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"City of Men" is a riveting, sometimes funny, sometimes shocking movie about the goings on in several of Rio de Janeiro’s infamous favelas. Favelas are shantytowns dotting Rio’s magnificent hillsides overlooking the ocean, often a stone’s throw from the city’s luxurious condos.
It is directed, co-written and co-produced by Paulo Morelli and co-produced by Fernando Merelles, whose "City of God" covered similar territory and received four Oscar nods in 2004.
Best buddies Ace (Douglas Silva) and Wallace (Darlan Cunha) are faced with dilemmas as they approach their 18th birthdays. Wallace wants to find his father, who he has never met, and Ace must deal with caring for his infant son. As a turf war spins out of control, they face news that threatens to tear their friendship apart.
Although the story is fairly basic, Morelli and his talented staff make the most of the exotic location. Many American movie-goers haven’t been to Brazil, much less a Rio favela, yet the scenery is so vivid it paints a gorgeous picture. But the film has much more going for it.
"City of Men" skillfully balances several parallel story lines and moods that keep you on the edge of your seat, yet emotionally involved, as well. In addition to Wallace and Ace, the turf war between two drug lords rages as a backdrop. Although "City of Men" could never be called an action movie, it is not far from it. The climactic battle is something to look forward to.
Despite the many layers, Morelli and co-writer Eleana Soarez never forget the goal of the story: To show the human side of what occurs in these places. Even with all the plots, the heart is Ace and Wallace’s relationship, something which is in constant tension until the very end of the film. At least we enjoy the ride.
The actors are excellent, especially Silva and Cunha.
"City of Men" is a remarkably entertaining look at a different world — although how different is it really?
City of Men
R
Three-and-a-half reels out of four
At a Ritz theater tomorrow
Director: Paulo Morelli
Writers: Eleana Soarez and Morelli
Douglas Silva … Acerola (Ace)
Darlan Cunha … Laranjinha (Wallace)
Camila Monteiro … Cris
Rodrigo dos Santos … Heraldo
All releases available Tuesday unless otherwise noted.
Into the Wild
R
Directed and written by Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, "Into the Wild" tells the story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a student-athlete at Emory University who leaves his possessions and gives away his entire savings to hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wilderness. Along the way, he meets a series of colorful characters who influence his life. Nominated for two Oscars this year, one of them being Best Supporting Actor for Hal Holbrook.
Things We Lost In the Fire
R
Halle Berry plays Audrey, a recent widow who invites her husband’s troubled best friend (Benicio Del Toro) to live with her and her two children, despite the fact he is a drug user. It turns out to be a good move, as the two rely on each other for support.
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
G
Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns and operates the most incredible, magical store in the universe, where the toys are alive and a turn of the doorknob changes the room’s atmosphere. When Mr. Magorium decides to retire and sell the store to his faithful cashier Molly (Natalie Portman), he hires stuffy, bottom-line accountant Henry (Jason Bateman) to get his affairs in order. Although Henry’s all-business attitude ruffles feathers, with a little bit of magic, the three of them work it out.
