Much of it — like one of Wadjda’s young classmates getting married — is meant to be jarring. It isn’t as shocking as it would like to be, unfortunately, since the film itself is so slight that any dramatic weight the plot might carry soon dissipates. Al-Mansour has made a pleasant crowd-pleaser, but she also lacks any real style, shooting everything in a wholly utilitarian manner, all while stretching the film’s story out as thin as possible (at 98 minutes, the film feels 20 minutes too long). Not a whole lot happens in Wadjda, and when it does, it verges a bit too close to simple melodrama, while still feeling dramatically inert. While Al-Mansour highlights many issues surrounding female
life in Saudi Arabia, that’s all that’s there. While I don’t exactly expect solutions to the issues, the film is so small and quaint that there’s no power in the filmmaking, just quiet family drama that comes across as pat, considering the issues being raised. There’s a total lack of emotion here — no anger or sadness, and the only desire seems to come from a girl who wants a bicycle. Yes, Wadjda is a pleasant, pleasing, easy movie, but that’s about all it has going for it. Rated PG for thematic elements, brief mild language and smoking. reviewed by Justin Souther Playing at Fine Arts Theatre
The Perfect Vacation Spot For Your Pampered Pet Quality Lodging & Professional Grooming
4 personal attention & tender loving care 4 private indoor/outdoor runs 4 large exercise areas 4 playtime & daily walks available 4 complete, professional grooming 4 stress-free cattery
686-3175 • 12 Cavalier Lane Swannanoa • Just off Old Hwy 70 Voted One of WNC’s Favorite Kennels
LOVE YOUR LOCAL
advertise@mountainx.com
staRting fRiday
12 Years a Slave See review in “Cranky Hanke”
About Time The good news is that Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Pirate Radio) has made another film. The bad news is that Curtis claims this will be his last film as a director. Here’s hoping that he changes his mind. But if it’s to be so, then let’s hope that this fanciful tale about the inherited ability to time travel and how it affects one’s romantic chances is up to his first two directorial efforts. Domhnall Gleason (Anna Karenina), Rachel McAdams and the always welcome Bill Nighy star. Early word from the UK is more positive than negative, and they tend to be harsher on UK productions than we are. I’ll be there first thing on Friday. (R)
How I Live Now See review in “Cranky Hanke”
Thor: The Dark World This sequel to Thor is already presold as the big mainstream movie of the week. Thor: The Dark World opened in most parts of the world last weekend and scarfed up nearly $110 million. It’s poised like a juggernaut for American shores. And why not? The first film was enjoyable and everyone’s back for this one. Well, almost everyone — director Kenneth Branagh has been replaced by TV director Alan Taylor, whose only notable theatrical film was back in 2001. (PG-13)
All Is Lost See review in “Cranky Hanke”
2014 GO LOCAL DIRECTORY • Promote your mission • Show your local pride • Brand yourselfUnchained & Independent
BE A GO LOCAL PARTNER Join a network of business owners dedicated to supporting the community and building a resilient local economy. To participate in Asheville’s Go Local Initiative, check out Ashevillegrown.com.
advertise@mountainx.com mountainx.com
noVEmBER 6 - noVEmBER 12, 2013
65