Hindsight. That blessed mind working away at things we may have done differently. It's the very thing that ends up becoming the experiences that become our lives. Making us who we are and "how" we are. But what happens if we're born with the experiences of the people before us? Or if we're reincarnated... if you will. Could that truly change our future selves for the better? Or make things worse? This idea has been played around with in movies for as long as I can remember. Maybe substitute one element for another, reincarnation for time travel. Past lives for just the past memories of others. Any way you slice it however, "The Second Life" is not unique in it's plot elements. Sure, it contains a twist or two, or a fresh element added into the mix... but it's still the same story. We've seen it before and we'll see it again. However, that doesn't make "The Second Life" from writers Machado de Assis and Pedro Pimentel any less engaging. Most stories are rehashed from previous ones, so it comes down to the execution. In many ways, this film is brilliant. Such as it's use of visuals, it's foreboding atmosphere and excellent musical scoring. Although becoming more commonly lately, the visual aspects of this film are truly great for a low budget indie. The look and sound alone is a major reason this film is as interesting as it is. It's alright to tell a tired, old story. So long as it's done right... and with a fresh flare. Pedro Pimentel manages to direct just such a film. One fresh enough to be interesting. But is it entertaining? It is... and it's not. The execution is a mixed bag. We'll get into that below but for the most part, "The Second Life" holds more than enough entertainment value to bring it hands and feet above so many other titles. Maybe not perfect, but it doesn't need or claim to be. This is a film that among other things, may get you wondering. About yourself, and possibly about "other things" in the universe. That my friends, is alright with little old me. The technical elements are where this title really shines. The atmosphere is dark and moody, and a lot of care has went into the filming and production itself. It shows. The transitions, as our leading character spins his tale are excellent. Probably some of the best I've seen in an indie film. Hell, probably better than a lot of highly budgeted studio productions. All this is nicely paced as the story progresses. Excellent. The acting itself... well, that's a little harder to write about. At times, the dialog delivery feels strained or even hollow. Only sometimes. Other times, it comes across as perfectly haunting. I couldn't really tell if it was the acting itself, or simply the written dialog that came across as awkward in places. No matter how you slice it however, things never got really bad. Never to the point you felt the need to groan, or fast forward. Just some odd moments in an otherwise good flick. When it's all said and done, "The Second Life" has a lot going for it. Some excellent camera work, a good take on an old idea, and some nice post work. All rolled into one. "The Second Life" is an easy winner in my books. Come for the scenery, stay for the entertainment. A good job all around to the cast and crew.
