Movies I recently saw!

Over the past two weeks I have had opportunity of seeing three incredible independent films with three outstanding performances.

Frozen River  (2008)-tells the story of Ray and Lila who smuggle illegal immigrants into the US in order to obtain money to sustain the children.While River isn't technically perfect and features some subpar performances from a few day players, Melissa Leo and Misty Upham are captivating leads who capture the essence of two women in desperation. Courtney Hunt's script is also superb and it is no wonder the Oscars gave it some recognition. A-

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)-launched Elizabeth Olsen's career last year as her performance was frightening and perturbing. It is a performance that could have easily won the oscar last year. The film tells the story of a haunted  girl, Martha whose painful memories and increasing paranoia inhibit her from re-assimulating with her family after fleeing an abusive cult. The film like its title is fractured and ambiguous. Therefore making the viewer a bit confused and want more out of the film. While it is tense and visually dazzling it would have been good to know more about the cult and about the character. Nevertheless the film is solid if not perfect. B 

The Hunter (2012)-starring Willem Dafoe tells the story of Martin, a mercenary,who is sent from Europe by a mysterious biotech company to the Tasmanian wilderness on a hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger. The film is intriguing, mysterious and captures beautiful and memorable images. Additionally Willem Dafoe gives an intense performance that once again shows why he is one of the best actors working in the industry. A-

---------------Francisco Salazar