CurtHerzstark

Had not been for video website Youtube, danish singer/songwriter Tommy Seebach might been only known in his homecountry Denmark. On Youtube there are some videos featuring his music and performances but the most famous(or rather infamous)is Seebachs funky disco cover of the old instrumental classic "Apache"(Apache was first released by the British group The Shadows in 1960).

But in Seebachs hands it becomes a disco song featuring Seebach himself dressed up in yellow colored western outfit, sporting a huge mullet, and a mustache bigger then 1970's pornstar Harry Reems. And with a smile bigger then any actor in a toothpaste commercial.

The video becomes funnier after that, but I'm not going to spoil the fun...

But who was Tommy Seebach?

Born in Denmark, he quickly became interested in music and started playing in bands in 1960's. When he st-rated going solo in 1970's he would become one of the most beloved musical solo acts in Denmark during the 1970's-80's.

But what happens to an artist when he stops being trendy?

And how to handle a setback in one's career?

These and others questions is discussed in this documentary and more troublesome aspects of Seebachs life that would become more and more tragic as time went on.

There are some great moments, and sad moments when his family, especially his children tells his life story. Seebach comes across a nice guy who unfortunately went out of fashion.

Luckily he has regained some fame (even though some of it, is in tongue in cheek) mainly thanks to his cover of "Apache". And the fact that his son Rasmus Seebach makes music, but a different style of music.

So anyone interested in the strange, but happy man that made the funky disco version of apache and wants to know more, this is a perfect film to start with.

This film is based on a very popular series of children's books written by novelist Martha Sandwall-Bergström. There have been a couple of adaptations of Bergströms books, but Kulla-Gulla is her most famous and revered work.

In the 80's Swedish public service(SVT) made a TV-series based on the same books.

Its fairly simple story about lonely orphan girl Gunilla(Kulla-Gulla) who gets placed as an housemaid with a sharecropper, and then gets attention from squire Sylvester who asks strange questions. But why?

This film is utterly predictable in its Dickensian attempts to tell the story about a orphan with secretive past. But no wonder, since it is aimed at children and not adults.

The acting is fairly good, with Malou Fredén in the main lead as Kulla-Gulla. Fredén has only a handful of credits on IMDb and this film seems to be her last film. Whatever happened to her? Fredén does good job, and brings that kind of bright eyed optimism that this type of film needs.

Märta Dorff as the comic relief role as Mamsell Modigh, one of the maids working at the Sylvester household. She makes a lot out of one smaller part.

Margaretha Bergström does a great performance as an upperclass girl, Regina Sylvester. This is one the few great performances in this film. There are nuances, emotions, that Bergström carefully plays out to the audience. Reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958).

Other then some few great performances this film is very bland, predictable. I would be surprised if even kids liked it. Disney massproduces these type of stories every year, so a kid today might be too sophisticated for this type of film.

Luckily for director Håkan Bergström he made better films then this, like the noir crime drama Farligt löfte (1955). Future viewers should watch that film instead of this.

This film is based on an popular series of crime novels written by Folke Mellvig. Mellvig was also one of the screenwriters to this film, and this film was also the first of the so called Hillman detective films.

Just like in Sherlock Holmes, The Thin Man, the Hillman couple would solve crimes together. This one has a generic storyline but have an eerie, darker feel, which sometimes borders on Gothic horror.

The story is simple about a girl that disappears and Hillman and his wife, together with a stuttering, bumbling assistant Freddy tries to solve the case. But it proves to be very hard....

Two main actors Annalisa Ericson(Kajsa Hillman)and Karl-Arne Holmsten(John Hillman) had great chemistry on screen. The same kind of banter, and razorsharp wit that William Powell, Myrna Loy had in The Thin Man (1934).

I don't think this film and its sequels could have been that successful without them. And with supporting comedic relief from Nils Hallberg(Freddy Sjöström) they carry this film with excellence.

Director Arne Mattsson did a great job creating suspense and also adding a very creepy, Gothic horror style to this film. Using a great musical score, and a talented cinematographer Sven Nykvist(who would work with Bergman, Woody Allen among others) he makes a top notch thriller from the 50's.

The problem with film is the very generic storyline, and the problem of clichés that are prevalent in this film. Sometimes it feels like watching any episode of the Scooby Doo series.

But as always it is better then most Swedish crimethrillers made today, this film creates far better atmosphere then Strandvaskaren (2004). Future Swedish genre filmmakers should watch this film for that reason only.

Even though Mattsson did a better thriller later on in his career, Yngsjömordet (1966), this one isn't bad. Anyone interested in Swedish crimethrillers should check this one out.

Ever wanted to see a softporn/sexcomedy featuring the legendary cryptid Bigfoot(also known as Sasquatch)? Look no further because this film contains this and so much more!

This is very silly, softporn feature, with incredible stupid storyline. It is about this girl and her friend who decides to travel to summer resort owned by a hippie, where Bigfoot has been sighted.

But will they be able to capture Bigfoot on film? And are they the only ones looking for Bigfoot? And will they be able to get laid?

This is a surprisingly well directed soft porn film, with few pacing problems, some pretty lowbrow comedy skits that sometimes work. And of course features lots of nudity and fake sex scenes.

If there are an uncut hardcore version out there, I have not been able to see it. The casting is pretty good, but remember this being a softporn film with lowbrow comedy, and with a very silly intrigue, future viewers shouldn't look for Oscar winning performances and instead just enjoy the naked bodies.

And with 4 lovely girls like Albina Hussain, Angie Bates, Lynzey Patterson, Heather O'Donnell spending majority of the film naked, one shouldn't complain.

Director William Burke seems to have picked girls with fairly natural bodies, without many cosmetic surgeries, and that came as surprise for me. This more natural approach makes the film look more like softporn from 1970's, 80's then any reminiscent of hardcore porn of today.

The film seems to been shot on a shoestring budget, reusing the same locations, the bigfoot costume looking like cheap halloween outfit, bad audio, etc.

But director William Burke manages to squeeze most out of his actors anyway, especially from the girls. From Angie Bates upbeat, perky character, Albina Hussains perfect posed coolness, Heather O'Donnells hippie chick with serenity, to Lynzey Patterson horny vixen.

Another surprise is Luke Gallos comedic relief in form of cryptozoologist Dirk. He is sometimes very funny, and delivers some genuinely comedic moments in this film.

Michael Slade is the cool, good looking hunk, and I suppose a lot of girls will find his appearances here exciting.

But after all this is softporn, with lots of sex scenes, which I found slightly monotonous and boring. Mainly because is not hardcore, and story isn't that good to begin with, and thus at times the viewer may find themselves bored with watching yet another girl on girl encounter.

However William Burke seems to know how to direct, and his cast had a good chemistry. Therefore I wish he would do another film but with a space theme, just like Galaxina (1980), Barbarella (1968).

So, future viewers that likes softporn, and don't mind a crude lowbrow comedy approach, featuring some natural beauties, should watch this film.

Comedy dramas is a popular genre in Sweden mainly because they usually generate a lot of money and therefore will be a hit at box office. However, few directors in Sweden seem to understand that the genre is difficult, and that is hard to reach and maintain a good balance between comedy and drama.

This film being one of the proofs how hard it is the maintain a good balance.

The story is about a group friends(and one American) that decides to celebrate midsummer together in the Swedish archipelago. Everyones is planning to have good time but soon conflicts arise, truths are being told, lies exposed....

Setting a comedy drama during a holiday, and in this case one of the most biggest holidays in Sweden, is great choice because then you will have small group people to explore and create drama from.

Just like a wedding, Christmas, holiday trip etc. But problem here is that some of the script is uneven, flawed and doesn't give us anything new. There is some slapstick comedy that feels misplaced and wrong.

The dialogue is not as good as should been either. But the actors do their best, for example Olle Sarri Swedish comedian, who does his best in trying to be funny.

But that is not enough, when the script is so bland and so boring at times. With 4 screenwriters one would have expected more.

However, this film was more entertaining then the very overrated Sommaren med Göran - En midsommarnattskomedi/ A Midsummer of Love(2009), that critics hailed as funny drama comedy.

I only wished that the makers of this film had seen Ogifta par - En film som skiljer sig (1997), Adam & Eva (1997) or why not Bergmans old classic Sommarnattens leende/Smiles of a Summer Night (1955).

Had they seen these films they may have been finding a better balance between the comedy and drama bits in this film. Future viewers have been warned, watch with caution.

Here is one of those suave, elegant romantic comedies that you hardly see nowadays in Sweden. It is not groundbreaking, genre shifting film but it has a lot of charm and wit.

The story is an simple one about Jan Froman(played by Jarl Kulle) who gets hired as an assistant janitor at bank office. He quickly shows an interest in one of his co workers Margareta Günther(played by Christina Schollin).

But she is upperclass, rich and also engaged, she however flattered by Fromans interest and his charm. Will Froman succeed?

This is basically the whole plot in a nutshell, but there is an incredible chemistry between Jarl Kulle and Christina Schollin. Kulle mainly famous for his work with Bergman(notably Sommarnattens leende/Smiles of a Summer Night 1955) shows again his incredible charm and talent for witty dialogue.

Christina Schollin does great job keeping up with him and together they form the same kind of partnership that Cary Grant/Katharine Hepburn had in Bringing Up Baby (1938).

In the supporting cast there also other veteran Swedish actors such as Edvin Adolphson, Sigge Fürst. They were versatile, talented cators who would mainly play comedies and their performances here are very good.

Too bad the storyline didn't get more work, because sometimes the film feels like it is lacking something, exactly what is hard to say, but it would have needed something more then just boy meets girl intrigue.

However, future viewers, interested in an suave, elegant romantic comedy from Sweden, should check this one out. Mainly for the great performances.

Here is filmed adaptation of famous English sex farce, or comedic play that was panned by critics but proved so popular that it became one of longest running stageplays in theater.

The story is pretty simple about a couple, David Hunter and his wife Penny who live in the apartment upstairs from Davids workplace, a bank, but due to a mix up of addresses they get mistaken for a pornshop and starts receiving porn that they never ordered.

At same time Davids boss starts anti porn campaign and to add even more problems, Davids mother comes to visit, while David, his wife and co worker Brian Runnicles try to get rid of all the porn....

This an oldfashioned kind of comedy, lots sexual innuendos, slapstick gags, and misunderstandings that will lead to even more comedic results.

Nothing new, but has an incredible charm, mainly thanks to the talented actors like, Ronnie Corbett who plays Brian Runnicles. Corbetts offers amazing ability for slapstick gags and steals almost every scenes he is in.

Together with Ian Ogilvy(David Hunter), Susan Penhaligon(Penny Hunter), they form a strong trio in the center.

But the jokes are old and dusty, and makes any screwball comedy by Howard Hawks, Preston Sturges, to look sharper and more update.

However, future viewers only looking for little bit of lighthearted fun and entertainment should look at this one, it will make you smile.

I've only seen a handful of films(most notably Sin nombre), TV miniseries about human trafficking and therefore was very interested in seeing this TV film to see how this production would tackle this very difficult subject.

Unfortunately the film lacks in depth, and length and rendering the film into a flawed but entertaining journey about human trafficking. The idea that perhaps came from screenwriter Stephen Butchard to use 3 different children from various continents, forced into slave labor is an intelligent one.

Now the viewer gets served with different perspectives, and also due race, gender, background, a much wider look on the problem of human trafficking.

Mixed with personal life and career of DI Anthony Carter(Damian Lewis)who is main character in this TV film, the viewers get know the frustration, anger and troubles that police is facing while trying to deal with the problem.

But 90 minutes is too short, which makes this film feel rushed, flawed and also, some scenes feel unrealistic, contrived and forced because of the very short timelimit that the makers of this film is under.

Technically this film delivers, having very high production values, good use of split screen and editing. With an cinematography adapted for big screen productions rather then the usual TV photography.

But all of that is just style over substance, and makes th film somewhat shallow. A real shame because there are some pretty solid performances by Damian Lewis, Nonso Anozie, and the three children.

Why the makers didn't make this into miniseries divided into 2 or 4 parts is a mystery to me.

Despite its flaws I suggest that anyone interested in seeing this film should also watch Sin nombre (2009), Casa de los babys (2003), miniseries for TV like Sex Traffic (2004).

They better productions and have better scripts then this one.

In recent years I have seen some great comedies from Norway, some much better then Swedish comedies (notable exception to this rule, the productions from directors Peter Dalle, Ulf Malmros) that couldn't even entertain a monkey. These comedies (for example Elling (2001), Salmer fra kjøkkenet 2003 )have had flawless direction, scripts and acting on a very high level.

This film however, is a step in another direction, paying homage mainly to US produced sexcomedies aimed at a teenage audience. Now on paper it sounds like a incredibly bad idea but director Kenneth Olaf Hjellum and his co writer Stig Frode Henriksen knows the genre well, and uses the clichés in a good way.

The story is a simple one, about a group students, that are going to graduate from high school and go to big party in south parts of Norway. But someone steals their money, and now they can't go. And usual, a group of misfits decides not to give up, they are going on a roadtrip anyway.

The film is filled with a sometimes, crude, adolescent humor, but done in a very warm, charming way. Paying homage mainly to the teen comedies of the 80's such as Porky's (1982), Revenge of the Nerds (1984),Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) etc.

There also links to more recent productions like Accepted (2006), Road Trip (2000) , Superbad (2007). Mostly impressive is the fact that the director Kenneth Olaf Hjellum does this with very distinctive norwegian style. The film looks and feels like norwegian sex comedy set in high school.

Granted, this film isn't breaking new grounds but has so much charm and some genuinely funny moments that the audience can overlook some of the very predictable storyline.

Add a great cast, some very sexy naked norwegian girls, and you get a very entertaining comedy. Just don't expect too much.

This kind of genre experimenting you will probably not see by Swedish directors in the near future (with notably failures, like Göta kanal 2 - Kanalkampen 2006 )and therefore this film was a pleasant surprise.

This film may not be a serious comedy drama like Bare Bea (2004) but has its own charm and entertaining value.

2012 marks the anniversary of famous playwright/author August Strindberg who wrote several world renowned books and plays.

To celebrate this anniversary SVT(Swedish public service TV)has decided to show several TV-productions, documentaries and other Strindberg related programs on Swedish TV.

So for some unknown reasons SVT decided to give director Fia-Stina Sandlund , a newcomer, free hands to show two films in connection to this anniversary.

The other film being She's Blonde Like Me (2011), a another flawed production where actress Alexandra Dahlström portrays Miss Julie in person answering questions from an audience.

Both these film stand out but not in a good way, because they are both very flawed, unfocused and downright boring productions. Sandlund is a débutant director and as such, show to have very little or no previous experience in creating film on screen.

This film however, has a little better narrative structure then her other film She's Blonde Like Me (2011). It is easier to follow this film as well, because Sandlund doesn't seem so preoccupied with trying to create some kind of art film.

Here we get follow the behind the production of Strindbergs stageplay, Miss Julie using only female actors. It is interesting, bold move from director Sandlund but unfortunately the result is ranging from mediocre to downright bad.

Technically the film is very flawed, sloppy editing, etc but also again Sandlunds inexperience shines through. Sandlund seems to be more interested in actress Alexandra Dahlströms private life, that by co incidence is reflecting some of the plays themes.

The end result feels more like a badly made episode of a reality show then an serious documentary. I feel mainly sorry for the other cast members Elizabeth Whitney, Lea Robinson that seem to be wasting their time with this project.

Director Fia-Stina Sandlund and her fans might argue that this is art therefore should be judge by other types of standards. Perhaps so, but I rather go watch Len Lyes experimental shorts, Maya Derens films, then see Sandlunds two feature films again.

The idea of using irish folk lore, or folk tales and weaving them into an horror story could be a good approach, if director/screenwriter knows what they are doing. But unfortunately not so in this case.

Director/screenwriter Justin O'Brien seems to have very little knowledge about the horror genre or how to create suspense on the screen. This is a very flawed, bland and sometimes boring ghost story with few redeeming qualities.

Young man in NYC gets a letter about a father(who recently died) he never knew. He goes to Ireland in search of his heritage and stumbles across a family secret that involves the undead.

What should been a dark, suspenseful, supernatural thriller, becomes in Justin O'Briens hands to boring, flawed, badly written ghost story. O'Brien seems not to know how to create a chilling atmosphere and therefore the film never becomes scary enough.

There are some scenes with right amounts of gore, that delivers and also some scenes featuring the ghosts that will surprise the audience but in the end it all falls flat.

I was also hoping that O'Brien would use more of the irish mythology, folk lore into this film but he never does. It is a bit of shame really, since we don't get to see that many horror stories with connection to Ireland.

Even more flawed productions like Leprechaun (1993),Rawhead Rex (1986) is far more entertaining then this film.

Too bad because I had hoped for a new spin on the evil irish banshees myth. Viewers should rather watch Isolation (2005) a flawed but far more entertaining horror from Ireland.

Or watch old, BBC made for TV, horror like The Stone Tape (1972).

I know very little about Spanish cinema and even less so about Spanish thrillers, action films etc. So I was very curious about this film, that according to some sources on the internet would something extraordinary.

However, I was very disappointed, this film tries very hard to be a film noir/neo noir from Spain but offers very little to the viewer. There are lot of clichés in this film that makes other, more recent Spanish productions in the same genre more appealing.

The story about a private detective looking for a missing girl is standard within this genre, or the sleuth genre but would have hoped that screenwriter or the director would have tried to create at least some tension or plotwist that would surprise the viewer.

But not so here, here we get same story/clichés stuffed down our throats again. Areta is former police officer, a bit of loner, he is a good man surrounded by bad people in a corrupt world.

This and the fact that the script is flawed, contains loopholes, makes me wonder if I have seen a very heavily edited film and that an uncut version is out there somewhere?

One positive thing about this film is Alfredo Landas powerful performance in the main lead. I only wish he had a better script to work with.

Technically the film is lacking, almost bland in it's cinematography, looking like a cheaply made TV production from the 80's.

Future viewers should watch this film because of its position as an obscure film that has gained very little attention here on IMDb. Just don't expect too much.

Viewers should rather watch La caja 507 (2002), El Lobo (2004) if they want to see better crime thrillers from Spain.

SVT(Swedish public service TV) have been showing smaller, Swedish independent films on their channels.

This one of them, directed by newcomer Shaker K. Tahrer.

The film story centers around three boys, and their families whose lives overlaps, criss crosses into complex web of intrigues.

The narrative structures is reminiscent of Altmans Shortcuts, or Danniel Alfredsons film Tic Tac (1997). This film however, is a debut feature and suffers from some clichés, badly written dialogue and plot twists that are not well written.

On the positive side, director Shaker K. Tahrer, seems to know how to direct actors, because this film is filled with wonderful performances.

Elin Klinga, is a rather well known actress in Sweden mainly doing theater work. Here she shines a mentally unstable woman who harbors a dark secret that gnaws at her mind.

Klinga gives a stellar performance and wishes that perhaps the film should have centered around her.

Her son played by Tom Ljungman is very good here, I have never seen him before but he really shines here and together with Klinga creates a moving and somewhat touching performance of a very problematic mother son relationship.

Jacob Nordenson has usually delivered as an actor mainly in comedic roles but in this film gives a darker, more complex performance. He is man that has given up on life and everything else. Slightly reminiscent of Keve Hjelms infamous father role in the famous Swedish film Kvarteret Korpen (1963).

These and other great performances by actors such as Nina Gunke, Stig Engström, Rikard Björk, Mats Sandahl, Marika Lagercrantz etc makes this film a pleasure to watch.

But as I mentioned earlier the film has its flaws, mainly in the script. It becomes unfocused, and some conflicts should have been cut out.

Perhaps this film would have benefited if Shaker K. Tahrer had focused only on one conflict?

It worked for the Swedish drama thriller Apan/ The Ape(2009) directed by Jesper Ganslandt. Although flawed this film should be seen by people interested in new Swedish cinema and people complaining about Swedish film industries incapacity to make anything else then movies about cops.

I only wished that Shaker K. Tahrer had seen Tic Tac (1997), Dancer, Texas Pop. 81 (1998), I vitelloni (1953), and written a more richer, complex script.

Doing a short documentary, or a top 10 list over one of USA:s most controversial people, in this case J Edgar Hoover can only end in disaster.

J Edgar Hoover was the head of FBI for many years, for some the greatest law enforcement agent ever, to others a racist, homophobe(even though most scholars today assume he was gay)using illegal wire tapping, blackmail in order to preserve his power.

A highly private man who left few if any clues to his secretive nature, and has remained somewhat of a shadowy figure continues to fascinate.

Unfortunately here we only get mostly scandals, failures and odd behaviour by Hoover and snippets of gossip. In many ways one could have thought TMZ, or any other gossip site had produced this flawed production, and not History channel.

I can understand History channels approach as trying to make history lighthearted, entertaining and fun but here they take it one step too far.

The viewers aren't presented with any in depth look at Hoover nor do the program offer any broader views on the life and times of Hoovers actions and behaviour.

It is highly doubtful that the intended demographic(read:teenagers,young people that is not so interested in history) would have learned anything about Hoover and its a shame because Hoover and his actions should be taught and discussed by anyone interested in law, justice and civil liberties.

My hope is that talented director Alex Gibney will make a documentary about J Edgar Hoover, he needs one.

Watching this highly infamous film failure makes one wonder why I haven't seen it sooner...?

The whole story about the famous rockband KISS and their gig at local amusement park, that gets stopped because of an evil scientist played by Anthony Zerbe, is an oddity.

On paper this could been a perfect platform for KISS, building up a bigger fanbase, and thus becoming more financial successful, seems to be stopped by a lack of a good script, direction and special effects.

This film could been so much better if KISS had learned from The Ramones cultclassic film Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979). A little music, dancing, tongue in cheek sense of humor etc goes a long way.

But that is not what we get here, lots of crappy acting, bad dialogue and very boring storyline. KISS fans should look at flawed but better film Detroit Rock City (1999).

The only positive thing one can say about this one is Anthony Zerbes imitation of Vincent Price is sometimes very good.

So viewers who complains about Britney Spears Crossroads (2002), Mariah Careys Glitter (2001) or why not Princes "classic" Purple Rain (1984)should check this one out.

It goes to show hard it is to repeat the success of A Hard Day's Night (1964).

When Johann Gutenberg invented the printing process around 1439, he probably couldn't foresee the future, where people would consider his invention redundant and obsolete.

The digital revolution , internet, etc have started to compete with printed media such as the legendary newspaper The New York Times, a newspaper that is depicted in this documentary.

We get follow some of their reporters, the job at the editing office, and also the new approach to the internet and surfpads.

But will The New York Times be able to compete with websites like Wikileaks etc?

And how will they survive in climate with ever descending ad incomes?

Will the internet completely destroy investigating journalism?

Because nowadays anyone can be investigating journalist by simply putting their discoveries on a personal blog or any other type of internetbased platform.

These and many other questions are discussed in this highly interesting documentary about media from one of the most prominent newspapers in the world.

The documentary also touches upon the heavy criticisms that newspaper received during the Judith Miller, Jayson Blair scandals and ever growing question, can we trust media at all?

The only flaws I can think of is that sometimes director Andrew Rossi seem to lack focus, not knowing what he wants to tell, he should made the viewers get closer to some of the people working at the New York Times.

I would love to know more about David Carrs background, a colourful journalist, and some of his co workers background.

But this film should been seen by anyone wanting to know more about media, journalism in this riveting documentary. So viewers who liked Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004), The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009), Starsuckers (2009) should see this one.

Jiro Ono is considered to be one of the best sushi chefs, if not THE best sushi chef in the world. Awarded with three stars in the Michelin guide, he and his son and their co-workers, suppliers try to create a food experience at highest level.

This documentary portrays Jiri, his philosophy behind the food that he creates, and all the people he relay on to make that happen.

All the way from the fishmarket, prepping the food, to the final result where its served in front of the customer in the most eye catching manner. Jiro and his employees are trying to make their customers senses feel a deeper, almost musical, approach to sushi where Jiro is composing his food symphonies.

But what is like to work for a demanding perfectionist like Jiro?

And will his son be able to carry on his fathers legacy?

These and many other questions is discussed during this films progress and director David Gelb truly does a great job on covering as many aspects as possible in the world of sushi.

Gelb has understood Jiros philosophy to food making and also tries to make the viewer understand the outmost perfection that Jiro and his employees require in order to get one meal done.

This is not just a documentary about Jiro, sushi, but also a feast for the senses.

The biggest flaw of this documentary, however is that it ended to soon, I wanted to know more about Jiro, and people around him.

But it is a minor flaw, in an otherwise perfect documentary depicting man who is passionated about sushi. So viewers who liked Kings of Pastry (2009)and thought El Bulli: Cooking in Progress (2011)was, dry and impersonal but still wants to see a great documentary about cooking should see this one.

Imagine if someone did a sleazy, gritty, CAT III version of Huang jia shi jie/ Yes, Madam!(1985)?

Well, that film would probably resemble this exploitation kung fu film from Hong Kong, starring Ping Chen.

The story is simple, about a nurse who discovers that her sister is a junkie vows revenge on drug kingpins who rule Hong Kong through corrupt police and politicans.

On her quest for revenge she meets the only good, non corrupted cop. But getting rid of gangsters is easier said then done.....

Granted, this film resembles Coffy (1973)a lot, but i has its own style and Ping Chen is very confident in the main lead. She, just like Pam Grier, has no problems with gratuitous nudity which makes this Kung fu flick a little more risky then usual.

Also the action scenes are cheaply made, this whole film seems to been made on a shoestring budget. It seems that the director only did one take only, before moving on to the next scene.

But it has energy and a fierce attitude that I think some kung fu films lack. This film must have been a early precursor to CAT III "classics" like Chik loh go yeung/Naked Killer (1992).

So future viewers that liked, Furyô anego den: Inoshika Ochô/Sex and Fury (1973), The Blood Bond (2010), Nikita (1990) may want to check this one out.

Carolyn Cassady was married to Neal Cassady who would be immortalized in the novel On the Road , written by his friend Jack Kerouac. During her marriage Carolyn had an affair with Kerouac and became his mistress.

But how is it to be only interesting to people through the men she had relationships with?

And how treat the legacy that these two literary giants have left her?

This, and many other questions is the main focus of this riveting documentary that mainly deals with Carolyn Cassadys ambiguity, and her family's way of dealing with their fathers fame.

The film explores a unusual angle, this not a film for new beginners trying to learn something about the beatnik movement and the writers within this movement.

Rather the focus is on Carolyn Cassady, who comes across as complex, multidimensional person.

Her bitterness is obvious at times, after all nobody cares about her, everyone wants her stories about Kerouac, Ginsberg, and of course Cassady himself.

Neal Cassady is someone she really tries to make a human of, trying to dispel many of the myths, legends surrounding him. Even Ken Keseys old films from the Merry Pranksters bustrip is fake image of Neal according to Carolyn.

Just like Lillian Hellman, Martha Gellhorn, she became forever connected to some very wellknown writers but like most can't stay out of their shadow.

And also her income is dependent on her stories, memories and of course her large collection of letters, pictures, from these writers.

Directors Malin Korkeasalo & Maria Ramström, does a good job trying to make a decent portrait of Carolyn Cassady with humanity and respect.

The biggest flaw of this film would be that after watching I still want to know more about Carolyn Cassady, that this film should have been longer.

There is a sadness over this film, Carolyn Cassady seems to be spending her twilight years sitting in her house, all alone, surrounded by only old memories, pics and just like Kerouac ended his book, thinking of Neal Cassady.

So future viewers who may have liked the beatnik culture and still feel that they m are missing a piece of the puzzle should check this film out.

How can a group of twenty somethings hipsters increase the brandvalue of their newly founded jeansbrand?

The answer: build a factory in North Korea, one of the most repressive dictatorships in the world and market as the worlds first north korean jeans and use that as a unique selling point(USP).

But as they slowly found out, it is easier said then done, numerous obstacles needs to be overcome before any deals can be made.

There are also some questions that group stumbles across that will be harder to answer.

How to uphold a code of ethics in a totalitarian state?

And should Swedish companies, regardless how noble their mission statement is do business with dictatorship countries like North Korea?

These and many other questions is something that this very interesting, well made documentary is discussing. As well as being discussion about ethics this documentary, provides a very dark comedic touch, that may be totally involuntary.

There are some great scenes when these young Swedish entrepreneurs are visiting in Pyongyang, seemingly naive, oblivious to North Koreas poverty. One of the girls doesn't understand why she isn't allowed to walk on her own through the main capital without a special, statecontrolled guide.

Could people be this naive and not knowing about the amount economic troubles North Korea has gone through in latter years?

Apparently so, and also nobody within this group seem to understand the enormous repressive state they are visiting.

Another aspect about this great documentary is the discussion of brandvalue, and what lengths people, companies are willing to go in order to establish something original and new on the market place.

Future viewers should definitely read No Logo by Naomi Klein before watching this documentary and ponder over some things that these young jeansmakers is saying.

For me this documentary was a big surprise, well made, entertaining and should be shown at business colleges over the world since this dream of becoming a self made entrepreneur, becomes everyones mission these days.

Director Maria Ramström can be very proud over her film, trying to depict the whole process with honesty, intelligence and wit.

So viewers that liked Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005), Darwin's Nightmare (2004) might want to look at this film.

Director Edgar G. Ulmer is mostly famous for one of the best film noirs ever made, Detour (1945)and therefore I was curious to see what else he has made.

This adventure drama about a group of people that gets trapped inside a fallout shelter/cave, is a exciting albeit slightly flawed film.

The group consists of a retired general(Brian Aherne), now working as war correspondent, a GI joe(John Saxon) who has been stripped of his rank,an Italian soldier( Nino Castelnuovo), army publicist(Larry Hagman) escorting the general, Italian civilian(Rosanna Schiaffino), Canadian POW(Peter Marshall) and a German soldier(Hans von Borsody) Despite different background, gender, these people must learn to co-operate in order to escape. There are some great scenes here when looking at this group and dynamics between them.

This film is like classical excerise in a philosophical discussion about ethics, human values and the darwinian model for survival.

Asking questions like:

Who is best leader?

Do everyone deserve a fair share of the small amount of food?

These and other vital questions are what film deals with and in way the film reflects society in a smaller scale.

The acting is very good and is surprise for modern viewers to see actors like Larry Hagman, now mostly famous for his role as JR Ewing in the soap opera Dallas, here showing a wider range then usual.

Same thing can be said about John Saxon who has(and still have) a long career, playing all kinds of characters. Here he does a good job playing a street smart soldier with disciplinary difficulties.

Rosanna Schiaffino is a new face for me but she is very believable as the only female stuck in cave surround by men. She very attractive something that causes tensions within the group.

Who should she choose?

Brian Aherne is just excellent, he plays his character with great subtlety, someone whos old ways doesn't really fit in with rest of the group. Time seems to have run away from him, and he can't keep up.

This film seems to be a lowbudget feature but Edgar G. Ulmer knew what he was doing, using the outmost of his small resources. The biggest flaw is in the script, where some character archs don't develop properly, the film is too long and should been shorter.

So future viewers that liked Lifeboat (1944), The Edge (1997), Sands of the Kalahari (1965)should get a kick out of this one.

This one of those rare well made Swedish thrillers that needs to be released on DVD. Because it's way better then most Swedish thrillers made today.

Story is about a girl and her parents, Åke Tomasson(Bengt Blomgren), Anna-Greta Tomasson(Ulla Holmberg). Their relationship is far from perfect, Åke is womanizer and spends little or no time with Anna-Greta.

Instead Åke finds comfort with one of the neighbours, Ulla Brantman(Inger Juel). But Ulla has more then one suiters, one of them being Bertil Strand(Herman Ahlsell) who is married to crippled Irma Strand(Birgitta Valberg).

Bertil feels left out and starts making threats and soon Ulla will be found dead. But who did it? Only one person knows this, Åke Tomassons daughter, Helen Tomasson(Lena Nyman).

What could have been a very generic, bland affair develops into well made exciting crime thriller with some noir elements. You have the cool, sexually liberated femme fatale, Ulla Brantman.

Morally dubious Åke Tomasson and the jealous, Bertil Strand both of whom are married but still wants to control and own Ulla Brantman.

The film has an chase element regarding the killer and his close connection to only living witness, Helen Tomasson.

Will the killer be able to get rid of all evidence before the cops close their net around him?

Just the fact that you have Swedish thriller about a pending childmurder is unusual even today and therefore it adds to growing suspense of the film.

Perhaps the murder and rape of 5 year old Kerstin Blom inspired to this film?

When it comes to the casting there are a some surprises.

Helen Tomasson is played by a very young Lena Nyman, who would later regain fame in films like Jag är nyfiken - en film i gult/I Am Curious (Yellow) (1967), Höstsonaten/Autumn Sonata (1978), 491 (1964) etc.

In Sweden she would become one of the most beloved actresses, with many memorable performances. She died in 2011, age 66.

This film is her debut, and can actually see the resembles when comes to her face, and some vocabulary that she used later on. Her acting is good for child actor and responds with that type naturalistic easiness thats required in this film.

Bengt Blomgren as Åke Tomasson, helens father is a real find here. He easily switches from caring father, husband to a lying cheater who doesn't really know how much he hurts his wife.

Ulla Holmberg as Anna-Greta Tomasson, plays the typical wife and mother but adds an extra dimension, a touch of bitterness regarding her position as the cheated spouse.

Inger Juel as Ulla Brantman, the femme fatale but also the victim, She acts and looks carefree, but sometimes Juel gives her character a feeling of isolation and loneliness.

Herman Ahlsell as Bertil Strand is outstanding, his jealousy and possessive behaviour towards Ulla, is very good. Good use of lighting and cinematography underlines his performance.

Why this film hasn't been released on DVD is a shame. Also the well written suspense is almost gone in Swedish film today. The few attempts at psychological thriller, crime dramas hardly makes a splash or even a ripple at box office.

Mainly because of bad writing, but an unwillingness to use the medium in the right amount.

So viewers who liked The Night of the Hunter (1955), M (1931), Chugyeogja/ The Chaser(2008) should try and find this Swedish crime film, not only for Lena Nyman but because the film is good as well.

Sweden has never been good at genrefilm making with few exceptions and therefore this shortfilm came as an surprise for me.

The films deals with an postapocalytic future where a zombievirus has been released on the population. The few survivors has managed to build gated communities and continue civilization behind walls, heavy armed security.

One thing the survivors have learned is to domesticate the zombies by using drugs, and microchips. Using these tools the zombies do smaller jobs and become a useful part of society. Not everyone is happy with this development, but vast majority is content.

But one day a young man who works with altering the zombies behaviour sees his own infected mother. He makes a decision that will change his life forever....

One could say that this is very serious handling of the same content that Fido (2006), a black comedy about zombies, did a few years ago.

The idea of implementing zombies as workforce and then trying create a society with that element and then providing a realistic atmosphere is a challenge but this short film pulls it off.

Also the ethical discussion about human value, how to treat zombies, that is put forth in this film is better then one could have imagined.

The director Hugo Lilja uses a very semi documentary feel to his short film and makes viewer buy into the storyline. The most impressive about this film is the special effects, and the acting.

Most notably among the actors is Jonatan Rodriguez who have done mostly soap operas, and supporting parts in various films but here gets a chance to display a wider range.

The biggest flaw however is the length, at 28 minutes is too long for shortfilm but too short for a full feature.

There are however rumors that Hugo Lilja is going to develop this short into a full feature. If he does, I hope that he continues collaborating with the co-writers to this film, Robert Styrbjörn, Pella Kagerman.

Stora Enso is Swedish-finnish pulp and paper manufacturer who have been making some really large investments in China recently.

They have been buying land in the countryside of china for the development of large plantations of Eucalyptustrees. Eucalyptustrees are very useful when it comes to pulpprodcution.

But as filmmaker Mika Koskinen claims in this documentary everything may not be as impressive as Stora Enso says. According locals interviewed in this documentary, Stora Enso and the Chinese government are using some really tough methods in order to buy land or rather push people off their properties.

Also there is an environmental aspect, are the large quantities of Eucalyptustrees good for the environment?

And Chinas new claims as a country that cares about nature, environment, are they really true?

Mika Koskinen has been trying to document this development for years but has met tough opposition from Chinese officials, Stora Enso, and people connected to Stora Enso.

It is a chilling and slightly depressing documentary about a country that has the power to change everything regarding environmental policies but does (according to Mika Koskinen)very little.

And why is the question? Well, profit seems to be the easy answer....

Watch this well-made documentary and see for yourself whether or not China will last as new economic superpower.

Sexcomedies or comedy dramas about human sexuality are very difficult to make. Either they become too lowbrow or not enough explicit so that the movie-going audience will feel satisfied.

This film is really an example who bad things can really be in the world of comedy. Flat dialogue, flawed storyline and scenes that lead up to nothing.

Story is about a young yuppie couple who are having some difficulties in their sexlife. They move to a new neighbourhood where their nextdoor neighbours are family of freewheeling hippies, that love gardening.

Soon these two families will learn from each other....

Swedish comedy films have rarely been any good, with few exceptions. And things aren't very good here.

The screenwriters and the director really wants to explore human sexuality, relationships, middle-class society but ends up doing low brow comedy that would make Andrew Dice Clay red in the face.

Some nudity but done in a very boring, clinical fashion. Non European viewers may be chocked over frontal nudity but europeans will be sligthly bored.

So watch Human Nature (2001), Teeth (2007), Lucía y el sexo (2001), Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) instead.

Even highly flawed films like Sirens (1993), The Oh in Ohio (2006)is better then this.