Los Amantes Pasajeros (I’m so Excited!) [2013]

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Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Written by: Pedro Almodóvar
Starring: Javier Cámara, Lola Dueñas, Cecilia Roth, Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz, Paz Vega, José María Yázpik, Carlos Areces, Raúl Arévalo, Hugo Silva, Antonio de la Torre, José Luis Torrijo, Carmen Machi, Blanca Suárez, Guillermo Toledo, Miguel Ángel Silvestre

I’ve made it no secret that Pedro Almodóvar is my favorite director. Ever since he made me a diehard fan in 2006 with Volver, I’ve looked forward to each of his new releases with the giddy anticipation of a kid on Christmas morning.

La Piel Que Habito from 2011, was one of the finest of the year; his next film, naturally, shot up to the top of my list of most anticipated of 2013.

Los Amantes Pasajeros deals with the shenanigans of the passengers and crew of a flight from Spain to México, who face the loss of life or limb after some airport workers (Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz, in cameo roles) screw things up on land.

It’s a comedy.

While it’s not as good as Almodovar’s best, this piece of aeronautic fluff has Pedro’s name written all over it. Lots of sex, vibrant colors and a zany plot leave no doubt as to who’s the man responsible for telling this light, funny story.

What was that other Almodóvar staple? Oh right, a magnificent cast! Banderas, Cruz and Paz Vega make brief appearances and leave the spotlight for the lesser-known (but just as talented) actors, who all shine in their quirky roles, particularly Lola Dueñas, again stealing scenes just like she did in Volver and, of course, the trio of flamboyantly gay flight attendants (Areces, Cámara, Arévalo), who flawlessly lip-synch their way through The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m so Excited” in this trippy and bittersweet comedy on the clouds.

Thank you for flying with Committed to Celluloid!

Category : Film Reviews
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