Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 170

WILLIAM TUCKER RA: Portraits | Pangolin London Sculpture Gallery

Defying traditional definitions of portraiture, this new body of work from highly regarded Royal Academician William Tucker marks a new chapter in his long career of pushing artistic and academic boundaries.

1935) stands as one of Britain’s most important living sculptors. He studied history at Oxford University and drawing at The Ruskin School of Art, before attending the Central School under Leslie Thornton and John Warren Davies. In 1960, he transferred to St Martin’s School of Art where he

studied with Tony Caro. Here he gained recognition as part of the influential New Generation exhibition at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1965, alongside sculptors such as Philip King and David Annesley. He then went on to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1972 and was given a one man show by the Arts Council at the Serpentine Gallery in 1973. In 1974, Tucker published his influential book The Language of Sculpture and

in 1975 he organized a major Arts Council exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London, entitled The Condition of Sculpture. In 2001, two major retrospective exhibitions of his work were staged by Tate Liverpool, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. More recently, museum exhibitions of his sculpture include the Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao (2015) and the Kunstmuseum Winterthur, Switzerland (2016).

During his early career, Tucker’s work was fundamentally modernist and abstract, using industrial materials and striking colour. But after his move to New York in the 1980s he began to display an increasing interest in the human figure and modelling from plaster into bronze. Now in his late 80s, his latest work takes that exploration a stage further.

“I’ve got to a stage in my life,” he says, “where I’ve long ago left behind modernist ideas about figuration and abstraction. In the 60s, the idea of doing something so specific as to represent in sculpture a particular person would have been completely unthinkable. I wouldn’t even have considered it”.

Phillip, 2022, Original Plaster

This new series of ten portrait heads dates back to the end of Covid at a time when mask wearing was common, obscuring people’s identity. Inspired by the question of identity and the specificity of the subject in a portrait, Tucker embarked on new body of works to explore it in a physical sense. In an interview with Jon Wood, Tucker notes the influence of the Argentine writer, Jose Luis Borges, and that the subjects, though not immediately recognisable, include other literary figures such as WB Yeats and Maude Gonne.

In the exhibition, portraits of writers and fictional characters will feature alongside representations of people Tucker has known over his lifetime in what he terms ‘imaginative reconstructions’, coming together for this exhibition to face one another and the audience.

With regards to the process of making this body of work, Tucker reveals that the individual works were all orginally part of one enormous plaster of a horse – a subject he had previously explored. By cutting it up and making new work out of it, he is symbolically moving on from the past. He also alludes to assemblage and a certain anthropomorphism, sometimes referred to by scientists as pareidolia, which

involves a willingness to suspend disbelief to allow figurative forms to take shape: “I was really attracted to these pieces; I started to put them together and these heads started to appear”. Tucker describes this as “a vocabulary of chunks” which, once assembled, seemed to want to become someone, developing into a character. There is a precedent for this in his work when in the 1990s he made a head from a fragment lopped off an earlier sculpture, and then went on to draw and model more heads. But the new portraits, he says, are much more specific. Executed in plaster, and cast in bronze and resin they are accompanied by a stunning series of new works on paper – drawings in charcoal, ink and watercolour, inspired by the William Butler Yeats poem ‘A Bronze Head’.

In his discussion with Jon Wood, Tucker refers to one particular work which depicts Pierre Menard, a character from Borges’ short story from the Labyrinths collection: “I just love the idea of this completely futile waste of devotion and waste of time”. He reflects: “It seems to be pretty much what I’m doing. I don’t think of it as being futile, but I’m also putting, a great deal of thought and energy into inventing the head of somebody who never existed”.

A Bronze Head #7, 2023, Ink, Charcoal and Watercolour on Paper, Unique

The post WILLIAM TUCKER RA: Portraits | Pangolin London Sculpture Gallery appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

EXPO Chicago. Natia Lemay: Navy Pier

For EXPO Chicago, 2024, Wilding Cran Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new works by New Haven-based artist Natia Lemay.

Working primarily with oil paint, Lemay produces circular canvases which pull the viewer into portals of memory, rendering tactility and permanence to the transitory nature of environments inhabited throughout her childhood. The subjects of her paintings reflect early experiences with addiction, violence, and erasure, alongside intersections of race, gender, and ancestry. Through this series of paintings, Lemay communicates a reverence for the past, while directing her practice towards the future. The textural gestures of the artist’s brush (at times integrated with acrylic, graphite, marker, and charcoal) bring out shadows and highlights that allow us to distinguish fragments, which serve to highlight the relationship between Lemay’s human figures and the dense, abstract, uncertain spaces of emotion that they inhabit.

Alongside her series of works on canvas, Lemay continues to explore soapstone carving throughout her practice — a uniquely fragile material with traditional ties to various West African and Indigenous cultures. Through stacking miniature stone renderings of chairs, sofas, and rocking horses, the artist reconfigures the spaces of her childhood through object association. The precarious physicality of each stone sculpture, alongside the labor-intensive method of their assembly, emphasizes Lemay’s unsettled feelings of both metaphorical and literal dispossession.

Through the cultivation of fragmented memories, Natia Lemay harnesses her interdisciplinary practice to produce a visual iconography that grants tactility to an emotional underworld of cyclical displacement and loss, unveiling the tensions and ties between ownership and identity.

Natia Lemay (b. 1985 in Toronto, Ontario) is an Afro-indigenous artist of Black, Mi’kmaw, and Settler descent, raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Natia received her BFA from Ontario College of Art and Design (2021) in drawing/painting with a minor in social sciences and received her MFA from The Yale School of Art in painting/printmaking. Natia’s Work is interdisciplinary to address the expansiveness of conditions under which IBPOC people live. Drawing on childhood experiences, she explores semiotic, philosophical, and socio-psychological themes of identity, hypervisibility, orientation, and consciousness to untangle how the body and mind interact with space and shift through time. Through careful worldbuilding and storytelling, she aims to create a visual vocabulary that makes the invisible visible, articulates the indescribable, and creates space for reflection without prejudice.

The post EXPO Chicago. Natia Lemay: Navy Pier appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): a fresh installment in the franchise, delivering…the usual

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a film starring Paul Rudd. With Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Dan Aykroyd. It is directed by Gil Kenan.

For those of you contemplating taking your kids to the movies to, like responsible parents, impart your cinematic wisdom and show them the marvels of the eighties films, here is this “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”, providing a unique opportunity.

It may not be your children’s life-changing movie, but they certainly won’t stop talking about it.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

A self-writing plot: family life and a new generation of ghostbusters (which already appeared in the first of this new series of movies), teaching us a bit of the same old thing: that nothing really changes in life.

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” achieves its goals: blending modern and retro in a film created for nostalgia, with many familiar faces, some delightful ghosts that will make us smile, and Dan Aykroyd, who is excellent and, once again, the good old Bill Murray making his star appearance.

Warning: scarier than its predecessors, but with the same spirit of repeating a successful movie, which made sense but today, it’s just a memory.

Which isn’t so bad, really.

In its technical aspects, a good movie that doesn’t aim to revolutionize CGI: even with the most modern technology, the film is bound to somewhat eighties effects with beams and the like and, despite meeting all expectations, doesn’t stand out for its aesthetic originality or innovation.

A film born for reminiscence, not for groundbreaking change, and to serve as a good reunion with old friends who, deep down, have nothing new to share except to recall past battles.

Enjoy it.

The post Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): a fresh installment in the franchise, delivering…the usual appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

AI: The Mighty Beast Is Born

Historically, some have always commanded others, and like frightened little wolves, we obeyed almost without protest. There was a time, not so long ago, that the internet gave us a sense of freedom, or at least the illusion of it. But that sensation has now turned hollow.

I was one of those who believed in this freedom, in understanding journalism and media as an exercise of liberty that, while not causing harm to anyone, offered a fresh and entertaining perspective. That’s how this magazine of ours was born. It’s been around for a while (and I’m not planning on shutting it down, at least not yet). We’ve been trying to garner some attention, and gradually started expanding into other languages using all the resources at our disposal.

And yes, along came artificial intelligence, bringing with it a major challenge: If I don’t use AI and everyone else does, it generates high-quality content (despite some refusing to accept) at a speed that engulfs us. AI leaves us with a spaghetti effect, merely watching how it devours years of information and knowledge and, in mere seconds, spawns information that it spews out with a smiling emoji. How’s that for a surprise, human?

Even though AI’s only been in development for a few years, my decades of reading books and consuming information don’t even come close to the abundance of information it can gather. Granted, I organize information better, in a more creative and human way, but I won’t kid myself: this intelligence surpasses me and the smartest individual on the planet. AI is still in its infancy, and it’s already like watching Messi on a soccer field at the age of two: that kid is going to beat me.

Companies are fighting to control this “beast” and are creating generative AI models that can churn out millions of algorithms per second, generate sequences of code, and create fictional worlds in a data ocean in a split second – and, what’s more, it can now organize all this data thanks to these models.

To give you an idea: neither I nor anyone else could create in a thousand lifetimes what an AI could generate in two seconds. We have to admit defeat: in our minds, AI’s capabilities are seemingly infinite.

Let’s not delude ourselves, let’s not be presumptuous, let’s not say: yes, but it will always need a human. For what? To tell it jokes? As imaginative as we may be, I don’t think AI needs a human to invent a crude joke for its amusement.

After all this undeniably certain future, we can throw our hands up and say: we should ban it. I suppose that’s what those who think they’re in charge and those from big tech companies with their giant AIs are thinking.

But this “beast” is bigger because once it’s been discovered, it doesn’t need anything to exist because it already does. AI is terrifying because, ultimately, it’s an idea. And that idea has already been born and no matter how hard they try to control it, no matter how many laws we enact to curb it, the generated algorithm is faster than any human court and the idea that created it, the very idea of AI, already exists and has emerged.

The post AI: The Mighty Beast Is Born appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“The Baxters” Season 3. Prime Video series for lovers of classic, family-friendly television

The Baxters is a TV series starring Ted McGinley, Roma Downey, Ali Cobrin, Masey McLain, Josh Plasse and Emily Peterson.

You know those shows (usually American) presenting a perfect family, wealthy, and with kids having bright futures because they’re blond and studying medicine? Well, meet the Baxters, who are absolutely nothing like The Simpsons: They’re attractive, happy, and often speak to their church pastor.

This is not, by any means, anything like a Scorsese film.

The BaxtersAbout the Show

Prime Video takes family-friendly productions seriously, and this time they’ve outdone themselves with this series that puts Hallmark to shame.

The series features Ali Cobrin leading a cast that, while not full of superstars, is packed with handsome folks like Ted McGinley and Roma Downey playing the clan’s leaders.

But don’t think it’s going to be all roses for the protagonists. Our friends will face many challenges like infidelity, academic problems, youthful and mature love affairs… all to portray these lives that, while not totally perfect, have a lot to tell their audience.

So here’s another option for this weekend and for a family-oriented audience, who we’re sure will enjoy this series that offers (sincerely, no sarcasm) all the charm of those delightful TV shows where a family navigates life and grows together.

In any case, and since the rest of us mortals aren’t going to come close to their beauty and perfection, it’s always an extraordinary experience to see how these people live. Even though they seem to have it all and we may envy everything they have, they too have their undercurrents of unhappiness.

They might not have our problems, they might be more attractive and wealthier, and we may envy them with every fiber of our being… but they’re not perfect either.

The post “The Baxters” Season 3. Prime Video series for lovers of classic, family-friendly television appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

The Wages of Fear (2024) Movie on Netflix: And Film Classics Get Updated Too

The Wages of Fear is a French film directed by Julien Leclercq starring Franck Gastambide and Ana Girardot.

“The Wages of Fear” is a film based on Georges Arnaud’s novel, which, as you may already know, had a previous adaptation in 1953, directed by H.G. Clouzot. This has become a classic of French cinema and one of the best thrillers in film history.

In these current times, Julien Leclercq dares to create a new version of this story, modernizing it entirely and trying to maintain the character tension in this updated plot, although we’re not fully sure if it’s for the better.

It’s always a risk to compare yourself to a classic, but Julien Leclercq has the courage to try it.

Plot

To save a village during an oil extraction, four people must escort a convoy loaded with nitroglycerin in a desolate place, surrounded by armed gangs.

About the movie

If you haven’t seen the first, “The Wages of Fear” merely becomes a commercial thriller, crafted decently with a clear “tough guy” vibe: some action scenes are not necessarily justified by the script, explosions, and many characters acting tough, driving trucks, and wielding firearms.

Yes, it’s almost like an action movie from a few years back that entertained us and gave us a good time without justifying the sense of scenes much.

If you see it this way, it’s perfect, an entertaining film (nothing more) with four stunning lead characters offering action-packed, tension-filled entertainment.

The actors do a good job considering that they’re aware that with these dialogs and this plot, no one is winning any awards: it’s an action film where moving fast without impeding the action with excessive drama is prioritized over acting brilliance. Simple as that.

The direction and editing work is commendable: “The Wages of Fear” is a more modern version that doesn’t take a risk by reinventing anything and provides us a spectacle akin to a fireworks display that, while not exhilarating, satisfies us. The production and technical aspects are executed well.

“The Wages of Fear”: Pros and Cons

The Good: It’s entertaining, well produced, and an action thriller that hooks, entertains and is perfect for a Friday night.

The Bad: Comparisons are not always favorable, and in this case (if we get cinematic), the script treatment has lost a lot compared to the first version.

Our Opinion

It’s Friday and “The Wages of Fear” is all a Friday movie should be: action, tension, and an intense story to experience for an hour and a half. Upon getting to bed, we might, perhaps, be unable to remember it.

Enjoy the show.

Where to Watch “The Wages of Fear”

Netflix

The CastFranck GastambideFranck Gastambide

Franck Gastambide is a French actor, director, and screenwriter who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He was born on October 31, 1978, in Melun, France, and grew up in the suburb of Le Mee-sur-Seine. Gastambide began his career as an actor in the early 2000s with small roles in French films such as “RRRrrrr!!!” and “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies.” However, he gained recognition for his role as Francky in the hit comedy film “Les Kaïra” (The Losers) which he also wrote and directed. The film was a huge success at the box office and earned him critical acclaim. Since then, Gastambide has continued to work on various projects both in front of and behind the camera. He has appeared in several films such as “Pattaya,” “Taxi 5,” and “La casa de papel” (Money Heist). He has also directed and co-written films like “La surface de réparation” (The Big Hit), “Artichauts et Caramboles,” and the highly anticipated sequel to “Les Kaïra.” Aside from his work in film, Gastambide is also known for his comedic talent. He has performed stand-up comedy shows across France and has been praised for his wit and humor.

Ana GirardotAna Girardot

Ana Girardot is a French actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile acting skills and natural beauty. She was born on August 1, 1988, in Paris, France, to actor parents Hippolyte Girardot and Isabel Otero. Growing up in a family of actors, it’s no surprise that Ana developed a love for the arts at a young age. She attended drama lessons at the prestigious Cours Florent acting school in Paris before making her film debut in 2009 with a small role in the movie “Les tricheurs.” However, it was her breakthrough role as Adèle Exarchopoulos’ best friend in the critically acclaimed film “Blue Is the Warmest Color” that brought Ana into the spotlight. Her performance received widespread praise from critics and solidified her as an up-and-coming talent in the French film industry. Since then, Ana has starred in numerous French films such as “Lights Out,” “Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart,” and “I Am a Soldier.” She has also worked with renowned directors such as Claude Lelouch and Bertrand Tavernier.

Alban LenoirAlban Lenoir

Alban Lenoir is a French actor known for his captivating performances in film and television. Born on September 16th, 1985 in Paris, France, Lenoir developed a passion for acting at a young age. He attended the prestigious Cours Florent drama school in Paris where he honed his skills and began his journey to becoming a successful actor. Lenoir’s career took off in 2009 when he landed a role in the French drama film “Mia et le Migou.” This was followed by appearances in popular French shows such as “Les Bleus, premiers pas dans la police” and “Section de recherches.” However, it was his breakthrough role as Maxime Delcourt in the hit French police drama “Braquo” that gained him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Since then, Lenoir has starred in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor. He has also worked with acclaimed directors such as Luc Besson and Cedric Jimenez. In 2016, Lenoir received an award for Best Actor at the International Film Festival of La Rochelle for his performance in the film “Nocturama.”

Director: Julien LeclercqJulien Leclercq

Julien Leclercq is a French film director and screenwriter who has gained recognition for his work in the action and crime thriller genres. He was born on February 23, 1973, in Saint-Denis, France, and was raised in a working-class family. Leclercq’s passion for filmmaking started at a young age, and he began making short films with his friends using a Super 8 camera. After completing his studies in Audiovisual Production at the École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle (ESRA), Leclercq worked as an assistant director on various French films. However, he soon realized that he wanted to tell his own stories and decided to venture into directing and screenwriting. Leclercq’s big break came in 2006 when he wrote and directed his first feature film “Chrysalis.” The sci-fi thriller received critical acclaim and won several awards at festivals such as the Fantastic’Arts Film Festival. This success put Leclercq on the map as one of the most promising directors in France. He went on to direct several successful films such as “The Assault,” based on true events that took place during a terrorist attack in Paris in 1994. The film was nominated for four César Awards including Best Director for Leclercq.

The post The Wages of Fear (2024) Movie on Netflix: And Film Classics Get Updated Too appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

The Beautiful Game (2024) Movie on Netflix: Yet another film about friendship, camaraderie, and sports? Here you go!

The Beautiful Game is a movie directed by Thea Sharrock starring Bill Nighy and Micheal Ward.

You know those movies that use sports as an excuse to create a simple plot that suspiciously seems like a thousand others you’ve seen before? “The Beautiful Game” is one of those films. It sports a good vibe that makes our lives a tad more pleasing, thanks to a simple script that’s based on an idea already rolling for many other movies.

This English version stars Bill Nighy and Micheal Ward, though we’re not sure if they can propel this story of sports and friendship into a blockbuster.

Or something that could slightly surprise you.

Plot

Vinny is a boy with undeniable soccer talent that he cannot demonstrate. With no steady job and no home, he struggles to survive until life gives him a new opportunity: travel to Rome to represent England in a World Cup for people like him, the homeless.

The Beautiful GameAbout “The Beautiful Game”

Despite having two great actors, who are undoubtedly talented, they cannot make much out of this script. Neither Bill Nighy nor Micheal Ward has dialogues that can showcase their undeniable talent, and their characters don’t have enough depth to create and develop.

It’s a sports movie, cordial and sincere, with some jokes for the whole family and great to watch with others. But it’s also a film that feels like a thousand others we’ve seen and doesn’t surprise.

It falls into every possible stereotype about nationalities (especially with Japan), and it is anything but sophisticated.

The script plays more on an emotional level, and technically, the movie offers nothing remarkable: landscapes of Rome and not much more (and the always lovely Valeria Golino, who is as charming as ever).

“The Beautiful Game”: Pros and Cons

The Good: Great for family viewing, it doesn’t harm anyone, and it’s so comfortable that nothing can take us out of our comfort zone.

The Bad: If you’re looking for something original or mildly surprising, this isn’t your movie.

Our Opinion

“The Beautiful Game” is a film that plays it safe with a self-writing script that barely surprises. If you have two hours to fritter away, it’s one of the best ways to do so, but don’t expect this film to contribute anything substantial to your movie-watching experience.

Where to Watch “The Beautiful Game”

Netflix

Official Movie Trailer

The post The Beautiful Game (2024) Movie on Netflix: Yet another film about friendship, camaraderie, and sports? Here you go! appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Heart of the Hunter (2024) Movie on Netflix: Action Cinema in True 80s Style

Heart of the Hunter is a South African movie directed by Mandla Dube starring Bonko Cosmo, Connie Ferguson and Tim Theron.

You know those movies where “the good guy” is in a t-shirt, wielding a gun, chasing a “bad to the bone” villain who sips champagne surrounded by beautiful girls for breakfast?

“Heart of the Hunter” is the latest film offering from Netflix that, like a dusty video cassette pulled from your old VHS collection for your amusement, truly captures the spirit of the 80s action flick, warts and all.

It’s entertaining and somewhat idealistic.

Plot

An ex-hitman becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that could change the course of elections in South Africa.

Heart of the HunterAbout “Heart of the Hunter”

This film is directed by Mandla Dube, renowned for the idealistic, political tone he brings to his movies. This time around, he continues this quest for freedom and belief in good and evil as human principles, but the film isn’t a philosophical reflection on these themes.

Absolutely not, because “Heart of the Hunter” is, first and foremost, an action thriller filled with chases, conspiracies, a touch of suspense and a lot of throwback 80s cinema, the kind that didn’t need any justification to set up a good action sequence.

As a viewer of those films (which were perfectly encapsulated by Tarantino), you’re looking for one thing: a smile, a healthy dose of action, to fall in love with the movie, a bit of adventure. They had it all and, at the same time, they had absolutely nothing because they were like a burger with all the nutrients that we enjoyed one after another, no need to justify why we were eating it. Simply, it was delicious, and it was a delightful sin to indulge in.

“Heart of the Hunter” is one of those movies that aims to have it all: action, a social narrative, a thriller, a very bad villain, a handsome lead in a t-shirt showing off his abs in the rain scenes, and a family redemption story to fight for. All together, paced and wrapped up in a good thriller.

You’ll understand that, with so many plots squeezed into barely an hour and a half, things move fast and there’s no time to overthink or justify the action scenes, which are the main event here.

“Heart of the Hunter”: Pros and Cons

The good: it’s another step towards boosting the South African film industry on an international level.

The bad: it’s so clichéd and overdone that it doesn’t leave a lasting impression in the viewer’s cinema repertoire.

Heart of the HunterOur Review

It’s a movie that aims to have it all and, in the end, settles for entertaining us in the traditional way, but it’s well-executed and boasts a great production and style.

It might not have the most original script of the year, but the movie is entertaining and fun for a while.

Where to Watch “Heart of the Hunter”

Netflix

Director: Mandla Dube

Mandla Dube is a prominent South African filmmaker, director, and producer. He is known for his powerful storytelling and thought-provoking films that shed light on important social issues. Born in Soweto, Johannesburg, Dube was exposed to poverty and inequality at a young age, which inspired him to use his art as a medium for change.

Dube’s passion for filmmaking started when he was a student at the National School of Arts. He went on to study drama at the University of Witwatersrand before pursuing a career in film. His breakthrough came with his debut feature film “Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony” in 2002. The documentary chronicles the role of music in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and received critical acclaim worldwide.

Since then, Dube has directed and produced numerous award-winning films such as “Township Stories,” “The Sky In Her Eyes,” and “Nelson Mandela: The Myth & Me.” His work often centers around themes of social justice, human rights, and the struggle for freedom, drawing inspiration from his own experiences growing up in post-apartheid South Africa.

Dube’s talent and dedication to his craft have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades including three SAFTA (South African Film & Television Awards) nominations for Best Director. He also serves as an ambassador for the Encounters Documentary Film Festival, promoting local talent and raising awareness about social issues through film.

The post Heart of the Hunter (2024) Movie on Netflix: Action Cinema in True 80s Style appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

‘Coup De Chance’, the New Movie of Woody Allen to Debut April 5

NEW YORK, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Woody Allen’s newest film is set for release in select theaters across the United States on April 5, 2024. COUP DE CHANCE, a romantic thriller shot entirely in French and starring an acclaimed international cast including Lou de Laâge (International Emmy winner. The Mad Women’s Ball), Valérie Lemercier, (The Visitors), Melvil Poupaud, (Eric Rohmer’s A Tale of Summer), and Niels Schneider (Heartbeats, How I Killed My Mother) is Allen’s 50th film as director. 

A sensation when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival, COUP DE CHANCE has received glowing reviews during its international release across Europe and Asia with comparisons to some of Allen’s most acclaimed masterpieces including Blue Jasmine, Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris.

In English, the title means “stroke of luck,” and the film centers around the central role of chance and luck in our lives. Fanny (de Laâge) and Jean (Poupaud,) look like the ideal married couple:  they are professionally accomplished, live in a gorgeous apartment in a tony part of Paris, and seem to be in love just as much as they were when they first met. But when Fanny accidentally bumps into Alain (Schneider), a former high school classmate, she’s swept off her feet. They soon see each other again and get closer and closer. 

Melvil Poupard and Lou de Laâge play a happily married couple whose lives are upended by a chance encounter in the romantic thriller, Coup de Chance, directed by Woody Allen. ©2022 Gravier Productions, Inc., Photography by Thierry Valletoux.

Ben Croll at The Wrap says, “Allen’s trademark philosophical asides and well-tuned one-liners fit neatly into French”, while Variety’s Owen Gleiberman calls COUP DE CHANCE “absorbing, thrilling, and cheekily satisfying.” Roger Friedman at Showbiz411.com described the film as a “tight 90-minute murder mystery with a surprise ending that will blow you away.”

COUP DE CHANCE was written and directed by Woody Allen. It was produced by Letty Aronson and Erika Aronson and features cinematography by the legendary Vittorio Storaro, who shot Apocalypse Now and Last Tango in Paris as well as Allen’s four previous films. With a soundtrack including pieces by jazz giants Cannonball Adderley and Milt Jackson, COUP DE CHANCE is a feast for the eyes and ears.

MPI Media Group is releasing COUP DE CHANCE on April 5, 2024 in theaters across the country including New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Florida and Ohio followed by a digital/VOD release on April 12.

SOURCE Gravier Productions

The post ‘Coup De Chance’, the New Movie of Woody Allen to Debut April 5 appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter (2024), a Medieval Adventure Series for Youth on Netflix

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter is a Swedish series directed by Lisa James Larsson and starring Kerstin Linden.

If you’re a fan of medieval adventure shows, featuring taverns, journeys, many horses, and natural forces shaping the plot, Netflix brings us “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter”, a story about a special girl living in a special time.

“Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” is a simple adventure series, leaning more towards establishing a sense of place and character than incorporating magic and fantasy due to budget restrictions, but it’s a pleasant series that entertains without causing harm to anyone.

Plot

This is the story of Ronja, a girl born as the hope of a Scandinavian band of thieves where she’s unique. As she grows up, she’s faced with the forest and the dangers that its magic and allure pose to her.

Ronja the Robber’s DaughterAbout the Series

The series, directed by Lisa James Larsson, somewhat mirrors the medieval aesthetic of “Game of Thrones” but doesn’t hold any high aims like the HBO series. “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” is primarily a straightforward adventure series that can’t offer grand battles or visually stunning spectacles.

“Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” is entertaining, simple, and very enjoyable, making it a perfect series for the whole family. This modest Swedish production spans six episodes.

By mentioning it’s for the whole family, we especially mean it is catered towards children, for whom this pleasant adventure series, where the villains are scary but not terrifying, is designed.

It’s based on a novel by Astrid Lindgren, and just to give you a heads up, this first season doesn’t cover the entire story nor does it wrap up with a neat and tidy ending.

Ronja the Robber’s DaughterOur Opinion

“Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” is a pleasant, fun, friendly, and humble series to spend some time with. If you’re looking for something more aesthetic, intricate, or developed, this might not be your cup of tea. However, it’s a series especially designed for younger viewers that without displeasing the older ones, delivers what it promises.

Whether it promises a lot… or not.

Where to Watch “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter”

Netflix

The post Ronja the Robber’s Daughter (2024), a Medieval Adventure Series for Youth on Netflix appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.