "Date Night" (2010), y todo esto mientras es nombrado el hombre mas sexy de 2009.

Para 2010, lo veremos en la adaptacion filmica de la popular novela "Eat, Prey and Love", a lado de Julia Roberts interpretando a su amante mientras sobrevella su divorcio. La cinta estrenada en el verano fue un exito en taquilla y critica, apesar de la corta aparicion del actor. Combinando proyectos tambien lo vemos en "Howl" una cinta experimental que explora el trayecto del poeta Allen Ginsberg y su poema homonimo al titulo de la cinta, asi como en el proyecto que se fue directo a video "Love & Distrust", donde 5 cortos de 8 diferentes personas y nacionalidades que buscan encontar su sentido y proposito en la vida. Pero nuevamente es sino hasta que protagoniza "127 hours", un drama basado en una historia verídica de un joven ciclista que queda atrapado entre dos rocas en un canon obligando a buscar la manera de sobrevivir hasta optar por amputarse el brazo para librarse, ganandose el reconocimiento y atención de la industria con multiples nominaciones y algunos premios, ademas de llevar a la cinta a un éxito seguro, posicionándolo finalmente como una celebridad de Hollywood, capaz inclusive de conducir los premios de la Academia.

Posteriormente regresa al mando del director David Gordon Green buscando repetir el exito previo con la satira "Your Higness" (2011) sobre dos hermanos y guerreros medievales y su lucha por no ser unos perdedores y ganarse el amor de una hermosa doncella. Ni el hecho de co protagonizar a lado de Natalie Portman salvo a la cinta de un inminente fracaso. Para el verano daría la sorpresa al protagonizar la precuela "Rise of the Planet of Apes" (2011), reviviendo la popular serie con una entrega que fue amada por la critica y un éxito de taquilla que ya genero dos secuelas, interpretando a un joven científico que usa a un simio al que adopta para hacer experimentos genéticos que terminarían en un desastre para la humanidad. Posteriormente apareceria en un rol secundario en "The Iceman" (2012), biografia del famoso asesino a sueldo Richard Kuklinski, interpretado por el actor Michael Shannon, debutando en el festival de Venecia pero ganando una tibia recepcion por ambos lados. Mas tarde, co protagoniza a lado de un grupo de jovenes promesas la cinta "Spring breakers" (2012) un melodrama de accion sobre un grupo de jovenes universitarias que durante su viaje a Florida conocen y relacion con un narco traficante que las empujara a un camino de adicciones, crimen y violencia, todo en busca de pasar un gran rato de locura. Dado su contenido sexual y de fiesta, asi como su elenco que incluye a Selena Gomez y Vanesa Hudges como chicas malas, la cinta fue un exito de boca en boca relegando al actor a un segundo plano, factor que no le importa en lo mas minimo.

Regresando a los blockbusters para mantener presencia entre sus seguidores y sobre todo mostrando su interes por participar en proyectos que de alguna manera le interesan o elacionan con alguno de sus tantas amistades en la industria, ahora poniendose de nuevo bajo la mano del director Sam Rami, quien lo lanzaria a la fama, participa en "Oz, the great and powerful" (2013), una nueva adaptacion de la popular fantasia ahora enfocandose en la historia previa del mago y las brujas de dicha tierra. Co protagonizando a lado de actrices como Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis y Rachel Weisz, convirtiéndola en todo un éxito de taquilla para el estudio Disney y poniendo de moda nuevamente la popular historia. Y continuando la buena racha, forma parte del elenco de "This is the end" (2013), una sátira apocalíptica, sobre un grupo de jóvenes festejando el fin del mundo, y reuniendo a un cast que incluye a la nueva generación de jóvenes comediantes que ademas son todos un grupo de amigos en la industria, lo cual atrajo a la audiencia a las salas de cine y la convirtió en un éxito en taquilla ademas de sorpresivamente agradar a la critica para una cinta del genero. Regresado al cine independiente no pudo contenerse en participar en una cinta que brinda tributo a la industria pornografica con "Lovelace" (2013), a lado de Amanda Seyfried quien interpreta a la popular estrella porno de garganta profunda, y donde el actor interpretaria a un famoso productor.

Mezclando su carrera filmica con su banda y discografia, loogra la primer adaptacion de una novela suya, "Palo Alto" (2013), acerca de un grupo de jovenes viviendo en aquella zona de Los Angeles, Cal. y enfrentando las dificultades propias de la edad  y el despertar sexual, el actor interpretando al entrenador de soccer que seducira a una de sus jovenes alumnas. A pesar de su limitada exhibicion la cinta conto con una buena recepcion. Continuando la mezcla de diferentes proyectos se pone en la mano del guionista Paul Haggis en la cinta "Third Person" (2013), una cinta que entrelaza tres historias que parecieran no tener nada en común, y donde el actor interpreta a un joven padre luchando por quitarle la custodia a su ex esposa acusada de maltrato físico. El drama es confuso y la historia no hace ningún sentido por lo que limito su corrida comercial y fue rechazada por la critica, a  pesar de su reparto multi estelar como Mila Kunis, Liam Neeson, Olivia Wilde y Maria Bello. Dando un giro inusual, interpreta al villano en la cinta de accion "Homefront" (2013), sobre un agente de narcos que se muda con su hija en busca de re iniciar su vida en un nuevo sitio, hasta ser perseguido y acosado por un narco iniciando una batalla que se ira incrementando conforme se va complicando poniendo en resigo no solo la vida de ambos sino de sus seres queridos. Para el genero y siendo protagonizada por Jason Stathman, tuvo un aceptable recepcion.

Y lo que pareciera ser una nueva tendencia afortunadamente no lo es, pero aun asi se cuela en el thriller "Good People" (2014), a lado de Kate Hudson, en una historia sobre una pareja de americanos que viviendo en Londres se ven atrapados en deudas hasta encontrar por zares del destino una suma de dinero que ponddra su moral y su vida en juego. Desgraciadamente la cinta tuvo tan malas criticas que limitaron su exhibición comercial. Como si eso no fuera suficiente, produce y protagoniza la comedia "The interview" (2014), una historia polémica sobre un grupo de reporteros que son obligados por la CIA a asesinar al presidente de Corea del Norte. La cinta fue hackeada y exhibida antes de su estreno el cual acarreo una de las peores criticas y taquilla en su carrera, por fortuna las noticias sobre la distribuidora opacaron el pésimo producto. Meses después regresa con "True Story" (2015), la historia de un posible asesino que es capturado en Mexico usando la identidad de un prestigiado reportero del New York Times, quien al enterarse de esto, acude a entrevistar y enfrentar al sospechoso. Co protagoniza a lado de su amigo Jonah Hill y con excelentes criticas no logra éxito en taquilla. Entre este tiempo a participado en casi una docena de proyectos independientes que si acaso han logrado una proyección limitada en casa de arte o en video, mientras otros aun siguen pendientes de ser exhibidos, convirtiéndolo en uno de los actores con mayor presencia en la industria del entretenimiento, no solo en cine y música sino apariciones en television como la serie "Saturday Night Live" y "11.22.63" sobre la posibilidad de cambiar el evento del asesinato de Kennedy entre otros eventos como escritor, productor, director, y acciones de caridad y apoyando a sus amigos en cameos de sus proyectos.

Este año, siguió con agenda llena, lo vimos primero, o mejor dicho, oímos en dos cintas animadas: "Sausage party" (2016), una parodia donde la comida enfrenta su realidad de ser devorada por los humanos, haciendo burla de temas como la religion, apertura sexual, amor, razas que goza de momentos originales e hilarantes que la convierto en un éxito del verano para los adultos. Y la segunda, en la adaptación de la clásica novela infantil "The little prince" (2016), prestando su voz al señor zorro, y aunque aplaudida por la critica, su estreno comercial fue limitado y se fue directo a video. Tan salo un mes después lo vimos en "Goat" (2016), una cinta independiente, que produce y en la cual participa como un viejo miembro de una popular fraternidad que regresa para exponer la naturaleza y excesos de este sistema colegial que abusa de su propuesta para abusar de los jóvenes que desean formar parte de ella si como los mismos miembros, la cual ademas de entretener sirve como propuesta social. Otro éxito en critica pero limitada taquilla. Otro mes después aparece en "King Cobra" (2016), otra vez una cinta que expone la industria pornografica ahora contando la historia de un joven actor porno y su asesinato en 2007 por dos de sus productores, uno de ellos interpretado por el actor, otra vez tratando de exponer esta industria mas fue intento fallido al generar malas criticas y una minima taquilla con cero exposición. Y por ultimo lo vemos este mes en la comedia "Why Him?" (2016), una divertida cinta sobre la relación de un padre y su hija que esta saliendo con un millonario joven de la industria tecnológica pero que carece de filtro al hablar y su personalidad llega a ser demasiado excéntrica poniendo en sus limites al conservador y controlador padre de familia. Hasta ahora la taquilla y las criticas han sido muy tibias mas aun esta por verse su alcance en esta temporada decembrina y con otra docena de proyectos bajo el brazo, entre ellos la nueva cinta en la saga Alien "Alien covenant", tenemos Franco para rato.

SUPERGIRL...alienating yourself?

It's a plane it's bird, it's super...oh no! wait it's not even superman...it's "Supergirl" (2015-current), a new twist on the super hero spectrum that after invading the multiplex now has found a new house in TV, and after a few years exploring all this strong male characters is time for women to take control. Under the same premise from her cousin Kal-El, a young girl from planet Kripton is sent to Earth to protect her little baby cousin just get trapped in space among with a huge space ship that serves as a space prison for all those bad people that treated their planet that went to the apocalypse as we already know and we are familiar with that story? So if we've seen these story before since the perspective of the man of steel, why do we need more of it? Or what was missing from his cousin to tell, specially for a tv show? Well, for sure it's been a few decades since the last we saw how men were able to save the world but things have changed we don't live in a world ruled by men. Minorities have overcome to speak loud and stand for themselves. We live in times where there's a daily fight for equal rights and respect, trying to leave all by the same rules with no exceptions of gender, race, preferences, ideologies, cultures. So the tale of an alien trying to make things right in a different planet while figuring out herself and changing perspectives from people around her and all around the globe resonates more powerful than ever.

So yeah, maybe we know the basics about the story of this super heroes that came to our planet as refugees just to turn into heroes with super powers able to save the day and show to humanity our flaws and strengths but mostly our capability to love and overcome difficulties, but when we turn the table from a perspective a minority, a girl that happens to be an alien, a geek, and a teenager, things get a different perspective. Mostly because now the story moves from a feminist perspective. Men are put on the side to serve not as main characters but to show other sides of masculinity where you don't need to save the world by yourself to be a real man or be stronger, sometimes the fact or being able and open to ask and accept some help will make you better and will achieve your goals faster. Men have been entitled as a superior being. They rule the world, they save the day, they are able to transform, create, manipulate, destroy, rule and leader but there's more than that. There are more people and living creatures among them so it can't happen that way. As every empire in history their time has come so women have proved to be as strong and powerful as men, able to stand side by side in any fight, trying to prove they can lead organizations, corporations, countries, cities, and can be as useful and helpful as any one, and that applies to any other minority that has been overshadow by the power of the mighty white men. This is the time when we get to see stories about women trying to change, rule, transform and realize they also have something to say. They have struggles similar to men. They also love and fight to be successful and recognize their own talent.

So when we met Kiara, a young girl that was raised by a family on the country side, along with her step sister, she tries to figure out our culture, the perfect excuse to expose it as a collage of incoherent values where we rave for the brave but judge the one who take the first step as if all were afraid of what could happened and even she lives hiding her truth self, as instructed to avoid being rejected and pointed for those who won't understand her unique personality until one day she is forced to exposed herself and her powers in public to safe her sister from a plane crash. That moment will define her as a new era where she needs to do something about it, with the opportunity to save lives, help others and make a difference. But obviously the rest won't take as exciting as she did. Everybody will start questioning if this is another threat or a miracle. specially after the world already knows and accepted Superman, so now there will be two super heroes and that raises some fears and will point to the girl as the wicker just because her gender so she will have to prove it. So all along it's first season we go through this journey of acceptance from others for who you truly are and accepting yourself with pros and cons, knowing that even having super powers won't make you perfect and will make some mistakes and won't please everybody because there always be someone trying to judge you or stop you for their own reasons the same way we can't like everybody. So as a woman she will have to work harder to prove everybody's wrong and be accepted as an equal.

And then, just when things seemed to get better, another group of aliens will come out. Some with good intentions, others not so good, specially because they were living in a space prison paying some kind of sentence back in the galaxy where they are from, so now our planet is invaded by a group of aliens that live among us and while trying to adapt to our society, some will protect it and others will try to take advantage of it, so we the humans, are trapped in between this war but we are at home and they are foreigns trying to change our security and safe place, the only one we have. As similar as this sounds, the plot resonates in so many levels in times of globalization. Frontiers have expanded to another level. Cities are filled by people from around the world. traditions are shared and adopted as part of keeping and open mind and embrace new perspectives. So the struggle of a group of allies serving as immigrants in a foreign planet that might serve as home but is not theirs, will expose our fears and love to this current situation where some countries are facing the fact of new waves of immigrants from other countries, and the fact that these aliens might be or look superior to us, changes the fact of what we call security because they can destroy us and our lives depend on a small group of them that are actually willing to help while helping each others to find their lives in a place far from their home.

Charged with plots about politics, media, immigration, feminism, the show also takes a break for some fun, not taking itself too serious, serving just as a vehicle to expose these topics that feel more than actual and use a mythology to get deep on them but at the end the story centers on a girl that while saving the world also tries to have a life. She is working hard to make it through her boss office and her demands, while learning one or other trick to move up in the latter, while figuring out what does she really want to do with her life and find what she really is. Also she will try to feel normal, having a family on the side and making new friends that will stand at her side to fight with her, building a perfect team that will prove that working alone is not the answer but letting others in and get to know you, will bring more benefits. And why not? she is a girl, so she deserves and wants to be loved, to feel desired and meet that connection that will excite her and push her to keep going, but with such a busy agenda and too many things going o in her head, like saving the world and finish all errands in a 9 to 5 job won't make it easy, learning that being the princess is not as charming and useful as we thought because there is a big responsibility on your shoulders and having the eyes of the world on you can be intimidating, but at the end learning that we are a work in progress and that having a work team that will push your limits while bringing the best on you is more a blessing than a curse and the best super power we all can have, other than be able to flight, have a super strength and other things can't compare to the power of love, family, friendships and most important the realization of how great we are just by being ourselves, without labels of race, gender, preferences, ideologies, but just as a simple being.

LA LA LAND...life is better dancing

Once that you have seen the preview of "La La Land" (2016), you might think two things, first that you have no idea what this story is about other than the obvious and second, that definitely they don't do movies like this anymore. So after seen the movie you might agree with the fact that is a must see of the season and a movie that will define this generation and time. Specially in these times where the world feels under attack and life sometimes feel like a bump where we just want to take a break, or quit and go on a long term vacation just to keep our hope going about a better world for us and others, this movie comes and feels just right. Even that is set in present times, there is just something about the way is done and all what we see and feel that feels like the classics, like an old fashion film, where we can't but join to a celebration of love and want to leave the theater singing, smiling and dancing. Even the director couldn't avoid most of the cliches of the genre, musicals a tough cookie, because their charm depends in the final project and the big picture of it. It something goes wrong it will look horrible and ridiculous turning the whole thing into a disaster but if is well done, then we can be surprised and dazzled by the magic of the movies and get major events such as this Land. 

Ok, not gonna lie, it's on the surface a love story, like those old fashion musicals, so you were right assuming that after seeing the preview. And if you didn't even better. This is the story of Mia and Sebastian. She is an aspiring actress that lives with her three roommates, and works as a barista in the Warner Bros. lot just to deal with raising stars and wanna be celebrities while trying to find her way in Hollywood, jumping from one audition to other just to feel frustrated of seeking some kind of opportunity that seems to fit better to others, prettier, more talented, better dressed, with better connections, so even she seems to be doing great performing as has been told, is exhausting to look at yourself rejected one after other, feeling like you are not enough and that your dream might never come true. And actress Emma Stone will make you feel all the sadness and joy of someone fighting to own her place in an industry that is very wanted for many but just a fe can actually get in, just to prove that dreams might come true but at a cost and life is not a cheering song without going into some darker places and been pulled down just to find the way to re start and find a better and new way, but realizing sometimes we need from others to get inspired again and get some strength to keep going and pursue that dream, and maybe get some new ideas about how to, as she will just to crash again but into a new wall that after closing a door will open a window that might be the answer if she is willing to pay the price of jumping into it.

And that inspiration will come in the form of Sebastian, a young pianist, and jazz obsessed guy that is fighting even harder for a type of music that is dying but he loves, he ever has and ever will, but has taken him to nowhere. he has no money to pay his bills, living by the charity of his sister, pushing him to take some side jobs in restaurants and parties playing piano in a way that feels wrong, following a play set that makes him forget about his love of music, the essence of jazz, which means be able to perform and re invent and compuse at the same time while doing something new every single time. So his frustration can't be more obvious that turning him into an asshole, even that life tries to match him with Mia, till once when finally she is the one trying to take it back on him for his attitude just to get his attention and even they have no much in common, there are sparks and attraction there, there is something they can't explain happening when they are together and they are not looking for any romance. She is already seeing someone and he is in a bad place to think in a relationship, but when things happens and you get in some kind of synchronization with someone, opposites attract and magic things happen, and that's how love happens. They both find themselves immerse in this feeling that make them float, dance, explore new things, but mostly inspiring each other to keep fighting for their own dreams, supporting each other to believe they can make it and that life is not as bad as it seems, they have teamed up and they are stronger together, but that feeling can be expressed better with music and body language. Thanks to another great performance from actor Ryan Gosling, who's charm will get you cheering and singing for him.

While music will keep you on the edge of your seat, the perfect score a mix of jazz and modern musicals, makes this story the perfect fit to revive a genre that is also dying just like jazz and also in a time where movies seem to be going on a way down due to an increase of quality in tv, where shows have overtaken the industry and the attention of everybody, specially new generations that prefer to binge at home or their phone that spend some time in theaters where is crowded, dirty and people talk while the show, so with jazz and cinema almost dying these two characters can't represent better the two sides of their own fight to bring them back while expose their beauty. The fact that movies can inspire and influence anyone's life transforming pop culture and sticking in your mind for generations and music can inspire and awake feeling you might not know having or simply to keep fighting for whatever your dream or cause is. Mixing the magic of movies and the power of music you get a musical that while exposes itself inspiring new generations to understand their own beauty and embrace them as a unique opportunity that feels like falling in love and while it might not be perfect for sure will change or transform you life in ways that you can't imagine, understanding that something no need words but simple images, sounds, corporal language can say more than thousand words. so are you ready to dance and give it a chance?

Well if you do, then you won't missed the part that the preview was hiding. The story of love is just the cover of a major storyline, the one that defines us in more ways than music and art does, the story of life, it's power to takes us through different paths and how sometimes or most of them we miss their signals, when trying to say something, because as music or dancing, not always will be too straight forward or clear but more smooth, forcing us to understand a secret message hiding behind it's actions. We'll get clues and opportunity, and every person that we cross paths with has a reason for, a meaning behind a simple chit chat or encounter. Life will surprise you if you give a chance but nothing can be stronger than your will to make things happen, to fight for your dreams but as said before, everything will come at a cost, we can't ave it all, at least not all together or at the same time, so sometimes you'll have to choose between love or dreams, happiness or satisfaction, or maybe one will lead to the other, but relationships are not as simple and magic as the happy ending movies, even that we can make peace with our decisions, and that will make us happy, we will have to face the fact that for every major decision we do, will be another possibility that we might be missing or letting go and that one could be better than the chosen one, but won't know till later, when we are able to have a different perspective. Music is made of from a composition of tones and high's low's, so is life, and cinema is made from different kinds of art, all mixed together, and they have different tones and acts, perspectives and storylines, so does life, so be ready to immerse in a journey that you might already tried but need to awake and start enjoying and here some tunes and steps to do it better, cause never felt better to have a feel love and hope among difficult times, this might be just a bump. La la la...

Manchester by the Sea.... in time to move on

One of the things that hurt the most is any kind of loss. Even simple things as losing a game or a bait to losing a job or your time can be frustrating, annoying, painful, but nothing comes harder and tougher that when comes to losing someone, either as a break up, when loses the love of your life or worse, when someone close to you passes away. Realizing that someone has died and will not be around anymore brings one of our biggest pains and fears, facing life and the need to move through it knowing there will be an empty space from the one that is no longer here. The closer the person is to anyone the harder it gets, a spouse, parents, children, friends, are missing pieces in our heart that hardly will be replaced and even we can learn how to continue without them and accepting that they always will be with us in our thoughts and all those things we learned and shared with them are now part of ourselves but sometimes tragedy comes with guilt and if we are not in piece with ourselves and the acceptance of that loss, we might start losing ourselves  and that is just the start to a big fall through a rabbit hole that might never end or take us to a dark place that will transform us in ways we  and all around us will unknown and alienating our lives only takes one direction: sadness and loneliness because if we are holding grudges, that weight won't let us move on and find peace in our heart, mind and soul turning us in a walking zombie.

This process of grieving is the main topic in the new film "Manchester by the sea" (2016), a perfect example of a story about facing a big loss and different ways and how we all approach it in different ways and how loss will affect everyone in different ways. Because even we follow certain steps and traditions to learn how to deal with it, move on and accept and find that light to keep going without letting sadness take over us, there will be more than one thing affecting us, depending the circumstances of what just happened and life is not always fair as we already know, so any left turn can take us downhill. Coming wrapped with great reviews and having all critics raving about it, this movie just set in the Oscar race and all other nominations of the season after it's released early this year in the Sundance Festival plus terrific performances for it's main actors, including a break through performance with a story that can relate to anyone, and feels ass crude and real as any wound, thanks to a great directing orchestrating a script that moves around the most intense drama to a dark comedy, a great balance just as any simple day in our lives because even when we are lost and life feels without meaning or direction there will be others trying to guide us or pulling us up even we prefer to stay down and those moments of us doubtless will define our actions and thoughts, sometimes to make us stronger others just to revive past memories and old wounds, and because our nature, we'll try to ease the pain, and the only way to protect us from that is pushing everybody away.

The story follows a man that has just been notified his older brother has passed away, from the sudden while fishing at his boat, and has left behind his teenager son. After his wife left them in search of treatment for her alcoholism, he took care of the boy and raised him with his younger brother's help. So now is asking for that help again. To take care of his son. But this man is going through a rough patch. One that has last for the last couple of years since he has another loss that can't get over. And one that turned his life into a living hell for himself, turning him from a loving husband and big hearted man into a cranky, neurotic man that can't even keep a job for longer than a few weeks and with so much anger that his major hobby is to get drunk and hit the bars just to find a friendly face to punch at after any excuse. But he has a reason and the one he own is a big guilt and pain after losing all his kids in a terrible accident. One that as any accident wasn't made intentionally but happened because of him. as always if there would be another possibility, things could have gone differently but from an innocent moment, a disaster came, and after losing all his children and his house, his wife couldn't live with him due her own pain, letting him leaving with the pain of destroying his life and all what he once loved.

This is not a simple loss. This one carried a series of events that turned a simple man, a family man into a hermit, a man full of anger and guilt. One that is living day by day without purpose and even now that one has knocked at his door with the opportunity of make up things taking her of his nephew, he just simply can't. His pain is bigger than the responsibility he is facing. He feels incapable , and is afraid to fail again and screw it up big time, and he knows there is no way he can survive another failure, so he'll take the easy exit, even he knows is the wrong thing to do, but if he can't even take of himself much less would be able to take care of his nephew. And that's where his story comes to a place to match with the grief of his uncle, because this young soul is going through a different but at the same time intense patch after his mom left him and his dad, so as any teenager dealing with proper things of that age, has to deal now with the fact of having no family and no one to care about him so he hides and refuges behind the fact that he has a band and two girlfriends and all what he does is just to finally have sex with all of them. But this guy walk like a tick tack bomb, he seems ok and happy, and as any young guy with all his life in front of him, smiles and enjoys all the pleasures that come when just started discovering and enjoying it, but when life hits you, you need to hit it back and so he feels like need to do so.

The life of tis two men collide while dealing with all the process of the death of a brother and a father. They need to figure out how to get along and take care of each other like two lost puppies because how can they be strong for the other if they can't take of themselves, they feel weak and lost. And people around them can smell that and even offer their help, family issues stays inside family so they are the only ones that understand each other but their journeys are far from stay close to each other even they love each other, their pain is deeper and bigger than any love. So how can we learn to make peace with ourselves in situations where there are no second chances?, How can we find peace in our minds when we know there always will be that empty space left and we can't change the past and even the future might look bright and be able to make up things in life and find another opportunities when life take something from us usually opens a window and offers a different path but we blind ourselves because we can't just feel anymore, we learn to shut our feelings from the outside world. Why is so hard to find happiness and so easy to lose it, and again so hard to move on without it, learning to accept that things happen for a reason and will be other opportunities but we grew so attached to others and being hurt is a primal fear that we can't avoid but to learn how shut it off as the only reason to continue with life, making everyday another reason to keep blaming us and others for our mistakes and keep feeding pain and sadness with the idea of using them to try to get riddle of, like birth and death, we can't have one without the other. Why are we so afraid of death? is it because the loss makes us face ourselves and all those insecurities we were trying to avoid or is it the incapability or moving to another phase in life without the people and the joy they brought to us, incapable to keep loving others the same way we love before. Time to learn to move on and enjoy life with it's ups and downs.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS... what doesn't kill you, make you stronger

For all those hopeful romantics we have feel good movies, reminders that life can be full of surprises and a happy ending, encouraging us to fight to achieve our dreams and pursue our feelings and ideals. But also for all those realistics, we have drama, a reminder that life indeed has surprises but not all of them are always what we wanted or expected, life is made by our choices and some through backs from destiny that we have to confront in order to move on or live with it. We get to share with other that we might like and others that we won't but will cross our paths for better or worse. We try to leave as good as possible, dealing with others expectations and our own believes, others actions versus our ideals, all put together to make us stronger in some way and transform that initial person into someone that we might recognize or not, but why do we get live trapped in misery and selfishness? Why do he get to listen to all those voices that only dictate a way that is theirs and just a few times is the one should have been the one for us? Why do we have to choose between be prayers or predators? Why sometimes we need to make things more complicated than how they are already? We really need a reminder of how complex and complicated we as humans can be? Life is real and is not easy and for anyone with any doubt about it, we have for you "Nocturnal Animals" (2016).

A new film directed and written by awarded and popular fashion designer Tom Ford, in his second work behind the camera, orchestrating cinematography as his best and original form, using basics and classics from cinema history, is proving that has the natural talent to pull the right strings to create a story that will move anyone in so many forms and directions that only critics dare to call it art but for him is just a way to express a unique vision from this upscale world, twisted with materialism and narcissism that as beautiful it si to look at, feel so painful when getting closer to you.  Full with a terrific and talented cast that is not afraid to welcome some cameos that feel like a perfect fit to the story, including celebrities as Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Laura Linney, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Armie Hammer, among others that deserve to be kept as a surprise. Using cinematography language as it's  best, score, lighting, photography will take you through the devastating stages of a story inside another story that ends where any road will lead after making any choice, leaving or dying with the consequences or the decisions we make.

This is the story of a couple, one that has already split and we only get to use part of their story by flashbacks. She is a beautiful girl, Susan, coming from a wealthy family in Texas, that gave her the oportunity to be whatever she wants, so she does in the art scene, until she meets Edward an idealistic romantic young guy that as an aspiring writer sees live through different eyes than her, getting to the point where at the beginning she idealizes his life and is caught by his words. He was her first high school crush and so was her for him, when they ran into each other in NY, ending in a date that will take them to realize that opposites attract but also being young makes you feel adventurous and ready to challenge family and others to achieve your dream and goals or simply get away with what you want. But by the team we meet Susan, she is as miserable as any of her portraits in her successful gallery, she seems lost, empty, like life has been sucked out of her. Living in a beautiful house that as modern as luxury as it is feels as cold as her relationship with her second husband, a man that looks out of any men's magazine but as any model in it, has no passion or affection to express to her or no one. He just lives for success and himself, even when she is trying to save their marriage, she can see all the red flags that are sinking it just live in denial, having nothing but loneliness in her eyes.

Until one day, she receives a gift from Edward, her first husband, that hasn't seen in years. This package happens to be a copy of his first novel, but we don't know anything about him from the present but only what we learn from his past, a charismatic guy with big dreams and heart that wanted to succeed but feel betrayed when his wife is not validating his work. So we learn more about him from this novel, a story of a fictional family that after a car accident got involved with three young guys and a sheriff that will help them in a quest of revenge. So fiction clashes with reality when the character and Edward seem to go on a similar path, exploring and growing for what they are to what they need to be under the circumstances pushed by others actions when they just try to live their own way. This story will shake Susan, that will realize what she left and re discover her feeling that were covered for a chase of a fortune and success that came under her family speech and an ideal marriage has left her with anything but the title, so when she wakes up to this world and realizes what she become and how far she is from what she wanted to be is when feelings and ideas come to the table but timing might not be ideal because after all she made a big mistake leaving things in the wrong way instead of staying and fight for them, she chose other and ran away. She got what she thought wanted or needed, a perfect life, with a perfect career, house and husband but none of them feel right or make her happy and alive, complete.

How easy seems and feels to take the easy exit when we feel trapped, chase by those skeletons in the closet that fight against our ideals and dreams. Our head is full of ideas that might never happen because when comes to our daily basis we are scare to have them, we are scared to be or find happiness, we hide under excuses and false goals to stay away of what we say we want. The fact that things seem complicated in paper might not be the same way in reality, and same to the opposite because perfection doesn't exist and what is and means success and love and money and glory if we don't feel worth it, or have someone to share it, someone that represents all the love and passion for what we believe and care for, not just for what is supposed to be in paper, but fighting to bring the best of us and sadly sometimes the ones that hurt us the most are the ones to thank for our strength and the lessons learned because after them we definitely won't be the same because after fighting and surviving the fact of be left behind will put us in a situation as delicate and painful as any life or death battle, but what can't kill you will make you stronger, and definitely we need to learn from our mistakes and stop hiding behind them just to avoid the awful truth, we are not perfect and neither the others so finding a life that might not sound like ideal for others standard might be just what we need, and opposite side of what we are used to, that will complement us, but we need to be strong enough to defend it against the ones will think is not the best for us because at the end we are all animals trying to survive and looking for our best interest not for the others.

THE EDGE OF.....MOONLIGHT

We all have seen coming to age stories. So we all know they can be formulaic. Taking us through this moments that define us in life, some of them will be lessons to learn, to make us stronger or others more joyful, to enjoy what life can offer and re charge for what might come, but the only way to appreciate happiness comes from the fact of accepting sadness and fear. And no moment in life is as tough as when we are young, moving forward from childhood to adult life is just as rough and unpredictable as any roller coaster ride. But we all know that. So why if we all go through this phase and share this kind of moments, why we are not all the same? Easy and simple, just because we follow the same pattern doesn't mean will happen the same way. We all experience difference situations and the mix of the high and lows are very different from each other that can't all be at the end shaped in the same mold. We also begin from a very unique personality, that make us so special, and different from others, we share some values and ideas but at the same time create our own goals and perspectives, and all these variables start summing up, confusing us to identify who we are and what we want in life and for us, so when we are pushed to the outside world we need to learn live how to survive and how to become the man or woman we have in mind or follow our heart if it's so hard to listen to it with so many noises around.

So this month we got two very unique and refreshing stories of coming to age, that actually both of them have all critics raving as a must see experience on the big screen. The first one comes from a perspective of a man. The journey to become a man after a lonely childhood and a hard adolescence. This is "Moonlight" (2016), a story of a man that we only know by his given nicknames through three different moments in his life. That's how the movie operates: in three acts that will prove how all these moments in life influence anyone to become the one that we  are now. But this man happens to struggle not only with manhood, but being part of other minorities, such as a black gay man. So life hasn't easy for him. Raised by a single mother that is at the edge of become a junk addict and living as a lone child just walking around the neighborhood, not one of the best, that's how we meets a drug dealer but good hearted man that looking at this quite kid, can't but want to help him, as a father role or a friend, serving as someone he can talk to or figure out things as any kid tries to do, just to realize that all those moments when we cant fully comprehend things are the ones that mostly going to define us in the future, molding our personality and feelings in one direction or the other. But when words can't express what is happening, only those moments of silence will truly show what's going on inside our heads. So when we grow up and we are just teenagers trying to move around a world that tries to tell us where, how and when to go, we can't to try but to look at our options and start experimenting by ourselves what fit us best.

So by this second chapter, we witness how cruel we can be when growing up, bullying others to win our own spot,, like predators trying to make up for our mistakes and own problems into others, without noticing that this domino effect will cause in them another side effect turning them into someone they were not meant to but maybe as for their best, to make them stronger, build a thicker skin, because while start socializing and putting ourselves out so the world knows who we are, we face rejection or validation, so by the time we finally evolve into someone older but still young in age, we can feel more secure about ourselves, sadly most of the time is hard to get to that point where we fully know who we are and what we want. Fortunately are all those who met us and saw our true colors when back then, during that process, that will help us to shape the last layer in this canvas, as we see getting to the third chapter in this story. The skinny kid is no more. Now as a bigger, thicker man, he learned to play the game and use others the way he was used but not with a bad intention or trying to cause any harm, even has been trough difficult times thanks to others that made this of him, and felt abused by a mother that only saw for herself, he doesn't hold grudges but he is no transparent either. He is carrying a lot of pain and sadness until an old friend will remind him that are things worth to fight and love for. That he is not alone and that even all what happened, he deserves to be the man we always wanted to be and that is hiding behind those muscles but to accept himself and let him love and being love, to embrace who he is because he is unique, and totally worth for anyone willing to meet him, even if life is cruel there is always light after darkness.

And if still feeling doubtful, another proof of it would be "The Edge of Seventeen" (2016), another coming to age story, this time a comedy from the perspective of a girl. One that has been suffering of feeling different and pessimistic about life and all what it can offers. Only thanks to her patience dad, she could go from a kid to now a teenager trying to deal with her mom that can't find a way to connect to her and say the right thing just because she is way too involve herself, and an older brother than seems like the perfect son, and the perfect everything, moving himself around school and life glowing and charming, embracing life and life blessing him. But not her. She can't see any light and everyday is a torture. She can't tolerate any of her class mates as she feels like an old soul for them. She doesn't fit in this millennia generation. She hates to communicate by emojis  or texting all time, but mostly she just like to find an excuse to complain about something, by being sarcastic pretending to be smarter and funnier than others and hide the fact that she doesn't know how to fit in this world and if not because she has only one best friend, she would be a lonely soul. And she can't but make things even worse with her attitude like a spoil brat just trying to get away with her own to hide the reality of living in the shadows for feeling less than the rest.

Usually girls feel this way when trying to compare with others. More popular, taller, with better body, prettier, better hair, handsome boyfriend, smarter, etc, they can get very competitive but at the end is all about confidence, and this means believe in yourself even if you are not the best version of yourself yet, but when young this seems like the end of the world and young kids embrace drama as the only way to express their knowledge about everything or nothing at the same time. So how can we survive such end of the world if every day seems like the last or they feel like a torture we can't escape from? Again, sometimes through others we'll be able to see the truth in ourselves. Giving others the chance to meet us and get to know us, so they can see the good and evil inside us, so can bring the best of us, and if not, knowing will be ok, we can survive not being like by everybody but only loving ourselves will make others to love and so she will learn after losing her father, and realizing that she is not the only trapped in this tediousness, but her brother as perfect as he seems also struggles to keep things going on at school, and home, but it's not easy, never will be, is just the fact of accepting reality and stop hiding behind excuses to face life and life will take you through opportunities that can prove we are better than this and this will get better, just we need to face our worst enemy: ourselves. And that is why even we all go through this same path, at the end we are not the same, everyone's fight will be unique as the result will be, but that is the beauty of growing up and shape into a man or woman, as unique and equal as any other no matter looks, sexual preferences, ideologies, economic status, or race.

BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK ....of shame or fame?

What does mean to be a soldier? To serve your country? To protect your homeland and all your beloved ones? Family, friends, fellow citizens, we are all part of the same country. Born under the same roof, raised by the same traditions so would be the right thing to do to fight against those trying to destroy it or attack those values that we are supposedly very founded to. So why war feels so wrong these days? why is there more in stake than just fight overseas to protect what we call home? Why we feel so connected to those next to you on the fire ground but so disconnected from what is happening back home and seems like no one can see the real truth behind the uniform and a mission? We have so much respect for all those soldiers or any one involve in military for their sacrifice to protect us but why when they are struggling to save lives and fighting for the cause while trying to stay alive and safe we can care less, worries for stuff in our simple daily lives such as laundry or what to get for our next meal or how can we get a new car because the one we have starts to feel old. We applaud them and show all respect wen they walk around us but how many prayers do we give to them or how do we re pay they service trying to keep safe and on track this country that they are fighting us, because actually sometimes seems like they are fighting because they want to and no matter how hard they try the place waiting for them back home is falling apart so for real there is no point on that battle anyways.

So after another popular novel gets it's own adaptation to a motion picture things can go great or wrong, and seems like in this case is about the second for most of the critics that had scared audiences from the opportunity of witness a great modern story that fits perfect to this times of anxiety where war seems to be the answer to solve all our problems for humanity around the globe where still exists capitalism, religion and racism, and while all these exist will be fights and disagreement bringing war a solution by proving who gets to choose what is right or wrong. "Billy Lynn's long half time walk" (2016), based on the popular novel about the experience of one soldier and his squad along a day when they are being rewarded as heroes after saving his captain from enemy hands and being recorded on the moment, making him an instant american hero of a nation hungry for hope in times where war has everybody anxious and dissapointed for how things are turning for their homeland. So why even the plot resonates hard and deep in these times for a nation that seeks to find greatness again and were fighting for peace and acceptance, went wrong in his big screen adaptation under the unique and acclaimed  direction of visionary And Lee and a A list cast that includes Vin Diesel, Kirsten Stewart, Steve Martin among others?

Well mostly have to say that it's a very well done movie, amazing photography under new 4K technology that shows images even better than HD, but sadly all this efforts work against the story, one that doesn't need a facial to look good but heart to reach everyone, a better effort to translate this journey of joy and pain from a soldier's perspective to sow and expose the world his unique vision of war and civilization back home is put on the passenger seat to give all the credit to the visuals and they definitely look great but they are missing that connection with the characters, putting them on the side missing all the background that proves that deepness in their psyche and explaining why the tears and the laughs other than just a moment. To understand them and emphasize with them  is the only way to make us listen and realize that they have a point and all this world against war has a reason and they are here to expose that. They are normal guys as our neighbors or co workers trying to make a way of living but theirs has a bigger level, trying to find a cause bigger than them, serve to their country, our country, but that service comes with sacrifices and a life or death risk attached to their weapon as their working tool. And the price for that involves psychological side effects and post traumatic behavior that will get them in trouble when trying to fit back in society, one that doesn't understand what they've been through, what means to kill another human being, one that makes you be aware 24/7 of every action or move around you because anything can kill you.

 So this nineteen year old private, joins the army after having a hard time with his family (sister has a car accident and got dumped by boyfriend so he crashes his car), getting him in trouble and making him wonder, what now? is this what i want to become, so goes seeking for some discipline after an absent father figure to help him through. And he finds this in his captain, a caring and grounded soldier that knows how to lead and bring the best from his team, but still Bill has no clue about what he wants and what to do to make a difference because back in his mind war is not the solution to his problems or anyone's problems. So after the incident that makes him lose a friend and make him a hero for one of the worst days in his life, he has to go back home and sit on a tour as a war hero that pretends to prove a country that all of this has a meaning, that they are making a difference and things are about to change even when they know this is not true. They don't want to fight or go back but they are soldiers and they are committed to this ode and to their brothers, because they have each others back and they have become their new family, one that makes no distinction in races or preferences, but just to help each others to stay alive and save the day. So when they see the opportunity to sell their experience for a movie and get well paid so they can do something with lives for real, and quite the army, a light of hope shines above them but sometimes nothing is better than something, even when other people wants to join the army just to enjoy the benefits of a life time that comes with the service and sacrifice their lives, they won't settle for less than what they deserve because their lives and their story is theirs and is as worthy as any multi millionaire investment.

So when everything happens in a day when they will make a special appearance in a half time show for a football game, things start to get real, he will meet a beautiful cheerleader with whom will find a connection that ill make him have second thoughts about going back to war, and not just because he can picture himself having sex with this sexy girl but because she makes him feel understood, appreciated by his sacrifice and related to someone that suffers the same curse of being seen as an object used by only purpose when happens that is more behind the cheers and costumes, but a real service to her community and she loves that, same as he is loving to serve something bigger than him as a purpose, but when some people treat them as heroes others just make fun of them, self involved in their lives that can't appreciate what others are doing for a public service so will only get them in trouble and make them try to give them a lesson but is the greed and cockiness of the rich and wealthy that will make them speak by heart and stand for what they believe and defend their honor making them feel safe tier in war than back home and make them understand and to all their family and friends that just want them to feel proud of them and what they are doing because even war is just someone else's business and their just pawns in a game of power, they are fighting to make a difference and to protect from some bullets that have been fired already so by the time the real show starts at the half time of the game, only exposes how blinded we are as citizens by those in charge of corporations and governments that get us numb with fireworks and entertaining moments just to lead us in the direction they need, so ate least we should stand for ourselves and take direction towards what we believe is right and fight for it, defending our honor the same way we protect what we call home.

KRISTEN STEWART...un crepúsculo en panico.

Parte del encanto y la objetividad del arte es que tiene diferentes perspectivas y enfoques. Así como el cine es sujeto de culto o rechazo lo mismo aplica para aquellos artistas o interpretes del mismo, que determina si alguien es un buen actor o no? Como podemos clasificar su talento si todo es cuestión de perspectiva, lo que significa que mientras para unos alguien puede ser talentoso para otros es una basura. A final de cuentas, todo pesa sobre la popularidad que brindan por otras muchas razones ajenas a su talento. Kristen Jaymes Stewart es una joven que cae en este agudo circulo de debate, donde mientras su popularidad y peso en taquilla en inegable, su talento como actriz es y ha sido puesto en tela de juicio en severas ocasiones. Originaria de Los Angeles, Ca. y nacida un 9 de Abril de hace 26 años, hija de un productor de la cadena de television Fox y una madre Australiana que trabaja como supervisora de guiones, la joven estaba destinada a la industria del entretenimiento tras crecer en ella por lo que termina sus estudios via escuela por correspondencia.

La misma actriz a declarado que de pequeña nunca imagino o busco dedicarse a la actuación, ella solo gustaba de escribir mas empezó a actuar a la corta edad de 8 años en papeles sin crédito hasta su primer rol importante como la hija diabética de Jodie Foster en la cinta "Panic Room" (2002), un triller donde una madre y su hija son recluidas en un cuarto seguro tras su casa ser invadida por unos ladrones que buscan mas que un simple robo. El éxito de la cinta puso a la actriz en la mesa de varias oportunidades para jóvenes de la nueva generación, como la cinta "Cold Creek Manor" (2003), donde interpreta a la hija de una familia que al mudarse a su nueva finca es aterrorizada por el antiguo dueño. Como es costumbre para cintas del genero, la critica no la tomo bien pero su taquilla fue respetable y le permitió seguir colaborando con actores de la talla de Denis Quaid y Sharon Stone.

Tratando de impulsarla como actriz juvenil protagoniza la cinta familiar "Catch that kid" (2004), basada en la popular cinta Holandesa homónima sobre las aventuras de un grupo de adolescentes que gustan de escalar y usando estas habilidades deciden robar un banco para salvar al padre de uno de ellos. Desgraciadamente ni la critica n la taquilla gustaron de lo que vieron, convirtiéndola en un producto de deshecho. Es entonces que como todo actor empieza la búsqueda de calidad sobre cantidad, incursionando en el cine independiente, siendo "Undertow" (2004) su primer file con un papel secundario que le valió una nominación como promesa juvenil. La historia sobre dos niños que son acosados por su tío psicopata. La critica amo la vision del filme a pesar de contar con una muy limitada corrida comercial. Esto la motivo a participar en "Fierce People" (2005), otro thriller independiente sobre las muchas facetas de la disfunción familiar y social como la violacion, locura y fármaco dependencia.  Desgraciadamente en esta ocasión ni la taquilla ni la critica le favorecieron.

Regresando al cine Hollywoodense, participa con un rol pequeño en "Zathura" (2005), un film familiar sobre un juego de mesa espacial que se vuelve real, interpretando a la hermana mayor supuesta de cuidar a sus hermanos menores quienes han empezado el juego, Aunque no fue un éxito como se esperaba tampoco fue un fracaso. Tratando de destacar como actriz y buscar posicionarse en la industria acepta protagonizar la cinta de terror "The Messengers" (2007), donde ya como toda una joven tiene que enfrentar y defender a su familia de una fuerza sobre natural que se apodera de la granja que habitan. Como era de esperarse la critica la aplasto pero en taquilla fue todo un éxito lo cual importo para poner su nombre en la mesa, tal como lo había buscado. Continuando la buena racha forma parte del elenco de "In the land of women" (2007), una cinta romántica sobre un joven que tras su novia le rompe el corazón se vera involucrado con las dos vecinas de enfrente y su madre, lo cual lo llevara a adentrarse en la psique femenina. Aunque aquí la actriz no carga el peso de la cinta, sino la otora actriz Meg Ryan funge como protagonista, la cinta tuvo un tibio éxito.

A finales del 2007 se pone en manos del actor Sean Penn fungiendo como director en "Into the Wild", un drama biográfico sobre un joven que decide reclutarse fuera de la civilización en las llanuras del salvaje Alaska en una búsqueda personal. La cinta recibir multiples nominaciones, mas ninguna incluyo a la actriz quien pareciera buscar mas proyectos de calidad que actuaciones destacadas. Probando la comedia, participa nuevamente con un pequeño rol secundario en "What just happened?" (2008), una sátira sobre las experiencias de un productor en Hollywood, protagonizado por el actor Robert deNiro y que debuto en el festival de Cannes ese mismo año pero no paso a mayores en su corrida comercial, lo cual no importaría meses después cuando estrenaría su siguiente proyecto, basado en otra popular adaptación, esta vez de una novela YA: "Twilight" (2008), la historia de la joven Bella Swan que vivirá un tórrido romance con un galante vampiro y cuya historia de amor es ya un clásico de esta generación a pesar de su trama demasiado dulce y fantasiosa. Proveniente de una exitosa serie de libros las expectativas eran altas pero el éxito fue descomunal lanzando a todos los involucrados a la fama inmediata. A su vez la actriz iniciaría un romance con su co protagonista, el joven actor Robert Pattison, aunque lo mantuvieron en secreto al principio, pero el acoso de sus nuevos fans lo pondría al descubierto pronto. El éxito de esta primer cinta catapulto las secuelas de manera inmediata y así protagonizo también  "New Moon" ( 2009), "Eclipse" (2010), "Breaking Dawn part 1" (2011) y "Breaking dawn part 2" (2012), todas ellas rompiendo éxitos de taquilla y siguiendo las aventuras de la joven Bella y su triángulo amoroso con vampiros y hombres lobos mientras su vida y la de su familia y amigos es puesta en peligro por obvias razones.

Aprovechando la fama pero buscando hacer carrera fuera del popular papel participa en "Adventureland" (2009), una comedia ubicada en los 80's sobre un joven que se encuentra decidiendo su futuro tras terminar la preparatoria y empezar su carrera como reportero teniendo que tomar un trabajo de verano por necesidad económica llevándolo a un parque de diversiones donde conocerá el amor y la amistad que lo ayudaran a tomar el rumbo que necesita. Aclamada por la critica, se convirtió mas en una cinta de culto que un éxito comercial. Inicia 2010 con un drama independiente, "The yellow handkerchief", co protagonizando al lado de Maria Bello y William Hurt, en una historia adaptada de un clásico japonés sobre un ex convicto que se lanza a un road trip saliendo de prision. Posteriormente la vemos en otro drama indie "The Runaways" (2010), a lado de Dakota Fanning, otra joven actriz, quienes interpretan a la banda homónima y su historia ella en los 70's, sumergidas en sexo, drogas y rock n' roll, lo cual les dio buenas criticas y por primera vez el talento, o la falta de, de la actriz es cuestionado y pareciera dar destellos de talento. Esto solo la motivaría a seguir la escena indie mientras termina su saga super natural, ahora con "Welcome to the Rileys" (2011), un drama sobre un hombre casado que tras conocer a una joven prostituta, interpretada por la actriz, en vez de proponerle sexo, le pide lo hospede mientras decide que hacer con su vida, desgraciadamente esta vez no correo con tan buena suerte por parte de la critica.

Regresando a los blockbusters prueba su man taquillero al protagonizar la cinta "Snow White and the Huntsman" (2012), una nueva adaptación del popular cuento infantil, a lado de Chris Hemsworth y Charlize Theron, quien se robara la película que fue una sorpresa de taquilla y critica en ese verano, así como el affair de la joven actriz con el director, poniéndole los cuernos a su novio y reinando las noticias amarillentas como la nueva chica rebelde. Por ello y probando que lo suyo es el amor al arte, participa en otro proyecto indie, "On the road" (2012), con un rol mas adulto y atrevido, fuera del encasillado rol de niña buena y bonita, fungiendo como la tercera en discordia para un par de amigos en road trip travez de los Estados Unidos en los 40's, pero pareciera que la taquilla ni la critica gustan de verla en este tipo de roles. 2014 seria el año que definiría su carrera como un antes y un después, ya que sus siguientes proyectos probarían a aquellos que alguna vez dijeron de su falta de talento, lo contrario. Primero con "Camp X-ray", donde protagoniza la historia de una guardia en la bahía de Guantanamo que se relacionara con una detenida de Tunez ofreciendo perspectivas de la vision femenina en condiciones como esta. Excelentes criticas y recibimiento en el festival de Sundance. Después con "Clouds of Sils Maria", donde co protagoniza a lado de Juliette Binoche y Chloe Grace-Moretz, en una historia de una mujer y su acompañante en un viaje a los alpes suizos para recibir un premio y que cambiara la perspectiva de su vida. Sobra decir que la cinta fue aclamada por la critica y en todos los festivales en que se presento.

Posteriormente sorprende en "Still Alice"(2014), a lado de la actriz Julianne Moore contando la historia de una mujer que sufre de Alzheimer's y el impacto de este en su vida y su familia. La cinta gozo de grandes criticas y varias nominaciones. En 2015 la vimos en "Anesthesia", otro drama independiente sobre un hombre que ha sido asaltado y esto atrae relaciones de su pasado al presente. Sobra decir que paso desapercibida en todos sentidos mas prueba las intenciones de la actriz por perseguir proyectos arriesgados sobre apuestas comerciales. Ese mismo verano, la vemos en "America Ultra" una comedia de acción sobre un joven drogadicto que ha sufrido de experimentos por parte del gobierno y junto a su novia busca venganza para liberarse de ellos. Fungiendo como una sátira y prometiendo una historia divertida y original termino por jugar en su contra llevándola al fracaso. Este año y sobre todo este verano, la vimos en "Equals" (2016), una historia de amor ubicada en futuro donde la sociedad ha reprimido todo contacto físico y emociones por lo cual dos jóvenes buscaran la manera de experimentar su amor al ser rechazados y acusados de romper las normas. Una propuesta poco interesante pero bien ejecutada y que desgraciadamente vuelve a encasillar a la actriz en su rol de protagonista femenina. Y como doble dosis, también la vemos este mes en "Cafe Society" (2016), el nuevo proyecto del director Woody Allen, donde como retrato y homenaje al Hollywood de los 30's, presenta una nueva historia de amor y desamor, reuniendo por tercera ocasión a la actriz con el actor Jesse Eisenberg, y en una de las mejores cintas a la fecha del director y con una interpretación de la actriz que finalmente logra mostrar facetas y librarse de su acordonamiento lo que da un respiro de frescura a su carrera.

Finalmente la vimos en "certain Women" (2016), un filme de la selección de Sundance sobre un grupo de mujeres cuyas vidas se entrelazan en el estado de Montana. Coprotagoniza con Michelle Williams y Laura Dern. Este mes la veremos también en "Billy Lynn's half time walk" (2016), el nuevo proyecto del director Ang Lee, basado en la novela homónima, una historia sobre las vida de los soldados post-guerra y su re adaptación a la vida ordinaria tras los ojos de un joven y exitoso soldado. Ambos proyectos y por el talento involucrado promete mucho mas habra que ver el resultado final, lo cual en definitiva definirá la carrera de la actriz quien con el paso de los años y sus constantes  declaraciones publicas, pretende salirse del esquema hollywoodense y posicionarse como una actriz talentosa y versátil capaz de generar taquilla así como de proyectos de calidad con gran talento involucrado. Tal vez sea muy pronto para detractarnos pero todos merecen una segunda oportunidad y lo que una vez fue solo una cara bonita podría tornarse en una caja de pandora en representación de esta generación.