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Russian Theatrical Review

RayP63 | New York | 03/05/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"`CINEMA RUSSIA' Review, St. Petersburg - "EXCELLENT CHILL"

Translated from the magazine Cinema-Russia



'The talented screenwriter and director Chris Solimine is the most interesting filmmaker to emerge from what we like to call the "Konchalovsky School" of Cinema in Russia. Though an American, with 'Moscow Chill' Solimine has made a film that is not loaded with Western banality, but filled with Russian color and flavor...



Like Andron Konchalovsky, Mr. Solimine takes the time in his visual approach to include interesting details, draw his characters well, and take us on a journey with his American protagonist...There are several twists to the plot about a Computer hacker (Norman Reedus) brought to Moscow, which keep the viewer guessing...



You certainly will not regret going to see 'Moscow Chill'. It is a work that is sometimes tough, sometimes brutal, but always touching and sincere. In this cold winter it is like a warm, refreshing sip of good cinema.'"

Tatler Review by Julian Ayers

Shattered Glass | Los Angeles, CA | 03/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As far as low-budget films go, "Moscow Chill", is a stunner.Hollywood should sit up and take notice - for a cool mil, the producers have turned out a delightful movie.But, a lot of the credit goes to the charismatic young lead star, Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints fame).Actually, there are three stars in this production - shot mostly on location in Russia - Reedus, the cinematographer, and a Circus Bear.

The scenes are breathtaking; each frame, artfully painted with a lush palette - at times rich - but gritty, down 'n dirty, when needed to be.There was a lot of thoughtful attention to visual detail which impressed me thoroughly, as well, in spite of the fact I am a tough critic!And, the set-ups were outstanding; no pedestrian shots here. In fact, I was constantly amazed at their variety, as scenes flowed from one to the next.Solimine has a keen eye, is quite talented, and shows a lot of potential ripe with possibilities.

Also, Norman Reedus gives a stand-out performance...tough, yet vulnerable...his characterization resonates in every fibre of his being. He's a captivating screen presence, waiting to bust out. This kid is going places!

The idea for "Moscow Chill" is charming and believable, too.An altruistic computer whiz uncovers the tale of Prometheus - a Titan known for his wily intelligence, who stole fire from Zeus - and gave it to mortals for their use.On the heels of this history lesson, the young lad decides to become a modern-day version of the Ancient Greek - along the lines of Robin Hood - with the ultimate aim of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.In a side-splitting scene, we first encounter the naive lad manipulating keys on a computer in the back of a taxi, which - in turn - causes scads of bills to fly out this way 'n that...from local ATM machines around the city...much to the delight of startled passers-by.Unfortunately, the Reedus character gets caught. However, his unique skills do not escape the attention of a master criminal overseas, who hatches a plot to rescue the fresh felon, with the express intention of corralling his hacking skills.In a nutshell, it's an embezzlement scam on a grand scale.

But, there is a lot of mayhem along the way; and, it's spiked with a nasty shoot up or two here and there, a dash of of-the-wall humor, and an ironic twist or two, when least expected.Nothing earth-shattering, or original. But, "Moscow Chill" does have a heart, even if it beats to a different drummer.

"

Unexpectedly good!

Julie W. Brown | Starkville, MS United States | 06/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My husband sometimes picks some really loosers to watch, so when I saw that he had rented Moscow Chill, and I didn't recognize any of the names of the actors, I rolled my eyes. Once the movie started, I was a bit skeptical, but before I knew it, I was caught up in the story. The acting is good and since I didn't know any of them from previous movies, I didn't have any expectations and was never sure who was good, bad, or going to get killed! Also, the music was great! The movie scenes in Moscow and Russia were beautiful. All and all, I recommend the movie - it has a good plot, likeable characters, and is very enjoyable."

Worth Checking Out

Cat | USA | 03/29/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Moscow Chill ranks high in my personal list of favorite independent films. It has a wonderful blend of action, comedy, drama, and a touch of romance.The characters were well developed, likable and very well acted. Another thing I took notice in this film and in all films is the music. I believe music plays one of the most significant rolls in a film and I really enjoyed the selection for Moscow Chill."