Take Shelter

Loads of apocalyptic films released within the last 10 years I’ll say; but this one 2011’s Drama/Thriller’s ’Take Shelter’, written and directed by American Jeff Nichols, was probably one of my favourite to watch. 

Clearly with a budget of $5 million USD and Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain involved a lot more people were able to see and enjoy this film, but I think it would have been just as successful as the story was interesting, unique and strong enough to stand on it’s own two feet. 

Beautifully shot, with great camera close-ups and angles, and wonderfully written, viewers could appreciate the polished style and fluidity of this film. There was healthy ambiguity throughout and honest performances by the entire cast as the audience kept wondering if our main character ‘Curtis’ played by Michael Shannon had mental illness or indeed having premonitions of the last days. Nova Stewart who played ‘Hannah’ the main character’s deaf daughter was a natural and added even more on the heart-rending factor.

The film was quite believable and tackled subjects many don’t want to deal with; like mental illness, schizophrenia, therapy, communication between couples, and having the feeling of losing control and protection of your family. I would watch it again - ‘JourneywithJair recommended’! 

Interstellar

Reminiscent of ‘Inception’ and ‘Memento’ this 2014 Sci-Fi/Adventure written and directed by English Christopher Nolan; it was a lot more than I had anticipated. Never a real fan of Texan Mathew McConaughey whom I must admit shared phenomenal acting chops in this film and not really an admirer either for the other ‘out-of-this-world’ film ‘Gravity’; I didn’t really have high hopes.

Was I ever in for a ride! This film was enormously thought-provoking, heart-warming, thrilling, and visually appealing, I honestly wasn’t ready for it to end. American Jessica Chastain shone as usual and English Michael Caine, and David Oyelowo (Selma) also held their own and were believable characters. Whom I enjoyed watching and studying throughout the film though was Oscar winner ‘Anne Hathaway’ whom I think is talented beyond her years and magnificent in any character she has the opportunity of playing.

This story had me in deep thought, sitting on the edge of my seat, glued to my screen in awe, smiling because of the riveting soundtrack and crying at it’s heart-warming moments. With an estimated budget of $165 million USD it made back $186 million USD a short 2 months later. With a run-time of 169 minutes and nominated for 5 Oscars this year, the mixed reviews hold nothing against the symbolic and magnificent story that was executed quite wonderfully.

If you want to turn on the ‘Intensity’ dial, this one heats up pretty quickly! Enjoy! 

Mama

While in transit at the airport, en-route to a tropical paradise, my friends and I had a couple hours to burn and decided to take the air-train to the nearest cinema; and what a treat we were all in for! Already a huge fan of Guiermo del Toro whom you may remember as the writer and director of the masterpiece 'Pans Labyrinth', in my opinion struck gold again by presenting this fascinating 2013 horror-mystery entitled 'Mama'. Adapted screenplay and story by Neil Cross and Andres and Barbara Muschietti and directed by Andres Muschietti, the film unfolded quite beautifully and eloquently and despite its massive fear factor held strong tinges of sadness and un-dying love.

None of us expected the film to be what it was. Eeriely beautiful with exquisite cinematography, acting abilities that left your jaws open, wonderful soundtrack and powerfully somber moments, the audience was lost in a cinematic trance! With an estimated $15 million USD, within the first month released it has already made back a cool $64 million and filmmakers made a smart choice in having American actor tour-de-force Jessica Chastain as this film's main character whom yet again transformed fantastically into the tough exterior soft inside step-mother character. New comers, Isabelle Nelisse and Megan Charpentier shone like nobody's business with their first-fime and exceptional performances, and Danish Nikolaj Coster-Waldau also delivered heart-warming believabililty.

Tragedy sometimes holds on to the heart so tightly that one may find it hard to ever let go but letting go is finally being able to rest. This film shows the power and undying love of a mother, about protection that can become deadly and about the troubles associated with not being able to 'let go'. This film was delightfully scary, it made me scream, clench in my seat and also close to shedding tears - a real treat that the audience didn't want to end. One of the best horror films I've seen in a long time! Certainly 'Journey with Jair' recommended! :)