The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, dir. Terry Gilliam, 2009.

I really liked this movie. It reminded me somewhat of the 2006 film The Fall, which I also really liked. Lush, ridiculous fantasy world. Imperfect plot. Beautiful. I like most of this movie. I would hold off on recommending it, because I think many people might not like it. But if it seems exciting to you, then I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Le Roi et l’oiseau, dir. Paul Grimault, 1952/1980. (The King and the Bird)

Apparently this movie has been cited as an influence by Hiyao Miyazake, the famed Japanese director of Spirited Away and so much else. I’m not surprised. It’s a kid’s movie, only not. It’s gorgeously drawn; the dialogue is silly but sometimes clever. It re-tells the story of “The Chimney Sweep and the Shepherdess,” only with lots of liberties. It’s kind of hilarious, kind of bizarre, and fun. I saw it was playing at the Cine Doré, part of the Spanish Filmotheque, on Saturday, and went with a number of friends. It’s a beautiful theatre, and I like what they do (although the sound quality isn’t great). Overall it was just plain fun. Also, cheap: they charge €2.50 for a ticket, or €2 for students.

District 9, dir. Neill lBlomkamp, 2009.

I finally finished this movie on the plane coming back from the States. It was okay. I watched most of it over the summer, and didn’t care to finish it until I had it in front of me. But I didn’t mind it, not at all. It just wasn’t a hugely thrilling film, either.

Youth in Revolt, dir. Miguel Arteta, 2009.

I liked this about twice as much as I expected to, which means I laughed and didn’t squirm too much. My friends thought it was amazing. My other friend’s dad, who was in our theatre with his wife and daughter, told me later that he thought it was fun as well. I think it’s pretty good. Despite everything, it’s still pretty typical Michael Cera. I don’t find it terribly boring, but it’s not terribly exciting either. Still, a pretty funny movie, and better than many comedies I’ve seen.