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Viva Riva

Congolese Film-maker Djo Munga wrote and directed the 'very' sexy 2010 drama-action-thriler entitled 'Viva Riva'; set in the Congo. I'd seen the snazzy posters last year at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival and missed out on seeing it, and although I found it quite gruesome and grisly, I applaud Munga for creating a gritty, and exemplary film.

Plenty of violence and sex, but once viewers get past that, they are able to enjoy a clever plot and touching story of a rat-race that always goes wrong. Lovely tight-framed and interesting shots, disturbing yet existing surroundings and heart-warming and thought-provoking dialogue, it was enough to get us all on the edge of our seats. Just think of an African-type Tarantino film laced in 'Scarface'-fueled splendour! Numerous amounts of new talent but they all delivered and kept the story moving forward; our main characters, Patsha Bay who plays the dapper and bad-boy everyone wants, Riva, and Manie Malone, born African raised in France, plays the spoiled and abused sex-bombshell, Nora. The story flowed because of the believability of the characters and the high intensity throughout.

With a humble budget of $10,000 USD, the film not only won awards and several nominations, but has been talked about as an African Action cult film and has doubled it's money in ticket-sales. If you like 'gangster', 'film noir', 'brutal charm' and 'seduction'; then you'll love 'Viva Riva'! :)

Dark Shadows

Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz all wrapped up in a dazzling Tim Burton film; what’s there not to like? Tim Burton has had ample practice at making films and with his wife Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp at his side, he’s undoubtedly created his method for sensational films.

This 2012 hauntingly beautiful, fantasy comedy was orchestrated right down to all the ‘Collin’s Mansion’s’ secret pathways. The camera angles and techniques were remarkable, special effects marvelous but the make-up on Johnny Depp at times, a little too much. Depp’s seductive and serious acting is always wonderful to watch, and Helena Bonham Carter and Pfeiffer also portrayed great comic timing. The young blonde Moretz that has been in scores of film lately, showering her pristine talent also did a commendable job of being that ‘non-interested-angst-to-the-world type character. French Eva Green was a delightful villain and I’m sure others agree with me when I say she gave a lovely and unforgettable smashing performance during the film’s final scene; an also introducing Aussie Bella Heathcote coming on the scene in 2010, and rising steadily alongside these hard-working film stars.

Despite it being rated PG-13, I felt that there were many scenes I would not find appropriate for children of this age. Sensuality, seduction and several sexual innuendoes reigned high throughout the film. From the way Johnny Depp slowly raced his long fingers over things, to steamy red dresses, and plenty of pent-up anguish and long-lizardly tongues of lust. All well for an adult audience, but a tad too much for children to even beginning to worry about.

Writers Seth Grahame-Smith and John August set a beautiful tone for a beloved story, of un-requited love, lost love, witches, vampires and werewolves. Burton who loves the dark side took this story in his hands and turned out a fantastic feature. You haven’t begun to see what a dysfunctional family looks like till you’ve met the Collin’s family. It was extraordinary to see how they could mix such dark and serious content with incredible comedy and groovy 70’s music! J