Movie Review:Talk To Her

Story: The innovative and challenging Spanish writer and director Pedro Almodovar continues to create interesting and entertaining films. It is always a joy to see one of his films and this new one does not disappoint.

This outing brings us the bonding of two male characters (he usually focus' on his female characters) as they meet while caring for two women who happen to be in comas at the same clinic. Through Almodovar's genius we enjoy long stretches of action and inaction, occasional lapses into the fantastic, dance, song and more. This director's singular viewpoint on life, love, sexuality, fate and serendipity are wonderfully expressed through the medium of film.

Go see this film and give your self a holiday treat. You will not be disappointed.

Acting: Simply terrific! Almodovar chooses his cast lovingly, and it shows. How he gets a woman in a coma (Leonor Watling) to act is beyond me - and yet he even accomplishes this feat. Special kudos to Javier Camara, Dario Grandinetti and Rosario Flores.

Critters: Some very angry (as they should be) bulls.

Food: The comatose patients only take liquids and everyone else seems to just smoke and drink.

Visual Art: Spain has a rich artistic heritage. There are some beautiful, strong paintings and prints displayed on the walls of the various locations.

Blatant Product Placement: None.

Opening Titles: Like everything Almodovar does, this was handled intriguingly.

Theater Audience: Not crowded at all. We did notice that all of the younger folks sat in the very front of the theater. The older crowd sat closer to the back. There was a moment of panic when we saw a woman come in with an infant. But luckily the kid slept through the whole film.

Quirky Meter: 4

Squirm Scale: I am not a fan of bull fighting. I was very squirmy during the two sequences in the bull ring. I was much more concerned about the bulls than the matadors.

Predictability Level: Pretty high.

Oscar Worthy: Yes, but unfortunately for those incomprehensible political reasons, Spain did not enter this gem for Oscar contention. However, it is up for many awards in the European market.

Nit Picking: Needed to be edited. It got a little long in the middle.

Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. And for more Almodovar treats, how about renting: All About My Mother, Live Flesh, Pepi, Luci, Bom And Other Girls On the Heap, High Heels, Labyrinth of Passion, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

Length: A little under 2 hours.

LOBO HOWLS: 8