Topping any week, in fact, topping the year in films, is the impressively entertaining political thriller called ARGO. Based on a true story (but I'm sure gussied up to entertain even more--see final sequence at the airport for that "yeah, sure" moment) ARGO tells of the heroic efforts of the Canadians and the CIA to rescue a group of American embassy workers who slipped out the back door when Iranian mobs stormed the US Embassy and held over 50 hostages for over 400 days back in 1979. Ben Affleck stars and (directs) as a CIA operative who pretends to be a film maker who wants to direct a science fiction movie in an exotic local, so he comes into Iran and instructs the embassy workers how to pretend to be the producer, writer, photographer, etc, and then hopes to fly them back home in plain sight. The film is suspenseful and funny, and impossible not to like, especially with Alan Arkin and John Goodman chewing the scenery as the Hollywood types trying to set up the "best worst idea" possible. Definitely one of the top films of the year so far. GRADE--------A
Based on a popular best seller (which I have not read) THE PERKS OF BEING A WALL FLOWER is one of those lovely little films, falsely advertised as a charming teen coming of age comedy. The good news is that it is sincerely subtle and genuinely perceptive in telling quite dramatically the story of three best friends--all social outcasts in high school, who band together with a few others for a tender and surprisingly emotional year of self discovery. The film veers into a completely different story line as it proceeds, helping to illuminate the false starts and missteps that many high schooler may experience. I was surprised and very moved by these revelations. PERKS belied and completely exceeded my expectations. GRADE------A-
Ambitious and epic, sprawling and fascinating, CLOUD ATLAS is a great science fiction film that works on several levels. Intermixing a half dozen different plots set in different centuries (and worlds) and featuring a large, talented cast, each of who portray several different characters through out history, CLOUD ATLAS intrigues, mystifies and thrills, sometimes all in the same scene. If nothing else, it is fun to watch as Tom Hanks plays a physical "neanderthal" type, a nuclear scientist, a sea captain, a nasty slave owner and several other parts, and Halle Barry portrays an Asian man, an investigative reporter, a futuristic space traveler, and a Victorian "lady", among other parts. Hugo Weaving also gets a number of juicy characters (including a prison matron) as do Ben Whishaw, Jim Sturgess, and the amazing Jim Broadbent. The many different sets and costumes are vivid and unique, and if the film doesn't exactly answer the question of how "we are all connected" it is still a courageous and challenging work of cinematic artistry. GRADE------A-
The modest but entertaining filmed in Seattle low budget movie THE DETAILS isn't quite a farce or a comedy, although there are many odd and humorous things that occur. When the young couple living in the suburbs try to get rid of the pesky raccoons that are camping out in their back yard, they accidentally kill the neighbors cat, which leads the kind but immoral doctor to more lies, infidelity and ----murder. It's a disturbing film, but the cast--Tobey Macguire, Elizabeth Banks, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Liotta, and especially Laura Linney, are all quite effective (in good and bad ways) and make THE DETAILS something special. GRADE--------B
The Swedish film SIMON & THE OAKS is a good looking melodrama set during WWII that has a Christian boy befriending a Jewish boy, whose family is being persecuted. Because the Jewish boy's mother is mentally unstable, the Christian family raise the child, while their son becomes fascinated by the musically cultured world of the Jewish father. The film covers many years, and wanders a bit, and needs some dramatic oomph towards the end, but it is mostly intriguing and well worth watching. GRADE----B
Played as straight forward action, TAKEN 2 is not too bad, but suffers from those having seen and liked the original TAKEN. Again, Liam Neeson is the killing machine--in the first film he mows down dozens of Albanians who have stolen his daughter into the European sex trade industry. In the follow up, the patriarch of a kidnapper, from the first film who doesn't seem to acknowledge that the reason his son and all his friends were killed was because they were CRIMINALS!---he wants revenge, so he kidnaps and intends to kill Liam and his wife when they return to Europe. This time the daughter gets to help the father, and after dozens of deaths......(SPOILER ALERT!!!) all ends well. Except for the headache the viewer will have due to the pointless hand held jerky camera that is annoying and a cheat when it comes to action scenes, since you can't tell what is happening with the camera swirling all over the place. GRADE--------C
DVD CHOICES---------------------------
In anticipation of Christmas Day when the musical version of Victor Hugo's classic novel LES MISERABLES opens with Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried, I watched with interest the earlier version of LES MISERABLES (1998) which featured Liam Neeson, Uma Thurman, Geoffrey Rush and Claire Danes. The plot is all there, but I kept wanting to hear that glorious music. As much as I like Claire Danes, she seemed rather miscast--perhaps a bit too old and mature for the part, and the film lacks urgency and style. Still, it was OK. GRADE------B-
In the opening minutes of MARY REILLY (1996) I thought this was going to be another UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS from the servants point of view. Mary Reilly, played with restraint and a roving Irish accent by Julia Roberts turns out to be a domestic in the home of a Dr. Jekyll, who we soon learn will be "entertaining" his friend, a Mr. Hyde. Stephen Frears directed this curious tale--it is indeed told from Mary's point of view, but the action is rather staid when it should be thrilling. Glenn Close has fun with a brief role as the local "butch" Madame of a house of prostitution, but Roberts nearly disappears into the set design, and I kept thinking that Jekyll and Hyde looked an awful lot alike, but nobody else seemed to notice. It looks good and has some moments. GRADE------C+
Friday, November 9, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
THE MASTER, DIANA FREELAND: the EYE HAS TO TRAVEL, HERE COMES THE BOOM, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, plus VIFF & SLGFF samplings
I've seen over 20 films in the last two weeks, so it's been cinematic overload. I'll just mention the Film Festival offerings from Vancouver and Seattle Lesbian and Gay festivals towards the end. More thoughts will be offered when those films actually have a release--most all were strong enough to get released. So here goes.
My favorite of the openings this past week is the fascinating, stylish documentary on the life of fashion icon DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL which I saw at SIFF in June. Her daughter Lisa Immordino Vreeland produced, directed and wrote this film, and obviously had access to an amazing array of models, actors, fashionistas, and assorted industry types, as well as a wealth of video and pictures with which to illuminate Diana's life and times. I was engaged and transfixed and very entertained. As PROJECT RUNWAY's Tim Gunn would say, she really "made it work" for herself, and deserves the iconic status she enjoys today. GRADE--------A-
It's been nearly 3 weeks since I viewed THE MASTER. It hasn't stuck with me like I thought it might. Well acted by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, and a large cast, it tells the rather crude and simplistic story of a young shiftless Navy veteran who becomes depressed and a drunkard after WWII, and finds himself fascinated by the leader of a new religious sect/cult. (Reports that this is based on the start of Scientology are left unsubstantiated.) Hoffman plays the leader in broad fatherly strokes--it's easy to see why the desperate Phoenix wants to follow him. The film is leisurely told, as it follows the new group around the country on talks and road shows. Because of his violent behavior, the Phoenix character makes it hard to assimilate into the group--he seems most resistant to the indoctrinations and philosophies that are espoused. The film doesn't have too much else to say. The photography is good, although why it was filmed and screened in a few theatres (including Seattle's Cinerama) in 70 MM remains a mystery. I saw it in 35 MM and that seemed just fine for the rather intimate character study that it seems to be. I admired the film more than liked it. It would have been nice to like some of the characters, but the film takes a distant, cold, nihilistic stance towards it's characters and subject matter. GRADE--------B-
Some humanistic feeling is sorely needed in the passionate and cerebral documentary film about the AIDS crisis that started in the 1980's, and how difficult it was for protesters to get the governments attention on matters about this plague. HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE suffers from too many talking heads and political posturing, when it might have benefited from more personal stories (from AIDS patients). Still, the found documentary footage is impressive, and the film lays out a time line that shockingly shows how resistant politicians and the public were to this disease. It's not the easiest film to watch, but certainly an important one. GRADE---------B-
HERE COMES THE BOOM is certainly easy to watch, but the highly improbable plot keeps getting in the way. Slightly reminiscent of the recent WON'T BACK DOWN, the story deals with a school that is losing so much money that it must cut the arts and music programs. Kevin James (TV's KING OF QUEENS) stars as a bad teacher (always late, and downright lazy in the first few scenes) who suddenly finds himself trying to raise money to keep the arts and music programs in the curriculum. He decides that since he was a wrestler in collage, he could become (at age 51!) a mixed martial arts player, since even the losers make big bucks. He's conveniently single, and is desperately trying to date fellow co-worker Salma Hayek, also conveniently single. There's just too many coincidences to make this worth more than an average film, in spite of some good laughs and some charming characters. GRADE------C+
If you are reading this, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. The new version of WUTHERING HEIGHTS is a very unpleasant film to watch. Filmed with that aggressively hand held jerky camera that had my head aching, and lit only with natural light (sometimes only candlelight or fireplace) that frequently made it impossible to see who was even in the room, the film rubbed me wrong from beginning to end. The director Andrea Arnold made one of my favorite films in 2005, the provocative thriller RED ROAD. I didn't object to the fact that she makes Heathcliff a black man here, even though he is treated more like a slave than hired help, but the film was so relentlessly hard to watch and to listen to (the actors mumbled their lines, and often it felt improvised to weak effect,) and the costumes were dirty, grimy, mud covered (as were the faces most of the time.) I'm not saying that WH has to be romanticized bliss, but I really object to watching an experimental version that is nearly impossible to watch and "get into." If I had been sitting on or near the aisle, I would have fled the theater after 15 minutes. Instead, I suffered for 90 minutes. GRADE------D
________________________
Vancouver International Film Festival notes
That darn Justin Bieber and his entourage bus at the border made me 45 minutes late getting into Vancouver on Wednesday morning (I took the BoltBus--only $11!!!), but I still managed to catch I, ANNA, a British low key thriller about an aging detective becoming romantically attracted to his prime suspect, Charlotte Rampling. Then, from France and Japan, a film called LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE about a young college student/prostitute who becomes involved with an elderly professor, but the film casts an eerie, almost comical spell. I ended the night with the Polish film screened a SIFF, which I'd missed last June, called ROSE. Set in WWII, the drama tells of the suffering, rape and injustices that fall on the title character, as she tries to recover from past horrific experiences. I was really exhausted after that so I went to bed. These films were rated by me B-, B+, and B+ respectively.
On Thursday morning I was ready to go. I started early (1015am) with a rather dull Chinese film called BEIJING FLICKERS about a group of immature 20 somethings trying to grow up. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER was a low budget Canadian film with a surprisingly good script and actors--the lead also wrote and directed. She is the irresponsible sister who can't get into a good relationship--she always picks losers. Her sister is getting married, and in spite of some cliches, the blend of comedy and drama works well. The Czech sex comedy by Jan Hrebejk was next, and it was a cheerful sex positive charmer called THE HOLY QUATERNITY about two families that are best friends. When the parents go on a warm weather vacation together, well, think about a more progressive BOB AND CAROL AND TED AND ALICE........It's a big crowd pleaser, and really funny stuff. On the opposite end was OUR CHILDREN (Belgium/France) a grim, serious, stunning film about a young wife who struggles to raise four children (in rapid progression) while struggling with depression. The first scene lets you know the ending, but it is still a powerful experience. Finally from Germany, HOME FOR THE WEEKEND has mother telling her family she will no longer be taking her mental health drugs, and the adult family has various reactions. It slowly grew on me, and there are some startling disclosures by the end. Then to bed. These films were rated by me C, B, A-, B+ and B respectively.
Friday morning I started off with a French documentary called THE INVISIBLE ONES about older gay and lesbian couples (mostly) who all became farmers in the south of France. It was very well done, with lots of video, pictures, back stories and humor, showing how they made a family of their own over the years while growing up in a repressive society. Next was a strong, if minor, character study staring Melissa Leo called FRANCINE. She has just gotten out of prison, and must adjust to civilian life, but as the short film (75minutes) progresses, one becomes doubtful she will make it.
The gripping French film REBELLION by Mathieu Kassovitz dramatizes the 1988 attempt of some "rebels" to free New Caledonia from French rule--this occurring just weeks before the big French elections. I made time for supper with Toni and Kathleen, then went off for the Mexican film AQUI Y ALLA, which has a man coming home from being in NYC for several years of work to find his family treating him a bit like a stranger. He has to warm them up before heading back to the US for more work.
Rated A-, B, B, and B-.
On Saturday several film were repeated so I got a chance to view them. NUALA is an Irish documentary about writer Nuala O'Faolain, who came from a very impoverish, abusive household to become a brilliant and successful author. The film was informative and engrossing, although I felt too much time (over 20 minutes) towards the end dealt with her death by cancer. Also saw THE IRAN JOB, a documentary from Iran/USA about American basketball player Kevin Sheppard who can't get into the NBA, so takes a job playing basketball and training a struggling team for Shiraz in Iran. The film works well as a fish out of water story, a sports come from behind thriller, and a strong human interest drama. Rated B+ and A- respectively. All in all, a pretty good 4 days of international film. Watch for these films this winter and spring, and by next summer on DVD.
The SEATTLE LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL had already started when I got back to town, but I managed to see a few selections. On Monday night I saw YOSSI, a sequel of sorts to the Eytan Fox film YOSSI & JAGGER (2003) which is a well loved film about two men in service who fall in love, but must keep it a secret. That film is a love-story-tragedy. Even though it had been quite a while since I'd seen Y&J, it doesn't really matter, because YOSSI picks up 10 years later with the surviving man now a workaholic heart specialist at a hospital, still deeply closeted and repressed. When Jagger's mother comes to him for a test, it triggers unresolved feelings, and a forced vacation makes him try to open up. It's a small but lovely film. Several of my favorite films over the years were directed by the Isreali Eytan Fox, including WALK ON WATER (2004) and THE BUBBLE (2006). On Saturday I saw the gripping documentary MOHAMMED TO MAYA about a conservative Islamic man who transgenders into a woman, against his/her family's values and basically alone except for a friend who films the procedings. It was an intimately shocking and heartbreaking experience to watch. Then came the low budget (7,000 dollars!!!) film THE FALLS about two very serious male Mormon missionaries who discover love with each other while on their mission work. After a slow and leisurely beginning, the film becomes more humorous and rather effective. It is certainly a topical film and looked like a million dollars. My favorite movie was a filmed British dance version of SWAN LAKE (in 3D!) I'm no fan of 3D, and I wish it had not been used for this film (it gives me eye strain and sometimes a headache), but the music was glorious, the costumes and choreography were fascinating and the entire production had the audience cheering after nearly every scene. The film reminded me of the recent PINA--it was clear and personal. The gender changes (the park sequences are danced by male swans, and the prince is obsessed with the lead swan, so the dance takes on --without a hint of camp--a very masculine feel. The homoerotic theme is fascinatingly woven into this tragic but superior production. GRADES------A-, B-, B-, and A
My favorite of the openings this past week is the fascinating, stylish documentary on the life of fashion icon DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL which I saw at SIFF in June. Her daughter Lisa Immordino Vreeland produced, directed and wrote this film, and obviously had access to an amazing array of models, actors, fashionistas, and assorted industry types, as well as a wealth of video and pictures with which to illuminate Diana's life and times. I was engaged and transfixed and very entertained. As PROJECT RUNWAY's Tim Gunn would say, she really "made it work" for herself, and deserves the iconic status she enjoys today. GRADE--------A-
It's been nearly 3 weeks since I viewed THE MASTER. It hasn't stuck with me like I thought it might. Well acted by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, and a large cast, it tells the rather crude and simplistic story of a young shiftless Navy veteran who becomes depressed and a drunkard after WWII, and finds himself fascinated by the leader of a new religious sect/cult. (Reports that this is based on the start of Scientology are left unsubstantiated.) Hoffman plays the leader in broad fatherly strokes--it's easy to see why the desperate Phoenix wants to follow him. The film is leisurely told, as it follows the new group around the country on talks and road shows. Because of his violent behavior, the Phoenix character makes it hard to assimilate into the group--he seems most resistant to the indoctrinations and philosophies that are espoused. The film doesn't have too much else to say. The photography is good, although why it was filmed and screened in a few theatres (including Seattle's Cinerama) in 70 MM remains a mystery. I saw it in 35 MM and that seemed just fine for the rather intimate character study that it seems to be. I admired the film more than liked it. It would have been nice to like some of the characters, but the film takes a distant, cold, nihilistic stance towards it's characters and subject matter. GRADE--------B-
Some humanistic feeling is sorely needed in the passionate and cerebral documentary film about the AIDS crisis that started in the 1980's, and how difficult it was for protesters to get the governments attention on matters about this plague. HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE suffers from too many talking heads and political posturing, when it might have benefited from more personal stories (from AIDS patients). Still, the found documentary footage is impressive, and the film lays out a time line that shockingly shows how resistant politicians and the public were to this disease. It's not the easiest film to watch, but certainly an important one. GRADE---------B-
HERE COMES THE BOOM is certainly easy to watch, but the highly improbable plot keeps getting in the way. Slightly reminiscent of the recent WON'T BACK DOWN, the story deals with a school that is losing so much money that it must cut the arts and music programs. Kevin James (TV's KING OF QUEENS) stars as a bad teacher (always late, and downright lazy in the first few scenes) who suddenly finds himself trying to raise money to keep the arts and music programs in the curriculum. He decides that since he was a wrestler in collage, he could become (at age 51!) a mixed martial arts player, since even the losers make big bucks. He's conveniently single, and is desperately trying to date fellow co-worker Salma Hayek, also conveniently single. There's just too many coincidences to make this worth more than an average film, in spite of some good laughs and some charming characters. GRADE------C+
If you are reading this, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. The new version of WUTHERING HEIGHTS is a very unpleasant film to watch. Filmed with that aggressively hand held jerky camera that had my head aching, and lit only with natural light (sometimes only candlelight or fireplace) that frequently made it impossible to see who was even in the room, the film rubbed me wrong from beginning to end. The director Andrea Arnold made one of my favorite films in 2005, the provocative thriller RED ROAD. I didn't object to the fact that she makes Heathcliff a black man here, even though he is treated more like a slave than hired help, but the film was so relentlessly hard to watch and to listen to (the actors mumbled their lines, and often it felt improvised to weak effect,) and the costumes were dirty, grimy, mud covered (as were the faces most of the time.) I'm not saying that WH has to be romanticized bliss, but I really object to watching an experimental version that is nearly impossible to watch and "get into." If I had been sitting on or near the aisle, I would have fled the theater after 15 minutes. Instead, I suffered for 90 minutes. GRADE------D
________________________
Vancouver International Film Festival notes
That darn Justin Bieber and his entourage bus at the border made me 45 minutes late getting into Vancouver on Wednesday morning (I took the BoltBus--only $11!!!), but I still managed to catch I, ANNA, a British low key thriller about an aging detective becoming romantically attracted to his prime suspect, Charlotte Rampling. Then, from France and Japan, a film called LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE about a young college student/prostitute who becomes involved with an elderly professor, but the film casts an eerie, almost comical spell. I ended the night with the Polish film screened a SIFF, which I'd missed last June, called ROSE. Set in WWII, the drama tells of the suffering, rape and injustices that fall on the title character, as she tries to recover from past horrific experiences. I was really exhausted after that so I went to bed. These films were rated by me B-, B+, and B+ respectively.
On Thursday morning I was ready to go. I started early (1015am) with a rather dull Chinese film called BEIJING FLICKERS about a group of immature 20 somethings trying to grow up. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER was a low budget Canadian film with a surprisingly good script and actors--the lead also wrote and directed. She is the irresponsible sister who can't get into a good relationship--she always picks losers. Her sister is getting married, and in spite of some cliches, the blend of comedy and drama works well. The Czech sex comedy by Jan Hrebejk was next, and it was a cheerful sex positive charmer called THE HOLY QUATERNITY about two families that are best friends. When the parents go on a warm weather vacation together, well, think about a more progressive BOB AND CAROL AND TED AND ALICE........It's a big crowd pleaser, and really funny stuff. On the opposite end was OUR CHILDREN (Belgium/France) a grim, serious, stunning film about a young wife who struggles to raise four children (in rapid progression) while struggling with depression. The first scene lets you know the ending, but it is still a powerful experience. Finally from Germany, HOME FOR THE WEEKEND has mother telling her family she will no longer be taking her mental health drugs, and the adult family has various reactions. It slowly grew on me, and there are some startling disclosures by the end. Then to bed. These films were rated by me C, B, A-, B+ and B respectively.
Friday morning I started off with a French documentary called THE INVISIBLE ONES about older gay and lesbian couples (mostly) who all became farmers in the south of France. It was very well done, with lots of video, pictures, back stories and humor, showing how they made a family of their own over the years while growing up in a repressive society. Next was a strong, if minor, character study staring Melissa Leo called FRANCINE. She has just gotten out of prison, and must adjust to civilian life, but as the short film (75minutes) progresses, one becomes doubtful she will make it.
The gripping French film REBELLION by Mathieu Kassovitz dramatizes the 1988 attempt of some "rebels" to free New Caledonia from French rule--this occurring just weeks before the big French elections. I made time for supper with Toni and Kathleen, then went off for the Mexican film AQUI Y ALLA, which has a man coming home from being in NYC for several years of work to find his family treating him a bit like a stranger. He has to warm them up before heading back to the US for more work.
Rated A-, B, B, and B-.
On Saturday several film were repeated so I got a chance to view them. NUALA is an Irish documentary about writer Nuala O'Faolain, who came from a very impoverish, abusive household to become a brilliant and successful author. The film was informative and engrossing, although I felt too much time (over 20 minutes) towards the end dealt with her death by cancer. Also saw THE IRAN JOB, a documentary from Iran/USA about American basketball player Kevin Sheppard who can't get into the NBA, so takes a job playing basketball and training a struggling team for Shiraz in Iran. The film works well as a fish out of water story, a sports come from behind thriller, and a strong human interest drama. Rated B+ and A- respectively. All in all, a pretty good 4 days of international film. Watch for these films this winter and spring, and by next summer on DVD.
The SEATTLE LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL had already started when I got back to town, but I managed to see a few selections. On Monday night I saw YOSSI, a sequel of sorts to the Eytan Fox film YOSSI & JAGGER (2003) which is a well loved film about two men in service who fall in love, but must keep it a secret. That film is a love-story-tragedy. Even though it had been quite a while since I'd seen Y&J, it doesn't really matter, because YOSSI picks up 10 years later with the surviving man now a workaholic heart specialist at a hospital, still deeply closeted and repressed. When Jagger's mother comes to him for a test, it triggers unresolved feelings, and a forced vacation makes him try to open up. It's a small but lovely film. Several of my favorite films over the years were directed by the Isreali Eytan Fox, including WALK ON WATER (2004) and THE BUBBLE (2006). On Saturday I saw the gripping documentary MOHAMMED TO MAYA about a conservative Islamic man who transgenders into a woman, against his/her family's values and basically alone except for a friend who films the procedings. It was an intimately shocking and heartbreaking experience to watch. Then came the low budget (7,000 dollars!!!) film THE FALLS about two very serious male Mormon missionaries who discover love with each other while on their mission work. After a slow and leisurely beginning, the film becomes more humorous and rather effective. It is certainly a topical film and looked like a million dollars. My favorite movie was a filmed British dance version of SWAN LAKE (in 3D!) I'm no fan of 3D, and I wish it had not been used for this film (it gives me eye strain and sometimes a headache), but the music was glorious, the costumes and choreography were fascinating and the entire production had the audience cheering after nearly every scene. The film reminded me of the recent PINA--it was clear and personal. The gender changes (the park sequences are danced by male swans, and the prince is obsessed with the lead swan, so the dance takes on --without a hint of camp--a very masculine feel. The homoerotic theme is fascinatingly woven into this tragic but superior production. GRADES------A-, B-, B-, and A
Monday, October 8, 2012
KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, ARMITRAGE, LOOPER, PLUS ANNA KARENINA (1948), Single Man, The Help, Streisand's All Night Long, Hitchcock's Suspicion
It's not Classic Romantic Tragedy like BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, nor nearly as slickly photographed and scored and directed or acted, but the new film KEEP THE LIGHTS ON about a decades long gay love affair between two New Yorkers is quite auspicious, affecting and moving in it's own way. It certainly beats BROKEBACK for realism and gritty truth telling, and therefore splits the audience due to some very grim and serious scenes which include drug addiction and sex. Both men are successful in business, but one has a persistent drug problem that constantly nags at their relationship. There is no happy, pat ending here, but the filmmaker has captured the truth of urban lovers struggling to stay together when uncontrollable forces pry them apart. It's a clear eyed look at queer love and life, not romanticized or presented as a sit-com, and for that, I've very grateful. GRADE------B+
At last, a futuristic science fiction action film that stays consistent to the boundaries and parameters it sets up initially. There's also some great suspense scenes and a style that keeps you intrigued. Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt play the same character, and they do that convincingly. Gordon-Levitt is a LOOPER, a man who kills criminals who are sent back in time for him to murder and dispose of, since in the future, it is impossible to dispose of bodies. (!!!????) One day his own more mature self (Willis) is sent back to be murdered, setting into motion a plot that twists your mind at the possibilities. It's a clever, complicated premise, but entertaining to watch. GRADE------B+
The definition of ARBITRAGE says "the possibility of a risk free profit at zero cost." It's a term used in financial dealings, and the outline of the plot in this Richard Gere film has you believing that this is a financial thriller about hedge fund bankers at their worst. Fortunately, the film includes moral issues other than financial, and the main protagonist must deal with themes of infidelity, deception, corruption, cheating and murder. It is a smart, nifty dramatic thriller, and as the screws tighten around Gere, we root for him in spite of the character flaws that would normally have us seething. The definition begins to take on a great deal of moral irony. GRADE-------B
Based on a true story, WON'T BACK DOWN has it's heart in the right place---an inner city school in Pittsburgh is rated F for it's ability to teach students, and a small group of teachers and parents want to take over the school to shake up the teachers and students with new and creative teaching methods, which would mean a non-union school. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis give it their all as a disgruntled parent and teacher, respectively, but unfortunately, the script has their characterizations and motivations very hazy and confused. The film seems most unfocused with what point of view is being presented (the teachers? or the parents? or the administrators ? or the union ?---and what about the students, who are given short shrift?) In trying to give everyone equal time, the film loses power and at times makes no dramatic sense. There are actually a couple scenes that don't make any sense at all. One scenes towards the end has Davis rushing up stairs to WAKE UP her 10 year old son and tearily confesses that when he was an infant she didn't do something about his fever like she should have, or something, and that's why he might be "slow" at school. This scene comes out of left field, with no reference to anything that's happened before or after. Cut it out! A big disappointment. GRADE------C-
DVD FILMS viewed this week.............
Watched THE HELP (2011) for the third time in a year, and fortunately, the plot and characters continue to amuse and entertain. Jessica Chastain is quite funny as the rich white trash wife who just doesn't get why the other women in town won't associate with her, and her scenes with Oscar winner (for supporting Actress) Octavia Spencer as her stubborn maid are winning and quite moving. Sissy Spacek makes the most of a small role, and Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone hit all the right notes. It's a classic in many ways. GRADE------B+
A couple of fine performances by Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and others, and some very stylish sets, clothes and direction from director/fashion designer Tom Ford, evelate the moving day-in-the-life of A SINGLE MAN (2009) to near classic status. Firth plays a closeted gay professor in 1962 who is overcome with grief from the death of his long time partner several months before, and sets out to end his life and pain by nightfall, but finds that small, seemingly unimportant moments in the day carry great significance that may have lasting consequences. It's a beautifully sustained film. GRADE------A-
Hitchcock's SUSPICION (1941) is not my favorite from the master, but as I've said before, even lessor Hitchcock is better thrills than 95% of other films out there. This one stars Cary Grant as a cad of a husband to Joan Fontaine (Best Actress Oscar winner for this role), a rather naive maiden who jumps at the chance to marry and leave her parents---only to discover that not only is Grant NOT rich (penniless, actually), but he has many debts, and he is unemployed, and a big fat liar as well. As if that wasn't enough, he may be trying to kill her off for her dowry money (and the insurance that he is trying to sign her up for.) He is a hard character to like--obnoxious, conceited and a liar. His best friend seems too simple minded to notice that he too may be the brunt of his schemes and murderous attempts. Of course, Cary Grant is the perfect actor to play this part, but I still don't care for him much. According to supplemental material on the DVD, the book upon with SUSPICION is based, has a decidedly different ending, where the wife is indeed killed, but not without the last word---a letter delivered to her mother explaining everything, and therefore submitting the killer to the police. The movie ending is "happier" but I think it is not believable. GRADE-------B
This film version of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel ANNA KARENINA (1948) features Vivian Leigh with Ralph Richardson as her husband, and the handsome Irish actor Keiron Moore as her lover Count Vronsky. I've never read the book, but it felt that it is greatly trimmed, as many characters are introduced, but not many have much to do. Still the production was lavish and the leads have the dramatic chops to get the work done. There have been 4 other versions of ANNA KARENINA over the years--1935 with Greta Garbo and Fredrick March, a Russian version in 1967, a made for TV version in 1985 with Jacqueline Bisset and Christopher Reeve, a 1997 version with Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean (before he hit it big with LOTR series) and coming next month is the 5th version with Kiera Knightly and Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Vronsky. The previews look lush and arresting, and I believe much of the film is set on (the whole world's a) theatre stage. Looking forward to it. GRADE-------B
A rarely seen film starring Barbara Streisand, Gene Hackman and Dennis Quaid called ALL NIGHT LONG (1981) that did very low box office business (about 4 million) and then dropped out of sight, popped up at my little, closing DVD store last month. It is not bad, although Streisand is remarkably restrained and speaks with a little, quiet oddly accented voice. Those wanting a typical Streisand film with be very disappointed. However, the good news is that Gene Hackman is very very good. It's his movie anyway. He plays an executive who is demoted to become the night manager of a drugstore, where he meets a cousin (Streisand) who has been having an affair with his 18 year old son (Quaid). He trys to talk her out of the relationship, but she tries to take up with him instead. His wife (Diane Ladd) is demanding, and the cousin's husband works as a fireman and is gone much of the time. The laughs are restrained but come on naturally, and the film feels like a French fluff comedy/drama, with it's sophisticated take on infidelity and relationships, both sexual and platonic. It may not be a hidden gem, but it is an interesting little project that had some fine moments. GRADE------B-
Another little comedy that works well in a low key way is THE BAXTER (2005) with a great cast--Michael Showalter, Elizabeth Banks, Justin Theroux, Michelle Williams and Paul Rudd. A BAXTER is defined (in the film) as a bachelor with lots of exes, who's kind of a loser, and Michael Showalter plays him perfectly. The laughs are consistant and character driven. A charmer. GRADE-------B-
At last, a futuristic science fiction action film that stays consistent to the boundaries and parameters it sets up initially. There's also some great suspense scenes and a style that keeps you intrigued. Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt play the same character, and they do that convincingly. Gordon-Levitt is a LOOPER, a man who kills criminals who are sent back in time for him to murder and dispose of, since in the future, it is impossible to dispose of bodies. (!!!????) One day his own more mature self (Willis) is sent back to be murdered, setting into motion a plot that twists your mind at the possibilities. It's a clever, complicated premise, but entertaining to watch. GRADE------B+
The definition of ARBITRAGE says "the possibility of a risk free profit at zero cost." It's a term used in financial dealings, and the outline of the plot in this Richard Gere film has you believing that this is a financial thriller about hedge fund bankers at their worst. Fortunately, the film includes moral issues other than financial, and the main protagonist must deal with themes of infidelity, deception, corruption, cheating and murder. It is a smart, nifty dramatic thriller, and as the screws tighten around Gere, we root for him in spite of the character flaws that would normally have us seething. The definition begins to take on a great deal of moral irony. GRADE-------B
Based on a true story, WON'T BACK DOWN has it's heart in the right place---an inner city school in Pittsburgh is rated F for it's ability to teach students, and a small group of teachers and parents want to take over the school to shake up the teachers and students with new and creative teaching methods, which would mean a non-union school. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis give it their all as a disgruntled parent and teacher, respectively, but unfortunately, the script has their characterizations and motivations very hazy and confused. The film seems most unfocused with what point of view is being presented (the teachers? or the parents? or the administrators ? or the union ?---and what about the students, who are given short shrift?) In trying to give everyone equal time, the film loses power and at times makes no dramatic sense. There are actually a couple scenes that don't make any sense at all. One scenes towards the end has Davis rushing up stairs to WAKE UP her 10 year old son and tearily confesses that when he was an infant she didn't do something about his fever like she should have, or something, and that's why he might be "slow" at school. This scene comes out of left field, with no reference to anything that's happened before or after. Cut it out! A big disappointment. GRADE------C-
DVD FILMS viewed this week.............
Watched THE HELP (2011) for the third time in a year, and fortunately, the plot and characters continue to amuse and entertain. Jessica Chastain is quite funny as the rich white trash wife who just doesn't get why the other women in town won't associate with her, and her scenes with Oscar winner (for supporting Actress) Octavia Spencer as her stubborn maid are winning and quite moving. Sissy Spacek makes the most of a small role, and Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone hit all the right notes. It's a classic in many ways. GRADE------B+
A couple of fine performances by Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and others, and some very stylish sets, clothes and direction from director/fashion designer Tom Ford, evelate the moving day-in-the-life of A SINGLE MAN (2009) to near classic status. Firth plays a closeted gay professor in 1962 who is overcome with grief from the death of his long time partner several months before, and sets out to end his life and pain by nightfall, but finds that small, seemingly unimportant moments in the day carry great significance that may have lasting consequences. It's a beautifully sustained film. GRADE------A-
Hitchcock's SUSPICION (1941) is not my favorite from the master, but as I've said before, even lessor Hitchcock is better thrills than 95% of other films out there. This one stars Cary Grant as a cad of a husband to Joan Fontaine (Best Actress Oscar winner for this role), a rather naive maiden who jumps at the chance to marry and leave her parents---only to discover that not only is Grant NOT rich (penniless, actually), but he has many debts, and he is unemployed, and a big fat liar as well. As if that wasn't enough, he may be trying to kill her off for her dowry money (and the insurance that he is trying to sign her up for.) He is a hard character to like--obnoxious, conceited and a liar. His best friend seems too simple minded to notice that he too may be the brunt of his schemes and murderous attempts. Of course, Cary Grant is the perfect actor to play this part, but I still don't care for him much. According to supplemental material on the DVD, the book upon with SUSPICION is based, has a decidedly different ending, where the wife is indeed killed, but not without the last word---a letter delivered to her mother explaining everything, and therefore submitting the killer to the police. The movie ending is "happier" but I think it is not believable. GRADE-------B
This film version of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel ANNA KARENINA (1948) features Vivian Leigh with Ralph Richardson as her husband, and the handsome Irish actor Keiron Moore as her lover Count Vronsky. I've never read the book, but it felt that it is greatly trimmed, as many characters are introduced, but not many have much to do. Still the production was lavish and the leads have the dramatic chops to get the work done. There have been 4 other versions of ANNA KARENINA over the years--1935 with Greta Garbo and Fredrick March, a Russian version in 1967, a made for TV version in 1985 with Jacqueline Bisset and Christopher Reeve, a 1997 version with Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean (before he hit it big with LOTR series) and coming next month is the 5th version with Kiera Knightly and Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Vronsky. The previews look lush and arresting, and I believe much of the film is set on (the whole world's a) theatre stage. Looking forward to it. GRADE-------B
A rarely seen film starring Barbara Streisand, Gene Hackman and Dennis Quaid called ALL NIGHT LONG (1981) that did very low box office business (about 4 million) and then dropped out of sight, popped up at my little, closing DVD store last month. It is not bad, although Streisand is remarkably restrained and speaks with a little, quiet oddly accented voice. Those wanting a typical Streisand film with be very disappointed. However, the good news is that Gene Hackman is very very good. It's his movie anyway. He plays an executive who is demoted to become the night manager of a drugstore, where he meets a cousin (Streisand) who has been having an affair with his 18 year old son (Quaid). He trys to talk her out of the relationship, but she tries to take up with him instead. His wife (Diane Ladd) is demanding, and the cousin's husband works as a fireman and is gone much of the time. The laughs are restrained but come on naturally, and the film feels like a French fluff comedy/drama, with it's sophisticated take on infidelity and relationships, both sexual and platonic. It may not be a hidden gem, but it is an interesting little project that had some fine moments. GRADE------B-
Another little comedy that works well in a low key way is THE BAXTER (2005) with a great cast--Michael Showalter, Elizabeth Banks, Justin Theroux, Michelle Williams and Paul Rudd. A BAXTER is defined (in the film) as a bachelor with lots of exes, who's kind of a loser, and Michael Showalter plays him perfectly. The laughs are consistant and character driven. A charmer. GRADE-------B-
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
BOURNE LEGACY, PREMIUM RUSH, LAS ACACIAS, 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
OOPS! Last Tuesday I had some trouble getting my BLOG to publish--the computer went down, then held me hostage until I paid the bill for the internet. Finally, the spell check wasn't working, so I ended the Tuesday night blog as fast as possible so I wouldn't loose it completely, with a lot of bad spelling. My apologies to those who read through it and cringed. It is now corrected. However, I also realized that I dropped four films off that list that I did indeed mean to write about. So instead of adding those films to a blog that over 30 people have looked at already, I'll indulge in a second blog this week.
A beautiful, small film slipped through town about two weeks ago called LAS ACACIAS--one of those rare subtle gems that very few have seen but all who did really enjoyed. This one has a gruff trucker (shipping the trees of the title) forced by his boss to pick up and transport a poor woman with an infant, who will ride with him all the way to his destination--nearly 900 miles from Paraguay to Buenos Aires. He's annoyed at the company at first, but gradually, the two develop a mutual respect and empathy for the other. The outstanding leads manage to evoke volumes of sympathy and subtle glimpses into their backgrounds, and in spite of the simplicity of the setting---mostly in the cab of the truck, with a few pit stops along the way, the film contains a large kernel of humanitaristic truth. And, of course, the infant is incredibly endearing. One of the years best. GRADE-------A
Sometimes I end up seeing a film due to timing, so when I realized I was 20 minutes late to the newest Batman film, I ended up at THE BOURNE LEGACY. I thought that the first three Bourne films had pretty much run their course, but leave it to Hollywood to figure out a way to reboot the series. The film does feel like a bit of a rehash of the first three and HANNA (2011) , but with two new attractive leads (in Jeremy Renner taking over for Matt Damon and the excellent Rachel Weisz) the film still works as a superior action chase popcorn thriller, and I can heartily recommend it for those interested in such films. GRADE--------B
I do a fair amount of cycling from May through October, so the chance to see PREMIUM RUSH, about a maniacal bike messenger speeding recklessly through the streets of Manhattan with a corrupt cop on his tail, was too tempting to pass up. The film is cleverly shot and edited, and the cycling scenes are quite exciting and nerve racking. The plot is some weirdly coincidental mumbo jumbo about a "ticket" that is worth big money to the holder, although it becomes more clear (and personal) by the end, and the evil copper, played with gusto by Michael Shannon, seems quite over the top. More importantly, numerous fantastic collisions that are on display between bikes and cars throughout the film would probably, IN REAL LIFE, result in trips to the hospital emergency ward, instead of having the cyclist getting up and continuing the chase. But HEY---IT'S ONLY THE MOVIES, so pass the popcorn. GRADE--------B-
It plays like a poor man's Woody Allen film, but there are moments in 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK that are quite good, and I especially liked Chris Rock, who plays a sophisticated yuppie who must deal with the annoying family of his French girlfriend Julie Delpy when they descend into their modest apartment for an indefinite stay. The French relatives are incredibly obnoxious and cliched---dad must try to bring in smelly meats and cheeses through customs, old boyfriend must try to buy pot all over town in front of neighbors and cops, sister loves to walk around mostly naked---etc---and that part got tiresome for me. But when the film settles down to deal with relationships and careers and surviving in NYC, the film is more interesting. GRADE--------B-
COMING SOON TO THE SEATTLE AREA-------
It's FILM FESTIVAL TIME. In the next month I hope to be reporting on films from VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, SPANISH Film Festival, LATINO Film Festival, IRANIAN Film Festival, FRENCH Film Festival and the GAY AND LESBIAN Film Festival, so stay tuned.
A beautiful, small film slipped through town about two weeks ago called LAS ACACIAS--one of those rare subtle gems that very few have seen but all who did really enjoyed. This one has a gruff trucker (shipping the trees of the title) forced by his boss to pick up and transport a poor woman with an infant, who will ride with him all the way to his destination--nearly 900 miles from Paraguay to Buenos Aires. He's annoyed at the company at first, but gradually, the two develop a mutual respect and empathy for the other. The outstanding leads manage to evoke volumes of sympathy and subtle glimpses into their backgrounds, and in spite of the simplicity of the setting---mostly in the cab of the truck, with a few pit stops along the way, the film contains a large kernel of humanitaristic truth. And, of course, the infant is incredibly endearing. One of the years best. GRADE-------A
Sometimes I end up seeing a film due to timing, so when I realized I was 20 minutes late to the newest Batman film, I ended up at THE BOURNE LEGACY. I thought that the first three Bourne films had pretty much run their course, but leave it to Hollywood to figure out a way to reboot the series. The film does feel like a bit of a rehash of the first three and HANNA (2011) , but with two new attractive leads (in Jeremy Renner taking over for Matt Damon and the excellent Rachel Weisz) the film still works as a superior action chase popcorn thriller, and I can heartily recommend it for those interested in such films. GRADE--------B
I do a fair amount of cycling from May through October, so the chance to see PREMIUM RUSH, about a maniacal bike messenger speeding recklessly through the streets of Manhattan with a corrupt cop on his tail, was too tempting to pass up. The film is cleverly shot and edited, and the cycling scenes are quite exciting and nerve racking. The plot is some weirdly coincidental mumbo jumbo about a "ticket" that is worth big money to the holder, although it becomes more clear (and personal) by the end, and the evil copper, played with gusto by Michael Shannon, seems quite over the top. More importantly, numerous fantastic collisions that are on display between bikes and cars throughout the film would probably, IN REAL LIFE, result in trips to the hospital emergency ward, instead of having the cyclist getting up and continuing the chase. But HEY---IT'S ONLY THE MOVIES, so pass the popcorn. GRADE--------B-
It plays like a poor man's Woody Allen film, but there are moments in 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK that are quite good, and I especially liked Chris Rock, who plays a sophisticated yuppie who must deal with the annoying family of his French girlfriend Julie Delpy when they descend into their modest apartment for an indefinite stay. The French relatives are incredibly obnoxious and cliched---dad must try to bring in smelly meats and cheeses through customs, old boyfriend must try to buy pot all over town in front of neighbors and cops, sister loves to walk around mostly naked---etc---and that part got tiresome for me. But when the film settles down to deal with relationships and careers and surviving in NYC, the film is more interesting. GRADE--------B-
COMING SOON TO THE SEATTLE AREA-------
It's FILM FESTIVAL TIME. In the next month I hope to be reporting on films from VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, SPANISH Film Festival, LATINO Film Festival, IRANIAN Film Festival, FRENCH Film Festival and the GAY AND LESBIAN Film Festival, so stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, LIBERAL ARTS, TROUBLE W/ CURVE,a new Spiderman, The Avengers, again, Hello I Must Be Going, End of Shift, Robot & Frank and Hitchcock's THE BIRDS
Still at the top of my list the second time around, Joss Whedon's exciting and entertaining THE AVENGERS manages to thrill and amuse, and for fantasy/sci-fi fans, it is very satisfying. I loved how each character got several good scenes and there's a lot of witty, clever lines to go along with the the mayhem. This could be one of the year's best films. GRADE-------A-
It opened last May while I was preoccupied with SIFF, but I finally caught up with THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE BEAUTIFUL) during a run at a discount theatre, and there were nearly 50 people in attendance during a Friday afternoon showing. This film has legs, and it's easy to see why. A group of elderly Brits are duped into using their life savings to invest in a retirement stay at what turns out to be a motley, faded hotel in India, but despite their disappointment, find their lives transformed by the country, and, as they learn the back stories of their companions, each other. It's a lovely and surprisingly caustic film--the sarcasm and set backs take the edge off what could have been a sickeningly sentimental affair. Of course, with the indomitable Judi Dench leading the cast, which includes Tom Wilkenson, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy and others, the quality and empathy remains high, and there are enough twists and surprises (in plot and characterization) to keep you on your emotional toes. It's definitely a feel good film, and with older adults so infrequently dominating the screen, film will have a life of it's own long into DVD, cable TV, Networks and private screenings. Plus, it is beautifully photographed, acted, scored, and written. GRADE-----------B+
A 35 year old college recruiter heads back to his ivy league alma mater, and finds himself longing to get back into his fantasy academia life style from 15 years ago, especially when he finds a nubile, wise undergrad who takes a fancy to him, in LIBERAL ARTS. This is a small movie, but it is done to near perfection, as he meets old professors, new young student friends, and has an early mid-life crisis. TV's Josh Radnor (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER) beautifully wrote, directed and stars, and the strong up and coming Elizabeth Olsen (so outstanding in MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE 2011) is pitch perfect again. GRADE----------A-
After his miss-fire at the RNC, I was not enthused to see Clint Eastwood in TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE, but his bantering with his estranged daughter (Amy Adams) and his long time friend (John Goodman) shows that, even in his sometimes predictable "cranky man" mode, Clint still has it--at least when it is scripted. The film, about an older baseball scout near the end of his contract, who is losing his eye sight, and is obviously scared of the future, shows how hard it is to come to terms with change and teaching old dogs new tricks. The actors (including a charming Justin Timberlake) are very likable most of the time, and the film won me over about half way through. GRADE--------B
Frank Langella pulls another fine performance out of the bag as a lonely old burglar who suffers from dementia, but seems to respond to a human style robot installed by his absent but well-meaning son to help him cope with his loneliness. ROBOT AND FRANK is a low energy film, sweet and at times sentimental, quirky and quietly charming. Liv Tyler is his (also absent) daughter, and Susan Sarandon is a possible love interest. The film is a bit sad, and the ending is haunting. GRADE-------B-
There's nothing wrong with the new, rebooted version of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN--in fact there are a number of exciting scenes and wonderful special effects, and Andrew Garfield is a winning super hero. It's just that I've seen this movie before, in SPIDER MAN (2002)--in fact the first 40 minutes is rather ho-hum in this new version, since the story set up is nearly the same. I also loved Tobey McGuire as SPIDEY. So, the new AMAZING SPIDER MAN is OK entertainment, but
totally unnecessary. GRADE-------B-
Based on a stage play, the new romantic comedy HELLO I MUST BE GOING is a slight movie saved by one big ace in the hole--the leading actress Melanie Lynsky. She plays a 30-something, recently divorced, depressed woman who has been living with her parents for over 3 months. She has an affair with a 19 year old man that helps shake her out of her ennui. Would be utterly forgettable were it not for the actors, especially Lynsky. GRADE-------B-
Several characters in the new intense cop thriller END OF SHIFT seem to be in possession of a video camera or other recording device, and so we the audience are subjected to the most aggressively hand held shaky camera photography (from beginning to end) ever seen in a major motion picture since---THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999). About 30 minutes into the film, I had to gather my jacket and cup of coffee and move to the back row of the theatre---the nauseating hand held picture was making me literally ill. WHAT THE HELL ARE DIRECTORS THINKING WHEN THEY GROSSLY OVERUSE THIS "feature"---HOW CAN AUDIENCE MEMBERS ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE WHEN IT MAKES YOU WANT TO SHUT YOUR EYES, OR THROW UP, OR RUN OUT OF THE THEATRE??????? The film itself has many strong, provocative features going for it. The actors are quite authentic (Michael Pena and Jake Gyllenhaal are the cops.) Narrative is intense and compelling, as the two protagonists stumble into Mexican drug cartells on their beat. This is one time when the excessive use of HAND HELD SHAKY CAM really RUINED the film for me. I'm being generous with this grade--it would have been a lot higher if the film looked better. GRADE------C
DVD Choices------------------------------
TCM held special screenings (through Fathom Events) of the theatrical showings of THE BIRDS (1963) last week, and I went, because I don't believe I've ever seen this Hitchcock classic on a big screen with an audience. The Thornton Place theatre was nearly half full--a big crowd for a Wednesday night, for an old film, at $12.50 per ticket. Unfortunately, the digital projection seemed to dim the brightness and color of the film---afterwards, outside in the lobby a Plasma screen was showing clips of THE BIRDS and the color on the lobby screen was much brighter and more colorful than anything I saw in the theatre. Coming soon is a screening of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, and the preview had that same muted, dark, almost colorless imagery. THAT IS NOT THE WAY TO SHOW THOSE CLASSICS. I WILL PROBABLY NOT SEE ANY MORE OF THOSE TCM CLASSICS AT A THEATRE (unless it is projected in 70MM or at least 35MM film) because in most cases, DIGITAL screenings SUCK on a large screen.
Nonetheless, THE BIRDS remains for me the finest film in Hitchcock's long and luminous career--endlessly fascinating in structure and social themes, with many witty visuals and clever dialogue. There are at least 4 iconic, extended sequences with NO dialogue--which create insidious suspense and tension. It is also the ultimate APOCALYPTIC film experience---moody, mysterious, despairing, chilling. It is my FAVORITE FILM OF ALL TIME.........GRADE--------A+
Peter Bagdonovich's incisive documentary of the prolific and profound director, DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD (1971) features many many clips that starred either John Wayne, Henry Fonda, or Jimmy Stewart. At times if felt like a documentary on those fine actors. John Ford, by all accounts here, was a cantankerous, difficult man to work with at times. Especially telling is the "interview" that Bogdanovich tried to film---Ford answered "Yes" or usually "NO" to every question, and would not elaborate on any answer. But the film clips themselves are tremendously captivating. It makes you want to rent any John Ford film immediately. GRADE--------A
Moody and realistic, the British classic film LONELINESS OF A LONG DISTANCE RUNNER(1962) stars Michael Redgrave and a very young Tom Courtenay as a teen who is sentenced to boys prison for stealing. He can run hard and fast and it is hoped by the warden that he will win the crown from a regular boy's school for long distance running. The black and white film is grim and part of the "angry young man" milieu, but worth watching. GRADE--------B
QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE (1958) (or at least in this case, Venus) is a low low budget film that moves slowly and features the lovely Zsa Zsa Gabor, but the jokes/laughs are few. GRADE----C-
It opened last May while I was preoccupied with SIFF, but I finally caught up with THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE BEAUTIFUL) during a run at a discount theatre, and there were nearly 50 people in attendance during a Friday afternoon showing. This film has legs, and it's easy to see why. A group of elderly Brits are duped into using their life savings to invest in a retirement stay at what turns out to be a motley, faded hotel in India, but despite their disappointment, find their lives transformed by the country, and, as they learn the back stories of their companions, each other. It's a lovely and surprisingly caustic film--the sarcasm and set backs take the edge off what could have been a sickeningly sentimental affair. Of course, with the indomitable Judi Dench leading the cast, which includes Tom Wilkenson, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy and others, the quality and empathy remains high, and there are enough twists and surprises (in plot and characterization) to keep you on your emotional toes. It's definitely a feel good film, and with older adults so infrequently dominating the screen, film will have a life of it's own long into DVD, cable TV, Networks and private screenings. Plus, it is beautifully photographed, acted, scored, and written. GRADE-----------B+
A 35 year old college recruiter heads back to his ivy league alma mater, and finds himself longing to get back into his fantasy academia life style from 15 years ago, especially when he finds a nubile, wise undergrad who takes a fancy to him, in LIBERAL ARTS. This is a small movie, but it is done to near perfection, as he meets old professors, new young student friends, and has an early mid-life crisis. TV's Josh Radnor (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER) beautifully wrote, directed and stars, and the strong up and coming Elizabeth Olsen (so outstanding in MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE 2011) is pitch perfect again. GRADE----------A-
After his miss-fire at the RNC, I was not enthused to see Clint Eastwood in TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE, but his bantering with his estranged daughter (Amy Adams) and his long time friend (John Goodman) shows that, even in his sometimes predictable "cranky man" mode, Clint still has it--at least when it is scripted. The film, about an older baseball scout near the end of his contract, who is losing his eye sight, and is obviously scared of the future, shows how hard it is to come to terms with change and teaching old dogs new tricks. The actors (including a charming Justin Timberlake) are very likable most of the time, and the film won me over about half way through. GRADE--------B
Frank Langella pulls another fine performance out of the bag as a lonely old burglar who suffers from dementia, but seems to respond to a human style robot installed by his absent but well-meaning son to help him cope with his loneliness. ROBOT AND FRANK is a low energy film, sweet and at times sentimental, quirky and quietly charming. Liv Tyler is his (also absent) daughter, and Susan Sarandon is a possible love interest. The film is a bit sad, and the ending is haunting. GRADE-------B-
There's nothing wrong with the new, rebooted version of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN--in fact there are a number of exciting scenes and wonderful special effects, and Andrew Garfield is a winning super hero. It's just that I've seen this movie before, in SPIDER MAN (2002)--in fact the first 40 minutes is rather ho-hum in this new version, since the story set up is nearly the same. I also loved Tobey McGuire as SPIDEY. So, the new AMAZING SPIDER MAN is OK entertainment, but
totally unnecessary. GRADE-------B-
Based on a stage play, the new romantic comedy HELLO I MUST BE GOING is a slight movie saved by one big ace in the hole--the leading actress Melanie Lynsky. She plays a 30-something, recently divorced, depressed woman who has been living with her parents for over 3 months. She has an affair with a 19 year old man that helps shake her out of her ennui. Would be utterly forgettable were it not for the actors, especially Lynsky. GRADE-------B-
Several characters in the new intense cop thriller END OF SHIFT seem to be in possession of a video camera or other recording device, and so we the audience are subjected to the most aggressively hand held shaky camera photography (from beginning to end) ever seen in a major motion picture since---THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999). About 30 minutes into the film, I had to gather my jacket and cup of coffee and move to the back row of the theatre---the nauseating hand held picture was making me literally ill. WHAT THE HELL ARE DIRECTORS THINKING WHEN THEY GROSSLY OVERUSE THIS "feature"---HOW CAN AUDIENCE MEMBERS ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE WHEN IT MAKES YOU WANT TO SHUT YOUR EYES, OR THROW UP, OR RUN OUT OF THE THEATRE??????? The film itself has many strong, provocative features going for it. The actors are quite authentic (Michael Pena and Jake Gyllenhaal are the cops.) Narrative is intense and compelling, as the two protagonists stumble into Mexican drug cartells on their beat. This is one time when the excessive use of HAND HELD SHAKY CAM really RUINED the film for me. I'm being generous with this grade--it would have been a lot higher if the film looked better. GRADE------C
DVD Choices------------------------------
TCM held special screenings (through Fathom Events) of the theatrical showings of THE BIRDS (1963) last week, and I went, because I don't believe I've ever seen this Hitchcock classic on a big screen with an audience. The Thornton Place theatre was nearly half full--a big crowd for a Wednesday night, for an old film, at $12.50 per ticket. Unfortunately, the digital projection seemed to dim the brightness and color of the film---afterwards, outside in the lobby a Plasma screen was showing clips of THE BIRDS and the color on the lobby screen was much brighter and more colorful than anything I saw in the theatre. Coming soon is a screening of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, and the preview had that same muted, dark, almost colorless imagery. THAT IS NOT THE WAY TO SHOW THOSE CLASSICS. I WILL PROBABLY NOT SEE ANY MORE OF THOSE TCM CLASSICS AT A THEATRE (unless it is projected in 70MM or at least 35MM film) because in most cases, DIGITAL screenings SUCK on a large screen.
Nonetheless, THE BIRDS remains for me the finest film in Hitchcock's long and luminous career--endlessly fascinating in structure and social themes, with many witty visuals and clever dialogue. There are at least 4 iconic, extended sequences with NO dialogue--which create insidious suspense and tension. It is also the ultimate APOCALYPTIC film experience---moody, mysterious, despairing, chilling. It is my FAVORITE FILM OF ALL TIME.........GRADE--------A+
Peter Bagdonovich's incisive documentary of the prolific and profound director, DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD (1971) features many many clips that starred either John Wayne, Henry Fonda, or Jimmy Stewart. At times if felt like a documentary on those fine actors. John Ford, by all accounts here, was a cantankerous, difficult man to work with at times. Especially telling is the "interview" that Bogdanovich tried to film---Ford answered "Yes" or usually "NO" to every question, and would not elaborate on any answer. But the film clips themselves are tremendously captivating. It makes you want to rent any John Ford film immediately. GRADE--------A
Moody and realistic, the British classic film LONELINESS OF A LONG DISTANCE RUNNER(1962) stars Michael Redgrave and a very young Tom Courtenay as a teen who is sentenced to boys prison for stealing. He can run hard and fast and it is hoped by the warden that he will win the crown from a regular boy's school for long distance running. The black and white film is grim and part of the "angry young man" milieu, but worth watching. GRADE--------B
QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE (1958) (or at least in this case, Venus) is a low low budget film that moves slowly and features the lovely Zsa Zsa Gabor, but the jokes/laughs are few. GRADE----C-
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY-Thursdays in Sept at SIFF Cinema, plus SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN, LAWLESS, Sleepwalk w/Me, Paranorman, and Sidney Lumet
Summer movies are fading fast and here come the more substantial Fall Flicks. Top pick of this (or any) week is the just beginning STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY which starts up Thursday 6 Sept at the SIFF Cinema---every Thursday during September they will be showing a three hour segment of the most comprehensive and fascinating documentary every seen about the history of world cinema, starting from the early 1900's up to the present. Many many film clips and talking heads keep the interest soaring. In a way, it is frustrating to watch, because the subject of "film" is so incredibly large that the director Mark Cousins can only touch briefly on most films and genres and directors, and your favorites may seem to get a short shift. But the most important aspect of this 15 hour long documentary is that it makes you want to see (perhaps for the first time) or revisit some of these great cinematic masterworks. Exhausting and Exhilarating and Highly Recommended. GRADE-------A
Another example of life being stranger than fiction, SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN documents the search for an unsung Detroit recording artist from the early 1970's who, although he was never a financial success in the US, incredibly became a huge sensation in South Africa before dropping out of sight completely. Rumor had it he had committed suicide on stage during a live performance. No one--even the record labels who produced his two albums--knew what had happened to him. The singer/songwriter's name is Rodriguez, and he sounds a lot like Bob Dylan. His story is fascinating and surprising, and the film generates a huge emotional pull, and it makes me want to hear more music from this pop/folk singer sensation. GRADE--------B+
I can't image the generic title and theme of moonshiners in the 1920's Depression will generate a lot of box-office, but the cast of LAWLESS is so very strong that the film transcends it's subject matter and becomes a thrilling and entertaining period piece. Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska head an excellent cast. GRADE-------B+
The comedy SLEEPWALK WITH ME plays like a low key Woody Allen film, amusing but without as much wit. Based on a radio show by Mike Birbiglia, who has showcased it as a one man show, SLEEPWALK WITH ME takes it's title literally, as it tells of a young man with sleep disorders, who can't seem to commit to his long time girlfriend. I enjoyed the film, but it doesn't really amount to much. GRADE-------B-
Just who is the intended audience for PARANORMAN? This animated feature about a young teen who can see and talk to the dead, and is recruited to fight zombies who are raised from the dead comes with all the cliches of the rash of zombie comedies of recent years, and the ending is particularly lame. There are a few clever moments, but the action is nearly bloodless (a PG rating for families????) and it is tired stuff. GRADE-------C+
An interesting international cast headed by Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Anthony Hopkins et al, seem wasted and otherwise lost in the LA RONDE (1950) inspired romantic thriller where each scene leads you to another scene with just one or two actors carried over--to illustrate how life is connected. Previous versions of this theme usually involve love and sex, and this film called 3 6 0 has some of that, too, but it is very mean spirited and harsh. A happily married man contemplates being unfaithful, then returns home to his wife who is indeed having an affair. In another subplot, the theme is sexual slavery, and in another an innocent tries to hook up with a sexual predator. It is competently filmed, but rather unsavory and sad. GRADE------C+
DVD CHOICES-----------
A great and prolific director, Sidney Lumet died last April. He had made over 40 films and directed dozens of live (and otherwise) TV dramas, where he started in the 1950's. He had a way with great, talkative scripts, and led dozens of actors to Oscar nominations and Oscar wins. His filmography is filled with incredible classic films. Here are some of them: 12 ANGRY MEN (1957), FUGITIVE KIND (1959), LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (1962), THE PAWNBROKER (1964), FAIL SAFE (1964), THE HILL (1965), SERPICO (1973), DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975), NETWORK (1976), THE VERDICT (1982), THE MORNING AFTER (1986), RUNNING ON EMPTY (1988), and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD (2007).
Even some of his "misses" like CHILD'S PLAY (1972), THE WIZ (1978), JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT (1980) and GLORIA (1999) have their fans, and are certainly very watchable in their own way. I saw the unusual caper movie THE ANDERSON TAPES (1971) which recently came out on DVD. Starring one of Lumet's favorite actors Sean Connery (see also THE HILL, THE OFFENCE (1972), MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974) and FAMILY BUSINESS (1989) for the others). In spite of some dated touches like the jazzy Quincy Jones score, and some very homophobic and racist and sexist comments, THE ANDERSON TAPES is very interesting and satisfying, and was a hit in its day. GRADE-----B
THE GREEN HORNET (2011) got a lot of criticism last year, but I found it to be a fresh, youthful, irrelevant take on the superhero milieu. In spite of the fact it made over 250 million dollars world-wide, apparently there will be no sequel in the near future. Too bad. It's a funny, smart alec film, even on second viewing. GRADE------B-
Another example of life being stranger than fiction, SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN documents the search for an unsung Detroit recording artist from the early 1970's who, although he was never a financial success in the US, incredibly became a huge sensation in South Africa before dropping out of sight completely. Rumor had it he had committed suicide on stage during a live performance. No one--even the record labels who produced his two albums--knew what had happened to him. The singer/songwriter's name is Rodriguez, and he sounds a lot like Bob Dylan. His story is fascinating and surprising, and the film generates a huge emotional pull, and it makes me want to hear more music from this pop/folk singer sensation. GRADE--------B+
I can't image the generic title and theme of moonshiners in the 1920's Depression will generate a lot of box-office, but the cast of LAWLESS is so very strong that the film transcends it's subject matter and becomes a thrilling and entertaining period piece. Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska head an excellent cast. GRADE-------B+
The comedy SLEEPWALK WITH ME plays like a low key Woody Allen film, amusing but without as much wit. Based on a radio show by Mike Birbiglia, who has showcased it as a one man show, SLEEPWALK WITH ME takes it's title literally, as it tells of a young man with sleep disorders, who can't seem to commit to his long time girlfriend. I enjoyed the film, but it doesn't really amount to much. GRADE-------B-
Just who is the intended audience for PARANORMAN? This animated feature about a young teen who can see and talk to the dead, and is recruited to fight zombies who are raised from the dead comes with all the cliches of the rash of zombie comedies of recent years, and the ending is particularly lame. There are a few clever moments, but the action is nearly bloodless (a PG rating for families????) and it is tired stuff. GRADE-------C+
An interesting international cast headed by Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Anthony Hopkins et al, seem wasted and otherwise lost in the LA RONDE (1950) inspired romantic thriller where each scene leads you to another scene with just one or two actors carried over--to illustrate how life is connected. Previous versions of this theme usually involve love and sex, and this film called 3 6 0 has some of that, too, but it is very mean spirited and harsh. A happily married man contemplates being unfaithful, then returns home to his wife who is indeed having an affair. In another subplot, the theme is sexual slavery, and in another an innocent tries to hook up with a sexual predator. It is competently filmed, but rather unsavory and sad. GRADE------C+
DVD CHOICES-----------
A great and prolific director, Sidney Lumet died last April. He had made over 40 films and directed dozens of live (and otherwise) TV dramas, where he started in the 1950's. He had a way with great, talkative scripts, and led dozens of actors to Oscar nominations and Oscar wins. His filmography is filled with incredible classic films. Here are some of them: 12 ANGRY MEN (1957), FUGITIVE KIND (1959), LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (1962), THE PAWNBROKER (1964), FAIL SAFE (1964), THE HILL (1965), SERPICO (1973), DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975), NETWORK (1976), THE VERDICT (1982), THE MORNING AFTER (1986), RUNNING ON EMPTY (1988), and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD (2007).
Even some of his "misses" like CHILD'S PLAY (1972), THE WIZ (1978), JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT (1980) and GLORIA (1999) have their fans, and are certainly very watchable in their own way. I saw the unusual caper movie THE ANDERSON TAPES (1971) which recently came out on DVD. Starring one of Lumet's favorite actors Sean Connery (see also THE HILL, THE OFFENCE (1972), MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974) and FAMILY BUSINESS (1989) for the others). In spite of some dated touches like the jazzy Quincy Jones score, and some very homophobic and racist and sexist comments, THE ANDERSON TAPES is very interesting and satisfying, and was a hit in its day. GRADE-----B
THE GREEN HORNET (2011) got a lot of criticism last year, but I found it to be a fresh, youthful, irrelevant take on the superhero milieu. In spite of the fact it made over 250 million dollars world-wide, apparently there will be no sequel in the near future. Too bad. It's a funny, smart alec film, even on second viewing. GRADE------B-
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Meryl Streep's HOPE SPRINGS, BRAVE, Prometheus, To Rome w/Love, Ice Age 4, The Imposter, Ai Weiwei
I understand why they are doing it (to get people into the theatre)--but the promoters of the new Meryl Streep film HOPE SPRINGS are selling it as a sex comedy, when what they really have is a rather serious and intense psychodrama. At times it felt like I was watching a more updated version of Bergman' s SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE. To be sure, there are some light hearted moments and smiles and giggles--all of which are prominent in the previews, but, surprisingly, and importantly, the film really starts to focus on the nitty gritty of a middle-aged marriage that is struggling to find some spark (intimacy) that many many couples struggle with everyday. The big revelation is not how wonderfully light and frothy Streep's character appears, when really she's deeply lonely and miserable, but how amazingly Tommy Lee Jones keeps the attention on his character--his struggles with sex and communication and how hurt he feels by some basic betrayals in their relationship. Without becoming crude or vulgar, the film feels very honest in dealing with (and discussing) these issues--some may have you squirming--and it is to the credit of a likable but very restrained Steve Carrel as the councilor that the issues hit home like they do. This is a courageous and thoughtful film, and I hope it finds it's true audience. GRADE-------B+
There's a strong start and a vivid female lead character fronting Disney's new film BRAVE, and the first hour is a true pleasure. (She's got the most intense, vibrant head of flaming red hair I've ever seen--it takes on a life of it's own.) But once mother gets turned into a ----oops! can't say, but the film becomes rather predictable as it plods to a ho-hum ending. It is also a bit strong for younger children (under 5) --it had my 3 1/2 old year grand daughter heading for the door (due to intensity) at that same half way mark. Still it is bright, clever and funny for most of it's running time. GRADE------B
THE IMPOSTOR has been getting some rave reviews, and it is quite an incredible true story, about a 24 year old man from Spain who pretends to be the four years lost teen ager of a Texas family who insist against all odds that he is their son. But the film runs along the same trajectory as any 48 HOUR MYSTERY show from TV (indeed, it is produced by A&E Films). It is engrossing--just not technically or stylistically impressive. GRADE---------B
A new film from French director Andre Techine (WILD REEDS) has an older crime novelist move out to a remote island near Venice with his new wife, a younger bisexual woman who has family issues. He becomes jealous of her past life and has a young man follow her around. I'm not sure what it all means, or the significance of the title UNFORGIVABLE, but the characters are intriguing and the film making is compelling and Venice never looked so mysterious. GRADE------B
The documentary AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY chronicles a couple years in the life of the controversial Chinese artist whose work is critical of countries that do not give civil liberties to their citizens. He is famous for his overused middle finger which appears in a number of photos. The film concludes with his recent arrest and detention for nearly 90 days--sadly he comes out of that experience a remarkably changed man, leaving the viewer curious as to what exactly happened to his spirit, and what will he do next..............GRADE-------B
I don't recall seeing ICE AGE 2 or 3, but I did enjoy 1, and I did enjoy ICE AGE 4, which has a lot of jokes and sight gags, with an especially funny voice over by John Leguizamo (as Sid) and his Granny (voice by Wanda Sykes). The film is not too intense for young children and has enough laughs for the adults. GRADE-------B-
Weak Woody Allen is still better than a lot of stuff out there, and TO ROME WITH LOVE is certainly not his best, but he's got a lot of clever and funny ideas floating around this mish-mash of characters and splendid Rome visuals to make watching this comedy a treat--just don't expect another PARIS AT MIDNIGHT. GRADE--------B-
I kept hearing that the new prequel to the ALIEN saga called PROMETHEUS was not so hot by those who rushed to see it in it's first week or two. Perhaps my expectations were low, but I thought this was a smart, exciting science fiction thriller, with the emphasis on characters---not creature monsters. I especially enjoyed the robot character played smoothly and creepily by Michael Fassbender and the female lead played by Noomi Rapace (Swedish DRAGON TATTOO films). Rapace gets to really kick ass towards the end, especially just after she gives herself some MAJOR surgery. Obviously, she's related to the Sigourny Weaver character. My biggest question is this: Set in 2093, there must be THOUSANDS of space horror films they would have watched by then, enough to know that you must NEVER BRING BACK TO THE SPACE SHIP SOME GOOEY DRIPPING POD OR UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE, because it will invariably spring to life and destroy life as we know it. SO WHY DO THEY KEEP DOING IT????????? ( Second question: Born into a desert like planet with nothing but rocks and sand, what the hell do these creepy horror monster eat when they get hungry?????????) GRADE-------B-
DVD CHOICES-------------------
I had never seen Douglas Sirk's film ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS (1955), and it impressed me with the vibrant Technicolor photography, the memorable musical score, the vibrant direction, and the melodramatic story line that kept me engrossed. Jane Wyman seemed a bit rigid and cold to me, and Rock Hudson as her "younger" lover--well, he was just Rock Hudson. Fit the part of the alternative life style hunk, he did. This film has inspired several remakes, including the excellent German film from Fassbinder called ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL(1975)which has an older white woman falling for a younger black man. I decided to see another (unofficial) remake called FAR FROM HEAVEN (2003) which impressed me 9 years ago. It remains impressive for the actors (a luminous Julianne Moore, as well as a tightly wound Dennis Quaid--both Oscar nominated) and it's vivid fall-color photography and melodramatic music. This time her husband is gay, and she falls for her black gardener---this being the 1950's she sure has her plate full, what with the gossip in this small New England town. Similar themes (small town prejudices, love between classes) but different approaches. Both HEAVEN films --------GRADE------B+
A documentary about the career of Yves St. Laurent as told by his long time companion and partner Pierre Berge called L'AMOUR FOU (2010) was filled with fascinating details and insight into his creativity, success and "madness." GRADE--------B
From last year comes JUMPING THE BROOM (2011), a modest, amusing "wedding film" between two very different families (one is rich and the other is lower working class.) It is pleasant to see some fine African American actors get some decent roles--especially memorable were Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine as the mothers of the bride and groom, and Mike Epps, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Broadway regular Brian Stokes Mitchell. GRADE-------B-
It won the top honors at the New Orleans and Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festivals--all I can say is it must have been a slooooow year for films. THE SKI TRIP (2006) is a looooow budget affair that is refreshing in that all the characters are gay men and women of color, but it doesn't have much plot, and some of the gags are rather insulting and/or obvious. Nice try. GRADE--------C-
There's a strong start and a vivid female lead character fronting Disney's new film BRAVE, and the first hour is a true pleasure. (She's got the most intense, vibrant head of flaming red hair I've ever seen--it takes on a life of it's own.) But once mother gets turned into a ----oops! can't say, but the film becomes rather predictable as it plods to a ho-hum ending. It is also a bit strong for younger children (under 5) --it had my 3 1/2 old year grand daughter heading for the door (due to intensity) at that same half way mark. Still it is bright, clever and funny for most of it's running time. GRADE------B
THE IMPOSTOR has been getting some rave reviews, and it is quite an incredible true story, about a 24 year old man from Spain who pretends to be the four years lost teen ager of a Texas family who insist against all odds that he is their son. But the film runs along the same trajectory as any 48 HOUR MYSTERY show from TV (indeed, it is produced by A&E Films). It is engrossing--just not technically or stylistically impressive. GRADE---------B
A new film from French director Andre Techine (WILD REEDS) has an older crime novelist move out to a remote island near Venice with his new wife, a younger bisexual woman who has family issues. He becomes jealous of her past life and has a young man follow her around. I'm not sure what it all means, or the significance of the title UNFORGIVABLE, but the characters are intriguing and the film making is compelling and Venice never looked so mysterious. GRADE------B
The documentary AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY chronicles a couple years in the life of the controversial Chinese artist whose work is critical of countries that do not give civil liberties to their citizens. He is famous for his overused middle finger which appears in a number of photos. The film concludes with his recent arrest and detention for nearly 90 days--sadly he comes out of that experience a remarkably changed man, leaving the viewer curious as to what exactly happened to his spirit, and what will he do next..............GRADE-------B
I don't recall seeing ICE AGE 2 or 3, but I did enjoy 1, and I did enjoy ICE AGE 4, which has a lot of jokes and sight gags, with an especially funny voice over by John Leguizamo (as Sid) and his Granny (voice by Wanda Sykes). The film is not too intense for young children and has enough laughs for the adults. GRADE-------B-
Weak Woody Allen is still better than a lot of stuff out there, and TO ROME WITH LOVE is certainly not his best, but he's got a lot of clever and funny ideas floating around this mish-mash of characters and splendid Rome visuals to make watching this comedy a treat--just don't expect another PARIS AT MIDNIGHT. GRADE--------B-
I kept hearing that the new prequel to the ALIEN saga called PROMETHEUS was not so hot by those who rushed to see it in it's first week or two. Perhaps my expectations were low, but I thought this was a smart, exciting science fiction thriller, with the emphasis on characters---not creature monsters. I especially enjoyed the robot character played smoothly and creepily by Michael Fassbender and the female lead played by Noomi Rapace (Swedish DRAGON TATTOO films). Rapace gets to really kick ass towards the end, especially just after she gives herself some MAJOR surgery. Obviously, she's related to the Sigourny Weaver character. My biggest question is this: Set in 2093, there must be THOUSANDS of space horror films they would have watched by then, enough to know that you must NEVER BRING BACK TO THE SPACE SHIP SOME GOOEY DRIPPING POD OR UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE, because it will invariably spring to life and destroy life as we know it. SO WHY DO THEY KEEP DOING IT????????? ( Second question: Born into a desert like planet with nothing but rocks and sand, what the hell do these creepy horror monster eat when they get hungry?????????) GRADE-------B-
DVD CHOICES-------------------
I had never seen Douglas Sirk's film ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS (1955), and it impressed me with the vibrant Technicolor photography, the memorable musical score, the vibrant direction, and the melodramatic story line that kept me engrossed. Jane Wyman seemed a bit rigid and cold to me, and Rock Hudson as her "younger" lover--well, he was just Rock Hudson. Fit the part of the alternative life style hunk, he did. This film has inspired several remakes, including the excellent German film from Fassbinder called ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL(1975)which has an older white woman falling for a younger black man. I decided to see another (unofficial) remake called FAR FROM HEAVEN (2003) which impressed me 9 years ago. It remains impressive for the actors (a luminous Julianne Moore, as well as a tightly wound Dennis Quaid--both Oscar nominated) and it's vivid fall-color photography and melodramatic music. This time her husband is gay, and she falls for her black gardener---this being the 1950's she sure has her plate full, what with the gossip in this small New England town. Similar themes (small town prejudices, love between classes) but different approaches. Both HEAVEN films --------GRADE------B+
A documentary about the career of Yves St. Laurent as told by his long time companion and partner Pierre Berge called L'AMOUR FOU (2010) was filled with fascinating details and insight into his creativity, success and "madness." GRADE--------B
From last year comes JUMPING THE BROOM (2011), a modest, amusing "wedding film" between two very different families (one is rich and the other is lower working class.) It is pleasant to see some fine African American actors get some decent roles--especially memorable were Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine as the mothers of the bride and groom, and Mike Epps, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Broadway regular Brian Stokes Mitchell. GRADE-------B-
It won the top honors at the New Orleans and Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festivals--all I can say is it must have been a slooooow year for films. THE SKI TRIP (2006) is a looooow budget affair that is refreshing in that all the characters are gay men and women of color, but it doesn't have much plot, and some of the gags are rather insulting and/or obvious. Nice try. GRADE--------C-
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