Review of Little Ashes (2008) by Haze B — 15 May 2009

Little Ashes probably wouldn't have been picked up had Rob Pattinson not hit it big. But it's Javier Beltran who has the meatier role here and he is engagingly sympathetic as poet Frederico Garcia Lorca.

Pattinson (who filmed this before Twilight) does what he can with what little he's given and its doubtful his turn here will affect his rising star. Dali is a challenging role for such a young actor, and he is at times affecting (especially in certain scenes with Beltran with whom he shares solid on-screen chemistry) but it's more often underwhelming which I blame on the uninspired screenplay and direction.

There are some visually impressive shots, just not enough to make up for the lackluster storytelling.