Los guantes mágicos (2003) Reviews

• Excellent comedy

  niels-522005-06-25

  (I agree with the first commenter that it recalls Kaurismäki, which is of course a compliment, but I really don't see any reference to Almodovar). I'm not usually the kind of person who likes everything he sees, or at least finds always something good in a movie, but this movie really touched me. This bitter-sweet comedy shows us how we are: lost, absent, trying to figure something out, but not really making it. Beyond the little scenes of absurd banality, you can have some insight in the life of Argentina and the social and economic hold-up it went through (illustrated by the pitiful arrangements the main character is making without gaining anything). The first thing I thought after I saw this was: That's were french social comedy should be today if it hadn't been sold to TF1 and other profit-only based production companies for whom the receipt is to «make it look American».

• Passengers in life

  jebrooke2004-08-27

  This is a modestly paced film which suits the character of its main protagonist, Alejandro, the service driver, (sort of, but not quite, a taxi driver, apparently). It sits in the comedy genre but the comedy is of a gentle and knowing kind. It will not suit those who prefer their movies to be long on narrative and short on insight but if you're interested in the adventures of a pretty normal guy and his attachment to his Renault 12 then there is much of value. Anyone who has ever dabbled in amateur rock should check it out just for the gags surrounding 'Piranha' and his CD.

• Magic Gloves on average hands

  fasteddyuk2008-08-17

  The problem with this film is that it really doesn't go anywhere. It's ostensibly about a man and his taxi - and the first scenes almost show promise, however the film quickly descends into half-developed ideas, self-conscious cuts and dead ends. For 'subtle humour' read 'weak and barely existing'. The plot about the magic gloves starts half way through the film and then fizzles out with a fairly predictable joke. The same format is also used with the home gym/ porn set. On occasion it almost felt like material was shoved in as padding - the girl watching live music footage for example. The production values are good and the film is shot in an indie way which suggests it will be insightful, engaging and interesting - but sadly it is not.

• Not quite there...

  madsbs2004-04-09

  Attempting to set up a South American mixture of Kaurismäki and Almodovar, Martín Rejtman does not succeed. Though I certainly laughed my way through some quite humorous moments, especially during the first half hour, the script is neither enough 'on the edge' to be absurd, nor is it subtle enough to deliver a story of much interest. Having said that, most characters are very well casted, and the acting is brilliant at times. Don't avoid this film for any price, but don't expect even half a masterpiece.