Kings and Queen. Malena.
Kings and Queen (2005) 5/10
The acting is fantastic, and there are moments of brilliance.But the dull moments greatly outnumber the inspiring ones and the movie is overlong and maddeningly dull at times. The interplay of a comic and sad plotline does not gell well and feels jarring at times. Although the comic male plotline works well, the female plotline feels like a rehash of all ther other meldramatic weepies i’ve seen. In any case, Juliette Binoche has already done more or less the same in Kieslowski’s Bleu, such that Kings and Queen offers nothing new.
Malena (2005) 5/10
Few actresses can play a purely flower vase role and yet still be the best part of the movie, but Monica Bellucci falls inside this rare category. Despite doing nothing more than looking good for 90% of the film’s running time, she still impresses as the central charismatic character. With an excellent soundtrack and cinematography which beautifully recreates wartime Italy, Malena’s potential is unfortunately stifled by a weak script and uninspired take on the coming of age genre. Using Bellucci purely as visual eye candy is an utter waste of talent, even if she exudes charms. Beyond Bellucci there really isn’t much to distnguish this film for any other mediocrity, and the film’s use of comedy with the tragic downfall does not always work. The fall from grace part isn’t truly convincing since Bellucci’s character is never developed properly and feels more like an enigma than a real, believable character. Ultimately even Bellucci’s considerable charms cannot save this film from mediocrity.
