6 films to keep you awake

Blame (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jul 22nd 2009

In general, I do not like babies. I like the cute ones, of course, the ones with about as much mobility as a kitten, sure, but above that, I have a general disdain for the newly arrived, which probably makes me the desired audience for “Blame.” Like the recent “Grace,” “Blame” also deals with women's issues. While admittedly “Grace” is more creative in its approach, “Blame” barrels down the 'abortion, love it or hate it' route, with a bland fury.

The Christmas Tale (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jul 15th 2009

Unconventional Christmas films have always been a favorite of mine, whether it's a film about a murderous snowman or an unhappy gingerbread man, I'm usually on board for spicing up the dullness of Santa and snow. While “The Christmas Tale” does feature a Santa, it takes place in a warm palm tree laden town in Spain. But the focus here is not on Christmas, it's on how to approach someone who has put themselves on the naughty list.

To Let (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jul 8th 2009

There is nothing I find more terrifying than looking for a place to live. Real estate agents, potential frat guy neighbors, finding a place where I can reside in peace; the entire process is altogether unappealing and “To Let” knows it. The 4th film I have viewed from the Spanish collection “6 Films to Keep you Awake,” “To Let” is an exercise in residential terror.

The Baby's Room (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jul 1st 2009

It's only a possibility. It's only a possibility. It's only a possibiliy, or at least that is what Juan thinks when he moves into an older house with his wife, Sonia and baby. From the start they are sublimely happy, painting and wallpapering the dust from their aging abode, until they are given a box of used baby items, including a baby monitor, by friends of their parents.

A Real Friend (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jun 24th 2009

Except for her best friend, Estrella is an average teenage girl. Her mother works late nights as a nurse in the hospital and her dad left them long ago. Estrella fills her unsupervised hours watching horror films and reading horror fiction. “A Real Friend” opens with what appears to be lost footage from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, or at least the Spanish beach massacre part... Wait a minute.

Spectre (REVIEW)

Submitted by Chrissie on Wednesday, Jun 17th 2009

“Six Films to Keep You Awake,” is a collection of horror films by Spanish directors made for Spanish television. Redundant I know, but I find it's hard not to be overcome with jealousy that these films played on Spanish television uncut, while here in the States you have to shop for, or use Netflix to find this kind of material. While I remember hearing a buzz about these films last year when they first came out, I hadn’t gotten a chance to watch all six of them until now (thank you, Bloody Good Horror).