September Newsletter

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Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Movie name: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Year of release: 2008
Director: Woody Allen
Stars: Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn, Chris Messina, Pablo Schreiber, Christopher Evan Welch
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:Woody Allen is back with his yearly film, following the tepid response that "Cassandra's Dream" had. With a career that spans over 30 years, Woody Allen is one of the great American directors currently working, with so many classics in his filmography that is difficult to point out what his best films are. The latter years haven't been as equally interesting in terms of his output, save for "Match Point" and "Small Time Crooks". I have been a huge Woody Allen film since the 80s when I was introduced to his work - I always found his films challenging, always visually interesting and innovative and his sense of humor absolutely hilarious. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is however one of the films that comes from his latest output, where everything just seems very placid. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" follows the romantic entanglements of two college friends that come to Barcelona for a Summer holiday. Vicky is the more neurotic and cerebral friend, whereas Cristina is the more romantic and impulsive one. When they both encounter an enigmatic painter, an amorous triangle is formed, which is further complicated by the appearance of the painter's hellfire ex-wife. The actors are all uniformly good, with special highlight for Rebecca Hall and Penelope Cruz that infuses the film with some spark. The production design, photography are as always impeccable. Worth checking out.

Claud New Blog

The wonderful artist Claud has her new Blog up and running. Please check it very often since news are always coming up about her new concerts, releases and upcoming activities! And be sure to check her CD on ITunes!

Tell No One

Movie name: Ne le dis a personne
Year of release: 2006
Director: Guillaume Canet
Stars: Francois Cluzet, Marie-Josee Croze, Andre Dussolier, Kristina Scott Thomas, Marina Hands, Nathalie Baye, Jean Rochefort, Philipe Lefebvre, Guillaume Canet
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:Guillaume Canet is more well known for audiences outside of France as one of the performers of Danny Boyle's "The Beach". His career in France has also taken a detour to directing, with very good results. His previous film "Mon Idole" was a considerable hit, and this one was one of the big winners at the Cesars. Adapting a novel from Harlan Coben has served Canet well, since he built a very intelligent thriller, anchored in some great performances from a very talented cast. The film follows the story of a doctor name Alexandre Beck whose wife was killed in mysterious circumstances 8 years ago. He was also attacked, but managed to get away, though no one really knows how. A serial killer was arrested at the time of the brutal murder of his wife, and no questions were placed afterwards. When some bodies are discovered near the forest where the attack took place, the investigation is resumed, and Beck discovers that his wife is actually alive and that he is the police's main suspect.
The film is suspenseful, intelligently rendered and acted with a superlative cast, starting with the wonderful Francois Cluzet, Marie-Josee Croze (from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), Kristin Scott Thomas and Andre Dussolier. Canet intelligently staged a film, from the action pieces to the more dramatic moments. A very rewarding film, worth investigating!

Web Design Index Vol.8

My sites JoaoPedroCanhenha.com/JPC Photos have just been published in the Web Design book "Web Design Index, Vol.8" published by Pepin Press. Earlier this year the sites Claud and Gonçalo Varanda had already been published in the book Web Design Index by Content Volume 3. It's a great honor and I thank Mr. Gunter Beer for the selection. You can check Pepin Press here!