Movies watched recently 7

Saved!: This is a very intelligent religious satire. It has an inventive screenplay, that uses the typical teen comedy story but creates believable characters and some serious subjects. The dialogs are also very funny and, sometimes, thought-provoking. The storyline develops at the right pace and has a positive message. The actors are talented, specially Jena Malone who is pitch-prefect and Eva Amurri, who's really hilarious. Macaulay Cullkin is also unexpectedly good. The direction is interesting: the director gets the most out of his actors and shoots this movie by turns sensibly and destructive. The soundtrack fits beautifully and the cinematography gives the movie a clean, fluffy, american look. This is a thoughtful, uplifting, original comedy.

Smoke: This film works just like a good Paul Auster novel- believable characters, entertaining situations, touching relationships, interesting subplots and life-stories, some humor and a positive message. I really enjoyed it. Not just the screenplay was good, the actors also did a fine job. It's a terrific ensemble cast, with realistic, beautiful performances by Harvey Keitel, William Hurt, Harold Perrineau (though he looks too old for his character), Stockard Channing and Forest Withaker. The technicals are average, but this is just delightful and it has a beautiful ending.
All About Eve: This is a brilliant classic. It's an unique character study that shows the world of show-biz perfectly. The characters are fascinating and the relationships between them are realistic and the dialog is highly quotable, witty and nuanced. The performances are hauntingly perfect: Bette Davis gives one of the best performances you're likely to watch. She captures her character's emotions and fears, has amazing chemistry with the other actors, delivers the dialog memorably and you simply can't take your eyes off her. Anne Baxter plays bitchy while being humane and the supporting cast is very well-chosen. The chemistry between the two leads is just palpably real. The direction is simple and effective, focusing on the facial expressions and letting the screenplay breathe, while having some brilliant shots. The cinematography and costumes are also good. This is a true classic and it's inspiring.