Linda Hepner – Google

A mixture of originality and lively writing with agenda loaded messages. One is immediately drawn to the unusual and imaginatively drawn characters. In the denouement the plot plods as if overly worked out. The characters are fascinating but their personalities are predicted from the beginning like most characters in Dickens novels; the author might however have let the characters work themselves out instead of his manipulating them for his plot which let the story start sounding like a regular crime-chase novel.

It can become a bit predictable, it can be soupy, it can seem to go nowhere, but it’s hugely enjoyable. The acting of the very earthy characters is superb, the central theme holds, the quirks of good and bad are colorful but understandable. It also resonates with classical literature: Don Quixote with his Sancho Panza (even called Sanchis), the causes worth fighting for and the utter confusion when the funny old trio of close ex-Vets set forth to set things right. Entrevias itself comes alive with its variety of characters, the all-pervading criminal element, corrupt police, local businesses trying hard to survive hanging on (as does Quixote) to the image of a serene past. I was soon hooked not so much by the story, which was a Shutes and Ladders maze of doomed attempts to win the war against crime and drug runners, but by the vivid characters, young, appealing, vulnerable and beautiful, but especially the older ones. Tirso makes a strong,lovable centrality and is offset by an utterly mesmerizing shady cop Ezequiel, and the vividly alive and luscious Gladys filled the screen whenever she appeared. It may not be an art film series, but it is ambitious and full of Spanish comedy and tragedy. Watch it.

Pity it was such a drag because it’s a super story, classy background, interesting characters with good actors, could have made you excited about NY, The Met, art, music, international reputations and crime. But the film is long, slow, heavy and veering on affected, while the depth and growth of the characters was revealed only as flashbacks to remind you of trauma, in spite of some sincere performances. Also the sound track was boring. A missed opportunity.

A bit heavy handed but worth the experience. Some memorable cinematography and vignettes, unimpeachable casting and acting, a deceptively light and sardonic look to a mixed bunch of characters and classes, how they do or don’t interact, their loves, hates, personal angst, blindness and ominous prejudices. Yet it’s a comedy! The scene where an ‘Ugly American’ explains a curve ball to a German dwarf is priceless!