The Critical Frog: Film Festival Day 2

Table of Contents:
1: El Critico
2: To Life!
3: Monument to Michael Jackson


Being a critic is tough. You really can't just leave your brains outside the door for a film anymore. You've got to analyze every little bit of every little scene. And sometimes this ends up translating to things where, to be honest, you don't want it to. This is where El Critico comes in and HOLY REALIZATION THIS ENTIRE THING IS A METAPHOR FOR FILM CRITICS.

The film is about a film critic who's obsession with film has caused him to adapt a hardened and insanely cynical attitude on not only film but life. On his quest for an apartment he meets a girl who he takes a liking to, who challenges his ideals about film and life.

The film itself is kind of hard to talk about without seeing it yourself- a lot of the humor depends on your knowledge of criticism and film cliches in general. There isn't much I can say without giving a lot away- but it's definitely worth a watch.

OVERALL RATING; 9/10

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I've never really been a fan of films that revolve around WWII- Era people- The Wind Rises and Downfall being exceptions. Nor have I been a fan of films that use religion for either cheap laughter or pity. Combine these two factors and you get To Life.

It's not that this was a bad film- not at all. It just wasn't my thing. A man meets an old woman while helping her move and thwarts her suicide attempt. After she winds up committed to a mental hospital, she tells the man her story of growing up in Nazi-occupied Poland and her trials.

There are a lot of things to like about this film, but they just aren't for me. The story is heartbreaking but nice, the characters are diverse and deep, and the flashbacks of the old woman as a parlor singer are excellent. I do wish films like this were able to speak to me a little more, but that's just how I roll. I'd say it's worth a look, but if this isn't your idea of a good time, steer clear.

OVERALL RATING: 7/10
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Of all the superstars in the world of music, not many get as big of a laugh as Michael Jackson. He was, among other things, two races, two sexes, a pedophile, and the subject of a few good episodes of South Park. But no matter what you thought of the guy, you have to admit that he was the creator of the greatest music video of all time. He made Thriller. And that makes up for it all.

This film is about people who believe that he was a miracle worker- or some of them. They want to build a monument to the star in the hopes that it will provide their dying town with much-needed tourism. Standing in their way is the town's leader and some active protestors.

If there's a word that can describe this comedy, it's bittersweet: there are a lot of dark jokes here and a lot of trash talk thrown around on both sides. It's ending is quite dark, but still amusing. It's nothing masterful, but it's decent.

OVERALL RATING: 6/10