Movies watched recently 8

Blue In The Face: This follow-up to Smoke is very different and it's not as good, in my opinion. This hasn't got a storyline, it's basically a group of sketches stuck together. That's not too bad, since they're actually funny and the acting is good. The characters are well-developed for such a short period of time. The direction is simple but appropriate. The problem is that it often seems vague and pointless, like this is just a group of people improvising, so even if it's entertaining, it's forgettable. This is also related to the very bad editing, that just seemed random.

The Simpsons Movie: This is simply hilarious. It feels like an extended Simpsons episode, and it is able to keep the good pace of those and it's permanently funny. There isn't a minute in which you don't laugh. The story is entertaining and it satirizes America greatly. The animation, voices and characters are as good as in the TV series. It's hugely entertaining and it has some of the most brilliant touches in an animated comedy I can remember.

Ratatouille: This is a very good family movie. The animation is simply excellent: it captures the textures and movement perfectly and it creates a gorgeous animated Paris. The story is the characteristic Disney tale of the underdog, so it's predictable, but the characters are original, the jokes are fresh and the subplots are interesting. The direction is very stylish and the action is fluid and very enjoyable. The editing and soundtrack work very well. I recommend it.
A River Runs Through It: This is a beautiful movie in every aspect, even if it is predictable. Technically, it is just perfect: the direction is precise, with traditional, but breathtaking shots, the cinematography highlights the natural colors making them gorgeous, the editing is simple and effective, the soundtrack is fitting, the sets are amazing and the costumes are realistic. All this gives the movie a nostalgic, lovable feeling. The screenplay tells a solid story using a simple progression and few characters, that are mostly fleshed-out. There are several amusing scenes, the dialog is good and the narration is compelling. The acting is excellent: all the actors do a good job, portraying believable characters with charm, specially Craig Sheffer, Emily Lloyd, Tom Skerritt and Brad Pitt. Overall, this is a bit forgettable and it has already been seen many times before, but it's entertaining and visually breathtaking.

Point Break: This is the typical bad action movie : it uses all the clichés it possibly could and, in my opinion, it's badly done. The screenplay is the typical story about FBI guy chasing the baddies, though it could have had a philosophical edge, that's just not developed. The dialog and story progress are just laughable. The direction and editing are terrible: they are way too fast and never thrilling or exciting. The acting is mostly really bad: Keanu Reeves holds the same expression through the entire movie and Patrick Swayze is laughably unrealistic. This could work if it was a comedy or a satire.