Black Butterfly

bwesit ang lakas mo ha

First off, I don't claim to be a genius when figuring out what twists and turns will occur in a film. That said, the plot of 'Black Butterfly' came as a complete surprise. I have uttered "Didn't see that coming" at a plot twist watching many a movie. A few times I have said it twice. This is the first time I have said it three times. If your cup of tea is a story that will take you by surprise, this is definitely a flick worth watching! And BTW, reviewers should NOT put a spoiler in their title, readers see it and it's too late to avoid.

*** WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD *** This movie resembles "True Story" in so many ways, that I had to look back and see if the Directors/Writers are similar. The idea of a writer that does a terrible act to boost his career, even at the sacrifice of his own loved ones and own freedom, is not new. As a 49 year old guy, it was evident to me from the start that the "drifter" is not just a simple kidnapper like in all these simple kidnapping movies out there. I knew that the cop and house agent girl were not dead, and they play a role in some more sophisticated plot. Honestly, I first thought that they all came to help him with his story (and eventually they did if he is allowed to print it...). But the fact that they were all FBI was a little surprise... Antonio Banderas acting is excellent, but I also notice something else: even taking into account that he actually plays a drunk writer, it is evident that aging actors like Matthew McConaughey, Al Pacino, Robert De-Niro, Brad Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington and others, have a hard time keeping in shape. Maybe it will fall on me soon...

A failing writer takes in a drifter who saved his ass in a road rage incident, but the rage has only just begun as the drifter takes over ... Solid psychological thriller, with good performances. The pace is even, and everything is introduced in good time. It's mostly a two-hander, with decent dialogue and a steady ramp up in tension, only to switch at the end with a clear twist. I guess the only problem is that we rely on the government to tell us what's true in the end - bit old fashioned and needed more weird, maybe more influence from female characters. All the actors are good, and the direction. Nothing special in the photography or sound. Overall: worth a look.