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Archive for the ‘Caramel’ Category

REEL Quick DVD Reviews: JUMPER, BE KIND REWIND, DEFINITELY MAYBE and CARAMEL

June 25th, 2008

It’s somewhat surprising for me to see that I’ve been doing this long enough now that movies I saw in theaters and subsequently reviewed are now hitting DVD. That’s probably nothing new for veteran bloggers, but being a young up-start myself that kind of puts things in perspective. Anyway, personal tangents aside, here are some excerpts, grades, and review links for films that have hit DVD in the last few weeks.

DEFINITELY, MAYBE
From the original review: “DEFINITELY MAYBE is a solid entry into the romantic comedy genre, and one of the more memorable ones of the last little while, mostly because it succeeds in elevating itself from just a straight up romance. It doesn’t break the boundaries of the genre, but at least it gives them a gentle little push.
Overall rating: B+

CARAMEL
From the original review: “CARAMEL remains the rarest breed of romantic comedy, the kind that will tickle your heart and your brain.”
Overall rating: B+

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REEL Movie Review: CARAMEL

April 20th, 2008

Nadine Labaki caramel

If you ever needed proof of why you need friends, CARAMEL might very well help. Written, directed by, and starring Nadine Labaki, the Lebanese film is a poignant testament to the nurturing power of friendship that can help one overcome the trials and tribulations of life. Needless to say, the five female characters that all work or hang out at a small beauty parlor in Beirut have their fair share of those.

The gorgeous Layale (Nadine Labaki) is having an affair with a married man but struggling to move on. Nisrine (Yasmine Elmasri) is about to get married, but because of cultural expectations needs a minor procedure to correct the fact she is no longer a virgin. Rima (Joanna Moukarzel) is a lesbian who is falling for a customer. Then there are those who visit the salon. Jamale (Gisele Aouad) is a middle-aged divorce trying to find work as an actress, while desperately trying to recapture her youth. Rose (Sihame Haddad) is an older seamstress who is burdened by having to make the choice between finding love again, or continuing to take care of her mentally handicapped sister.

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