SIFF Final Day (25): Reviews

Unmistaken Child (Israel) (Doc) : B+

A fascinating documentation of a lengthy search for the reincarnation of a Buddhist Lama. While I wish some of the details were explained in more details, the unassuming approach (using no narrations) allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the story with little distraction. Also features great camera work and music.

Fifty Dead Men Walking (UK) : B+

OK, I'm going by some blind faith here, since I missed about half of the dialogue due to those darn Irish accents. Even so, I could clearly see that this is a first-rate action drama based on real events from the conflicts between the Brits and the IRA. Jim Sturgess ("Across the Universe", "21") further establishes himself as a young star to watch. With a natural intensity and charisma, he easily steals the movie from his costar, Sir Ben Kingsley. Rating may be adjusted after I get to see it again with captions on.

Amreeka (US) : B

Six years after the invasion of Iraq and with a new President in office, perhaps we are finally at a place to look back on that time and see the story from a different side. This film successfully conveys some of the challenges and struggles faced by Middle Eastern immigrants during that uncertain time, without getting too sentimental or preachy. The physical appearance of the main character and the family-centered story may remind some of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," except this is a lot more serious and less chick-flicky. The first part of the story was filmed in Palestine, home country of writer-director Cherien Dabis.

OSS 117: Lost in Rio (France) : C+

A blatantly un-PC spy movie spoof, where the Bond-like agent 117 acts more like Austin Powers or the Pink Panther. While I did laugh along to many of the silly gags, it all got old really fast, and the whole experience was like eating a big Sundae with cheapo ice cream and dry, flavorless brownie base.