TAKEN

"I don't know who you are, but if you don't let my daughter go I will find you and I will kill you."  These are the words of Bryan Mills (portrayed by Liam Neeson) in the new action/thriller film 'TAKEN'.  This film has everything a fan of spy films expect; from chase scenes to fighting skills.  I saw this film last night at the AMC theatre at Universal Studios Florida and I was blown away by the film, better than I expected.

The story revolves around Bryan Mills, a retired spy for the U.S. government, who finds out that his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) has been taken by people in France and he stops at nothing to bring back his daughter safely.  

The movie starts off dramatically so to know who each character is and what has happened in their lives, but once she gets taken the action starts and never lets up.  I was blown away by Liam Neeson in this film.  He is a great actor who should get every recognition he deserves.  And the film is directed by new French director Pierre Morel (director of District B-13).  He has done a wonderful job of creating all of the action sequences and how it was captured on film.  Of course not all credit goes to Mr. Neeson and Mr. Morel, but also to the great Luc Besson.  He created the story to this film and wrote half of the screenplay.  For those who do not know Luc Besson, he is the director of such hits as 'The Professional' and 'The Fifth Element'.  

Overall, this film is a great action film that should watched in the theaters while it is still out.  If you love spy films such as the new James Bond films and the Bourne trilogy, then this film 'TAKEN' is not to be missed.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

The Wrestler

When I saw Darren Aronofsky made "The Fountain"; I went to see it but I was a bit disappointed at the time, but he has regained my faith in his skills with his latest film "The Wrestler".  I went to see the movie at night at the Aventura Mall AMC theater, and I must say that it was worth every penny.

"The Wrestler" is the story of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Mickey Rourke), an 80's wrestler who is not in the big time anymore but has not given hope of regaining his stardom again.  He basically lives a lonely life as a part time worker at a supermarket and taking jobs on the weekends at little arenas still wrestling, until something bad happens to him in which the doctors tell him he cannot wrestle anymore.  So now he has to struggle in the world with no more wrestling.

Mickey Rourke was at one time believed to be washed up just like his character, but after watching this movie I must tip my hat off to the man.  Rourke has come back in a big way with this film.  He portrays his character very well to a point that as an audience member you feel his pain from beginning to end and you start loving the guy and feeling sorry for him at times.  Mickey Rourke definitely deserved his golden globe win as best actor for this role, he deserved everything given to him for this film.

Darren Aronofsky has directed one of his best films in a couple of years.  This film ranks up there his other greats "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream".  

What I also love about this film is that it is classic filmmaking 101 with simple lighting, good camera work, great acting with Rourke and Marissa Tomei, great script and terrific directing.  No special effects, just classic filming.  This movie is worth watching at the theaters and not to be missed.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

CHE (Parts 1 & 2)

Wonderful and Beautiful.  That's all I have to say about this film.  Ever since I heard that Puerto Rican actor Benicio Del Toro was going to play the main role of Ernesto "CHE" Guevara, I knew that the director Steven Soderbergh was going to do a beautiful job on the film; after watching it, it was everything I was expecting from the film.

For those who do not know who Che is, he is a revolutionist who believed that every person should have their own freedom from oppression and political corruptness.  He is from Argentina but after his travels in South America he decided to dedicate his life in the freedom of all peoples in Latin America, and he started by helping Fidel Castro in winning and taking over Cuba.  There have been multiple books and personal journal entries from Che himself for those who would like to know him, but I suggest you watch this epic film.  I live in florida and unfortunately they do not have it in the theaters down here, but I was lucky enough to watch both films in my travel to Puerto Rico and saw it there.

Part 1 of the film starts with the invasion of Cuba and helping Fidel Castro in the war against Batista; at the same time you will see scenes of his trip to the United States to speak to the United Nations.  In Part 2 he travels to Bolivia to try and help the Bolivian people.  In both films Benicio does not let up from playing the role of CHE, but also big respect to all of the supporting actors and crew members who contributed to making this film so epic.  Soderbergh knew exactly what he was doing from start to finish with the gritty and guerrilla style of filmmaking to make the audience feel like they are really there experiencing everything: the pain, sorrow, laughter, and smiles of the people.

Warning: this film is made in a documentary type way; there aren't those moments of actors shining or all about themselves in front of the camera.  If you like films such as TRAFFIC or BABEL, then this film is for you.  Same style, same type of camera work, and the film is not just about the main actor; the film is about the film in general in its entirety.   Also, the film is entirely filmed in spanish.  the only english dialogues is when there are scenes with Americans; I liked that a lot because I hate it when films made by an American filmmaker is set in a foreign country but they magically all speak english.  Not in this film; the actors in latin territories speak in spanish.

Overall, this epic film is worth watching again for its artistic and creative point of view; you watch the film through the eyes of Ernesto "CHE" Guevara.

Overall rating:  5 out of 5.