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Movies Reviews: A puzzled detective, adventurous felines, restless journalists and eccentric aristocrats

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By Roger Costa

GREY LADY

Two decades after his debut “Southie”, director John Shea returns with this efficient thriller set amidst the sumptuous island of the title, “her arms are always open to receive everyone” states an enthusiastic artist, and here he improves narrative skills with fast-paced, dark and unpredictable twists. Eric Dane, the well known actor on TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”, gives an emotionally charged performance as a detective caught up in a mysterious killing spread involving his very own family members. Since its opening, when Detective Doyle watches his partner getting killed during a trap, the stylish narrative ignites a high-tension that predominates within, provoking a nail-biting experience. Doyle sets off to investigate the murder, crossing paths with ordinary and suspicious folks in the remote community. The grizzly cinematography, capturing the obscure elegance of the foggy landscapes, reflects to Doyle’s grief and enhances the intensity of the investigation. The sharp editing blends Doyle’s visions and family memories, glimpses of the crimes and uncertainties of the present, accompanied by a sophisticated Irish-style soundtrack. A chilling crime puzzle with interesting perspectives on the power of family. (A Grey Lady Release. Opens Friday, April 28th at AMC Empire 25, Times Square, NYC.)

KEDI

Considered essentially a part of the city and its history, cats are all over the streets in Istanbul, living as a direct participant in people’s lives as constant travelers. Director Ceyda Torun’s lovely documentary introduces many of these mysteriously intelligent creatures as they venture the streets in search of food, friendship, love and companionship. While following the cats with extreme sensibility and incredible preciseness, the film also captures a gentle portrait of the city, the residents and their culture, focusing on their devotion and relationship with the animals. “Cats understand people are just people, not gods” claims one of the featured guests, as he explains the role of cats in people’s mood, “they remind us we’re alive”. The adventurous structure of the narrative creates a harmonious atmosphere of inspiring joy, supported with vivid soundtrack, and truthful stories of solidarity, proving that not everything is lost among humanitarian values. A remarkable work of natural and pure enchant. (An Oscilloscope Films Release. Screens at Museum of Moving Image, Astoria NYC, April 29-30)

 

OBIT

You could never guess writing about dead people could be interesting. This intriguing, revelatory documentary scoops out the work of a group of journalists responsible for The New York Times’ obituaries. Professionals who dig up one’s life, in order to depict the accomplishments or losses reported till the last day. With touching interviews, archive images of famous people, as well as artists, athletes and Hollywood celebs, director Vanessa Gould chronicles the link between life and death with literature elegance and contemplation. The film also offers a tour through the gigantic files in their offices, sneak into deadline meetings, and most efficiently, the accuracy of their investigative job and the extreme care they must pay to their writings. (A Kino Lorber Release. Now Playing at Film Forum, NYC.)

SLACK BAY

Hysterically funny, Bruno Dumont’s surrealist comedy is one of this year’s most inventive and fantastic films. In a multi-layered narrative that brings together a humble family living from the money they collect as they help people cross the bay, a lunatic detective investigating a mysterious series of disappearances, and a family of debaucherous aristocrats and their children, the director conceives a gorgeously shot, brilliantly crafted and intriguing comedy of manners, that breathes art throughout every single frame. All actors are splendid, but Juliette Binoche steals the scene as the neurotic mother of Billie- an ambiguous and gender-confused teen involved with the poor’s family’s son. A masterpiece of absurdism, it is so outrageously funny, it will make you stomach hurt. (A Kino Lorber Release. Now playing at Film Society of Lincoln Center and Quad Cinemas, NYC.)


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