A Call Girl (AKA Slovenka ; Slovenian Girl) Review

This movie is a sleeper, a definite recommendation for people who enjoy character development & hyper-realism in films. For the 1st time, I am going to include the words of another reviewer because what is said perfectly fits with this movie. While there are some sexual scenes, violence, "bad" language & a gritty reality to this movie, nothing is done for shock value or gratuitously. Definitely NOT a film for children, I'd give this an NC-17. I personally would not buy it, though it's worth the rental and the time. On to the review:

"First of all, the DVD cover does not do the film justice. This isnt 9 1/2 Weeks or euro-trash. This IS, however, an incredibly subtle portrait of how a dissipated individual disconnects with their body in their pursuit for comfort and stability. Its one of those films where you might not like the lead character but you desperately want to learn more about them. They are engaging, gripping, and very very interesting. The same can be said of this film. Not a lot happens. Everything is very hyperrealistic. No cinematic conventions. Truly a breath of fresh air for a call girl film. Most importantly, as is the case with most euro-flicks, character development is EXQUISITE. You want to stay with these characters long after the film ends. You think about them. Thats a lot more than can be said for most films." [Anonymous Netflix reviewer].

One additional point. I usually stay away from foreign language films & dislike subtitled movies, however this one was a refreshing departure from the usual American films, the subtitles were easy to keep up with & easy to understand in context. The acting was superb by all involved, the dialogue gives the feel of eavesdropping on a real conversation, or peeping into someone else's life without them knowing, a voyeuristic credibility one may feel uncomfortable with at some points, which is a rare work in movies these days where work to stay within a film's mindset is almost always required, here you will forget you are watching a movie at all. The viewer becomes that involved. As was said above, I wanted to stay with these characters long after the credits stopped rolling. 

Review: The Poker House

The Poker House

You rated this movie: 5 of 5 stars

A gem in the heavy, gritty drama genre. By focusing more on character than circumstance, the film stands triumphantly in the oft-visited, oft-cliched premise of the difficult coming-of-age of 14 year-old Agnes, whose "Poker House" residence features regular parties with drugs, alcohol, prostitution, and the other usual suspects. It's not just a simple story of how a girl is able to save herself through one activity (basketball) or one savior (the classic outside intervener of indie film). It's much more reminiscent of Half Nelson, unabashedly showing much of the sheer brutality of the darker side of life while really drawing audiences into a character. The grittiest parts are indeed very difficult to watch, but therein lays much of the emotional punch of the film. Relative newcomer Jennifer Lawrence dominates the screen with a very impressive range. She is able to create a multi-faceted character, and the exploration of Agnes's life is one of the best, deepest character studies in recent memory. Lawrence's Agnes is at the same time strong and fragile, a protector and a victim, empowered and powerless. She is also the most complete strong female character since last year's 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days. Chloe Moretz is able to lighten up the mood periodically as one of Agnes's charming younger sisters, and Selma Blair and Bokeem Woodbine shine in their roles as Agnes's mother and her pimp.

Easily 5 stars, a difficult yet necessary & REAL depiction of life as it often it, not as we wish it to be, which means the end is always wrapped up in a pretty package, life goes on even after horrid events, people survive & move on, using their experiences to build character & strength. This movie is way under-rated. I was shocked at how good the acting was by everyone involved, didn't even recognize Selma Blair at all, and the pimp was despicable of course, as opposite the wonderful sisters as can be. I applaud Petty's courage in putting this out there and in telling the brutal truth, not sugar coating it or sacrificing any part of the story. Life is NOT fair, or pretty, or "normal" for most people, I'm tired of seeing movies that show a reality that's never existed. Dark as this is, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for these girls, that's all we can hope for in anyone's life. Towards the end I was concerned she'd kill herself, was wishing she'd killed the parent & pimp--no 2 people deserved it more, but she didn't sink to their level. Thanks for this film.