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| Movie Review: Volver Alternate Title: Mother Love
Story: Nobody adores women on
film more than the brilliant director and writer, Pedro Almodovar.
He writes films for and about women at all stages of their lives and
he loves them all regardless of shape, age or disposition. This is far from Almodovar's best film but it
is a must see for fans and for anyone who loves cinema. The story involves
a multigenerational family of women, their secrets, their dreams and
their foibles. The film goes off on some tangents that bog it down but
his overall joy of film-making bursts through the occasional negative
parts. His cinematographer, Jose Luis Alcaine
continues to bring Almodovar's vision to the screen in the usual fabulous
beautiful manner. His scenes are filled with interesting camera angles,
blasts of color and is basically a visual delight. Go to your local cinema and delight in another
Almodovar film. Acting: Penelope Cruz should not
make films with anyone else but Almodovar.She is radiant, warm, engaging
and beautiful. Carmen Maura as the returned grandmother
was perfect. Lola Duenas, as the sister was great,
Blanca Portillo as Augustina was terrific as was young
Yohana Cobo as the young daughter. Predilection: I am a big fan of Almodovar.
Food: Food plays a large part in this delicious film.
The preparation of the feasts is dwelled upon and you are guaranteed
to leave the theater hungry.
Soundtrack: A wonderful track by Alberto Iglesias
Opening Titles: Almodovar is known for his enormous
palette in his titles. No disappointment here.
Visual Art: As previously said, Almodovar is an artist.
His entire film is a painting.
Theater Audience: A fairly crowded theater filled
with delighted Almodovar fans.
Weather: The rain is Spain was not featured in this
film. It was warm, sunny and mighty windy.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all even when the
film meandered.
Predictability Level: moderate
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Big Screen or Rental: If you are not familiar with
Almodovar, do yourself a favor and rent some of his films. You will
become a fan. Bad Education, Talk to Her, All About My Mother, Live
Flesh, High Heels, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! and Women on the Verge of
a Nervous Breakdown.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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