Here are my favorite films from 2013, and some reasons why each is so special.
In NO particular order....
HER-----Is is science fiction, or romance, or satire or social commentary. It's all these, and it feels so right for today's world. A lonely man falls in love with his computer operating system, and no one else seems to find it strange.
MUD---Matthew McConaughey steals the show as an on the run con man waiting for his girlfriend in a swamp, and he befriends (and educates) two pre teen boys in the ways of life.
PHILOMENA---Based on a true story, Judy Dench wonderfully plays an older woman searching for her son who was taken from her 50 years earlier by Irish Catholic nuns and adopted off to America.
This could be a spoiler film, with an Oscar for Dench who's never won a Best Actress award, and given the likability of the characters (Steve Cooghan wrote and co-stars as a pessimistic writer who's helping her find the son) this could walk off with the Best Picture award too, in a close race.
THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG----Peter Jackson's skillful fantasy film seems to be taken for granted, but this one had the awesome special effects, suspenseful story and curious and likable characters to keep it just as iconic as LOTR.
YOU WILL BE MY SON------A smart melodrama from France, seen at SIFF and then briefly at a local art theatre, shows the dilemma an aging man has with his award winning winery. His close friend and manager is dying of cancer, and his enthusiastic son doesn't have the skills to take over his reigns, he feels. He turns to his manager's son, causing a lot of tension and throwing the winery into chaos. It's an epic tragedy, laced with romance and comedy.
AMERICAN HUSTLE----Director David O. Russell's skillful, amusing juggling of a dozen well defined characters who live on the edge of respectability--all involved in the ABSCAM scandal from the 1970's. Especially enjoyable is the MUSIC, the COSTUMES, the HAIR DOs, the ART DIRECTION and the ENERGY.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET----I didn't think I'd like the vulgarity and the politics of the greedy folks on Wall Street---we've certainly read about and lived through the disgraceful greed that propels any such group. Here's a case of a very energetic, entertaining TRAIN WRECK--horrible in it's morals and excesses, but it's hard to ignore. Some scenes of drunken debauchery seem too long, but I didn't mind, especially because the impish devil Leo DiCaprio was featured in most of them.
BLUE JASMINE---Here's a fine Woody Allen film, smart, intelligent, funny, curious, moving. And leading the charge is a fascinating performance by Cate Blanchet. It's one of those characters that keep you on your toes, and you can't take your eyes off her. She plays a high class but scorned, duped wife who must move in with her lower class sister when her husband dies, leaving her penniless. As her mind begins to unwind, her world begins to spin with lies and dreams. It's a frightening experience detailing mental illness and the war of the classes. If the resent resurgence of the Allen scandal from over a decade ago keeps Cate from winning the Oscar, that would be a pity. That leaves the opening to Dench.
GRAVITY---A short, beautifully made dream like film that has you floating in horrifying space--it's short on dialogue and plot, but it is the most unique looking film of the year.
ENDER'S GAME----This science fiction story of a young teen recruited to become a great general in a war of the worlds had me intrigued at every turn, and the ending, for me, was especially devastating. Themes of betrayal, deceit, suspense and great moral dilemmas left me wanting to cry.
Lee Daniel's THE BUTLER----This ambitious film takes place over 50 years and puts historical events into the timeline of an African American man who worked for eight presidents starting from Eisenhower. He becomes somewhat of a passive witness to the workings of the Civil Rights Movement, and we watch how these events change him, his wife and his family and friends over the course of the years. The film has some faults and missed opportunities, but it has a cumulative power and a strong sense of creating time and place. The costumes, make up, music and fine actors really make this an involving, emotional film.
STORIES WE TELL---We think we are watching a documentary about the life of the Canadian film maker Sarah Polley and her family and a big family mystery, but along the way there are surprises, announcements, twists and reversals that start to challenge everything we've seen. It's astonishingly unique.
A BAND CALLED DEATH---A smart, funny, self-deprecating documentary about a group of black men in the 1970's Detroit who start a rock band, produce an album, and then get discovered 30 years later. It's this year's LOOKING FOR SUGARMAN, and I loved it.
AFTER TILLER---Sad, illuminating, balanced documentary of the life, murder and aftermath of a doctor who preformed late term abortions.
DALLAS BUYERS CLUB----Bookended by two incredible performances, this story of a homophobic who develops AIDS in 1985 and ends up smuggling drugs in from other countries to help fight the disease for himself and others when the US government will hardly pay any attention to the epidemic, is fascinating. Matthew McConaughy ought to win the Oscar for his trans formative role, and his transgendered assistant played by Jared Leto will most likely win the supporting Oscar.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER EQUALLY STRONG FILMS-----
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY---Dynamite cast including another wonderful turn by Meryl Streep and some very black comedy and pithy dialogue had me laughing at this lurid family drama.
12 YEARS A SLAVE---I admired the film and many strong scenes, but I don't ever want to see it again. It made me cringe.
NEBRASKA---An understated black and white comedy that strikes all the right notes in dialogue and performance by all concerned.
HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE---Similar to but in ways better than the first one, this film has me very intrigued by the forthcoming third installment.
THE CONJURING----Best haunted house film of the year.
ABOUT TIME---Appealing mixture of sentiment, romance, and drama, with pinch of fantasy, about a father and son who can transport themselves back in time to fix a bad situation when it comes to love.
BEST MAN HOLIDAY---A surprisingly moving comedy drama about a group of friends who meet a dozen years after graduation and find they have some issues to deal with.
FRUITVILLE STATION---A black man is murdered at a subway stop by a security guard--the film back tracks to show his final 24 hours. A moving exploration of family, love and racism. Based on a true story.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS--Another true story with Tom Hanks in a splendid leading role as a Captain whose freighter ship is boarded by Somali pirates who threaten his crew while seeking money.
THE HUNT---Intense Danish film based on true story, about an innocent man whose life is destroyed by a false accusation of abuse by a six year old girl.
WHAT MAISIE KNEW----A six year old is shuffled between her uncaring and divorcing mother and father, finding comfort in various child sitters.
FRANCES HA---She's out of college, but having trouble growing up.
STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS---It's exciting and suspenseful and fun.
STILL MINE---Elderly couple try to cope with aging issues while trying to retain their independence.
ALL IS LOST---Nearly silent film about man (sterling Robert Redford) trying to keep from drowning in a damaged sailboat in the middle of the ocean. There is a superb surreal ending.
42---Well done film biography of Jackie Robinson, first black baseball player to play in the majors.
FILMS I REALLY DISLIKED-------RUNNER RUNNER, WOLVERINE, WORLD WAR Z, IDENTITY THIEF, CRYSTAL FAIRY
OSCAR PREDICTIONS
I'd like Matthew and Jared to win the OSCAR for DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Cate to win for BLUE JASMINE, and Jennifer Lawrence to win for AMERICAN HUSTLE, and they all seem to be the leaders, although Dench for PHILOMENA might surprise in lead actress category and Lupita Nyong'o may sneak in for the supporting actress category. I feel certain that Director Alfonzo Cuaron will win for GRAVITY.
The writing categories are more difficult to predict---I'd go for HER (Original Screenplay) and 12 YEARS A SLAVE (Adapted Screenplay) with AMERICAN HUSTLE and PHILOMENA as 2nd choices. GRAVITY should recieve most of the technical awards.
With nine choices for best picture, it's going to be close race. I'd like to see AMERICAN HUSTLE or PHILOMENA or GRAVITY take the top award, but this year they are ALL worthy. What can be better than that?
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
WOLF OF WALL STREET, HER, PHILOMENA, THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, plus NOW YOU SEE ME, BOEING BOEING, JULIUS CAESAR, and two films about the White House taken over by terrorists!!!
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG continues the popular films directed with his usual skill by Peter Jackson and based on books by Tolkien. There is a lot of criticism that the films do not follow the book, and that the story is all dragged out to fill out (as is the case of THE HOBBIT) three long films which should clock in over 8 hours of storytelling by the time the third episode is released next Christmas season, but I have to say that not having read the novel before, I still enjoy the incredible workmanship and fantasy of the film(s) a lot. Much time is spent developing characterization and plotting, and whatever characters and plot are expanded or created, they fit well into the total epic feel of the fantasy. The action is grand and excitingly portrayed, and the special effects are seamless and mostly fascinating, especially the dragon Smaug. This film rewards repeated viewings. GRADE-----------A-
Last month I commented that AMERICAN HUSTLE was a great film in the Martin Scorsese style. Well, Martin has made his own great new film this year, and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET is as good as anything he's ever done. The main character played with decadent glee by the exuberant Leo DeCaprio is as unappealing and morally impaired as they come, but the skill in this performance makes you feel great empathy for him, and it could be the film that wins him an Oscar. The film is filled with foul mouthed characters (there are supposedly over 500 various versions of the F word) and the despicable behaviour of the corrupt Wall street types could be quite depressing, but for some reason, this "train wreck" of a plot becomes almost comic and is so wildly incredible that the film---as long as it is-three hours!-- turns into compulsive viewing. The film literally transcends the violence, drug abuse, sex, nudity, and immoral behavior to become a fascinating portrait of excessiveness, and it's one of the years very best films. GRADE------A-
Another viewing of PHILOMENA confirms that this skillful film, by the fine director Stephen Frears, is the heart wrenching comedy drama of the year. Based on a true story, Judy Dench plays the title character PHILOMENIA as she tries to locate her lost son she had to give up to adoption over 50 years earlier. The film is concise and economical--a brief 97 minutes, but we know more about her than just about any character of the year. GRADE-----A-
It's a love story with hints of science fiction and thriller, as the film HER confounds expectations, and manages to find a great deal of compassion for the emotionally stunted leading man as he finds himself being drawn to a new Operating System voice, and ultimately having a "relationship" with the voice of "Samantha" who understands him as no one else does. This film goes places that I never expected it to go. HER is a creative wonder. GRADE-------A-
It is always a pleasure, no matter what the film subject matter, to become fascinated by our greatest living actress, Meryl Streep, as she throws herself into each new character. She is, as usual, compelling and fascinating as she plays the matriarch of a dysfunctional family that meets for the disappearance of her husband, and this triggers lots of drama and secrets come spilling forth in the drama AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. I enjoyed the snarky sarcasm and twisted relationships that revel themselves over the long weekend. The entire cast is quite good--I especially enjoyed Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney and Misty Upham, but Chris Cooper, Julia Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Julianne Nicholson and Sam Shepard all have their great scenes. Dysfunctional family drama might not be your cup of tea, but watching these great actors at their best is a thrill. GRADE-------B+
DVD CHOICES--------------------
The dialogue may have been edited down, and it is filmed in black and white, but the Marlon Brando version of JULIUS CAESAR (1953) retains it's power and awe as vintage Shakespeare. The meaning and clarity of the dialogue was excellent, and the cast, which included John Guilgud, James Mason, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr and Louis Calhern, is at it's peak. GRADE-----B+
From last summer, NOW YOU SEE ME is a twisty thriller (perhaps too twisty?) about a group of magician/con artists who work for a mysterious person who trains them in the art of escalating robberies. It is very tricky and entertaining, and the cast (including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine, Woody Harelson et al) are effective. GRADE-----B
It sounds like a sleazy sex comedy, but BOEING BOEING (1965) has more going for it than the surface description. Tony Curtis is balancing three different flight attendants in one apartment by promising to marry each one, and keeps track of their flights in a notebook, so hopefully only one will be home at a time. His friend played in a low key fashion by Jerry Lewis, comes one weekend to visit and figures out quickly what is happening. The different airlines involved all have major schedule changes, which causes havoc for Curtis. The jokes range from slapstick to sophisticated, but there is a clever method to the madness, helped along by the surprising sensible manner of Lewis, and the smart tongued retorts of the overworked house maid, played in her usual effectively comic manner by Thelma Ritter, who played roles like this a lot---see PILLOW TALK (1959) and REAR WINDOW (1954) and ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) for example. GRADE-------B
From last summer, two films opened within two months of each other, and they had similar plots involving terrorists taking over the White House. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN has disgraced Secret Service man Gerard Butler being just about the only good guy left who can fight the North Korean terrorist while trying to protect the President played by Aaron Eckhart. WHITE HOUSE DOWN has SS wanna be Channing Tatum trying to protect Jamie Foxx, who plays the President. In both films, an endangered child is threatened, nuclear explosives are bringing about the potential end of civilization, help is provided through outside phone service, and the physical White House is literally destroyed. While each film was modestly entertaining, meaning I didn't fall asleep, thinking back they blur together in my mind, and I can hardly distinguish one from the other. GRADE----OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN and WHITE HOUSE DOWN----C+ for each one.
SHED NO TEARS (1948) is a predictable film noir with an unconvincing actress in the leading role. June Vincent plays the evil wife of Wallace Ford, who convinces him to fake his death to collect insurance money. He goes into hiding in another town, then wonders why she is taking so long to collect the money and join him. He soon discovers she has plans to run away with the money---and her new young boyfriend. It was watchable but obvious. GRADE----D+
Last month I commented that AMERICAN HUSTLE was a great film in the Martin Scorsese style. Well, Martin has made his own great new film this year, and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET is as good as anything he's ever done. The main character played with decadent glee by the exuberant Leo DeCaprio is as unappealing and morally impaired as they come, but the skill in this performance makes you feel great empathy for him, and it could be the film that wins him an Oscar. The film is filled with foul mouthed characters (there are supposedly over 500 various versions of the F word) and the despicable behaviour of the corrupt Wall street types could be quite depressing, but for some reason, this "train wreck" of a plot becomes almost comic and is so wildly incredible that the film---as long as it is-three hours!-- turns into compulsive viewing. The film literally transcends the violence, drug abuse, sex, nudity, and immoral behavior to become a fascinating portrait of excessiveness, and it's one of the years very best films. GRADE------A-
Another viewing of PHILOMENA confirms that this skillful film, by the fine director Stephen Frears, is the heart wrenching comedy drama of the year. Based on a true story, Judy Dench plays the title character PHILOMENIA as she tries to locate her lost son she had to give up to adoption over 50 years earlier. The film is concise and economical--a brief 97 minutes, but we know more about her than just about any character of the year. GRADE-----A-
It's a love story with hints of science fiction and thriller, as the film HER confounds expectations, and manages to find a great deal of compassion for the emotionally stunted leading man as he finds himself being drawn to a new Operating System voice, and ultimately having a "relationship" with the voice of "Samantha" who understands him as no one else does. This film goes places that I never expected it to go. HER is a creative wonder. GRADE-------A-
It is always a pleasure, no matter what the film subject matter, to become fascinated by our greatest living actress, Meryl Streep, as she throws herself into each new character. She is, as usual, compelling and fascinating as she plays the matriarch of a dysfunctional family that meets for the disappearance of her husband, and this triggers lots of drama and secrets come spilling forth in the drama AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. I enjoyed the snarky sarcasm and twisted relationships that revel themselves over the long weekend. The entire cast is quite good--I especially enjoyed Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney and Misty Upham, but Chris Cooper, Julia Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Julianne Nicholson and Sam Shepard all have their great scenes. Dysfunctional family drama might not be your cup of tea, but watching these great actors at their best is a thrill. GRADE-------B+
DVD CHOICES--------------------
The dialogue may have been edited down, and it is filmed in black and white, but the Marlon Brando version of JULIUS CAESAR (1953) retains it's power and awe as vintage Shakespeare. The meaning and clarity of the dialogue was excellent, and the cast, which included John Guilgud, James Mason, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr and Louis Calhern, is at it's peak. GRADE-----B+
From last summer, NOW YOU SEE ME is a twisty thriller (perhaps too twisty?) about a group of magician/con artists who work for a mysterious person who trains them in the art of escalating robberies. It is very tricky and entertaining, and the cast (including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine, Woody Harelson et al) are effective. GRADE-----B
It sounds like a sleazy sex comedy, but BOEING BOEING (1965) has more going for it than the surface description. Tony Curtis is balancing three different flight attendants in one apartment by promising to marry each one, and keeps track of their flights in a notebook, so hopefully only one will be home at a time. His friend played in a low key fashion by Jerry Lewis, comes one weekend to visit and figures out quickly what is happening. The different airlines involved all have major schedule changes, which causes havoc for Curtis. The jokes range from slapstick to sophisticated, but there is a clever method to the madness, helped along by the surprising sensible manner of Lewis, and the smart tongued retorts of the overworked house maid, played in her usual effectively comic manner by Thelma Ritter, who played roles like this a lot---see PILLOW TALK (1959) and REAR WINDOW (1954) and ALL ABOUT EVE (1950) for example. GRADE-------B
From last summer, two films opened within two months of each other, and they had similar plots involving terrorists taking over the White House. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN has disgraced Secret Service man Gerard Butler being just about the only good guy left who can fight the North Korean terrorist while trying to protect the President played by Aaron Eckhart. WHITE HOUSE DOWN has SS wanna be Channing Tatum trying to protect Jamie Foxx, who plays the President. In both films, an endangered child is threatened, nuclear explosives are bringing about the potential end of civilization, help is provided through outside phone service, and the physical White House is literally destroyed. While each film was modestly entertaining, meaning I didn't fall asleep, thinking back they blur together in my mind, and I can hardly distinguish one from the other. GRADE----OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN and WHITE HOUSE DOWN----C+ for each one.
SHED NO TEARS (1948) is a predictable film noir with an unconvincing actress in the leading role. June Vincent plays the evil wife of Wallace Ford, who convinces him to fake his death to collect insurance money. He goes into hiding in another town, then wonders why she is taking so long to collect the money and join him. He soon discovers she has plans to run away with the money---and her new young boyfriend. It was watchable but obvious. GRADE----D+
Sunday, December 22, 2013
AMERICAN HUSTLE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, NEBRASKA, OUT OF THE FURNACE, plus some Christmas DVDs A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, THE BISHOP'S WIFE, REMEMBER THE NIGHT, and Spike Lee's PASSING STRANGE
AMERICAN HUSTLE is the best Martin Scorsese film that Scorsese did not make. The director, David O. Russell has been on a big time role---his last two films received multiple Oscar nominations and won supporting actor Oscars for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo (for THE FIGHTER 2010) and best actress for Jennifer Lawrence (for SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK 2012)--all awards well deserved. In the new AMERICAN HUSTLE, I can predict nominations for most of the cast-- Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams, again, and director and script and picture, along with some others. There's punch and drama and style in scene after scene, and the film becomes almost hypnotically compulsive as it follows a complicated plot that mimics the true life ABSCAM scandal in the 1990's. But as with any good drama, the real interest here lies in our sympathy with the characters, and here D.O.R scores with producing vivid characterizations from his large cast, which also includes Bradley Cooper, Louis C.K., Elisabeth Rohm, Alessandro Nivola and Robert DeNiro. Every time a new character appears, we are fascinated by who they are and what they are going to do. The film is punctuated by a sensational musical score that features quite a number of appropriate songs from the 90's. This is a quality film that will stand up to multiple viewings. GRADE-------A
It's low key and charming, but NEBRASKA creates a world of lived in characters and goes in directions that will surprise you. It is much more than a simple story of a demented older man (played with astonishing vacuity by Bruce Dern) misunderstanding his winning of one million dollars. It's yearning for a past time and place, and becomes steeped in regrettable nostalgia as the main characters reconnect with friends and family from the past. The mood reminded me a lot of the Peter Bagdonovitch masterpiece THE LAST PICTURE SHOW 1971--both films share somber yet beautiful black and white cinematography and feature bleak pasts and futures for many in their dying small town culture. GRADE------A-
A lot of the action mimics the earlier film, but HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE creates it's own mood and in many ways is the superior film, especially since the whole new theme of revolution is in the air. I have a similar complaint in that the first HUNGER GAMES used a lot of hand held camera which made it hard to see what was going on---especially in the crucial start of the murderous game itself, as a dozen teens rush to get their hands on their weapons. Well, CATCHING FIRE uses that same stupid hand held procedure again---right when the teens are rushing to get their weapons, but at least most of the rest of the film was easier on the eyes. And this new film has a bizarre ending that really keeps you keen to see the rest of the story. GRADE-----A-
I was impressed with the directorial decisions made by British director Steve McQueen in the harsh, bleak film 12 YEARS A SLAVE. The film, about a Northern black freeman who is kidnapped to the pre Civil War south, does not back away from showing the dismal cruelties of slavery, and the cast is very persuasive. There's absolutely no humor, no luridity (as, for example, in last year's DJANGO) and very little humanity shown, however, and the film becomes quite depressing. In spite of a superior production, fine acting and skillful production, it is a film I never want to experience again. GRADE------B+
Another finely constructed and acted film is also quite bleak (that being the key word here for the week before Christmas) and that film is OUT OF THE FURNACE. An excellent Christian Bale, again, is struggling to overcome a jail experience for vehicular manslaughter, but his younger brother (an effective Casey Affleck) is so disturbed from his time spent in Middle East warfare that he has a nihilistic view of his life, and becomes involved in bare knuckle boxing, eventually with some very unsavory characters. Well done but v e r y heavy. GRADE-----B
DVD CHOICES of the WEEK
I finally caught up with a filmed version of a play PASSING STRANGE (2008) by director Spike Lee, and he captures the energy, music and pathos of the characters very well. He knows exactly where to put the camera without being showy, and he doesn't use much handheld stuff, letting the characters talk and sing to progress the plot. Basically, your standard tale of a young African American teen who leaves his mother's Los Angeles home after high school to find social and sexual
liberation in France and then Germany, discovering sex, love, loneliness, politics, friendship and betrayal in the doing. The music and lyrics were written and performed by STEW and the total cast of five portray many characters in effective and energetic ways. I enjoyed the music very much and found the production to be impressive. GRADE------B
The first version of 310PM TO YUMA (1957) --a Western featuring a sinister Glenn Ford and fascinating Van Heflin was introduced on TCM as featuring a "homoerotic seduction scene on a wedding bed" between a deputized Heflin and the killer he's trying to get to prison in Yuma, played by a sneering Ford. Ya know, looking at it that way, I could see it, and it certainly added an interesting element to the tension. This film was faithfully remade in 2007 with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, and as I recall, it was very effective. GRADE-----B
Set at Christmas time, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER is a first rate film based on a play, where a cranky man (Monty Wooley) slips on the icy stairs of a local business man, breaking his hip, and is immovable indefinitely, upsetting the household in many acerbic and amusing ways. The cast includes delicious turns by Bette Davis and Ann Sheridan who spar off over the love of a young man. (They apparently didn't like each other in real life, either, so that only enhances their scenes together.). Jimmy Durante and Billie Burke among others also amuse. At times the dialogue and action become frenetic, but it moves along at an funny, clever pace, and constantly makes me laugh.
GRADE-------A-
Filmed in over a dozen different versions over the years, this British version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951) aka SCROOGE is, in my mind, the best. Alastair Sims is the perfect Scrooge, and the supporting characters are splendid. GRADE------A-
A curious film, REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940) features Fred MacMurray as a lawyer who must prosecute thief Barbara Stanwyck, but first, in a strangely awkward coincidence, takes her home to his family over the Christmas holiday week, where they (naturally) fall in love. This film is an interesting precursor to the classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)where MacMurray and Stanwyck work together to murder her husband. I'd never seen this film, but I really liked the play between the leads, and the supporting characters include the memorable Beulah Bondi and a young Sterling Holloway. Preston Sturges who later became a great director with films like CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS, LADY EVE, PALM BEACH STORY, MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK and others, made all the mentioned within the next 5 years. REMEMBER THE NIGHT has all the themes of his directed films--strong women, sexual discovery, poverty, humanistic characteristics, etc. GRADE------B+
I'd never seen THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947) before, but I found Cary Grant, David Niven and especially Loretta Young all quite charming. Set just before Christmas as Bishop Niven is going through a crisis about trying to raise money for a new church, an angel named Dudley (Grant) arrives to help him through his problems with fund raising and becoming a better family man--but not in ways he thinks he needs or wants. There's a bit of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and CHRISTMAS CAROL, and it's not as good as those, but it manages to be engaging and surprising. Remade as THE PREACHER'S WIFE (1996) with Denzel Washington as Dudley, and Whitney Houston, but that was not very memorable. GRADE------B+
In spite of a strong cast which includes George Raft, George Brent, Randolf Scott, Joan Blondell and Ann Harding, the seldom seen film CHRISTMAS EVE (1947) was so deadly dull and convoluted at the same time, that I kept nodding off in the first hour, and finally I turned it off. GRADE----D
It's low key and charming, but NEBRASKA creates a world of lived in characters and goes in directions that will surprise you. It is much more than a simple story of a demented older man (played with astonishing vacuity by Bruce Dern) misunderstanding his winning of one million dollars. It's yearning for a past time and place, and becomes steeped in regrettable nostalgia as the main characters reconnect with friends and family from the past. The mood reminded me a lot of the Peter Bagdonovitch masterpiece THE LAST PICTURE SHOW 1971--both films share somber yet beautiful black and white cinematography and feature bleak pasts and futures for many in their dying small town culture. GRADE------A-
A lot of the action mimics the earlier film, but HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE creates it's own mood and in many ways is the superior film, especially since the whole new theme of revolution is in the air. I have a similar complaint in that the first HUNGER GAMES used a lot of hand held camera which made it hard to see what was going on---especially in the crucial start of the murderous game itself, as a dozen teens rush to get their hands on their weapons. Well, CATCHING FIRE uses that same stupid hand held procedure again---right when the teens are rushing to get their weapons, but at least most of the rest of the film was easier on the eyes. And this new film has a bizarre ending that really keeps you keen to see the rest of the story. GRADE-----A-
I was impressed with the directorial decisions made by British director Steve McQueen in the harsh, bleak film 12 YEARS A SLAVE. The film, about a Northern black freeman who is kidnapped to the pre Civil War south, does not back away from showing the dismal cruelties of slavery, and the cast is very persuasive. There's absolutely no humor, no luridity (as, for example, in last year's DJANGO) and very little humanity shown, however, and the film becomes quite depressing. In spite of a superior production, fine acting and skillful production, it is a film I never want to experience again. GRADE------B+
Another finely constructed and acted film is also quite bleak (that being the key word here for the week before Christmas) and that film is OUT OF THE FURNACE. An excellent Christian Bale, again, is struggling to overcome a jail experience for vehicular manslaughter, but his younger brother (an effective Casey Affleck) is so disturbed from his time spent in Middle East warfare that he has a nihilistic view of his life, and becomes involved in bare knuckle boxing, eventually with some very unsavory characters. Well done but v e r y heavy. GRADE-----B
DVD CHOICES of the WEEK
I finally caught up with a filmed version of a play PASSING STRANGE (2008) by director Spike Lee, and he captures the energy, music and pathos of the characters very well. He knows exactly where to put the camera without being showy, and he doesn't use much handheld stuff, letting the characters talk and sing to progress the plot. Basically, your standard tale of a young African American teen who leaves his mother's Los Angeles home after high school to find social and sexual
liberation in France and then Germany, discovering sex, love, loneliness, politics, friendship and betrayal in the doing. The music and lyrics were written and performed by STEW and the total cast of five portray many characters in effective and energetic ways. I enjoyed the music very much and found the production to be impressive. GRADE------B
The first version of 310PM TO YUMA (1957) --a Western featuring a sinister Glenn Ford and fascinating Van Heflin was introduced on TCM as featuring a "homoerotic seduction scene on a wedding bed" between a deputized Heflin and the killer he's trying to get to prison in Yuma, played by a sneering Ford. Ya know, looking at it that way, I could see it, and it certainly added an interesting element to the tension. This film was faithfully remade in 2007 with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, and as I recall, it was very effective. GRADE-----B
Set at Christmas time, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER is a first rate film based on a play, where a cranky man (Monty Wooley) slips on the icy stairs of a local business man, breaking his hip, and is immovable indefinitely, upsetting the household in many acerbic and amusing ways. The cast includes delicious turns by Bette Davis and Ann Sheridan who spar off over the love of a young man. (They apparently didn't like each other in real life, either, so that only enhances their scenes together.). Jimmy Durante and Billie Burke among others also amuse. At times the dialogue and action become frenetic, but it moves along at an funny, clever pace, and constantly makes me laugh.
GRADE-------A-
Filmed in over a dozen different versions over the years, this British version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951) aka SCROOGE is, in my mind, the best. Alastair Sims is the perfect Scrooge, and the supporting characters are splendid. GRADE------A-
A curious film, REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940) features Fred MacMurray as a lawyer who must prosecute thief Barbara Stanwyck, but first, in a strangely awkward coincidence, takes her home to his family over the Christmas holiday week, where they (naturally) fall in love. This film is an interesting precursor to the classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)where MacMurray and Stanwyck work together to murder her husband. I'd never seen this film, but I really liked the play between the leads, and the supporting characters include the memorable Beulah Bondi and a young Sterling Holloway. Preston Sturges who later became a great director with films like CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS, LADY EVE, PALM BEACH STORY, MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK and others, made all the mentioned within the next 5 years. REMEMBER THE NIGHT has all the themes of his directed films--strong women, sexual discovery, poverty, humanistic characteristics, etc. GRADE------B+
I'd never seen THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947) before, but I found Cary Grant, David Niven and especially Loretta Young all quite charming. Set just before Christmas as Bishop Niven is going through a crisis about trying to raise money for a new church, an angel named Dudley (Grant) arrives to help him through his problems with fund raising and becoming a better family man--but not in ways he thinks he needs or wants. There's a bit of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and CHRISTMAS CAROL, and it's not as good as those, but it manages to be engaging and surprising. Remade as THE PREACHER'S WIFE (1996) with Denzel Washington as Dudley, and Whitney Houston, but that was not very memorable. GRADE------B+
In spite of a strong cast which includes George Raft, George Brent, Randolf Scott, Joan Blondell and Ann Harding, the seldom seen film CHRISTMAS EVE (1947) was so deadly dull and convoluted at the same time, that I kept nodding off in the first hour, and finally I turned it off. GRADE----D
Saturday, November 30, 2013
PHILOMENA, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, ALL IS LOST, ABOUT TIME, BEST MAN HOLIDAY, DELIVERY MAN, WADJDA plus Billy Wilder's AVANIT!, 5 YEAR ENGAGEMENT, BALL OF FIRE
The films of Richard Curtis include the memorable FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (1994), NOTTING HILL (1999), and LOVE, ACTUALLY (2003). He also wrote the two BRIDGET JONES (2001/2004)films, BEAN (1997), WAR HORSE (2011), and for TV he wrote BLACKADDER, MR BEAN, and THE NUMBER 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY. His newest film ABOUT TIME is very much his film, and I think it is his most intimately personal endeavor. It's the type of ambitious film that manages, despite some iffy plot devices, to convey how important it is to find happiness in your own life, how your actions can affect others, and how doing the right thing can be the best action despite the possible down falls. He wraps this all up in comic, dramatic and romantic style, and it will make you feel that you've really witnessed something substantial. The plot device he uses---how the men in his family can travel back in time to change their behavior and get what they really want, actually becomes rather unimportant by the end. The device almost becomes a McGuffin--it's intriguing and creates some funny scenes, but in the end, the film becomes a heartfelt document on the human heart. It's really a beautiful film. GRADE---------A-
Modest but perfectly constructed and acted, PHILOMENA is based on a true story novel about a woman who is searching for the child she gave up for adoption 50 years earlier. With the help of a skeptical journalist interested in writing her story, the two set out to find out what has happened to her now middle aged son, and track him to America from Ireland. The relationship between the writer and the mother carry drama, tension and humor, and there's a lot of sting to this story to keep it from becoming maudlin. Stephen Frears (THE QUEEN 2006, THE GRIFTERS 1990, DANGEROUS LIAISONS 1988, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE 1988) directs with a solid unobtrusive hand. GRADE---------A-
Based on a true story, the DALLAS BUYERS CLUB may not be the best constructed film of the year, but thanks to two beautifully audacious performances, becomes a fascinating depiction of the mid-1980's, when AIDS raised the political and medical consciousness of the nation. Matthew McConaughey raises the bar he set earlier this year in MUD, by throwing himself into the role of a homophobic, drug using electrician and rodeo man who becomes one of the first heterosexual man to get full blown AIDS. The film shows how he must deal with homophobia and fear from others as he battles the disease the only way he knows how---by importing from other countries drugs to help fight the disease--for himself and others. All this clashes with the slow medical results and the government actions to block his efforts. The other performance comes from Jared Leto as an HIV infected trans gendered man who wants to live as a female. Leto is transformed and illuminating as she fights for her life against the deadly disease. GRADE---------A-
The surprise film of the season comes from the effective BEST MAN HOLIDAY--a comedy drama that becomes a likable tearjerker featuring a half dozen fine attractive actors portraying some best friends in past years who gather at the holiday time to hash out their relationships. The film reminded me A LOT of THE BIG CHILL (1983), but the soundtrack is filled with soulful holiday songs instead of rock songs, and the film doesn't hedge when it comes to the sometimes unpleasant past.
GRADE------------B+
The reliable Robert Redford single handedly keeps the one character ALL IS LOST a fascinating experience. He portrays a lone sailor attempting to sail across the ocean alone, but must fight for survival when his sail boat is damaged by a floating container filled with tennis shoes. It works a lot like the current GRAVITY--putting you in his place and mind as he battles the elements. GRADE---------B+
Based on the popular French Quebec film from two years ago called STARBUCK, the new film featuring Vince Vaughn is now called DELIVERY MAN, and I'm pleased to report that the remake, written and directed by the same director, is very faithful, and effective. Vaughn plays a man-child who in his 20's visited the sperm bank a lot, and thanks to the unethical practices of the bank, finds that he has impregnated over 500 women. Nearly half of these children, now nearly 20 years old, want to know who their biological father is. The film doesn't go into any discussion of the adapted parents, or the lame subplot of how Vaughn came to owe the mob $80,000. But the film does have some moving moments as he tries to get to know a few of his children, and there are a lot of laughs as he tries to become a better adult. I enjoyed it. GRADE------B
From Saudi Arabia comes WADJDA, about a smart young girl living in a repressive society where women are second class citizens. She wants to get a bike, but according to her family and neighbors, bikes are for boys. (It is suggested that bike riding will cause her to lose her virginity.) The trouble with this film for me is that most films set in the Middle East have a similar theme, and watching some of the twisted logic that passes for religion makes me want to scream. The film is leisurely, familiar and predictable. GRADE------C+
DVD Choices-----------------------
In the summer of 1972, I went with a friend to help pick apples at the Chelan orchard of a mutual friend. It was hot, hard physical work. One night we decided to go to the movies in Wenatchee, nearly a 40 mile drive away, and ended up at the drive-in. I don't remember what the main feature was, or even the co-feature, but when the third feature started (!!!!), which must have been after midnight, I was wide awake and alert, as my friends were sound asleep. This bottom of the bill feature was AVANTI!, a film I knew nothing about at the time. It engaged and delighted me, and I've never forgotten it. This is old-fashioned film making at it's smoothest and most intelligent best. Jack Lemmon is the haggard and fussy son of a man who heads a large cooperation, and who has just inconveniently died in a auto accident in an Italian resort. When he arrives at the hotel to pick up the body, he meets the daughter of a woman who has just died in the same accident. His father and this woman were secret lovers and died together. Then the bodies disappear from the morgue. This film takes its time to create interesting characters, all with wacky and curious traits, and if you take the time to let the film get under your skin, you will enjoy AVANTI! fully. It helps to have the eye candy of beautiful Italy as the back drop. This is typical, delightful Billy Wilder stuff (SOME LIKE IT HOT, THE APARTMENT) and it you've never seen it, try it. GRADE-------A-
I recently saw, for the first time, BALL OF FIRE (1941), a charming screw ball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and staring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. She plays a gangsters moll who hides out in the large home of Cooper who directs a group of socially backwards older academics who are trying to write an enclycopedia. The similarities to SNOW WHITE end there, but the film is consistently amusing, the leads create some delightful chemistry, and there are some charming scenes as the woman finds her way into all the gentleman's hearts. GRADE-------A-
THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT (2012) is one of those dramedies that work harder at creating interesting characters than throwing gross jokes at you every minute. I found the characters to be quite believable and sympathetic, and every time I see it I think it is funnier and funnier. Emily Blunt and Jason Segel are the couple who must postpone their wedding due to various life complications. GRADE-----B+
A smart, witty British comedy about an eccentric scientist (Alec Guiness) who discovers a new material that repels dirt--it never needs cleaning or replacing, THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT (1951) creates a dozen funny characters as the plot, which involves the garment industry trying to suppress his invention, spins merrily along. It's a corker. GRADE-----B
Shortly after BALL OF FIRE, I saw Gary Cooper, again, in an earlier film version of Ernest Hemingway's FAREWELL TO ARMS (1932) in which he plays an ambulance driver during WWI who falls in love with a nurse (a young Helen Hayes). They will do anything to be together, including going AWOL. The film stresses the love over the war, but there are some impressive "montages" as he tries to escape the war to find his love. GRADE------B-
I recently finish reading A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR, a novel by one of my favorite writers, John Irving, and in that novel is a small short story about A DOOR IN THE FLOOR(2004), which is the title for this film, which offers up only the first third of the novel. It's a faithful, somber adaptation that limits itself to the break down of a marriage between a writer of children's novels and his wife--he arranges for a young assistant to become his wife's lover--possible to help her overcome her depression at the death of their two sons several years earlier. Or possibly to cover his own need for extra marital affairs. The actors (Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Elle Fanning, etc) are quite good, and the film is handsome to look at, but it feels quite sad and empty--and incomplete. The novel goes on for 50 more years, and actually is about their young daughter, who is abandoned by the mother in the final scene. I liked it better watching this film now than 9 years ago when I first saw it, but it still feels unsatisfactory. GRADE------------C+
I saw two films directed by Ida Lupino and featuring Edmond O'Brien, both made in 1953. The first is a straight forward story of THE BIGAMIST, about a man who ends up married to two women in different cities, and can't decide which one he loves the most, which drives him to distraction. The second is THE HITCHHIKER, where two men on a camping trip pick up a hitcher who turns out to be a serial murderer, and the three play a cat and mouse game. Both are rather straight forward in their plotting, and certainly watchable, but the low budget keeps either from becoming better than they are. GRADE FOR BOTH FILMS-----------C+
Modest but perfectly constructed and acted, PHILOMENA is based on a true story novel about a woman who is searching for the child she gave up for adoption 50 years earlier. With the help of a skeptical journalist interested in writing her story, the two set out to find out what has happened to her now middle aged son, and track him to America from Ireland. The relationship between the writer and the mother carry drama, tension and humor, and there's a lot of sting to this story to keep it from becoming maudlin. Stephen Frears (THE QUEEN 2006, THE GRIFTERS 1990, DANGEROUS LIAISONS 1988, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE 1988) directs with a solid unobtrusive hand. GRADE---------A-
Based on a true story, the DALLAS BUYERS CLUB may not be the best constructed film of the year, but thanks to two beautifully audacious performances, becomes a fascinating depiction of the mid-1980's, when AIDS raised the political and medical consciousness of the nation. Matthew McConaughey raises the bar he set earlier this year in MUD, by throwing himself into the role of a homophobic, drug using electrician and rodeo man who becomes one of the first heterosexual man to get full blown AIDS. The film shows how he must deal with homophobia and fear from others as he battles the disease the only way he knows how---by importing from other countries drugs to help fight the disease--for himself and others. All this clashes with the slow medical results and the government actions to block his efforts. The other performance comes from Jared Leto as an HIV infected trans gendered man who wants to live as a female. Leto is transformed and illuminating as she fights for her life against the deadly disease. GRADE---------A-
The surprise film of the season comes from the effective BEST MAN HOLIDAY--a comedy drama that becomes a likable tearjerker featuring a half dozen fine attractive actors portraying some best friends in past years who gather at the holiday time to hash out their relationships. The film reminded me A LOT of THE BIG CHILL (1983), but the soundtrack is filled with soulful holiday songs instead of rock songs, and the film doesn't hedge when it comes to the sometimes unpleasant past.
GRADE------------B+
The reliable Robert Redford single handedly keeps the one character ALL IS LOST a fascinating experience. He portrays a lone sailor attempting to sail across the ocean alone, but must fight for survival when his sail boat is damaged by a floating container filled with tennis shoes. It works a lot like the current GRAVITY--putting you in his place and mind as he battles the elements. GRADE---------B+
Based on the popular French Quebec film from two years ago called STARBUCK, the new film featuring Vince Vaughn is now called DELIVERY MAN, and I'm pleased to report that the remake, written and directed by the same director, is very faithful, and effective. Vaughn plays a man-child who in his 20's visited the sperm bank a lot, and thanks to the unethical practices of the bank, finds that he has impregnated over 500 women. Nearly half of these children, now nearly 20 years old, want to know who their biological father is. The film doesn't go into any discussion of the adapted parents, or the lame subplot of how Vaughn came to owe the mob $80,000. But the film does have some moving moments as he tries to get to know a few of his children, and there are a lot of laughs as he tries to become a better adult. I enjoyed it. GRADE------B
From Saudi Arabia comes WADJDA, about a smart young girl living in a repressive society where women are second class citizens. She wants to get a bike, but according to her family and neighbors, bikes are for boys. (It is suggested that bike riding will cause her to lose her virginity.) The trouble with this film for me is that most films set in the Middle East have a similar theme, and watching some of the twisted logic that passes for religion makes me want to scream. The film is leisurely, familiar and predictable. GRADE------C+
DVD Choices-----------------------
In the summer of 1972, I went with a friend to help pick apples at the Chelan orchard of a mutual friend. It was hot, hard physical work. One night we decided to go to the movies in Wenatchee, nearly a 40 mile drive away, and ended up at the drive-in. I don't remember what the main feature was, or even the co-feature, but when the third feature started (!!!!), which must have been after midnight, I was wide awake and alert, as my friends were sound asleep. This bottom of the bill feature was AVANTI!, a film I knew nothing about at the time. It engaged and delighted me, and I've never forgotten it. This is old-fashioned film making at it's smoothest and most intelligent best. Jack Lemmon is the haggard and fussy son of a man who heads a large cooperation, and who has just inconveniently died in a auto accident in an Italian resort. When he arrives at the hotel to pick up the body, he meets the daughter of a woman who has just died in the same accident. His father and this woman were secret lovers and died together. Then the bodies disappear from the morgue. This film takes its time to create interesting characters, all with wacky and curious traits, and if you take the time to let the film get under your skin, you will enjoy AVANTI! fully. It helps to have the eye candy of beautiful Italy as the back drop. This is typical, delightful Billy Wilder stuff (SOME LIKE IT HOT, THE APARTMENT) and it you've never seen it, try it. GRADE-------A-
I recently saw, for the first time, BALL OF FIRE (1941), a charming screw ball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and staring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. She plays a gangsters moll who hides out in the large home of Cooper who directs a group of socially backwards older academics who are trying to write an enclycopedia. The similarities to SNOW WHITE end there, but the film is consistently amusing, the leads create some delightful chemistry, and there are some charming scenes as the woman finds her way into all the gentleman's hearts. GRADE-------A-
THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT (2012) is one of those dramedies that work harder at creating interesting characters than throwing gross jokes at you every minute. I found the characters to be quite believable and sympathetic, and every time I see it I think it is funnier and funnier. Emily Blunt and Jason Segel are the couple who must postpone their wedding due to various life complications. GRADE-----B+
A smart, witty British comedy about an eccentric scientist (Alec Guiness) who discovers a new material that repels dirt--it never needs cleaning or replacing, THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT (1951) creates a dozen funny characters as the plot, which involves the garment industry trying to suppress his invention, spins merrily along. It's a corker. GRADE-----B
Shortly after BALL OF FIRE, I saw Gary Cooper, again, in an earlier film version of Ernest Hemingway's FAREWELL TO ARMS (1932) in which he plays an ambulance driver during WWI who falls in love with a nurse (a young Helen Hayes). They will do anything to be together, including going AWOL. The film stresses the love over the war, but there are some impressive "montages" as he tries to escape the war to find his love. GRADE------B-
I recently finish reading A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR, a novel by one of my favorite writers, John Irving, and in that novel is a small short story about A DOOR IN THE FLOOR(2004), which is the title for this film, which offers up only the first third of the novel. It's a faithful, somber adaptation that limits itself to the break down of a marriage between a writer of children's novels and his wife--he arranges for a young assistant to become his wife's lover--possible to help her overcome her depression at the death of their two sons several years earlier. Or possibly to cover his own need for extra marital affairs. The actors (Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Elle Fanning, etc) are quite good, and the film is handsome to look at, but it feels quite sad and empty--and incomplete. The novel goes on for 50 more years, and actually is about their young daughter, who is abandoned by the mother in the final scene. I liked it better watching this film now than 9 years ago when I first saw it, but it still feels unsatisfactory. GRADE------------C+
I saw two films directed by Ida Lupino and featuring Edmond O'Brien, both made in 1953. The first is a straight forward story of THE BIGAMIST, about a man who ends up married to two women in different cities, and can't decide which one he loves the most, which drives him to distraction. The second is THE HITCHHIKER, where two men on a camping trip pick up a hitcher who turns out to be a serial murderer, and the three play a cat and mouse game. Both are rather straight forward in their plotting, and certainly watchable, but the low budget keeps either from becoming better than they are. GRADE FOR BOTH FILMS-----------C+
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
ENDER'S GAME, GRAVITY, RUSH, CARRIE, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, FIFTH ESTATE, RUNNER RUNNER, and MILDRED PIERCE 1945
Starting at the top of the list from the past few weeks one must put ENDER'S GAME right up there as a smart, exciting, cerebral science fiction experience, that actually got a round of applause at its conclusion, something that doesn't happen very often, especially with sci fi films. The story of a brilliant young teen trained to save the world at the risk of his soul, the film has delicious eye candy special effects, a compelling story line and some great actors (Ben Kingsley, Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, Asa Butterfield and Hailee Steinfeld, to name a few), and the film moves along at an exciting pace before coming to it's disturbing and shocking (for me) ending. There is a whole handful of gaming and literary ENDER'S GAME product, and I look forward to the next cinematic installment, much like I looked forward to each LOTR episode. GRADE-----A
Another impressive science fiction experience is the unique GRAVITY, nearly a one woman show featuring the resourceful Sandra Bullock as a stranded astronaut trying to make her way home from space after a series of disasters leaves her stranded and in a near helpless situation. The story line is simplistic, but the film puts you in her position and creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia, fear, loneliness and hope. It's like nothing you've ever seen on film before. GRADE-----A-
Tom Hanks and cast really shine in the docu-drama CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, and he's the compelling, main reason for watching this based on a true story film about the capture by Somali pirates of a shipping vessel in the Indian ocean. I'd rate this film even higher if it weren't for the annoying hand held camera business that makes the film so unpleasant to watch at times. Especially impressive is the sympathy and empathy given the Somali perpetrators hopeless cause. GRADE-----B+
I wasn't really motivated to see director Ron Howard's new biographical sports (car racing) film RUSH, but I found it to be incredibly well constructed and involving, and the actors were fascinating, especially Daniel Bruhl, who also is so effective in the currant FIFTH ESTATE (see below). GRADE-----B+
It came and went quickly, but the independent film UNA NOCHE creates a fascinating world of life in the oppressive Havana, and deals with a brother and sister, and the object of their affection, a male friend, who try to leave Cuba on a wooden, makeshift raft. It is thoughtful and bittersweet. GRADE-----B+
A new faithful version of CARRIE is a success, mainly because the actors (Julianne Moore and Chloe Grace Moretz) breathe new life into the story of a shy high school girl who is berated and teased by her classmates, just as she is learning about the strange psychic powers that she has. The film is also updated for a modern audience (Carrie's horrible shower experience goes viral from some one's cell phone, etc). I enjoyed this version as much as Brian De Palma's 1976 thriller, and if you haven't seen CARRIE in a while, this is worth the watch. GRADE-----B
I was NOT a fan of the 2011 version of THOR, which I found to be dull, with a confusing and unnecessary subplot stuffed with political blah blah about one race of aliens hating another etc. Good news----this sequel called THOR; THE DARK WORLD is a giant step in the right direction. The special effects are outstanding, there's a lot more humor, and film moves along without getting bogged down in political clap trap. And then there's the amazing Tom Hiddleston who plays Thor's evil (adopted) brother Loki. He steals this film (as in the first) to very good effect, and if the film makers were smart, they'd figure out a way to cast him in a starring role, since muscle bound Chris Hemsworth (also starring currently in RUSH) who plays Thor, is not nearly as interesting as Loki.
GRADE-------B
A small run for the SIFF film I USED TO BE DARKER has a confused teen running away from her parents (in Europe!!) to her aunt and uncle in Baltimore (!!) only to find that they are in the middle of a nasty divorce. It's a little film, but I liked the subtly and nuance that many scenes displayed. GRADE-------B
Benedict Cumberbatch makes an excellent Julian Assange in the stylish thriller THE FIFTH ESTATE, based on the life of the computer genius who started Wikileaks, a place where whistle blowers could expose government and corporate corruption. Daniel Bruhl (RUSH) is also excellent as his friend. But over all, the film suffers in comparison to the excellent documentary that came out this past summer called WE SELL SECRETS: THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS, which covers the same ground in an even more provocative and fascinating manner. They would make an interesting double bill. GRADE------B-
It's been only a couple weeks, but I've already put RUNNER RUNNER out of my head. A predictable story of a young hot head computer champion who thinks he can take down a world wide computer gambling king pin (Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck, respectively), the film plays along in predictable fashion until the unrealistic ending. There is just nothing memorable about this film. GRADE-----C
_______________________
A couple films from TV and DVD......
I watched GOLDFINGER (1964) in incredible Blu-Ray and found it to be a fascinating 007 James Bond adventure, still. The gold paint death, the amazing theme song belted out by Shirley Bassey, the bowler hat of death, the laser beam creeping towards Bond's crotch, and outrageous women including Pussy Galore, -----the list goes on and on. This film is a classic. GRADE-----B+
MILDRED PIERCE (1945) is a Joan Crawford classic, but the film is soapy, lurid and sort of rambles along when is should be film noirish sharp. Still, there are many fascinating elements about it. I watched it because the night before I stumbled upon LOVE CRAZY (1941), a wacky screwball comedy featuring William Powell and Myrna Loy, and was particularly impressed with the madcap portrayal of Jack Carson--one of those faces that look familiar, but you can't quite place it. He is featured in MILDRED PIERCE, and quite effective too, though he never made it to the big big time---he's more of a character actor. LOVE CRAZY is about a series of misunderstandings that has a married couple on the brink of divorce. The husband decides to pretend to be crazy to postpone the divorce, but ends up getting institutionalized instead. He (Powell) pretends to be a woman to escape, so the last 30 minutes is played (to decent effect) in drag. Not great, but it had it's moments of mirth and laughs. GRADE for MILDRED PIERCE and LOVE CRAZY----------B for each.
ISLE OF THE DEAD (1946) featuring Boris Karloff, promises horror when it is really about a plague that keeps a group of people quarantined on an island so that they don't infect those on shore. Watchable if unmemorable. GRADE------C+
Another impressive science fiction experience is the unique GRAVITY, nearly a one woman show featuring the resourceful Sandra Bullock as a stranded astronaut trying to make her way home from space after a series of disasters leaves her stranded and in a near helpless situation. The story line is simplistic, but the film puts you in her position and creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia, fear, loneliness and hope. It's like nothing you've ever seen on film before. GRADE-----A-
Tom Hanks and cast really shine in the docu-drama CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, and he's the compelling, main reason for watching this based on a true story film about the capture by Somali pirates of a shipping vessel in the Indian ocean. I'd rate this film even higher if it weren't for the annoying hand held camera business that makes the film so unpleasant to watch at times. Especially impressive is the sympathy and empathy given the Somali perpetrators hopeless cause. GRADE-----B+
I wasn't really motivated to see director Ron Howard's new biographical sports (car racing) film RUSH, but I found it to be incredibly well constructed and involving, and the actors were fascinating, especially Daniel Bruhl, who also is so effective in the currant FIFTH ESTATE (see below). GRADE-----B+
It came and went quickly, but the independent film UNA NOCHE creates a fascinating world of life in the oppressive Havana, and deals with a brother and sister, and the object of their affection, a male friend, who try to leave Cuba on a wooden, makeshift raft. It is thoughtful and bittersweet. GRADE-----B+
A new faithful version of CARRIE is a success, mainly because the actors (Julianne Moore and Chloe Grace Moretz) breathe new life into the story of a shy high school girl who is berated and teased by her classmates, just as she is learning about the strange psychic powers that she has. The film is also updated for a modern audience (Carrie's horrible shower experience goes viral from some one's cell phone, etc). I enjoyed this version as much as Brian De Palma's 1976 thriller, and if you haven't seen CARRIE in a while, this is worth the watch. GRADE-----B
I was NOT a fan of the 2011 version of THOR, which I found to be dull, with a confusing and unnecessary subplot stuffed with political blah blah about one race of aliens hating another etc. Good news----this sequel called THOR; THE DARK WORLD is a giant step in the right direction. The special effects are outstanding, there's a lot more humor, and film moves along without getting bogged down in political clap trap. And then there's the amazing Tom Hiddleston who plays Thor's evil (adopted) brother Loki. He steals this film (as in the first) to very good effect, and if the film makers were smart, they'd figure out a way to cast him in a starring role, since muscle bound Chris Hemsworth (also starring currently in RUSH) who plays Thor, is not nearly as interesting as Loki.
GRADE-------B
A small run for the SIFF film I USED TO BE DARKER has a confused teen running away from her parents (in Europe!!) to her aunt and uncle in Baltimore (!!) only to find that they are in the middle of a nasty divorce. It's a little film, but I liked the subtly and nuance that many scenes displayed. GRADE-------B
Benedict Cumberbatch makes an excellent Julian Assange in the stylish thriller THE FIFTH ESTATE, based on the life of the computer genius who started Wikileaks, a place where whistle blowers could expose government and corporate corruption. Daniel Bruhl (RUSH) is also excellent as his friend. But over all, the film suffers in comparison to the excellent documentary that came out this past summer called WE SELL SECRETS: THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS, which covers the same ground in an even more provocative and fascinating manner. They would make an interesting double bill. GRADE------B-
It's been only a couple weeks, but I've already put RUNNER RUNNER out of my head. A predictable story of a young hot head computer champion who thinks he can take down a world wide computer gambling king pin (Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck, respectively), the film plays along in predictable fashion until the unrealistic ending. There is just nothing memorable about this film. GRADE-----C
_______________________
A couple films from TV and DVD......
I watched GOLDFINGER (1964) in incredible Blu-Ray and found it to be a fascinating 007 James Bond adventure, still. The gold paint death, the amazing theme song belted out by Shirley Bassey, the bowler hat of death, the laser beam creeping towards Bond's crotch, and outrageous women including Pussy Galore, -----the list goes on and on. This film is a classic. GRADE-----B+
MILDRED PIERCE (1945) is a Joan Crawford classic, but the film is soapy, lurid and sort of rambles along when is should be film noirish sharp. Still, there are many fascinating elements about it. I watched it because the night before I stumbled upon LOVE CRAZY (1941), a wacky screwball comedy featuring William Powell and Myrna Loy, and was particularly impressed with the madcap portrayal of Jack Carson--one of those faces that look familiar, but you can't quite place it. He is featured in MILDRED PIERCE, and quite effective too, though he never made it to the big big time---he's more of a character actor. LOVE CRAZY is about a series of misunderstandings that has a married couple on the brink of divorce. The husband decides to pretend to be crazy to postpone the divorce, but ends up getting institutionalized instead. He (Powell) pretends to be a woman to escape, so the last 30 minutes is played (to decent effect) in drag. Not great, but it had it's moments of mirth and laughs. GRADE for MILDRED PIERCE and LOVE CRAZY----------B for each.
ISLE OF THE DEAD (1946) featuring Boris Karloff, promises horror when it is really about a plague that keeps a group of people quarantined on an island so that they don't infect those on shore. Watchable if unmemorable. GRADE------C+
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
BLUE JASMINE, INEQUALITY FOR ALL, ENOUGH SAID, THE SUMMIT, PRISONERS, INSIDIOUS Chapter 2, YOU WILL BE MY SON, IN A WORLD, UNFINISHED SONG, THERESE, AFTERNOON DELIGHT, plus some great SILENT FILMS
The first week of September was spent sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle to Alaska with family and friends. Five days later I came down with a whopper of a cold, and my computer seems to be possessed by molasses, so I am WWWAAAYYY behind in reporting films. So I will be brief and hopefully succinct.
Woody Allen continues to amaze and astonish me with his skillful and intelligent writing and direction, and this time he has the incredible presence of Cate Blanchet to deal with--and she grabs the title role of BLUE JASMINE in both hands and proceeds to shake the living daylights out of it. There's also an incredible supporting cast (as usual), but Blanchet is so mesmerizing that you can't stop watching, even though this story of a wronged women going mad when she loses her rich but sleaze bag husband (Alex Baldwin, natch) to prison and must live with her salt of the earth sister (Sally Hawkins) in a rough New York neighborhood seems desperate and depressing. She is first in line for this years Oscar race, and would be the one to beat. GRADE-------A-
From France comes the astonishingly compelling melodrama YOU WILL BE MY SON (TU SERAS MON FILS). The elderly owner of a large vineyard finds his health slipping, and his best friend and partner is dying, so he turns to the partner's clever son to take over the vineyard, by- passing his own faithful but dull son who assumes he will be taking over the reins. It's strong, fluid film-making and I was transfixed to the bitter and shocking end. GRADE------A-
The documentary INEQUALITY FOR ALL explains in horrifying detail how the increasingly widening income gap in American is causing even more problems than you might think. GRADE--------A-
A dynamic and realistic low budget film SHORT TERM 12 deals with a half way house where abused and difficult teens (addicted, behavioral issues, etc) learn to deal with their problems. It is run and staffed, for the most part, but young adults, who have many issues and problems of their own. The film features some very naturalistic performances by many first time actors, and becomes quite profound in illuminating human behavior. GRADE-----A-
AFTERNOON DELIGHT is another low budget wonder, about a bored housewife who visits a strip club with her husband and some friends, meets a stripper, and in an effort to turn the sex worker's life around, offers her a job as a nanny for her young son!!!! Of course, some colors can never change, and the film is perceptive and very interesting--it takes turns you never expect. GRADE----B+
PRISONERS goes darker and deeper than any recent Hollywood film in memory, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Father of a kidnapped daughter, Hugh Jackman goes rather crazy in his efforts to find her and a neighbor child. It's a chilling and creepy story, well done. GRADE----B+
A reenactment documentary of the tragic events that lead to the 11 deaths of K2 mountain climbers in 2008, THE SUMMIT is very gripping and sad. GRADE------B+
Julia Louis-Drefuss and James Gandolfini make an engaging couple in the adult romantic dramedy ENOUGH SAID. The film making is subtle and assured and the relationships are believable, and the dialogue and banter is witty yet low key. GRADE-----B
UNFINISHED SONG (aka SONG FOR MARION) rushed into and out of town in a week, but when I saw it at SIFF it invoked some deep emotional responses as it deals (somewhat) with the grieving process among the elderly. Cancer sufferer Vanessa Redgrave is the happy and cheerful wife to her grumpy old man husband of many years Terrance Stamp. Her dying wish is for him to sing like he used to--she is part of a community chorus of elders-- but his bad temper and cranky demeanor make him difficult to deal with. The actors are all quite good, and there are several moments in the film that moved me (and others) to tears, but it is not a maudlin experience. GRADE-----B
THERESE is a French film dealing with the topic of "female hysteria" in the 1800's and the efforts of a doctor to cure (and perhaps, exploit) her. The film is controversial to contemporary audiences because of the inherent sexism on display, yet the film is lurid and compelling enough to keep your attention. GRADE-----B
I recently saw INSIDIOUS (2011) and enjoyed the haunted house/possesed child story immensely--and the ending was a shocking thrill!!! So I was looking forward to INSIDIOUS Chapter 2. It picks up where the original left off, and it is thrillingly made, although the plot goes into over drive, and in doing so goes over the top. Still, I was not bored. It may be very important to have seen the original film as there are many references to characters and events in the past, and new comers to this film will be lost. GRADE-----B-
IN A WORLD is a modest but perceptive comedy about the world of voice over and commercial actors. Written, directed and starring Bell Lake, this amusing film has our heroine competing with her father and her lover for an important preview voice over assignment, meeting other wacky actors, and dealing with the uncertainty of getting paid enough money to make a living. She, and other characters are also looking for love in the shallow world of Los Angeles. GRADE------B-
____________________________
I saw three silent films (shown recently on TCM) that I'd never seen before, and what a revelation they all were. THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924) stars Douglas Fairbanks as he falls in love with a princess and must preform several deeds to win her hand. There are lavish sets and costumes and incredible (for its time) special effects. Fairbanks is amazingly dashing and sympathetic and the long (nearly 2 hours) film made me forget there was no spoken dialogue. Buster Keaton's masterpiece THE GENERAL has enough plot for several films, yet the film making is funny, clever, and clear. Set during the Civil War, Keaton is a train conductor who is not accepted to fight for the Confederacy, yet manages to confound the Union soldiers who steal his engine (called GENERAL). Filmed in Oregon, yet it manages to look very Southern! The sight gags are amazingly executed and are incredibly dangerous looking! I also watched Alfred Hitchcock's last silent film THE MANXMAN (1929) and was intrigued at how intense and emotional he made this love story triangle. Two best friends fall in love with the same woman--a familiar plot but handled in a unique and thoughtful way. THE THIEF OF BAGDAD and THE GENERAL each both GRADE------A and THE MANXMAN Grade------B
The bio pic of Jackie Robinson, the first African American base ball player to hit the major league, the film 42 is a pleasure to watch----again. GRADE----B
Smooth and skillfully suspenseful, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant make Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF (1955) easy on the eye, and the French Riviera is great to look at, too. GRADE----B
Gary Cooper and Charlton Heston square off in the suspense drama WRECK OF THE MARY DEARE (1959) and Gary Cooper wins. It's an arresting, engrossing drama based on a true story of a ship that may or may not be involved in illegal activities. GRADE------B
I saw DONNIE BRASCO (1997) when it first came out, but watching it again, I didn't recall a single scene. It's a low key "based on a true story" drama about a young cop (Johnny Depp) who goes deep undercover to expose a New York gangster (Al Pacino) who has taken Donnie under his wing. The actors are good, and the story is well served, but I have to say that the film is so underwhelming that no wonder I didn't remember a single scene from 16 years ago. GRADE-----B-
Julianne Moore is the main attraction for seeing THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE OHIO (2006), another "based on a true story" about a mother of 10 kids who enters hundreds of contests in the late 50's and early 60's and manages to support her family on the winnings. Her dead beat, alcoholic husband (an unsympathetic Woody Harrelson) works at cross purposes to the family's well being. I kept wondering, if she is so clever (and lucky), why doesn't she leave him? GRADE-----B-
Woody Allen continues to amaze and astonish me with his skillful and intelligent writing and direction, and this time he has the incredible presence of Cate Blanchet to deal with--and she grabs the title role of BLUE JASMINE in both hands and proceeds to shake the living daylights out of it. There's also an incredible supporting cast (as usual), but Blanchet is so mesmerizing that you can't stop watching, even though this story of a wronged women going mad when she loses her rich but sleaze bag husband (Alex Baldwin, natch) to prison and must live with her salt of the earth sister (Sally Hawkins) in a rough New York neighborhood seems desperate and depressing. She is first in line for this years Oscar race, and would be the one to beat. GRADE-------A-
From France comes the astonishingly compelling melodrama YOU WILL BE MY SON (TU SERAS MON FILS). The elderly owner of a large vineyard finds his health slipping, and his best friend and partner is dying, so he turns to the partner's clever son to take over the vineyard, by- passing his own faithful but dull son who assumes he will be taking over the reins. It's strong, fluid film-making and I was transfixed to the bitter and shocking end. GRADE------A-
The documentary INEQUALITY FOR ALL explains in horrifying detail how the increasingly widening income gap in American is causing even more problems than you might think. GRADE--------A-
A dynamic and realistic low budget film SHORT TERM 12 deals with a half way house where abused and difficult teens (addicted, behavioral issues, etc) learn to deal with their problems. It is run and staffed, for the most part, but young adults, who have many issues and problems of their own. The film features some very naturalistic performances by many first time actors, and becomes quite profound in illuminating human behavior. GRADE-----A-
AFTERNOON DELIGHT is another low budget wonder, about a bored housewife who visits a strip club with her husband and some friends, meets a stripper, and in an effort to turn the sex worker's life around, offers her a job as a nanny for her young son!!!! Of course, some colors can never change, and the film is perceptive and very interesting--it takes turns you never expect. GRADE----B+
PRISONERS goes darker and deeper than any recent Hollywood film in memory, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Father of a kidnapped daughter, Hugh Jackman goes rather crazy in his efforts to find her and a neighbor child. It's a chilling and creepy story, well done. GRADE----B+
A reenactment documentary of the tragic events that lead to the 11 deaths of K2 mountain climbers in 2008, THE SUMMIT is very gripping and sad. GRADE------B+
Julia Louis-Drefuss and James Gandolfini make an engaging couple in the adult romantic dramedy ENOUGH SAID. The film making is subtle and assured and the relationships are believable, and the dialogue and banter is witty yet low key. GRADE-----B
UNFINISHED SONG (aka SONG FOR MARION) rushed into and out of town in a week, but when I saw it at SIFF it invoked some deep emotional responses as it deals (somewhat) with the grieving process among the elderly. Cancer sufferer Vanessa Redgrave is the happy and cheerful wife to her grumpy old man husband of many years Terrance Stamp. Her dying wish is for him to sing like he used to--she is part of a community chorus of elders-- but his bad temper and cranky demeanor make him difficult to deal with. The actors are all quite good, and there are several moments in the film that moved me (and others) to tears, but it is not a maudlin experience. GRADE-----B
THERESE is a French film dealing with the topic of "female hysteria" in the 1800's and the efforts of a doctor to cure (and perhaps, exploit) her. The film is controversial to contemporary audiences because of the inherent sexism on display, yet the film is lurid and compelling enough to keep your attention. GRADE-----B
I recently saw INSIDIOUS (2011) and enjoyed the haunted house/possesed child story immensely--and the ending was a shocking thrill!!! So I was looking forward to INSIDIOUS Chapter 2. It picks up where the original left off, and it is thrillingly made, although the plot goes into over drive, and in doing so goes over the top. Still, I was not bored. It may be very important to have seen the original film as there are many references to characters and events in the past, and new comers to this film will be lost. GRADE-----B-
IN A WORLD is a modest but perceptive comedy about the world of voice over and commercial actors. Written, directed and starring Bell Lake, this amusing film has our heroine competing with her father and her lover for an important preview voice over assignment, meeting other wacky actors, and dealing with the uncertainty of getting paid enough money to make a living. She, and other characters are also looking for love in the shallow world of Los Angeles. GRADE------B-
____________________________
I saw three silent films (shown recently on TCM) that I'd never seen before, and what a revelation they all were. THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924) stars Douglas Fairbanks as he falls in love with a princess and must preform several deeds to win her hand. There are lavish sets and costumes and incredible (for its time) special effects. Fairbanks is amazingly dashing and sympathetic and the long (nearly 2 hours) film made me forget there was no spoken dialogue. Buster Keaton's masterpiece THE GENERAL has enough plot for several films, yet the film making is funny, clever, and clear. Set during the Civil War, Keaton is a train conductor who is not accepted to fight for the Confederacy, yet manages to confound the Union soldiers who steal his engine (called GENERAL). Filmed in Oregon, yet it manages to look very Southern! The sight gags are amazingly executed and are incredibly dangerous looking! I also watched Alfred Hitchcock's last silent film THE MANXMAN (1929) and was intrigued at how intense and emotional he made this love story triangle. Two best friends fall in love with the same woman--a familiar plot but handled in a unique and thoughtful way. THE THIEF OF BAGDAD and THE GENERAL each both GRADE------A and THE MANXMAN Grade------B
The bio pic of Jackie Robinson, the first African American base ball player to hit the major league, the film 42 is a pleasure to watch----again. GRADE----B
Smooth and skillfully suspenseful, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant make Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF (1955) easy on the eye, and the French Riviera is great to look at, too. GRADE----B
Gary Cooper and Charlton Heston square off in the suspense drama WRECK OF THE MARY DEARE (1959) and Gary Cooper wins. It's an arresting, engrossing drama based on a true story of a ship that may or may not be involved in illegal activities. GRADE------B
I saw DONNIE BRASCO (1997) when it first came out, but watching it again, I didn't recall a single scene. It's a low key "based on a true story" drama about a young cop (Johnny Depp) who goes deep undercover to expose a New York gangster (Al Pacino) who has taken Donnie under his wing. The actors are good, and the story is well served, but I have to say that the film is so underwhelming that no wonder I didn't remember a single scene from 16 years ago. GRADE-----B-
Julianne Moore is the main attraction for seeing THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE OHIO (2006), another "based on a true story" about a mother of 10 kids who enters hundreds of contests in the late 50's and early 60's and manages to support her family on the winnings. Her dead beat, alcoholic husband (an unsympathetic Woody Harrelson) works at cross purposes to the family's well being. I kept wondering, if she is so clever (and lucky), why doesn't she leave him? GRADE-----B-
Friday, August 30, 2013
THE BUTLER, FRUITVALE STATION, THE WOLVERINE, GRANDMASTER, CLOSED CIRCUIT, THE SPECTACULAR NOW, ARTIST and the MODEL, IN A WORLD...plus INSIDIOUS and ROPE
It's late August and the summer has been busy with travel and other activities this years, so here's a quick rundown on what I've been watching in the last four weeks.....
Lee Daniels' THE BUTLER (the director's name is in the title because another film is titled just THE BUTLER) is an effectively strong bio type picture, based on real life, but possible fictionalized (and condensed and idealized much like FORREST GUMP) about the long life of an African American man in service as a butler to a long succession of American presidents seen dealing with civil rights issues. Told mostly his eyes, the film is fascinating and powerful at times, a bit sentimental and perhaps exaggerated at other times, but mostly fascinating and moving through out. The large cast includes stalwarts Oscar winner Forest Whitaker in the title role, Oprah Winfrey as his wife, and Vanessa Redgrave, Mariah Carey, Terrance Howard, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr, John Cusack, James Marsden and Alan Richman and many others as political figures and various friends and family. Considering how much time passes in this film (from the 1950's up to 2009) most of the scenes have an intimate emotional pull and are historically resonant. Daniels previous film PRECIOUS (2009) was a powerful and insightful Oscar winner--one of the most jolting and profound films of that year. This new effort is profound in it's own way. It remains an ambitious and entertaining event, this in spite of the fact that a whopping 39 producers (executive, associate and assistant) are listed in the credits. GRADE-----A-
Another film based on a true event is quite powerful and fascinating in a different way. FRUITVALE STATION starts with the filmed video shooting of an unarmed African American man in an Oakland B.A.R.T station, who had been out that evening with a large group of friends. The film backtracks to the start of his day, introducing his long suffering girlfriend, his charming 5 year old daughter, his loving mother (whose birthday the family is celebrating on this New Years Eve day), his friends, and his co-workers (although he has recently been fired.) The film is done in a semi-documentary style and even though we know what the ending will bring, the proceedings are riveting, as we see his world changing and get to know the person behind the man. My biggest grip is the use of wiggly hand held camera work through nearly a third of the film. Still, a very worthy effort. GRADE----B+
THE SPECTACULAR NOW tells the story of teenagers in love, but in a very realistic and honest way. They are miss matched from the start---she's a super nerdy, serious student, and he's a care free, popular BMOC, but he has a very serious drinking problem which challenges their relationship. The leads are terrific and the supporting cast is at a high level. GRADE-----B+
Fans of the new TV series written by Stephen King about a small town encapsuled by an invisible wall (title has slipped my mind) will want to rent the new German film called THE WALL, about a middle aged woman trapped inside this same type of bubble, but the people outside appear to be dead, or at least in a dead like state. She is forced to live alone among nature and her animals, and the film, which is almost all her narration (in English) is introspective and gripping--a real thought provoker. GRADE-----B+
Another German film making the art house rounds, THE HUNT is a superior melodrama set in a small town about a divorced male teacher who suddenly finds himself the center of controversy and hatred because a very young girl has made a false accusation of sexual abuse against him, and even though the facts keep pointing to his innocence, the towns people tighten the grip of anger and frustration. This an intense film to watch, and opens up discussion about sexual hysteria in our society. GRADE------B+
The French film THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL is based on a true story set in WWII about an elderly artist's relationship with a 20 year old girl who inspires him to create a nude sculpture of her. Filmed in lovely black and white, the film, though not terribly dynamic, is very pleasant to watch and the actors, including the old pros Jean Rochefort and Claudia Cardinale are a pleasure. ....GRADE-------B
The new film by Wong Kar Wai (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE and 2046) is called THE GRANDMASTER, and is set in the first half of the 20th century when China was invaded by Japan--including just before and after and tells the true story of IP MAN, a famous kung fu, martial arts master who helped unite the North and South regions in their martial arts style. The film is beautifully filmed, with some arresting scenes of fighting, bones crushing, and stylized violence.
Dramatically, the story of how Ip Man met his wife (she was the daughter of the man who turned over the reigns, so to speak, of the martial arts legacy) and how he become a famous teacher who would eventually meet and train Bruce Lee. The film is very luxurious to watch, with pleasing scenes of fighting, love, costume and set design and musical score. It is also quite sentimental in it's approach to the two leads (the handsome Tony Leung and the luminous Ziyi Zhang.) Dramatically, the film struggles to find it's way, with many characters introduced, then dropped, and many times I was confused as to what exactly the motivations of some of the actions were. That's been my main complaint of Wong Kar Wai's films for many years. Lovely to look at, with style galore, but not much meat on the dramatic bones. GRADE------B
It plays much like a Masterpiece Theatre mystery, and that's not a bad thing. The new British spy thriller CLOSED CIRCUIT is engrossing to a point, and the actors are fun to watch, but the low key thrills and double crosses are rather routine these days, and I had some trouble understanding some of the motivations of the characters. GRADE------B
The small American indie comedy IN A WORLD is set in the unique world of voice over actors who work in commercials, previews, cartoons, etc. Bell Lake wrote and directed and stars in this story of an up and coming v.o. actor who finds herself in competition with her own father for some big event previews. It's a very entertaining story with some delightful characters, and very amusing jokes and gags, but a day after seeing it, you might not remember much about it. GRADE------B
DRUG WAR from Hong Kong is a manic cop thriller about chasing down the upper levels of drug king pins, and it certainly is fun and at times exciting to watch. But in the end, it becomes a bit predictable. At least in this one (WARNING:SPOILER ALERT----ENDING REVEALED)
every one dies (!) so at least there will be NO sequel. I think. GRADE-----B
Recently played (and also from SIFF, as some of the above were) is the stylish looking AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS which also suffers from a thin plot beefed up with lots of sunsets, glitzy photography, and longing and long walks, etc. A woman waits for her imprisoned lover to come get her, but in the meantime she entertains the lonely local sheriff who put him away. GRADE----B-
Based on the Marvel comic book character, THE WOLVERINE is the least of the films I've seen featuring a super hero (THE AVENGERS from last year is the best). Hugh Jackman does his best, but the plot made little sense to me, and the back story left me in the fog. I was really rather bored, yet you can appreciate the special effects. GRADE-----C+
SEEN ON DVD----------------
Alec Guiness is a master, and another viewing of KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949) confirms that, but the story of a man (Dennis Price) who seeks revenge on a royal family by murdering them all because they mistreated his mother is a masterwork of wit, cleverness, sophistication and low brow laughs. Guiness plays all the royal family members. GRADE------A-
THE WOMEN (1939) was written and directed by the great "women's" director George Cukor, and it features a startling array of witty and funny women including Norma Shearer, Rosaland Russell, and Joan Crawford and Mary Boland, among many others. They mostly speak if double time--it almost makes you miss some of the catty jokes and witty asides, so it's always fun to watch this one a couple of times. GRADE------B+
Alfred Hitchcock made ROPE (1948) as an experiment using what seems like a single camera that normally can only hold about 20 minutes of film, but making it seem like one long take. Based on a play (there's only a single apartment setting---watch how the night sky subtly changes color and mood) this story of a cold hearted murder that takes place just as a fashionable dinner party is about to begin has, with time, become one of his most fascinating films. Featuring Jimmy Stewart, John Dall and Farley Granger. GRADE-----B+
After watching THE CONJURING a few weeks ago, I came across a DVD copy of director James Wan's earlier film INSIDIOUS (2010) which plays very well as another haunted house/ possessed child story. The ending is especially effective, with a jaw dropping final shot cliff hanger. INSIDIOUS 2 opens in a couple of weeks. I can't wait. GRADE--------B
THREE CORNED MOON (1933) is a slight, daffy comedy featuring Claudette Colbert and Mary Boland as a rich family that goes broke in the recession (of 1929) and they must all go to work to pay the mortgage. Interesting. GRADE-----B-
Lee Daniels' THE BUTLER (the director's name is in the title because another film is titled just THE BUTLER) is an effectively strong bio type picture, based on real life, but possible fictionalized (and condensed and idealized much like FORREST GUMP) about the long life of an African American man in service as a butler to a long succession of American presidents seen dealing with civil rights issues. Told mostly his eyes, the film is fascinating and powerful at times, a bit sentimental and perhaps exaggerated at other times, but mostly fascinating and moving through out. The large cast includes stalwarts Oscar winner Forest Whitaker in the title role, Oprah Winfrey as his wife, and Vanessa Redgrave, Mariah Carey, Terrance Howard, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr, John Cusack, James Marsden and Alan Richman and many others as political figures and various friends and family. Considering how much time passes in this film (from the 1950's up to 2009) most of the scenes have an intimate emotional pull and are historically resonant. Daniels previous film PRECIOUS (2009) was a powerful and insightful Oscar winner--one of the most jolting and profound films of that year. This new effort is profound in it's own way. It remains an ambitious and entertaining event, this in spite of the fact that a whopping 39 producers (executive, associate and assistant) are listed in the credits. GRADE-----A-
Another film based on a true event is quite powerful and fascinating in a different way. FRUITVALE STATION starts with the filmed video shooting of an unarmed African American man in an Oakland B.A.R.T station, who had been out that evening with a large group of friends. The film backtracks to the start of his day, introducing his long suffering girlfriend, his charming 5 year old daughter, his loving mother (whose birthday the family is celebrating on this New Years Eve day), his friends, and his co-workers (although he has recently been fired.) The film is done in a semi-documentary style and even though we know what the ending will bring, the proceedings are riveting, as we see his world changing and get to know the person behind the man. My biggest grip is the use of wiggly hand held camera work through nearly a third of the film. Still, a very worthy effort. GRADE----B+
THE SPECTACULAR NOW tells the story of teenagers in love, but in a very realistic and honest way. They are miss matched from the start---she's a super nerdy, serious student, and he's a care free, popular BMOC, but he has a very serious drinking problem which challenges their relationship. The leads are terrific and the supporting cast is at a high level. GRADE-----B+
Fans of the new TV series written by Stephen King about a small town encapsuled by an invisible wall (title has slipped my mind) will want to rent the new German film called THE WALL, about a middle aged woman trapped inside this same type of bubble, but the people outside appear to be dead, or at least in a dead like state. She is forced to live alone among nature and her animals, and the film, which is almost all her narration (in English) is introspective and gripping--a real thought provoker. GRADE-----B+
Another German film making the art house rounds, THE HUNT is a superior melodrama set in a small town about a divorced male teacher who suddenly finds himself the center of controversy and hatred because a very young girl has made a false accusation of sexual abuse against him, and even though the facts keep pointing to his innocence, the towns people tighten the grip of anger and frustration. This an intense film to watch, and opens up discussion about sexual hysteria in our society. GRADE------B+
The French film THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL is based on a true story set in WWII about an elderly artist's relationship with a 20 year old girl who inspires him to create a nude sculpture of her. Filmed in lovely black and white, the film, though not terribly dynamic, is very pleasant to watch and the actors, including the old pros Jean Rochefort and Claudia Cardinale are a pleasure. ....GRADE-------B
The new film by Wong Kar Wai (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE and 2046) is called THE GRANDMASTER, and is set in the first half of the 20th century when China was invaded by Japan--including just before and after and tells the true story of IP MAN, a famous kung fu, martial arts master who helped unite the North and South regions in their martial arts style. The film is beautifully filmed, with some arresting scenes of fighting, bones crushing, and stylized violence.
Dramatically, the story of how Ip Man met his wife (she was the daughter of the man who turned over the reigns, so to speak, of the martial arts legacy) and how he become a famous teacher who would eventually meet and train Bruce Lee. The film is very luxurious to watch, with pleasing scenes of fighting, love, costume and set design and musical score. It is also quite sentimental in it's approach to the two leads (the handsome Tony Leung and the luminous Ziyi Zhang.) Dramatically, the film struggles to find it's way, with many characters introduced, then dropped, and many times I was confused as to what exactly the motivations of some of the actions were. That's been my main complaint of Wong Kar Wai's films for many years. Lovely to look at, with style galore, but not much meat on the dramatic bones. GRADE------B
It plays much like a Masterpiece Theatre mystery, and that's not a bad thing. The new British spy thriller CLOSED CIRCUIT is engrossing to a point, and the actors are fun to watch, but the low key thrills and double crosses are rather routine these days, and I had some trouble understanding some of the motivations of the characters. GRADE------B
The small American indie comedy IN A WORLD is set in the unique world of voice over actors who work in commercials, previews, cartoons, etc. Bell Lake wrote and directed and stars in this story of an up and coming v.o. actor who finds herself in competition with her own father for some big event previews. It's a very entertaining story with some delightful characters, and very amusing jokes and gags, but a day after seeing it, you might not remember much about it. GRADE------B
DRUG WAR from Hong Kong is a manic cop thriller about chasing down the upper levels of drug king pins, and it certainly is fun and at times exciting to watch. But in the end, it becomes a bit predictable. At least in this one (WARNING:SPOILER ALERT----ENDING REVEALED)
every one dies (!) so at least there will be NO sequel. I think. GRADE-----B
Recently played (and also from SIFF, as some of the above were) is the stylish looking AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS which also suffers from a thin plot beefed up with lots of sunsets, glitzy photography, and longing and long walks, etc. A woman waits for her imprisoned lover to come get her, but in the meantime she entertains the lonely local sheriff who put him away. GRADE----B-
Based on the Marvel comic book character, THE WOLVERINE is the least of the films I've seen featuring a super hero (THE AVENGERS from last year is the best). Hugh Jackman does his best, but the plot made little sense to me, and the back story left me in the fog. I was really rather bored, yet you can appreciate the special effects. GRADE-----C+
SEEN ON DVD----------------
Alec Guiness is a master, and another viewing of KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949) confirms that, but the story of a man (Dennis Price) who seeks revenge on a royal family by murdering them all because they mistreated his mother is a masterwork of wit, cleverness, sophistication and low brow laughs. Guiness plays all the royal family members. GRADE------A-
THE WOMEN (1939) was written and directed by the great "women's" director George Cukor, and it features a startling array of witty and funny women including Norma Shearer, Rosaland Russell, and Joan Crawford and Mary Boland, among many others. They mostly speak if double time--it almost makes you miss some of the catty jokes and witty asides, so it's always fun to watch this one a couple of times. GRADE------B+
Alfred Hitchcock made ROPE (1948) as an experiment using what seems like a single camera that normally can only hold about 20 minutes of film, but making it seem like one long take. Based on a play (there's only a single apartment setting---watch how the night sky subtly changes color and mood) this story of a cold hearted murder that takes place just as a fashionable dinner party is about to begin has, with time, become one of his most fascinating films. Featuring Jimmy Stewart, John Dall and Farley Granger. GRADE-----B+
After watching THE CONJURING a few weeks ago, I came across a DVD copy of director James Wan's earlier film INSIDIOUS (2010) which plays very well as another haunted house/ possessed child story. The ending is especially effective, with a jaw dropping final shot cliff hanger. INSIDIOUS 2 opens in a couple of weeks. I can't wait. GRADE--------B
THREE CORNED MOON (1933) is a slight, daffy comedy featuring Claudette Colbert and Mary Boland as a rich family that goes broke in the recession (of 1929) and they must all go to work to pay the mortgage. Interesting. GRADE-----B-
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