BEST PICTURE OF 1980? (a small disclaimer...)

Ordinary People

***

Robert Redford’s grand opus entitled “Ordinary People” is about just that ordinary people. Which is why it was so remarkable that a film about really ordinary people could make such a significant impact when it was first released. Well I might have over exaggerated a bit. After all we are all a bit extraordinary. The story of the film revolves around a family who are suffering a tragic loss. After a freakish boating accident Buck Jarrett, brother of Conrad Jarrett and son of Calvin and Beth Jarrett passes away. The Jarrett’s each deal with the tragedy in their own way. Calvin attempts to remain upbeat; Beth bottles up her grief in order to save “face”. And Conrad who at first believes that it was his fault Buck died, attempts suicide, is placed in a facility and then is released supposedly after he has been “cured”. However Conrad still feels out of place and at the suggestion of his previous doctor is told to see therapist Tyrone Berger to help him readjust. Once he begins going to therapy he realizes that he was not really at fault at all, and that despite his parent’s efforts certain things cannot be dusted under the rug. The moving performances of Tim Hutton, as the troubled Conrad and Mary Tyler Moore as his cold-hearted mother Beth, gives the viewer a reason to forgive Redford’s passive direction. Though the film remains an ordinary one mainly due to Redford’s abilities as a director, the entire cast resuscitates a film that desperately needed CPR.

THE WILD AND CRAZY 80'S!

LADYHAWKE

**

The 1980’s were strange years. So it’s no surprise that a film like “Ladyhawke” was made during this era. Films such as “Ladyhawke” that deal with fantasy, love, playful mischief, and action were the norm during this decade. “Ladyhawke” tells the story of two lovers who have been cursed by a jealous Archbishop. But all that changes when a petty thief and a grief stricken priest help the two lovebirds (no pun intended) reverse the curse so that they could live in joyful bliss. Even though the film’s premise and screenplay are quite charming and well thought out, the film is full of clichés. The music is synthetic and cheesy, and the visual effects are archaic by today’s standard. Nonetheless the film still manages to amuse. Thanks to the cast consisting of Mathew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer (whatever happened to him?) who remain enthused throughout the entire film. Richard Donner who had directed the original ”Superman” film starring Marlon Brando, also sticks to his guns and wisely chooses not to over saturate the film with too many “special” effects. So if you don’t mind taking a trip back to the crazy 80’s this is the film for you.

I think I love this movie...

I Think I Love My Wife
***

I think that ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ has been berated long enough. This delightful comedy directed by and starring Chris Rock, does just what it intends to do, it entertains and amuses it’s audience. This is a story about a Richard Cooper played by Rock, who is contemplating cheating on his wife with a former acquaintance. Based on an older movie entitled ‘Chloe In the Afternoon’ Rock’s version lets married men around the world know that they are not alone when they consider stepping outside that marriage that seems to have lost that spark. Of course Rock’s comedic abilities allow us to laugh at the act of adultery, but he is very careful not to resort to slapstick. And for that he should be applauded. The cast lead by the charming Kerry Washington as Cooper’s old “friend” and Cooper’s scheming co-worker played by Steve Buscemi, turn in performances that are just right. Another reason why this film is a joy to watch is because it stays true to itself. Make no mistake about it this is a comedy. This film never attempts to explore guilt or adultery. Instead it presents these concepts in manner so that the audience could laugh at the people who think about committing adultery. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

The classic tale of a Fugitive...

I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG

*****

At times we as moviegoers tend to categorize films made before 1970 as dated. Most people cannot seem to appreciate or relate to these films. Certain movies however are truly ageless, 'I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' most certainly falls into that category. Director Mervyn LeRoy, must be given credit for truthfully visualising this tragic tale, however Paul Muni carries this film well into the next stratosophere. Muni skillfully portrays a man chasing his dreams during a time when others were living out their worst nightmares. However it seems that at every turn he is knocked down and given no other choice but to live his life as a hopeless vagabond. As far as the plot is concerned that is all that should be revealed to someone who hasn't actually seen the film. What can be revealed regarding the plot however is that it will remind avid movie fans that certain stories remain edgy, honest, and simply a joy to watch regardless of when they were made.

Things we found in the fire...

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE
***
One man struggles with an addiction. One woman struggles with reality. They both are in desperate need of somesort of relief. The film "Things We Lost in the Fire" tells the story of these two wayward people. Halle Berry stars as Audrey Burke, a woman who has recently lost her husband, the love of her life, and the father of her two children. The violent death of her husband portrayed by David Duchovny also adversely affects Benicio Del Toro's character Jerry Sunborne, a heroin addict who has no one to lean on now that his best friend has died. During his lifetime Duchovny's character had tried to convince his wife that Sunborne is a good man who got a bad break. Berry's character on the other hand believes her husband's childhood friend is a loser who is using her husband to get another fix. When Duchovny's character is brutally murdered, his wife slowly comes to the realization that Sunborne is the only man she could really lean on as the difficulties of raising two children on her own become too much to bear. Sunborne on the other hand needs a reason to remain sober. Yet what they don't know is that they still need time to acclimate to each other and life with out their closest companion. Berry and Del Toro both turn in sublime performances, the rest of the cast however are lost in the background. Unfortunately Director Susanne Bier fails to captivate her audience, yet she does earn an E for effort because she motivates her two stars and they do not let her down. In addition to that Duchovny's character does not seem to have any personality flaws, and that is why it is difficult to relate to him. The way he meets his death is also quite unbelievable, although not improbable. Nonetheless the film is quite endearing which is why it will have staying power.

Love, Lust, Caution

Lust, Caution
****

Director Ang Lee’s latest effort Lust, Caution is truly a visually seductive film. The film takes place during WWII when the Japanese occupied Shanghai. Tensions were high among the Chinese, who at that time were a divided nation. Those Chinese who were well off were recruited by the Japanese and placed in positions of power. Others were subjugated to Japanese rule. Lust, Caution introduces us to a group of drama students that join an underground network of Chinese nationalist spies who seek to eliminate the Chinese traitors who work for the Japanese. Among these spies is a young actress who uses her talent and her beauty to capture her audience. She is chosen by the other members of the resistance movement to infiltrate the residence of Mr. Yee, portrayed by Tony Leung. After being introduced to Yee and his wife, as the wife of a prominent Chinese exporter she prepares for the most demanding role of her young life: the mistress of the distrustful and very dangerous Mr. Yee. Without a doubt Lee exhibits all of the skills that earned him his Best director Oscar. His fluid camera movements accentuate the superb performances turned in by the entire cast especially by Leung and the newcomer Wei Tang, whose performance as his mistress, in this film is so captivating that it seems as though she were a much more seasoned performer. This is probably why she was chosen from among 10,000 other actors for the role. Excellant performances, passionate direction, and a story that truly seduces are just some of the reasons why this film should be considered one of the best foreign films of 2007.

The Good Movie...

The Good Shepherd
***1/2

The CIA is shrouded in mystery. We might be given snippets of information regarding this covert organization from time to time however we are never allowed to know exactly what it is that makes the CIA tick. This longing to better understand the CIA is one of the major reasons why legendary actor/director Robert DeNiro chose a CIA agent to be the main character of his second directorial effort "The Good Shepherd". Edward Wilson is that agent. He is your all American boy. He goes to Yale, he is highly literate, and oh so composed. It seems as though in another world he might have been your friendly neighborhood librarian. However despite his efforts to live the quiet life, deception, secrecy, and an obligation to serve his country envelop him. And no matter what happens, he cannot trust anybody even those that are closest to him. Matt Damon portrays Edward Wilson with great accuracy. His every movement is subtle and full of tension. The rest of the cast turn in adequate performances, with the exception of Eddie Redmayne who shines in the role of Damon's bewildered son Edward Jr. DeNiro is obviously not the same director he was when he first stepped behind the camera as to film "A Bronx Tale." He clearly seems comfortable with the material, and does an outstanding job of portraying the world of espionage as one that is quite unremarkable, dark and devious. He refused to give any of the antagonists or protagonists of the film any James Bond or Dr. No qualities. This is a covert organization run by men who tell lies and keep secrets. Not men who walk around in tuxedos or use highly technological weapons that belong in science fiction films. Perhaps that is also the reason why the film tends to lag at times. The action sequences are limited to a few acts of violence and a brief torture scene, however Eric Roth who wrote the screenplay might be the one to blame and not DeNiro. In closing this film would have been more entertaining if their had been more confrontations between the good shepherd and the big bad wolf and less conversations.

ya miss me?

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

***/5

Westerns have always been burdened. Any western worth watching has to walk a fine line. It cannot be too dramatic or else the audience members who came to see gun-slinging action will feel deprived. On the other hand if there is nothing but action then story itself is put on the back burner, and the audience will feel as though the film lacks substance. The goal here is to know when to be dramatic and when to draw your weapon if you will. “Unforgiven” despite being heavily dramatized seemed to achieve that balance. And in fact the film “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” looks eerily similar to the aforementioned “Unforgiven” as it attempts to achieve that very balance. The film however stops short and relies heavily on the dramatic events that took place in the last year Jesse James’s walked this earth.
As the film opens up we are introduced to Jesse and his older brother Frank and their newly assembled crew of has-beens and lowlifes. They are recruited to perform a train robbery, possibly the last one for Jesse and his brother. Among these “men” are Charley Ford and his brother Robert Ford, portrayed by Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck respectively. Charley is a sweet talking hillbilly who tries his best to avoid any sort of confrontation. His brother on the other hand is an overly confident loser with visions of grandeur who tries to make a name for himself as a member of Jesse’s gang. Frank James depicted in the film by Sam Shepard, automatically rejects Robert. It seems as though he can tell that Robert Ford should be avoided like the plague. Jesse on the other hand or Brad Pitt’s character seems attracted to Ford. The same way a celebrity would be attracted to their number one fan. Eventually Jesse and Robert Ford both come to the same conclusion: that a book should not be judged by its cover. Ford becomes disenchanted and realizes James is not the hero he thought he was. And James also comes to the conclusion that Ford is completely defective. It is Ford however who first takes action and only adds to the infamy of Jesse James by assuming the role of his “assassin”. Affleck is skillfully adapt at portraying a character that is a quite honestly a slime ball for the lack of a better term. Even his speech pattern is as repulsive to the ear as his appearance is to the eye. Pitt does an admirable job of portraying a legend that is at the end of his rope. He can trust no one and despite being a celebrity can hardly afford to let his true identity be known. The film is well thought out yet it lacks constancy. At times the story stalls and simply wallows, at other times thanks to the narration the story rolls right along. Overall the film does not disappoint. The acting is imposing and the dialogue has a truthful ring to it. The action nonetheless is much more mild mannered.

OSCAR WATCH

EASTERN PROMISES
****1/2 /5

Why do films about organized crime continue to intrigue the masses? Films describing gangsters and there way of life have been made over and over again so why would we think that one more film about the mob or gangsters is going to appeal to us? Well because every once in awhile a film like “Eastern Promises” reminds us just how enthralling the criminal world actually is. The tale of the film revolves around life in the Russian mob that operates out of England. Viggo Mortensen’s character Nikolai, is a “driver” and personal bodyguard, working for an influential Russian mafioso. The family is ruthless and yet they are very discreet, making sure every atrocity is neatly covered up. That is until a young prostitute dies during childbirth leaving behind a newborn daughter and her diary. A midwife depicted by Naomi Watts, bares witness to the birth of this child and the death of her mother, and seeks to find out who this prostitute was so that she could find a home for the child. Using the prostitute’s diary as a guide she finds out that her path leads her to Nikolai and his “family.” I refuse to divulge what happens next because that would be a great injustice to the person reading this review. What I am willing to say is that the film is refreshingly sharp and well developed. Director David Cronenberg does the audience a great favor and makes sure that he only filmed sequences that made sense, sequences that furthered the story. He never strays and remains true to the film’s basic premise rather than making just another gangster movie. Mortensen’s character is a stoic figure and throughout the film, Mortensen reminds us that even though Nikolai is involved with the underworld he never seems to relish his life of crime. If it weren’t for Daniel Day-Lewis and his performance in “There Will Be Blood” I would say that Mortensen should be awarded the Oscar for his vivid depiction. Lastly the film speaks about issues such as child prostitution and the rituals of the Russian mafia, issues that are overlooked in most films today. This makes watching the film that much more illuminating.

This 1 is for Heath!

1)I pray that Heath Rests In Peace
2)I pray that his family and love ones find some sort of peace during these dificult times
3)I pray that the media stops using his death as a get rich quick scheme
4)I like to thank Heath for all that he gave this world.
5)I like to point out that it was Heath's time to leave us, so let us remember him and thank God that he lived for as long as he did.

I did not know the man. And I was not very familiar with his work. But one thing I was aware of was his talent. So I will mourn for him. Having said that I present to you...

Monsters Ball
****/5

It’s truly a small world that we live in. Nowhere is this more evident than in the film “Monster’s Ball”. There are critics that would denounce this film’s story as being unrealistic. How could Hank Growtowski a racist corrections officer, supervise the execution of a black man, and then fall in love with that man’s widow? How could that same officer played by Billy Bob Thornton, hate his son so much that he would standby and watch as that son ended his life? Well to those critics I say only one thing: it might be unlikely, but it could very well happen. “Monster’s Ball” is a movie that truly pushes boundaries. It is a film that asks audiences to feel sympathy for characters that are a step above lowlifes. Yet when a cast gives performances that are so impassioned that we can feel empathy for the characters that they portray, and when writers and directors put their best foot forward as well they usually produce a film that has some sort of hold on us. “Monster’s Ball” is that film we just can’t seem to forget. We can’t forget Halle Berry’s character, the newly widowed Leticia Musgrove. Berry’s portrayal of an emotionally bankrupt woman who always seems to be teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown is disturbingly vivid yet graceful as well. Heath Ledger who plays Billy Bob Thornton’s son in the movie is not given much screen time, however he certainly leaves an indelible mark on the entire feature. As strange as it may seem “Monster’s Ball” leaves a similar type of imprint on all those who watch it. It is a small world after all.

THE TREASURE...

C THIS MOVIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE I WILL POINT OUT A MOVIE TO YOU THAT YOU SHOULD WATCH. FOR ALL THOSE WITH A NETFLIX OR BLOCKBUSTER ACCOUNT, CHECK IT OUT...

THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE
*****/5
When John Huston and his father Walter Huston, chose to collaborate on the film “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” there is no way they could have possibly envisioned the heights this film would ascend to. Although it was no box office smash when it was first released, this film has gone down in history as a truly honest and compelling film. The story of the film is very simple. Three men go to mine for gold and all goes according to plan. But once greed rears its ugly head, their dreams of wealth and a life of ease turn into nightmares. Although the script was cleverly written, the script is not what makes this a stupendous film. The cast of the film consisting of Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt combined with the John Huston’s bold direction made the film what it is. Director John Huston was rightfully awarded an Oscar for his direction here. Not only did he illicit moving performances from his cast, he efficiently made gold mining appear to be the arduous and harrowing task it is, while capturing the beauty of the Mexican landscape. His father Walter Huston was also awarded an Oscar for his portrayal of a wily old man who always seems to roll with the punches. The one cast member who was erroneously looked over by the Academy was Bogart. Despite turning one of the finest performances of his career, as well as one of the finest in the history of cinema, he was not even nominated. As if that were not bad enough, “Hamlet” was chosen as the Best Picture over “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”. Which as we all know now, as another monumental blunder on the part of the Academy. Unfortunately we can’t always recognize fools gold when we see it.

CHANGE O PACE

BELOW I ADD A VIDEO OF MY OTHER PAST TIME...ENJOY!

241 the sequel

THERE WILL BE BLOOD

*****/5

Oil was is and will always be a tremendous resource. Ever since the first oil well was discovered men have desired to possess this resource in order to build their fortune. “There Will Be Blood” tells the tale of such a man. Daniel Plainview portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, is a determined oil aficionado with an indomitable spirit. He uses his abilities to discover oil and then convince people to sell them their land so that he can dig for that oil. During his quest for oil he meets a young evangelist named Eli Sunday depicted by Paul Dano, whose search for salvation irritates Plainview so much that he begins to lose sight of what actually matters in life. Despite Sunday’s constant interruptions Plainview stays focused on his goal and acquires great wealth. But then again what good is wealth if you have no one to share it with? This film can only be described as majestic. Paul Thomas Anderson and cinematographer Robert Elswit incorporate the very essence of oil and its destructive nature, into every frame of the film. Anderson’s direction in particular inspired the cast to give awe-inspiring performances. For example Paul Dano squirms and smiles and speaks softly and simply transforms into the venal, young Eli Sunday. Finally one cannot watch this movie and not be astonished by the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis. For most of the time that he’s on screen the viewer is actually looking at Daniel Plainview. Daniel Day-Lewis is nowhere to be found. His peers around the world should applaud him for his performance here. The film “There Will Be Blood” is not a movie that you enjoy. It is a film that you absorb. It enters your bloodstream and much like oil itself you realize that you can’t function without it.

HAIRSPRAY

***1/2 /5

Musicals are usually simple stories that are told by directors posing as choreographers, actors who are better singers, combined with some catchy music. Then of course every once in awhile out of nowhere a musical goes where no other musicals have gone before. “Hairspray” is that musical. The movie introduces us to an obscure chubby teenager with big dreams named Tracy Turnblad depicted by memorably by newcomer Nikki Blonsky. Apparently she thinks she has what it takes to appear on her favorite TV show aptly titled the “Corny Collins Show.” Her desire to be apart of the show however opens her eyes to the harsh reality of racism that afflicted this nation in the 1960’s. She then courageously takes it upon herself to make a change and integrate the show she loves so much. The cast of the film, including John Travolta as Tracy’s overweight self-conscious mother, Christopher Walken as Mr. Turnblad and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle enthusiastically carry the film and get some help along the way from the younger equally excited cast. The songs are memorable; the choreography is impeccable, so true fans of musicals will not be disappointed. But most importantly the story is not superficial. Which is why this movie is not your run of the mill musical.

Anotheryearanothereviewforuenjoy!

Happy New Year ya'll! Lets get into it!

The Great Debaters

*****/5

Power. Inspiration. Knowledge. These are only some of the words that could be used to summarize what “The Great Debaters” is all about. Denzel Washington should be applauded for his characterization of Mel Tolson, an educator, poet, and social activist who is put in charge of the small town Wiley College debate team. He chooses 4 standouts out of a pool of 40 or more to represent the team, and it was safe to say that he chose wisely. Although they humiliate most of their competition, Mr. Tolson’s extracurricular activities and the infidelities of certain members of the team threatens to disband the group. Nonetheless colleges everywhere have acknowledged their success and invite them to compete. One of these colleges just so happens to be Harvard. From the very first frame up until the time that the credits are shown, the film does not skip a beat. Details regarding the south and the Jim Crow laws that dehumanized the people of color are always in your face, but not for you to feel pity. The story clearly shows that people of color at that time were very intelligent and well read and not just a population of sharecroppers. So the question is this: How can Jim Crow and knowledge coexist? That is what the great debate is all about. This film is arguably the greatest film 2007 had to offer because it arouses the mind while stirring the spirit. You think about the topics that are debated and you don’t even realize it, because you are enthralled by what you see on the screen. Washington’s direction is immaculate. He takes a cast of well-respected thespians including Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, and elicits performances from them that are jaw dropping. The fact that this is only the second feature he has ever directed proves that he has promising future behind the camera. And that is one topic not up for debate.