Capsule reviews for Feb. 10
Chico and Rita
Colorful visuals highlight this animated Oscar nominee co-directed by Fernando Trueba (Belle Epoque) about a romance, told in flashback, between a fledgling piano player and an up-and-coming singer set against the backdrop of the Cuban jazz scene in the 1950s. It’s not your typical animated feature, which is nice, although the narrative framework is familiar. Still, there’s much to offer for jazz aficionados (the fictional story includes appearances by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, among others), and the vibrant hand-drawn animation style lends a gritty visual texture to the material. It works best as an evocative tribute of sorts to a specific musical time and place. (Not rated, 94 minutes).
The Ouija Experiment
Fans of the Paranormal Activity franchise might be drawn to this low-budget saga of five friends who have some fun contacting spirits with a Ouija board, only to have the apparitions begin to haunt their houses and intrude in their personal lives with deadly consequences. Of course, they capture it all on camera. Despite the formulaic premise, the film manages some genuine frights, and even tacks on a nice twist at the end. It’s far from polished, and the performances are a mixed bag, but the effort still marks a big step forward for director Israel Luna (Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives) as a filmmaker. (Not rated, 91 minutes).
The Turin Horse
There’s not much of an audience out there for the latest film from Hungarian director Bela Tarr, which he claims will be his last before retirement. Those familiar with his work will recognize the use of long, static camera shots and the deliberate, melancholy meditation on the human condition. The minimalist narrative, which is a fictional extension of a true story attributed to the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, concerns a 19th century Italian farmer who must confront the impending death of his loyal horse. It’s a visually arresting and original work that Tarr’s small legion of fans will likely enjoy, while most moviegoers sit frustrated and bewildered. (Not rated, 146 minutes).