събота, 25 февруари 2012 г.

In Bulgarian Cinemas from 24 February 2012

Призрачен ездач 2: Духът на отмъщението / Ghost Rider 2: Spirit Of Revenge - Those who regularly visit my humble blog perhaps already know that Nicolas Cage is definitely not among my favourite actors. And though I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when going to the screening of this (unnecessary) sequel, he once again proved why he should quit acting. In most of the scenes Cage doesn't bother to act at all, just pronouncing some script lines, in the other parts of the film he tries to act crazy but falls in the trap of overacting. The movie's few good moments are only when the Rider appears on screen but they are quickly choked by the incredibly stupid and unoriginal plot. And despite some okay direction decisions, the worst in the whole experience is the fact that directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, whose Crank films are great guilty pleasures fail to put their unique style in a movie which has been desperately in need of it. (A+ Cinema) *1/5

Артистът / The Artist - First, kudos to the bravery of Forum Film for releasing this Oscar frontrunner in our country. And though the majority will skip it - it's in black and white, and ooh...silent, the few who venture to watch it will be for a real treat. If we leave aside the decision to deliver (and with a success) such a picture in the 21st century, the movie shines also with its script - it's witty, funny, cheeky and simply marvellous; its direction - flawless and inventive; its music - extremely memorable and last but surely not least its lead actors. Jean Dujardin is top notch perfect, while Berenice Bejo is incredibly full of charm. An inevitable top entry for this year's "best movie" lists. (Forum Film) *****


Дама, поп, асо, шпионин / Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Speaking of "best movie" lists above, we have another strong contender in the face of TTSS. The difference, however, is that unlike the French film, this title is infused with so many plot details and British (though actually Swedish) meticulousness that many will probably fail to perceive its brilliance. And it's brilliance rooted not only in the completely intriguing plot but also in the great cast of British heavyweighters (led by mighty Gary Oldman), while the direction of Tomas Alfredson just excels - every single shot is precise and to the point, while the Cold War time setting is represented with pure perfection. Unmissable and not for card players only...(A+ Cinema) *****

Шпионски игри / This Means War - Though most of critics hated the latest McG production (and they have their reasons), the movie still manages to bring a fresh view on the rom-spy genre. The three leads are likeable (rarely has Reese Witherspoon delivered a role to hate) and the funny action moments are entertaining. As a whole This Means War is stupid, unbelievable and glossy but in a good Hollywood way. (Alexandra) *** 1/2

Маската на властта / The Ides Of March - As if The Artist and TTSS were not enough, but (as it's Oscars time once again) the Bulgarian distributors throw yet another great and thoroughly requisite movie this weekend. The latest George Clooney-directed flick starts slow but gradually unwraps in a strong character drama. Ryan Gosling nails yet another terrific turn as a political campaign manager . Go and watch it just to see how real political campaigns are carried out and how media can bring everybody down. Watch it and compare! (Alexandra) **** 1/5
***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Just Fine
** So-so (for genre aficionados only)
* Stay away

четвъртък, 23 февруари 2012 г.

The Playlist - Issue Date 20.02 (17)*

 
The Hits

Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (6w)
Michel Telo - Ai Se Eu Te Pego (10w)
Lana Del Rey - Born To Die (9w) 
Skrillex Feat. Members of The Doors- Breakin' A Sweat (4w)
Ed Sheeran - Drunk (4w)  
Nicki Minaj - Stupid Hoe (3w)
David Guetta - Turn Me On ft. Nicki Minaj (3w)  
Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself  (2w)
Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (2w)
Jason Derulo - Breathing (2w)
Coldplay - Charlie Brown (2w)
Lil Wayne - Mirror ft. Bruno Mars  (2w)
Chris Brown feat. Kevin McCall - Strip (2w)
Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas In Paris (2w)
Flo Rida - Wild Ones ft. Sia (2w)
 
The other hits

Patrick Wolf - Together (11w)
Arctic Monkeys - Black Treacle (6w) 
Natalia Kills - Kill My Boyfriend (5w)
Mike Posner - Looks Like Sex (5w)
Snow Patrol - In The End (5w) 
Cobra Starship - Middle Finger (4w)
The Ting Tings - Hang It Up (3w)
NERVO - We're All No One (3w)
Miley Cyrus ft Johnzo West - You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go (3w)
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Look Around (3w)
Mary J. Blige - Mr. Wrong ft. Drake 32w)
Cher Lloyd - Want U Back ft. Astro (3w)
Darren Hayes - Bloodstained Heart (2w)
Kasabian - Goodbye Kiss (2w)
Utah Saints vs Drumsound & Bassline Smith - What Can You Do For Me (2w)
Sons of Midnight - Tour Diary (2w)
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Heart Attack (2w)
James Morrison - Slave To The Music (2w)
Bruce Springsteen - We Take Care Of Our Own (2w)
ENTER SHIKARI - Arguing With Thermometers (2w)
Foo Fighters - These Days (2w)
Caligola - Forgive Forget (2w)
Tove Styrke - Call My Name (2w)
The Cranberries - Tomorrow  (2w)
Michael Kiwanuka - I'm Getting Ready (NEW)
  
The UK charts

Alyssa Reid - Alone Again (6w)
Professor Green - Never Be a Right Time (6w)
M83 - Midnight City (6w)
Alesha Dixon - Do It Our Way (Play) (5w)
DJ Fresh ft. Rita Ora - Hot Right Now (5w)
One Direction - One Thing (5w)  
Emeli Sandé - Next To Me (4w)
Anna Calvi - Blackout (4w)
Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Pictures (4w)          
Jess Mills - Pixelated People (4w)
Lower Than Atlantis - If The World Was To End (3w)
Ben Howard - The Wolves (3w)
Dappy - Rockstar ft. Brian May (3w)
Cover Drive - Twilight (3w)
Friction - Led Astray (3w)    
Maverick Sabre - No One (3w)
Matt Cardle - Amazing (3w)
Jodie Marie - I Got You (2w)
Jakwob - Electrify (2w)
Niki & The Dove - DJ, Ease My Mind (2w)
Young Guns - Bones (2w)
Keaton Henson - Charon (2w)
The Jude - Les Filles Francaises (2w) 
The Musgraves - Last of Me (2w)
Rebecca Ferguson - Too Good To Lose (2w)
Dot Rotten - Are You Not Entertained  (2w)
Stooshe - Love Me feat. Travie McCoy (2w)
Tinchy Stryder - Bright Lights ft. Pixie Lott (2w)
Feeder - Borders (2w)
Jess Mills - Pixelated People (NEW)
Miike Snow - Paddling Out (NEW)
The Maccabees - Feel To Follow (NEW)
Marcus Collins - Seven Nation Army (NEW)
Avalanche City - Love Love Love (NEW)
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Dream On (NEW)
Phantom Limb - Gravy Train (NEW)
Will Young - Losing Myself  (NEW)
JLS - Proud (NEW)
  
The German charts

YA-HA! - F.C.C. (Fake Coco Chanel) (4w)
Sebastian Wurth - You let the Sun go down (4w)
Rea Garvey - Colour Me In (4w)
Colina - Du & Ich (3w)
DJane HouseKat feat. Rameez - My Party (3w)
Timati & P. Diddy, DJ Antoine, Dirty Money - I'm On You (3w)
SIDO & B-TIGHT - HOL DOCH DIE POLIZEI (3w)
Kettcar - Im Club (2w)
Deichkind - Bück dich hoch (2w)
Rosenstolz - Lied von den Vergessenen (2w)
Silbermond - Himmel auf (2w)
De Randfichten - Du kleine Fliege 2012 (Live)  (2w)
Lolita Jolie - La Première Fois (2w)
Tim Bendzko - Ich laufe (2w)
Unheilig - So wie Du warst (NEW)
Elix - Musik ist meine Therapie (NEW)
Kim Sanders und Marlon Roudette - Anti Hero (Live) (NEW)
Jack Holiday & Mike Candys - Children (NEW)
   
The US charts

Nelly - The Champ (6w) 
Fun - We Are Young (6w)
Drake - The Motto (feat. Lil Wayne) (4w)
Keith Urban - You Gonna Fly (3w) 
Reba McEntire - Turn On The Radio (2w)
Diggy - Do It Like You ft. Jeremih (NEW)
Melanie Fiona - 4AM (2w)
Train - Drive By (NEW)
Meek Mill Feat. Rick Ross - Ima Boss (NEW)
Kip Moore - Somethin' 'Bout A Truck (NEW)
Kirko Bangz - Drank In My Cup (NEW)
 
Out

Rizzle Kicks - Mama Do The Hump (10w)
Will.I.Am - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) (8w)
Gym Class Heroes - Ass Back Home (7w)
Pitbull ft. Chris Brown - International Love (8w)
Noah And The Whale - Give It All Back (8w)    
All Time Low - Time-Bomb (5w)
Doctor P - Neon (Ft. Jenna G) (5w)
Sean Paul - She Doesn't Mind (5w)
David Guetta ft. Sia - Titanium (7w) 
Culcha Candela - Wildes Ding (6w)
Scissor Sisters vs Krystal Pepsy - Shady Love (4w)
Chiddy Bang - Ray Charles (4w)  
Band Of Skulls - Bruises (4w)
 MGK - Wild Boy (3w)
Friends - Friend Crush (4w) 
Van Halen - Tattoo (3w)
Juan Zelada - What do I know (3w)
Nerina Pallot - All Bets Are Off (3w)
Jo Birchall - Don't Let It Go To Your Heart (3w)
P:lot - Zuhören (3w) 

*Next playlist to be released on 5 March
 

Bulgarian Box Office Update - Weekend 17-19 Feb

Overwhelmed by the BO success?
Unsurprisingly, the Bulgarian box office was taken by a storm from The Rock and co. as "Journey 2 The Mysterious Island" sails directly to #1 with BGN 120,031. The first Journey finished its entire run with a total of USD 348,722, which means that Journey 2 has still a long way before surpassing its predecessor. The inclusion of The Rock (you know how Bulgarians love his muscles) and the IMAX screening will help it in its mission.

Safe House retreats with the okay fall of 28% to #2 and already has BGN 142,206 on its account, while the second new entry goes in at #3. The Vow, the romantic drama starring Tatum and McAdams, unimpresses with its BGN 21,090 weekend result, and BGN 42,234, including previews. It, however, still has the chance to reach the USD 63,406 final tally of Dear John.

The last new entry can be found at #5. The magnificent War Horse fails to lure many movie-goers as it manages the meagre BGN 15,925 for the weekend. A similar fate recently has also been registered by The Help and My Week With Marilyn, which shows that the current chalga (pop-folk) culture is not interested in quality movies. The others, the non-chalga ones, have either already emigrated or are not willing to go the popcorn-stuffed multiplexes as they have no cinema alternatives. I know it may sound a little far fetched but unfortunately this is the truth and definitely stricter bans on illegal downloads will not improve the situation, no matter what the distributors say. Going back to War Horse, I should also mention that the other Spielberg movie from last year - The Adventures of Tintin - was also a complete flop with just USD 83,000 in its entire run. Spielberg is not the king of these shores, obviously...

And here's the top ten in full:

movie
Change w/w
Result for the weekend (in BGN)
Total result
(in BGN)
1.
Journey 2
-
120,031 120,031
2.
Safe House
-28%
40,968
142,206
3.
The Vow
-
21,090
42,234
4.
Star Wars 3D
-59%
19,659
88,390
5.
War Horse
-
15,925
15,925
6.
Man On A Ledge
-38%
13,871
130,324
7.
Muppets
-35%
11,315
184,310
8.
Puss In Boots
-39%
10,824
1,279,704
9.
Underworld 4
-66%
8,067
468,152
10.
Little Big Panda
-27%
7,956
60,990

This week the top ten is left by One For The Money with the okay total result of BGN 109,552 (for comparison Killers ended its run with the identical USD 76,000); Haywire with the rather good BGN 172,332 (in comparison Contagion made just USD 63,000) and by Chronicle with the relatively weak BGN 69,000 - it is an excellent movie, so the poor figure is not surprising.

Compared to my projections Journey 2 came higher than my BGN 75,000 prediction, The Vow was almost on target with my BGN 48,000 projection, while War Horse managed to deliver only half of my expectation for BGN 30,000. 

Next weekend's projections (traditionally the Oscar weekend is the busiest for our cinemas in the entire year):

Ghost Rider 2 - BGN 95,000, including previews
The Artist - BGN 14,000
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - BGN 12,000
This Means War - BGN 98,000, including previews
The Ides Of March - BGN 13,000

(1 BGN = USD 0.68 = EUR 0.58)

вторник, 21 февруари 2012 г.

Austrian Economic News - Week 13-19 Feb - Deutsche Version

Montag

Die Best Water Technology (BWT) sagte am Montag, dass sein EBIT um 32% auf EUR 21.5m im letzten Jahr gefallen ist. Damit plant die Firma seine Dividende auf EUR 0.28 von EUR 0.40 zu reduziert. Die Erlöse nahmen um 3.9% auf EUR 478.8m zu. Die BWT erwartet einen Umsatzaufstieg aber unverändert Ergebnis für 2012.
*
Die Bank Austria musste seine griechische Geschäfte um weitere EUR 100m im letzten Quartal abwerten, sagte Vorstandschef Willibald Cernko dem WirtschaftsBlatt.
*
Die Österreichische Volksbanken-AG (ÖVAG) meldete, dass sie eine dreijährige Anleihe von EUR 1bn und mit Staatsgarantien getilgt hat. Österreich hat EUR 29.1m für ihre Garantien bekommen.

Dienstag

Die Ratingagentur Moody's hat ihre AAA Österreichs Kreditrating bestätigt. Der Ausblick war allerdings auf "negativ" von "stabil" gekürzt.
*
Die Zahl der Fluggäste am Flughafen Wien stieg um 9% auf etwa 1.4m in Januar 2012. Das Frachtvolumen sank um 10.1% auf 19,184 Tonnen.
*
Die Erdölproduktion in Österreich verringerte sich um 4.7% auf 919,437 Tonnen in 2011. Die Erdgasproduktion gab um 6.6% auf 1.591bn Kubikmeter nach. 

Mittwoch

Die österreichische Sanochemia Pharmazeutika verkündigte am Mittwoch, dass ihr Umsatz um 12% auf EUR 8.07m im ersten Quartal des Geschäftsjahres gestiegen ist. Das EBIT gibt allerdings auf EUR 465,000 von EUR 1.04m nach. Die Ergebnisse waren von höheren operativen Kosten und Ausgaben belastet. Die Sanochemia plant den Fokus auf ihre Radiologieprodukten zu intensivieren.
*
Die Voestalpine Stahlgruppe teilte mit, dass sein Konzerngewinn sich um 2.8% auf EUR 411.4m in den ersten neun Monaten ihres Fiskaljahres erhöhte. Der Umsatz stieg um 11.9% auf EUR 8.88bn. Der Ausblick von einem konstanten EBIT für das ganze Jahr ist intakt.
*
Die österreichische Wirtschaft zeigt eine Senkung von 0.1% in den letzten drei Monaten des 2011 gegenüber dem Vorquartal. Gegenüber der selben Vorjahresperiode stieg das Bruttoinlandsprodukt um 1.2%. Für das ganze Jahr wuchs die Wirtschaft real um 3.1%, sagte Wifo am Mittwoch.
*
Die russische Sberbandk, die Volksbank International (VBI) kürzlich gekauft hat, sagte, dass Siegfried Wolf als neuen Präsident des Aufsichtsrats der VBI bestellt war. Friedhelm Boschert wird seine Arbeitsstelle als Vorstandschef der ehemaligen Tochter der OeVAG behalten.
*
Der Baumaterialhersteller Wienerberger AG sagte, dass er die 50%, die die Firma an der Pipelife nicht besaß, von Joint-Venture Partner Solvay gekauft hat.

Donnerstag

Der österreichische Motorradhersteller KTM teilte am Donnerstag mit, dass er 81,200 Motorräder in 2011 verkauft hat - ein Aufstieg von 22.4% gegenüber 2010. Der Umsatz stieg um 13.4% auf EUR 526.8m und der Nettogewinn erhöhte sich um 30.7% auf EUR 20.7m. Die Firma plant ihre Fokussierung nach Asien zu behalten.
*
Die Kreditagentur Moody's hat ihren Ausblick an der ÖBB Infrastruktur AG, die Infrastrukturtochter der ÖBB, auf negativ gesunken. Die Rating war auf Aaa bestätigt. Die Agentur hat allerdings ihre Rating an der Ölgruppe OMV auf A3 mit stabilem Ausblick bekräftigt.
*
Der Wiener IT-Spezialist Brain Force meldete, dass er sein erste Quartal mit einem Nettoverlust von EUR 1.56m geendet hat, gegenüber einem Verlust von EUR 0.65m in der Vorjahresperiode. Die Erlöse stiegen allerdings um 16% auf EUR 19.81m. Die Firma will ihren Umsatz und ihre operative Ergebnisse bis dem Jahresende weiter verbessern.
  
Freitag

Das österreichische Bauunternehmen Porr sagte am Freitag, dass es über den Kauf von deutschem Trierer Kalk-, Dolomit- und Zementwerke GmbH vereinbart hat. Damit will die Porr seine Rohstoffaktivitäten verstärken. Der Kauf ist auch ein Teil der Strategie von der Porr ihre Geschäfte in Deutschland auszubauen.
*
Die Telekom Austria plant keinen verbindlichen Angebot für das Übernahme von dem bulgarischen Mitbewerber Vivacom. Die Firma war in Medienberichte unter die Interessierten für den Kauf genannt.
*
Ein Konsortium um der österreichischen Strabag hat einen EUR 1.7bn Auftrag für den Bau von Strecken der nördlichen italienischen Autobahn Pedemontana erhalten, teilte der Auftraggeber am Freitag mit. Die Strabag wird etwa EUR 1bn vom Auftrag bekommen.
*
Die Strabag meldete am Freitag dass ihre Bauleistung um 12% auf EUR 14.33bn in 2011 gestiegen ist. Der Auftragsbestand erhöhte sich um 9% auf EUR 13.33bn am Ende des Jahres. Für 2012 erwartet die Firma eine stabile Bauleistung und ein EBIT von über EUR 300m.

Austrian Economic News - Week 13-19 Feb

Monday

Best Water Technology (BWT) said Monday its EBIT fell 32% to EUR 21.5m in 2011. Therefore, the firm plans to reduce its dividend to EUR 0.28 from EUR 0.40. Sales went up 3.9% to EUR 478.8m. The company expects sales growth but unchanged earnings for 2012.
*
Bank Austria had to write down further EUR 100m of its Greek exposure in the last quarter of 2011, CEO Willibald Cernko told WirtschaftsBlatt.
*
Österreichische Volksbanken-AG (ÖVAG) has redeemed a three-year bond worth EUR 1bn and issued with guarantees from the state. Austria has received EUR 29.1m for its guarantees. 

Tuesday

Rating agency Moody's has confirmed its AAA credit rating on Austria but reduced its outlook to "negative" from "stable".
*
The number of passengers at Vienna Airport rose 9% to 1.4m in January 2012. Cargo volume decreased by 10.1% to 19,184 tonnes.
*
Austria's production of crude oil fell 4.7% to 919,437 tonnes in 2011. Natural gas production went down by 6.6% to 1.591bn cu m.  

Wednesday

Austrian pharmaceuticals company Sanochemia Pharmazeutika said its revenues grew 12% to EUR 8.07m in the first quarter of its fiscal year. EBIT however decreased to EUR 465,000 from EUR 1.04m. The results were burdened by higher operating costs and expenditures. Sanochemia plans to intensify the focus on its radiology segment.
*
Steel group Voestalpine said it raised its net profit by 2.8% to EUR 411.4m in the first three quarters of 2011/12. Sales went up 11.9% to EUR 8.88bn. The company's outlook for unchanged EBIT for 2011/12 compared to 2010/11 remains intact.
*
Austria's economy delivered a 0.1% quarter-on-quarter fall in the last three months of 2011. In an annual comparison, the country's GDP went up by 1.2%. For full 2011 the economy showed growth of 3.1% in real terms, Wifo said.
*
Russian Sberbank, which has recently bought Volksbank International (VBI), announced that Siegfried Wolf was appointed head of VBI's supervisory board. Friedhelm Boschert continues to be CEO of the former OeVAG subsidiary.
*
Construction material group Wienerberger AG said it had agreed to buy the 50% it did now own in Pipelife from its joint venture partner Solvay. 

Thursday

Austrian motorcycle producer KTM said on Thursday it sold 81,200 units in 2011, up 22.4% in annual terms. Sales went up 13.4% to EUR 526.8m, while net profit grew 30.7% to EUR 20.7m. The company will continue its focus towards Asia.
*
Rating agency Moody's has reduced the outlook for ÖBB Infrastruktur AG, the infrastructure unit of Austrian Federal Railways, to "negative". The rating was kept at Aaa. The agency however kept the A3 rating on OMV, with a "stable" outlook.
*
Vienna-based IT services company Brain Force said it had ended its first fiscal quarter with a net loss of EUR 1.56m, up from a loss of EUR 0.65m a year earlier. Revenues, however, rose 16% to EUR 19.81m. The company wants to further boost its sales and improve its operating result by the end of the fiscal year.
  
Friday

Construction company Porr said it had agreed to buy German Trierer Kalk-, Dolomit- und Zementwerke GmbH in a move to expand its raw material business. The takeover is part of the long-term strategy of the firm in Germany.
*
Telekom Austria will not file a binding takeover offer for Bulgarian peer Vivacom. The company was considered by media reports to be among the interested parties for the acquisition.
*
A consortium around Austrian builder Strabag has been awarded a EUR 1.7bn order for the construction of parts of the north Italian motorway Pedemontana, the Italian contractor said. Strabag will receive EUR 1bn from the order value.
*
Strabag announced on Friday that its construction output rose by 12% year-on-year to EUR 14.33bn in 2011. Order backlog stood at EUR 13.36bn at the end of the year, an increase of 9%. For 2012 Strabag expects stable output and EBIT of over EUR 300m.

събота, 18 февруари 2012 г.

Austrian Chart Update - Issue Date 17.02

Die Österreichische Hitparade

The top three 

1. Michel Telo - Ai se eu te pego (4th week at #1)
2. Sean Paul - She Doesn't Mind (Neu)
3. Gotye ft. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know (last week at #2)
 
The new entries & other important positions 
 
6. Silbermond - Himmel auf  (neu)
8. David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj - Turn me On (up from #12) 
11. Madonna ft. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. - "Give Me All Your Luvin'" (neu)
14. Lloyd feat. Andre 3000 Narrated By Lil Wayne - Dedication To My Ex (up from #36) *
27. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (neu) *
30. Walk Off The Earth - Somebody That I Used To Know (neu) *
32. Lil Wayne ft. Bruno Mars - Mirror (neu) *
61. Waterloo - Am Ziel (neu) **
63. Klaas ft. Carlprit - Do What You Do (neu) *

* - Still to enter the German charts
** - pure Austrian stuff
 

петък, 17 февруари 2012 г.

In Bulgarian Cinemas from 17 February 2012

Сватбен обет / The Vow - Though it doesn't steer significantly away from your typical Valentine's Day movie, The Vow at least has the decency to not underestimate its viewers. It's still a predictable film but with a heart and two likeable and giving their best leads in the face of Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. Of course, if you don't stand romantic movies and Channing is the symbol of wooden acting for you, The Vow will not make you change your mind. On the other hand, if you've been appalled by recent garbage such as Valentine's Day and How Do You Know, The Vow will probably restore your faith that Hollywood is still capable to represent a good romance now and again. (Alexandra) ***
Trailer

Боен кон / War Horse - All who hate director Steven Spielberg may be now green with envy, but his latest masterpiece has just come around the corner, or, should I say, galloped its way to the cinemas. Just some three months after the magnificent Tintin (and its box office disaster in Bulgaria), the greatest living director (TM) delivers a movie so epic in scope, so reminiscent of the golden Hollywood age, that only Spielberg could actually dare to do and eventually succeed in his undertaking. Unlike Saving Private Ryan, War Horse is a movie focusing on optimism and warmth, showing that war, as ugly as it is, can still preserve humanity in those most affected by it. But it's not only the war scenes which strike in the movie (the no man's land episode and the tank scene are heartbreaking) but the peaceful scenes in UK's countryside are also masterfully crafted, full with drama and humour. The numerous young cast is meticulously selected, while the camerawork of Janusz Kaminski and the music of legend John Williams just ensure that War Horse will be long remembered. Just don't forget your handkerchiefs. (Forum Film) *****
Trailer

Пътешествие до тайнствения остров / Journey 2 The Mysterious Island - Although many will hardly remember the 2008 flick Journey To The Centre of The Earth, the movie, albeit unremarkable, put the beginning of the new era of 3D feature films. Now, here comes the inevitable sequel, which more or less delivers the same. It will once again appal all Vernians, if there are any in Bulgaria, but it will be a perfect weekend getaway for many families, especially on the IMAX screen. Apart from the little ones, The Mysterious Island will be also loved by all Dwayne Johnson fans (we know, there are many on these shores), as his Rockness comes in to fill the steps of Brendan Fraser. Sir Michael Caine is also added to the mix, bringing the best in the movie, i.e. his interplay with the Rock character. The effects are top notch perfect, while some action pieces on the island are terrific. Unfortunately the plot is too derivative, while the characters of Luis Guzmán and his daughter Vanessa Hudgens are annoying, to say the least. (Alexandra) ***


Лопе де Вега - разпътник и съблазнител / Lope (Spain) (Limited) - This story of the early years of dramatist Lope De Vega may be interesting plot-wise, but the movie does little to engage the audience. At places it drags for far too long and the problems with acting do not help either. Still, all who crave for European cinema should seek it. ** (Pro Films)



Мед / Honey aka Bal (Turkey) (Limited) - See the last sentence above... (Art Fest)



Previews this weekend:

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - Some cool effects couldn't save this from its bloody awful plot and Nicolas Cage. * 1/2

***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Just Fine
** So-so (for genre aficionados only)
* Stay away