Secret in Their Eyes is an American crime drama movie released in November 2015. Directed by Billy Ray, the starring actors are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Dean Norris, Michael Kelley, Alfred Molina, and Zoe Graham. Once a colleague’s daughter gets murdered, an investigation team needs to stay strong.

Most people would think that being an investigator is an easy task. In fact, that clues fall right into your lap whilst having coffee and donuts. But that is not how they operate in the district of Los Angeles.

Here, investigators Ray Karsten (Ejiofor), Jessica Cobb (Roberts), and Bumpy Willis (Norris) work in a newly established unit to foresee any terroristic acts after the devastating 9/11 attacks. This, while under the lead of the assistant district attorney, Claire Sloane (Kidman).

One morning, they report to a crime scene. Upon arriving, Ray discovers the victim is Carolyn (Graham), Jess’ daughter. Immediately, he starts digging for evidence to catch the killer.

However, when presenting his results to colleagues Reg (Kelly) and district attorney Mr. Morales (Molina), he finds out that the suspect works for the FBI as an undercover. Therefore, interrogating him would jeopardize ongoing cases. So, with no new leads, the team falls apart.

Thirteen years later, Ray has come up with new findings. He will have one more shot once he convinces the newly promoted Claire to re-open the case. But is it too late?

“Secret in Their Eyes” is based on the book “La Pregunta de sus Ojos (2005),” written by Argentinian author Eduardo Sacheri. In 2009, a film followed, named “El Secreto de sus Ojos,” which won Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars (2010).

Lastly, director Billy Ray has excelled when it comes to suspenseful movies. His previous works as a screenplay writer include “The Hunger Games” (2012) and “Captain Phillips” (2013).

Revisit the teaser trailer for the “Secret In Their Eyes” and watch the movie on its 9th anniversary!

1. “Secret in Their Eyes” movie. Directed by Billy Ray (STX Ent., Universal Pictures, 2015). ↩︎

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The Spectacular Now is a romantic drama that premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It stars Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and is directed by James Ponsoldt. As college gets closer, a student must face his past and present to decide his future.

Sutter (played by Teller) seems to have it all. He is popular, the light of the parties, and has a beautiful girlfriend named Cassidy (Larson). However, that changes once she breaks up with him. But worse of all, he must face reality once the parties are over.

At home, he lives with his mother Sara (Leigh) with whom he always has had an arduous relationship. Namely, because she has prohibited him from contacting his estranged father. To numb the pain, he is a heavy drinker.

One day, after passing out in a yard, he meets Aimee (Woodley). Despite not knowing who she is, she does. Hence as they acquaintance each other, they realize they might be a great team. After all, Sutter needs help with his math class whereas Aimee needs that extra push to pursue her dreams.

After much work, Aimee has been accepted to a college in Philadelphia. Therefore, once their relationship becomes more serious, she asks Sutter to come along so they can start a new future together.

“You think beauty is in some class or textbook and it is not.
This right here is beautiful.”

-Sutter, The Spectacular Now (2013)

Does Sutter accompany Aimee and is he ready to attend college? Nevertheless, before taking that big step, he is willing to get a hold of his father, for better or worse.

Luckily for Shailene and Miles, after going back and forth over the script for three years, they got the part. TSN is their breakthrough role.

Afterward, Shailene Woodley went on to appear in the summer blockbuster “The Fault In Our Stars” (2014) and Miles Teller in the highly acclaimed “Whiplash” (2014). His other features together include the Divergent series.

“The Spectacular Now” won the “Jury Prize Award” at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and is based on the book by Tim Tharp (2008).

Happy Birthday, Shailene!

Watch the look inside “The Spectacular Now” in the link below.

1. “The Spectacular Now” movie. Directed by James Ponsoldt (21 Laps Entertainment, A24, 2013). ↩︎

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The Girl On The Train (TGOTT) is a mystery crime drama released in 2016. It is directed by Tate Taylor and stars Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, and Edgar Ramírez. While commuting on the train, a woman begins to envision other people’s lives.

TGOTT: Rachel

Commuting is a part of our daily routine. Whether it is going to meetings or just a regular hangout with friends or relatives. Importantly, it takes us from point A to point B.

In addition, there are different ways of voyaging. For instance, via car, bus, or train, to name a few. For Rachel (played by Blunt), the aforementioned is part of her day-to-day schedule. Every day, she commutes to her workplace via train.

During the ride, there are lots of activities to do. For instance, listening to music, reading the newspapers, or talking to the person sitting next to you.

For her, it is none of the above. She enjoys the scenery and the neighborhood through the glass window. That is how she starts to wonder about other people’s lives.

Megan

Megan (Bennett), a young woman, lives with her husband, Scott (Evans), in a beautiful neighborhood opposite the train tracks. An athletic woman who likes to jog around in the open air and hits the gym for yoga sessions.

Through the years, she has bounced around different jobs. And now she is taking the role of a nanny.

Through the eyes of Rachel, the pitch-perfect lives she desires ever since her divorce from her ex-husband, Tom (Theroux), who has moved on with his life and found himself a new wife.

TGOTT: Anna

Anna is a happily married bride. Particularly, she has everything a woman aspires to be: a mother. Of course, taking care of a baby is a 24/7 job. Thus, the reason why she has hired a nanny.

Just like Megan, Anna lives with her husband, Tom, in the neighborhood opposite the train tracks. A two-floor house and a white picket fence. Undoubtedly, she is living happily ever after.

The truth is, through the lens of the train, the lives of others can be deceiving. Similar to what social media portrays. But once you are not just glancing at the object but getting to know the person, it tells a different outcome. Indeed, a tale of two cities.

“We are tied forever now, the three of us. Bound forever by the story we share.”

-Rachel, The Girl on the Train (2016)

So, what do these three females have in common, and how are they bound forever by the story they share?

Lastly, the motion picture is based on the debut novel of the same name, written by Paula Hawkings (2015). Having read the book, I can honestly share that scrolling through each page will have you on the edge of your seat, just like the film.

Don’t believe me? Watch “The Girl on the Train” trailer and make sure to watch the movie!

1. “The Girl on the Train” movie. Directed by Tate Taylor (Dreamworks and Universal Pictures, 2016). ↩︎

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Julieta is Pedro Almodóvar’s 20th motion picture film. It stars Emma Suárez, Adriana Ugarte, Daniel Grao, Inma Cuesta, Darío Grandinetti, Priscilla Delgado, and Michelle Jenner. Celebrating director Almodóvar’s 75th birthday (also Michelle Husson’s), we present you “Julieta.” When a daughter disappears, how does a mother cope with the pain?

A young Julieta (Ugarte), has found the perfect job as a substitute teacher in Madrid, Spain. One night, on a train, she meets Xoan (Grao), who gains his income as a fisherman.

Before the World Wide Web, communication was done via letters. Upon receiving a handwritten letter from Xoan, they resume their new bond.

Not long after, they become pregnant and welcome their daughter, whom they name Antía (Delgado). As the years pass by, Antía becomes an active teenager who likes sports such as basketball and enjoys the adventure of summer camps.

Unfortunately, relationships can deteriorate. And that is what happens to Julieta and Xoan once he begins an affair with a mutual friend of theirs named Ava (Cuesta).

On one occasion, a brave Julieta confronts him. Angrily, Xoan decides to go boating despite the awful weather. Sadly, that becomes his last fishing trip.

While away at summer camp, Antía befriends Beatriz (Jenner). A girl just like her, and thus they become inseparable. However, at such a young age, Julieta breaks the news of her father’s passing.

On her 18th birthday, Antía leaves for a retreat, leaving no trace behind. But why would she cut ties with her elderly mother (Suárez)? Before the internet, how do you search for your daughter?

That is what both movies, “Julieta” and “Searching,” aim to explore with the key differences in the technological eras.

“Julieta” is based on the book Runaway by writer Alice Munro (2004). Instead of relying on make-up, director Almodóvar cast two actresses to play a young and elderly Julieta, which portrays realness on the screen.

From his 8mm shooting days to founding his own production company called “El Deseo” to releasing twisted films such as “La Piel Que Habito,” Pedro Almodóvar has come a long way to be considered one of the best Spanish film directors.

Watch the trailer of Pedro Almodóvar’s “Julieta” film.

1. “Julieta” movie stills. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (El Deseo, WB. Spain, 2016). ↩︎

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The Skin I Live In is a 2011 Spanish film by Pedro Almodóvar. It stars Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paderes and Roberto Álamo. When a doctor operates on his patient, it may not be voluntary. Celebrating Almódovar’s 75th birthday month and the 13th anniversary of the film, we present “La Piel Que Habito.”

Robert Ledgard (played by Banderas) is an outstanding surgeon. Throughout his career, he has had many accomplishments. His latest burden; rebuilding burn tissue.

The medical branch is precise. Before a newfound prescription or product reaches the market, the protocol requires the following steps:

• Testing: A pharmaceutical lab needs to conduct lots of data. This requires a lot of collections and samples.
• Patients: Tests are not applied directly to humans. That is, animals (i.e. rats) are often used as samples.
• Product: After a positive outcome of testing and sampling, the newfound product reaches the masses.

Luckily for Dr. Ledgard, he has found a human willing to serve as an experimental user, named Vera Cruz (Anaya). She lives in an isolated clinic room named “El Cigarral.” Inside, she has the day-to-day essentials (i.e., bed, TV, exercising equipment).

While in isolation, she has found meditation through yoga. In addition, her servant, Marilia (Paredes), is in charge of serving Vera three meals per day.

On the other hand, Vicente (Cornet) is a teenager living in Toledo, Spain. His mother owns a clothing shop where he lends a helping hand. One evening, he attends a wedding celebration. After too many, he hooks up with a young woman and forces himself onto her.

The Skin I Live In

While the screen time keeps rolling, the viewer learns that Dr. Ledgard is a widow and has lost his beloved daughter. In addition, Vera is not at the clinic by her own will.

So, what is the main reason for her captivity? Most importantly, what do Vera and Vicente have in common?

Not only is “The Skin I Live In” a twisted experiment in the mind of director Pedro Almodóvar. Oddly enough, the testing (the script) and the patients (the actors) mix well for the final product (the film) to be released to the masses (Cannes Film Festival).

Indeed, Pedro Almodóvar’s experiments have generated positive reviews. For instance, his films “Julieta” and “The Skin I Live In” have won the Goya Awards for “Best Actresses” for Emma Suárez and Elena Anaya, respectively.

Watch the twisted experiment by Pedro Almodóvar in the link below.

1. “The Skin I Live In” movie. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (El Deseo, WB. Entertainment España, 2011). ↩︎

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Eighth Grade premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival with director Bo Burnham as frontman. Starring Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson, and Jake Ryan, the movie depicts the realistic world of the eighth grade and what it takes to fit in school and survive while dealing with anxiety.

There is nothing like middle school, a place you must visit 5 days a week. An institute full of rules and hierarchy, where you have the popular, the outgoers, the nerds, and the introverts. Whichever group you belong to, at least you have the same clique to survive. However, that is not the case for Kayla Day (played by Elsie Fisher).

She doesn’t belong to any society, she is the outcast of the academy. Despite all this, her shyness fades away once she turns on the camera. Kayla has a YouTube channel where she gives personal advice on how to be confident, overcome fear, and put yourself out there. However, she doesn’t practice what she preaches.

Nevertheless, she wants to fit in, especially with the prominent ones and her crush. At home, she spends most of the time on her phone, eagerly hoping for somebody to talk to. And she does achieve this, with Mark (Hamilton), her father. Yet, she rejects him.

One day, at a pool party, she hides in the corner, where she meets Gabe (Ryan). Furthermore, an activity of the school is to pair the eighth graders with high schoolers for them to have a sneak peek of what awaits next. This is where Kayla meets Olivia (Robinson).

Olivia is keen to give her a full tour of the facilities, have lunch together and even exchange numbers. Hence, one day she invites Kayla to the mall, where she introduces them to her and her friends. At the end of the night, Olivia’s friend tries to hook up with her and she loses it.

Kayla finally comprehends that she has been trying to please everyone else just to get accepted into one group. And she is no longer seeking validation from others and wants to hang out with real friends. Hence, she accepts a dinner invitation from Gabe.

Most importantly, she comprehends that the love of her father is Gucci enough, and she accepts it. In fact, she is ready for her next step and will face it with confidence, which is high school.

Admittedly, what I like about the movie is how realistic it is. There is no sugarcoating and it portrays a real-life experience of what teenagers deal with nowadays. Worth mentioning is that Elsie had just finished the eighth grade while shooting the film.

To conclude, Eighth Grade is the directional debut for Bo Burnham, who gave an amazing performance in “Promising Young Woman.” He perfectly characterizes what it is to thrive through and survive middle school. The movie won “Audience Favorite” at the Sundance Festival in London.

Good luck to all the students going back to school after 2024’s summer holidays.

Check out Mr. Burnham’s talk about the “Eighth Grade” movie below.

1. “Eighth Grade” movie. Directed by Bo Burnham (A24, 2018). ↩︎

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Southpaw is a drama movie released on July 24, 2015. For this film, director Antoine Fuqua worked alongside actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Oona Laurence, Forest Whitaker, Miguel Gomez, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Rachel McAdams. When an undefeated boxer suffers his first loss outside the ring, he must fight for legacy and respect.

Billy “The Great” Hope (played by Gyllenhaal) is the undefeated boxing champion. And he is at the top of the world, having an impeccable career and an amazing family. His wife, Maureen (McAdams), has been by his side since a teenager. Their relationship has gifted them Leila (Laurence), their beautiful daughter.

After one of his fights, Hope ends up severely bruised and in tremendous pain. Therefore, Maureen brings up the idea of retirement and wants him to think about his future. At the pace that he is going, he won’t be able to attend his daughter’s graduation.

However, he keeps evading such a topic and convinces her he will be all right. And that is the mentality of a fighter. After one match, you already start planning your next one. And every opponent wanted that next slot, including “Magic” Escobar (Gomez).

At a charity event, after Escobar throws some verbal jabs at him, an altercation ensues, and a gun goes off. Unfortunately, the victim is Maureen. Indeed, his world collapses, and he relapses to drugs.

Consequently, Child Services takes his daughter. To regain custody, he must adjust to changes in his life and come up with a plan for his recovery.

Thus, he joins a local gym owned by Tick Wills (Whitaker). But does he have what it takes to reclaim his legacy and respect?

Southpaw took years to develop. Writer Kurt Sutter originally penned the script for Eminem, using boxing as a metaphor. The role eventually landed to Gyllenhaal, who didn’t disappoint at all. His relationship with his on-screen daughter Laurence is truly amazing to watch.

“Southpaw is a metaphor for the things you have to do to switch up when life hits you with blows you didn’t expect.”

Jake Gyllenhaal, The Southpaw Sessions (2015)

Despite respectfully declining the role, Eminem wanted to be a part of the film. Therefore, alongside James Horner (R.I.P.), he produced the soundtrack, which boasts appearances from Bad Meets Evil, Slaughterhouse, 50 Cent, Denaun, Logic, KXNG Crooked, and many more.

Watch the next interview and listen to the “Southpaw” soundtrack in the link below.

1. “Southpaw” movie. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TWC, 2015). ↩︎

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The Place Beyond the Pines is a drama movie that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, it stars Ryan Gosling, the known actor of “La La Land,” Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, and Rose Byrne. When a stunt bike rider tries to provide a better future for his family, how far will he go?

Luke Glanton (played by Gosling) is an amazing stunt bike rider who works at a carnival. Despite not having a lavish life, he is quite comfortable. After all, he only needs to provide for himself. Nonetheless, that changes when he re-encounters Romina (Mendes), a former girlfriend.

He is quick to learn that he is the father of a one-year-old baby. Therefore, he quits the carnival gig and begins working for Robin (Mendelsohn), who owns a repair shop.

But the money isn’t enough. As Robin shares his past as a bank robber, they team up to do burglaries. Finally, Luke is able to provide for his family.

Avery Cross (Cooper) proudly works at the police department. He is the father of a baby boy with his wife Jennifer (Byrne). One day, he is in pursuit of a robber.

After finally chasing him down, he shoots and kills him. The days to follow are tough for him as he finds out that the victim leaves a baby boy behind.

In high school, two teenage boys named Jason (DeHaan) and AJ (Cohen) befriend each other. After fifteen years, Avery Cross will learn that actions have consequences in “the place beyond the pines.”

To conclude, what makes this film unique is the fact that there are two protagonists. Once you feel empathy for Gosling’s character, those emotions suddenly are replaced by Cooper’s persona.

Moreover, Cianfrance is known for uniquely directing family-dramatic films. Surprisingly, as he was working with Ryan on “Blue Valentine” (2010), Gosling shared with him the idea of how to execute the perfect bank heist. To his surprise, the director had already written a script.

To conclude, “The Place Beyond the Pines” is such an underrated piece of movie. Even a decade after its release. Happy New Year’s Eve in advance, everyone!

Watch the “The Place Beyond the Pines” teaser trailer and if intrigued, stream the movie on your favorite platform!

1. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎
2. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎
3. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎

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The Front Runner movie is a 2018 drama released at the Telluride Film Festival and directed by Jason Reitman. It stars Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, J.K. Simmons, and Sara Paxton. When a candidate is a front-runner for the presidency, his campaign suddenly becomes at risk.

Welcome to politics, a world where everyone wants to climb to the most prestigious #1 spot. Namely, become president. In fact, for that achievement, candidates need to become senators before being taken into consideration for the presidency.

Therefore, between the years 1975 and 1987, Gary Hart (played by Jackman) offered his services as a senator of Colorado, U.S.A. Hence, this opened the doors for him to compete in the 1988 presidential election. So, with his wife, Lee (Farmiga), he was up for the challenge.

At rallies and with a great team, including his manager, Dixon (Simmons), Hart would speak about valuable ideas for a better future. But more importantly, the citizens supported him. Thus, becoming the front runner in the movie.

In the late ’80s and the beginning of the ’90s, journalism had its rise. Clearly, once in the public eye, everyone will want to tarnish your persona. Regardless, Hart felt undefeatable.

One day, he meets a young woman named Donna (Paxton). Soon he learns that the candidates are the least of his worries but the tabloids. They will go to lengths to diminish his future.

“The Front Runner” is based on true events. It portrays Gary Hart’s three-week period that led to the 1988 presidential campaign.

Moreover, what I liked about the movie is revisiting a pre-internet era, and how the news spread across the globe.

Hugh Jackman delivers a well-acting role. He has proved he can tackle serious and funny roles as shown in “Deadpool and Wolverine.”

He won the “Actor Award” at the “Hollywood Film Awards” (2018). On the other hand, despite having limited on-screen time, the actress Sara Paxton leaves a mark with her performance.

Watch the next interview discussing her role in the “Front Runner” film.

1. “The Front Runner” movie. Directed by Jason Reitman (Columbia Pictures, 2018). ↩︎
2. “The Front Runner” movie. Directed by Jason Reitman (Columbia Pictures, 2018). ↩︎

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True Grit is a 2010 Western movie remake written and directed by the Coen brothers. It stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld. When a father dies cold-blooded, a daughter embarks on a mission to track down the killer.

On the 53rd anniversary of the original film (1969), I center on its remake. How did it perform against the original and what did such a role mean to Hailee Steinfeld?

During the late nineteenth century, news traveled slowly, and technology was scarce. So, imagine receiving the announcement that your father was murdered days ago. That is exactly how Mattie Ross (played by Steinfeld) learned about this tragic incident.

There are two possible outcomes during grievance: either you mourn for the rest of your life, or you decide to track down the killer. In Mattie’s case, she chooses the latter.

Of course, as a fourteen-year-old, she needs an ally. Therefore, after word of mouth, she inclines for the U.S. marshall named Rooster Cogburn (Bridges). Reluctant at first, he then takes up on her offer.

However, afterward, they learn that her father’s killer, Mr. Chaney (Brolin), has wandered off to Indian Territory, where Cogburn has no authority. Luckily, Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Damon), is also chasing him for another murder. Hence, the two men join forces.

To their surprise, Mattie looks forward to coming along to the hunt. Despite Cogburn’s decision not to, her brave, well-outspoken, smart, and confident persona doesn’t take no for an answer.

During their journey, they track his whereabouts and find out that Mr. Chaney is not alone. He has his gang by his side. From horse races to close-range shootouts. They must avoid death.

Nevertheless, Mattie isn’t compensating Cogburn to kill. In fact, she is paying him just to track down the killer. In the end, she wants to pull the trigger herself. Will she vengeance her father’s killer?

“True Grit” original movie was released in 1969, in which John Wayne won the Oscars for “Best Actor.” Despite no Oscar wins for the True Grit remake, seasoned actor Jeff Bridges delivered a well-executed performance.

On the other hand, the film also introduced a young Hailee Steinfeld. From there on, she went on to appear in other films such as “The Edge of 17” (2016). In addition, she ventured into the music scene with the release of “Half Written Story” (2020).

Watch Bridges and Steinfeld’s first on-screen interaction in the link below.

1. “True Grit” movie. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (Paramount Pictures, 2010). ↩︎
2. “True Grit” movie. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (Paramount Pictures, 2010). ↩︎

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