“MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT” ***
Gotta give Woody Allen thumps up! The Brooklyn-born writer/director will turn 79 next December, and since 1982 has been working yearly creating new projects over and over, printing his trademark characteristics of unique eccentricity, going through his personal issues, which reflects on his highs and lows as a storyteller, but never disappointing as an entertainer. No matter what, Allen is, and will always be celebrated as one of the most influential and efficient moviemakers of all time, the man who better transports his passion for his town and his people to the screen with infuriating humor. After the success of Award-winning films as “Midnight in Paris” and “Blue Jasmine”, Allen returns to South France and travels back to the 20’s to tell the hilarious story of a magician, who tries to prove that a young spiritual medium is a fake. The famous magician is played by Colin Firth who is aware of all the tricks of show-business and is determined to unmask the girl (Emma Stone) who has enchanted a wealthy family with her ‘visions’ and is on her way to marry the handsome heir. Personal and emotional confusions will make it a hard time for everyone involved, as Allen displays his cynical aesthetics on social issues and spiritual beliefs. The sarcasm is predominant throughout the narrative, and although sometimes it feels recycled, it’s still a good exercise of irreverence, supported by amazing performances of Jacki Weaver, Simon McBurney and Eileen Atkins, forming the clan of anxious and neurotics that resembles the author’s persona and fascinating humor. On his 49th film, Allen adds up a touch of “magic” and proves he’s still got it. Hats off!
“GRIGRIS” ***
In this compelling drama set in Chad, an African area devastated by poverty, a bum leg young man tries to help out his family, earning some money showing his exquisite dancing skills in night clubs, in order to collect money to pay for his stepfather’s surgery. The young man carries a saddened cloud in his eyes, demonstrating how lonely and underestimate he feels. When he meets a beautiful prostitute, and instantly falls for her, he decides to take higher risks to reach his goals for a different life. Directed with incredible naturalism and veracity by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, the film blends dark comedy, social and ethical drama into an unusual love story. Souleymane Démé gives an intriguing and heartbreaking performance as the protagonist, completely honest and real. The director tells the story with preciseness without exploiting the characters or the critical conditions they live with, conceiving an accurate portrait of the struggles for survival. (On DVD by Film Movement)
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