Problemista

I'm not sure how this film hooked me but it did in the first 15 minutes. It has the wackiness of a "Joe vs the Volcano" (a film I adored) and the slight emotional tug of maybe "Harold and Maude". It feels like something bad could happen, like in real life, but still I'm rooting for the protagonist Alejandro's wild toy dreams to come true as well as rooting for him to (successfully) find his way through the immigration paperwork process.

And Tilda Swinton's character is swirling through life like a Tasmanian devil but I still liked her and, for some reason, wanted her to succeed as well.

It's not the kind of film that will make a top ten list but it is definitely one you'll want to watch more than once!

Really enjoyed this movie. It really takes a good look at life and shows how some aspects are so absurd if we really look at them. It had great humor and some really enjoyable moments between the characters. Actors and performances were really great too. There were a few scenes that I felt didn't work all that well and took me out of the story a bit, but overall is was really fun and I'm glad I was able to see it. Just funny and uplifting.. with personal challenges along the way. Visual style was unique and interesting. Did feel like a cable indie TV show sometimes.. but that worked with the style of the movie. I look forward to seeing more work from Julio Torres.

After losing his job, Alejandro must find a new employer to sponsor his visa. At the same time, he awaits his dream job, designing toys. With limited options, he freelances for a woman who is difficult with everyone and is trying to sell her frozen husband's paintings to fund his continued cryogenesis. Alejandro is willing to do anything to achieve his dream, even working for a "Karen."

This film has different themes, depending on which character you focus on. There are many cringy and frustrating parts, but the overall experience is satisfying. The film takes a unique approach to the complicated immigration system in America. The film also touches on the concept of being difficult or a "Karen," which is intriguing. This is an interesting watch if you are looking for something unique that touches on societal topics.

This quirky surrealist comedy starring the inimitable Tilda Swinton appeared in the on-board entertainment library on a recent ANA flight to the U. S. I'd heard of it the film, but never saw it on any streaming service so it slipped my mind. Even though I didn't take full advantage of the lie-flat bed for more than a few hours, I'm happy I watched this movie. It was totally enjoyable and wonderfully odd, about a toy designer and his struggle with U. S. visa issues. The creator and star, Julio Torres, is droll and funny and pairs perfectly with Tilda. Definitely add this to your list; it would make a fun Sunday matinee in your home theatre (which I'm certain is much better than a 12-hour flight across the globe).

Have you ever had to deal with the red tape involved in immigrating to another country? Was that other country the US? It clearly was for writer/director Julio Torres who details in fantastical fashion the bonkers policies we have in place for immigrants who, quote, follow the rules, unquote and try and make it in America.

But as a I say, this is a fantastical depiction so the narrative is not a straight forward story and really, why would you want that? Let's leave the hard hitting news piece with jokes stuff to John Oliver.

Problemista is the most creative and funny movie I've seen so far this year and I hope folks check it out. It's really good.