Movie Review: Nico and Dani

Story: In case you haven't surmised from my very subtle hints - I LOVE FOREIGN FILMS! Going to a foreign film is a lot cheaper than actually visiting these countries. You don't need special medication, you don't need any shots and best of all there is no jet lag! But foremost you get to see a slice of life about other cultures. And this sweet, coming of age Spanish film by 33 year old director and writer Cesc Gay brings us the story of 17 years olds Nico and Dani during a ten day summer vacation at a Spanish coastal village while Dani's parents are away. The film is adapted from the play called Krampack, by Jordi Sanchez (which I have since learned the loose translation of Krampack is handjob or mutual masturbation). It is a tender film about adolescent horseplay and discovery, refreshingly innocent youthful trysts (except for a disturbing part about what we in America call 'date rape') and a very healthy European attitude towards sex for both genders and sexual preferences. It is embarrassing to think how we Americans portray similar adolescent bumbling - just think of the recent American Pie. Yech! By the way, this film has been nominated for three Goyas which is the Spanish equivalent of our Oscars.

Acting: Fernando Ramallo and Jordi Vilches (who reminded me of a young Roberto Benigni) were terrifically honest and real - pimples and all.

Critters: One rabbit

Food: Lots of good, healthy food. No fast food in this Spanish town.

Visual Art: None

Blatant Product Placement: None.

Soundtrack: Funny

Opening Titles: An interesting introduction that worked just fine during a train sequence.

Theater Audience: About thirty-five men and me. I think I recognized some of the audience from the Johnny Wadd film.

Quirky Meter: 4

Squirm Scale: 2 (abovementioned date rap' scene and one scene with a rabbit).

Oscar Worthy: No (but perhaps Goya worthy)

Nit Picking: There were chapter dialogue inter-titles that were confusing and unnecessary.

Big Screen or Rental: Unless you live in NYC, San Francisco or LA this film will probably never get to you. So rent it.

Length: 90 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 6