Premise: A psychiatrist takes a new job at a mental hospital and learns about his past.
Stars: Aaron Eckhart * Ian McKellen * Brittany Murphy * Nick Nolte * William Hurt
Story: Zach Riley (Eckhart) is a psychiatrist who takes a job at a new mental hospital. While employed there, he discovers that his father (Nolte), a noted children's author, had stayed there after his descent into dementia. He begins reading his father's files and learns how his father knew of another patient, the schizophrenic Finch (McKellen), and through Finch's madness, he learned of this fantasy world where Riley was conceived of as a hero. While investigating his past and treating his patients, he meets Maggie (Murphy), a childhood friend and they grow attracted to each other.
Review: The film is reminiscent of Don Juan DeMarco, where it seems allowing individuals to live within their fantasy worlds may not be such a bad thing. It's lush and soft light seems to dominate the movie, especially when Ms. Murphy is on-screen.
McKellen and Eckhart give solid performances and the film is pretty straight-forward with its appeal. Nolte (as the tortured writer and loving father who descends into madness) and Hurt (as Eckhart's boss and fellow psychiatrist) also give respectable performances.
The film is pretty standard fare, however. It is a positive film, showing that both self-discovery and coming to terms with the past can be a curative for a person feeling alone and adrift in the world.
It's enjoyable, and bittersweet for being one of the final performances of Ms. Murphy's career.
Overall: Mediocre
Other Sites:
Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Premise: A tightly self-controlled butler's dedication to his service hinders his personal life.
Stars: Anthony Hopkins * Emma Thompson * Christopher Reeve * James Fox
Story: Mr. Stevens (Hopkins) is a right and proper gentleman's butler. He runs the household of Lord Darlington (Fox) during the interwar period as England slides towards World War II. Darlington hires Ms. Kenton (Thompson) to be his housekeeper. The two are equal in the running of the household, leading to frequent interaction regarding their supervision of the rest of the employees. Beginning with their earliest conversations, Ms. Kenton displays respect and admiration for Mr. Stevens but seeks to engage him on a personal level, which is only grudgingly and haltingly granted. Even as their discussions involve the decline of his father and the employment of two refugee German Jews in Darlington's household, Mr. Stevens refuses to let his tightly held personal views be expressed. Eventually, Ms. Kenton falls in love with Mr. Stevens, but due to his lack of reciprocity, she accepts the betrothal of another man and leaves the household. Years later, Mr. Stevens is contacted by Ms. Kenton and goes to visit her, ostensibly to bring her back to his new employer as a housekeeper, but in his own words "to correct a mistake" he'd made.
Review: Hopkins is excellent as the repressed and tightly wound Mr. Stevens. It's easily one of his best movies. Emma Thompson is additionally great as Ms. Kenton. His total lack of emotions, except in one engaging moment where Ms. Kenton nearly breaks through his shell, epitomize the perfect butler according to his instruction and belief. The abject fear and longing on display when Ms. Kenton approaches him in that moment is easily affecting. His continued lack of understanding and Ms. Kenton's frustration with her advances are understated until the night she announces her departure. Additionally, his steadfast behaviour prevents him from really interacting and reacting to events surrounding him, from his father's decline to his employer's political actions. The lack of self-awareness traps him until long after it may be too late.
The film is easily recommended as it's one of the few where Hopkins clearly demonstrates how good of an actor he can be when he's not playing over-intelligent psychos/non-psychos.
Overall: Good
Other Sites:
Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Anthony Hopkins * Emma Thompson * Christopher Reeve * James Fox
Story: Mr. Stevens (Hopkins) is a right and proper gentleman's butler. He runs the household of Lord Darlington (Fox) during the interwar period as England slides towards World War II. Darlington hires Ms. Kenton (Thompson) to be his housekeeper. The two are equal in the running of the household, leading to frequent interaction regarding their supervision of the rest of the employees. Beginning with their earliest conversations, Ms. Kenton displays respect and admiration for Mr. Stevens but seeks to engage him on a personal level, which is only grudgingly and haltingly granted. Even as their discussions involve the decline of his father and the employment of two refugee German Jews in Darlington's household, Mr. Stevens refuses to let his tightly held personal views be expressed. Eventually, Ms. Kenton falls in love with Mr. Stevens, but due to his lack of reciprocity, she accepts the betrothal of another man and leaves the household. Years later, Mr. Stevens is contacted by Ms. Kenton and goes to visit her, ostensibly to bring her back to his new employer as a housekeeper, but in his own words "to correct a mistake" he'd made.
Review: Hopkins is excellent as the repressed and tightly wound Mr. Stevens. It's easily one of his best movies. Emma Thompson is additionally great as Ms. Kenton. His total lack of emotions, except in one engaging moment where Ms. Kenton nearly breaks through his shell, epitomize the perfect butler according to his instruction and belief. The abject fear and longing on display when Ms. Kenton approaches him in that moment is easily affecting. His continued lack of understanding and Ms. Kenton's frustration with her advances are understated until the night she announces her departure. Additionally, his steadfast behaviour prevents him from really interacting and reacting to events surrounding him, from his father's decline to his employer's political actions. The lack of self-awareness traps him until long after it may be too late.
The film is easily recommended as it's one of the few where Hopkins clearly demonstrates how good of an actor he can be when he's not playing over-intelligent psychos/non-psychos.
Overall: Good
Other Sites:
Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Son of Rambow (2007)
Premise: A sheltered young student makes friends with the school bully. They share a passion for the Stallone film First Blood, leading to a mix of adventure, trial, and growth for both.
Stars: Bill Milner * Will Poulter * Jules Sitruk
Story: Will Proudfoot (Milner) is a shy student at school, and lives under the umbrella of his mother, a member of the strict, conservative Plymouth Brethren sect. Due to an accident at school, he is sent to the school's office, where he meets Lee Carter (Poulter) the school bully and troublemaker. Will pays Carter to take the blame for the accident after the bully plays on the fears of the shy student as to what physical harm is inflicted by the Headmistress.
Will and Carter become acquaintances and Carter convinces Will to take part in his attempt at remaking the Stallone action flick, First Blood. Carter takes on the role of Trautman as Will enthusiastically approaches the role of the Son of Rambo in order to escape his repressed home life.
While creating their film, the two bond as they have little outside relationships - Carter only has a brother, while Will's family life is stilted under the influence of the Brethren and his mother's new suitor. The duo are joined by French exchange student Didier (Sitruk) joins the duo, seeking something 'thrilling' in 'boring old England' - and the troupe that follows Didier's antics, turning the small film attempt into a full amateur production.
The introduction of the new element into the boys' friendship causes resentment and friction, leading to conflict.
Review: The trailers for the film focus solely on the humorous elements of the movie, which does a huge disservice to it. The film concentrates on following the friendship between Will Proudfoot and Lee Carter, from the moments before they meet to the end of the film.
The movie establishes that both come from dysfunctional families: Carter's mother is never present, off with her new husband, leaving Carter with his older brother who is neglectful in his attention. Proudfoot's mother is dealing with the impact the Plymouth Brethren's conservative and strict stance is having on her children, as well as a new suitor who is trying to put Will "in line". This places both boys outside their respective worlds and almost alone.
The performances are delightful - Poulter and Milner have an easy chemistry and their interactions with each other and with their families are believable and understandable. Milner's transformation from shy, quiet schoolboy to exuberant over-actor is nice to watch. Poulter's equal move from hardass bully and con-man to an emotionally exposed loyal friend is also rewarding to see.
While the direction of the movie may be predictable - there are only so many plotlines in the world after all - the road that the audience travels to get to the finale is rewarded with the presence of the two boys and their enthusiasm for their dreams and their friendship with each other. The introduction of the French student at first seems unconnected to the main plot, but of course, threads are tied together and Will & Lee's friendship is tested to the limit.
The only drawback is the very predictable "fish out of water" parable tacked on at the end of the movie. However, it still doesn't remove the warm feeling one gets from watching the central friendship grow.
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Bill Milner * Will Poulter * Jules Sitruk
Story: Will Proudfoot (Milner) is a shy student at school, and lives under the umbrella of his mother, a member of the strict, conservative Plymouth Brethren sect. Due to an accident at school, he is sent to the school's office, where he meets Lee Carter (Poulter) the school bully and troublemaker. Will pays Carter to take the blame for the accident after the bully plays on the fears of the shy student as to what physical harm is inflicted by the Headmistress.
Will and Carter become acquaintances and Carter convinces Will to take part in his attempt at remaking the Stallone action flick, First Blood. Carter takes on the role of Trautman as Will enthusiastically approaches the role of the Son of Rambo in order to escape his repressed home life.
While creating their film, the two bond as they have little outside relationships - Carter only has a brother, while Will's family life is stilted under the influence of the Brethren and his mother's new suitor. The duo are joined by French exchange student Didier (Sitruk) joins the duo, seeking something 'thrilling' in 'boring old England' - and the troupe that follows Didier's antics, turning the small film attempt into a full amateur production.
The introduction of the new element into the boys' friendship causes resentment and friction, leading to conflict.
Review: The trailers for the film focus solely on the humorous elements of the movie, which does a huge disservice to it. The film concentrates on following the friendship between Will Proudfoot and Lee Carter, from the moments before they meet to the end of the film.
The movie establishes that both come from dysfunctional families: Carter's mother is never present, off with her new husband, leaving Carter with his older brother who is neglectful in his attention. Proudfoot's mother is dealing with the impact the Plymouth Brethren's conservative and strict stance is having on her children, as well as a new suitor who is trying to put Will "in line". This places both boys outside their respective worlds and almost alone.
The performances are delightful - Poulter and Milner have an easy chemistry and their interactions with each other and with their families are believable and understandable. Milner's transformation from shy, quiet schoolboy to exuberant over-actor is nice to watch. Poulter's equal move from hardass bully and con-man to an emotionally exposed loyal friend is also rewarding to see.
While the direction of the movie may be predictable - there are only so many plotlines in the world after all - the road that the audience travels to get to the finale is rewarded with the presence of the two boys and their enthusiasm for their dreams and their friendship with each other. The introduction of the French student at first seems unconnected to the main plot, but of course, threads are tied together and Will & Lee's friendship is tested to the limit.
The only drawback is the very predictable "fish out of water" parable tacked on at the end of the movie. However, it still doesn't remove the warm feeling one gets from watching the central friendship grow.
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Music Within (2007)
Premise: A young speaker seeks his destiny, but finds it by losing his hearing.
Stars: Ron Livingston * Melissa George * Michael Sheen * Hector Elizondo
Story: Richard Pimentel (Livingston) discovers he has a gift for public speaking at a young age, but is turned away from a scholarship contest due to a perceived lack of heart. He heads off to Vietnam, getting wounded in the process. Losing his hearing, he works on learning how to pretend he can still hear by reading lips and developing other skills. He befriends a disabled artist (Sheen) who has cerebral palsy and falls in love with a freethinker (George). By defending his friend in various encounters, he learns what was meant earlier - his passion is helping people who can't help themselves. Pimentel becomes one of the chief proponents of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which became law under President George H. W. Bush.
Review: The film is a nice biopic/character study of Richard Pimentel, a famous activist for the rights of the disabled. Livingston is a decent character actor (Office Space, Band of Brothers) and performs admirably, but Sheen's work as Art Honeyman really shines. Melissa George is basically a cypher for Livingston, providing a bridge between his college years and his activist work, but contributes little to the film other than a brief love affair that ends badly.
Unfortunately, as with nearly all biopics, the film is saddled with stereotypes: the friend that dies, the addiction (in this case it's the activism) that destroys a relationship, the failed love, the self-destructive period, the successful ending. These cliches overlay the film with a sense of dullness, making the performance of Livingston and Sheen the only reason worth watching the film. The film becomes almost instantly forgettable otherwise.
Overall: Mediocre
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Ron Livingston * Melissa George * Michael Sheen * Hector Elizondo
Story: Richard Pimentel (Livingston) discovers he has a gift for public speaking at a young age, but is turned away from a scholarship contest due to a perceived lack of heart. He heads off to Vietnam, getting wounded in the process. Losing his hearing, he works on learning how to pretend he can still hear by reading lips and developing other skills. He befriends a disabled artist (Sheen) who has cerebral palsy and falls in love with a freethinker (George). By defending his friend in various encounters, he learns what was meant earlier - his passion is helping people who can't help themselves. Pimentel becomes one of the chief proponents of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which became law under President George H. W. Bush.
Review: The film is a nice biopic/character study of Richard Pimentel, a famous activist for the rights of the disabled. Livingston is a decent character actor (Office Space, Band of Brothers) and performs admirably, but Sheen's work as Art Honeyman really shines. Melissa George is basically a cypher for Livingston, providing a bridge between his college years and his activist work, but contributes little to the film other than a brief love affair that ends badly.
Unfortunately, as with nearly all biopics, the film is saddled with stereotypes: the friend that dies, the addiction (in this case it's the activism) that destroys a relationship, the failed love, the self-destructive period, the successful ending. These cliches overlay the film with a sense of dullness, making the performance of Livingston and Sheen the only reason worth watching the film. The film becomes almost instantly forgettable otherwise.
Overall: Mediocre
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A middle-aged woman with a lack of self-respect and a lackluster life finds friendship and self-discovery with the help of an elderly woman and the tales of her youth.
Stars: Jessica Tandy * Kathy Bates * Mary-Louise Parker * Mary Stuart Masterson * Chris O'Donnell
The story: Evelyn (Bates) meets Ninny (Tandy) in a nursing home. Evelyn is in a depression and living an unfulfilling life. As she relates her own story to the older woman, Ninny begins telling Evelyn of the story of her youth - concerning Idgie (Masterson) and Ruth (Parker). Living in the South during the 30s, Ruth was in love with Idgie's brother Buddy (O'Donnell) until he was killed in an accident with a train. The two girls continued bonding together, and survived the Klan and Ruth's abusive husband. They formed a business together - the Whistle-Stop Cafe which has since inspired real-life restaurants - and raised Ruth's son together.
Ninny's stories inspire Evelyn to begin standing up for herself instead of being a pushover. She also begins to take interest in her own life again, working out and talking to her husband.
Review: Somehow I missed this back when it came out - I try to avoid 'chick flicks' as much as possible. But, after watching it, I have to admit it, I liked it.
Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy are great together. Same for Parker and Masterson. The acting is terrific. While the supporting cast seems ready-made for stereotypical behaviours - the southern tomboy, the black housekeeper, the gentle strong black farmhand/cook, the Klan, etc. - the chemistry between the two pairs of leads drives the movie and makes it a nice film to watch.
Overall: Good
Premise: A middle-aged woman with a lack of self-respect and a lackluster life finds friendship and self-discovery with the help of an elderly woman and the tales of her youth.
Stars: Jessica Tandy * Kathy Bates * Mary-Louise Parker * Mary Stuart Masterson * Chris O'Donnell
The story: Evelyn (Bates) meets Ninny (Tandy) in a nursing home. Evelyn is in a depression and living an unfulfilling life. As she relates her own story to the older woman, Ninny begins telling Evelyn of the story of her youth - concerning Idgie (Masterson) and Ruth (Parker). Living in the South during the 30s, Ruth was in love with Idgie's brother Buddy (O'Donnell) until he was killed in an accident with a train. The two girls continued bonding together, and survived the Klan and Ruth's abusive husband. They formed a business together - the Whistle-Stop Cafe which has since inspired real-life restaurants - and raised Ruth's son together.
Ninny's stories inspire Evelyn to begin standing up for herself instead of being a pushover. She also begins to take interest in her own life again, working out and talking to her husband.
Review: Somehow I missed this back when it came out - I try to avoid 'chick flicks' as much as possible. But, after watching it, I have to admit it, I liked it.
Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy are great together. Same for Parker and Masterson. The acting is terrific. While the supporting cast seems ready-made for stereotypical behaviours - the southern tomboy, the black housekeeper, the gentle strong black farmhand/cook, the Klan, etc. - the chemistry between the two pairs of leads drives the movie and makes it a nice film to watch.
Overall: Good
Friday, July 11, 2008
Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A retelling of the life of a girl with a sexual identity crisis in Nebraska and her murder.
Stars: Chloe Sevigny * Peter Sarsgaard * Hilary Swank
Review: An excellent character study, even if the movie itself is flawed.
Brandon Teena (Swank) is a young man in Nebraska who has a secret - he's actually a she, named Teena Brandon, who has a sexual identity crisis. He falls in with a couple of ex-cons and their group of friends, and falls in love with a girl, Lana (Sevigny). This presents a problem - Lotter (Sarsgaard) feels betrayed and emasculated, leading him to rape the young man and eventually murder him when that rape is discovered.
Sarsgaard, Swank, and Sevigny all play excellent roles in the movie, which has a sense of foreshadowing for those who know the true life story of Brandon/Teena from the news. Even with foreknowledge, one still hopes Brandon/Teena can get his/her life together before the tragic ending.
All based-on-true-events films play a little fast-and-loose with the facts concerning the original story, and several controversies erupted when the film was released, but that does not detract from the excellent work done here.
Overall: Good
Premise: A retelling of the life of a girl with a sexual identity crisis in Nebraska and her murder.
Stars: Chloe Sevigny * Peter Sarsgaard * Hilary Swank
Review: An excellent character study, even if the movie itself is flawed.
Brandon Teena (Swank) is a young man in Nebraska who has a secret - he's actually a she, named Teena Brandon, who has a sexual identity crisis. He falls in with a couple of ex-cons and their group of friends, and falls in love with a girl, Lana (Sevigny). This presents a problem - Lotter (Sarsgaard) feels betrayed and emasculated, leading him to rape the young man and eventually murder him when that rape is discovered.
Sarsgaard, Swank, and Sevigny all play excellent roles in the movie, which has a sense of foreshadowing for those who know the true life story of Brandon/Teena from the news. Even with foreknowledge, one still hopes Brandon/Teena can get his/her life together before the tragic ending.
All based-on-true-events films play a little fast-and-loose with the facts concerning the original story, and several controversies erupted when the film was released, but that does not detract from the excellent work done here.
Overall: Good
The Bucket List (2007)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A billionaire with terminal cancer meets a dying mechanic. They bond during their hospital stay and decide to make a list of things they'd like to do before they die.
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Jack Nicholson * Morgan Freeman
Review: A pleasant movie but it telegraphs almost everything. The billionaire will have the estranged child and a basically unhappy life. The mechanic will have sacrificed his own dreams for that of stability for his family but have kindness and love to share. These two cliched roles are transparent from the start, as are the tasks they put on the list.
The tugs on the heartstrings are obvious, but what makes this film really work is the dynamic between Nicholson and Freeman. They are both top-notch actors doing what they can with a basic plot and lackluster direction by Rob Reiner. The film is glossy and polished, but don't go in expecting an artistic triumph.
Overall: Mediocre
Premise: A billionaire with terminal cancer meets a dying mechanic. They bond during their hospital stay and decide to make a list of things they'd like to do before they die.
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Jack Nicholson * Morgan Freeman
Review: A pleasant movie but it telegraphs almost everything. The billionaire will have the estranged child and a basically unhappy life. The mechanic will have sacrificed his own dreams for that of stability for his family but have kindness and love to share. These two cliched roles are transparent from the start, as are the tasks they put on the list.
The tugs on the heartstrings are obvious, but what makes this film really work is the dynamic between Nicholson and Freeman. They are both top-notch actors doing what they can with a basic plot and lackluster direction by Rob Reiner. The film is glossy and polished, but don't go in expecting an artistic triumph.
Overall: Mediocre
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Resources: IMDb * Wikipedia
Premise: Dramatization of the real-life struggle between sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn and their love affairs with King Henry VIII of England.
Directed by: Justin Chadwick
Stars: Natalie Portman, Scarlet Johansson, Eric Bana
Review: Lush costuming but seems akin to watching a power-point presentation of the actual history. Portman has not really grown as an actress, and doesn't really possess the vampish qualities that the historical Anne Boleyn had. Johansson does well as sister Mary, but beyond pouting and tremulous lips, her role is very understated. Bana does well as Henry VIII, but has little to work with and the chemistry between all three actors is sorely lacking.
On the other hand, the supporting cast, from the Boleyn family to Catherine of Aragon, are all ably portrayed. I'm not sure if Portman and Johansson were miscast, or if the chopping of history by the screenplay doesn't give them enough to work with. Regardless of the reason, the film looks good, but is not filling, like a snack cake eaten for lunch.
Overall: Mediocre
Premise: Dramatization of the real-life struggle between sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn and their love affairs with King Henry VIII of England.
Directed by: Justin Chadwick
Stars: Natalie Portman, Scarlet Johansson, Eric Bana
Review: Lush costuming but seems akin to watching a power-point presentation of the actual history. Portman has not really grown as an actress, and doesn't really possess the vampish qualities that the historical Anne Boleyn had. Johansson does well as sister Mary, but beyond pouting and tremulous lips, her role is very understated. Bana does well as Henry VIII, but has little to work with and the chemistry between all three actors is sorely lacking.
On the other hand, the supporting cast, from the Boleyn family to Catherine of Aragon, are all ably portrayed. I'm not sure if Portman and Johansson were miscast, or if the chopping of history by the screenplay doesn't give them enough to work with. Regardless of the reason, the film looks good, but is not filling, like a snack cake eaten for lunch.
Overall: Mediocre
Friday, June 27, 2008
Bella (2006)
Resources: IMDB * Wikipedia
Stars: Eduardo Verastegui, Tammy Blanchard
Premise: Up-and-coming soccer star and down-on-her-luck waitress experience tragedy and unfortunate circumstances, only to bond and rediscover joy in life over the course of one unforgettable day.
Review: A cute little drama. Jose (Verastegui) is a cook working for his brother, Manny, and has little spark in his life following a tragic experience years earlier. Nina (Blanchard) is a waitress who has become a burden in the restaurant due to circumstances beyond her control. After she gets fired by Manny, Jose experiences sympathy for her and decides to look into what's going on in her life. As they share their life stories and experience a wonderful day together, they bond and both open up. The name of the movie, Bella, takes on a multi-faceted meaning throughout the film. Portions of the movie are in Spanish, reflecting Jose's family and background.
Quite enjoyable.
Overall: Good.
Stars: Eduardo Verastegui, Tammy Blanchard
Premise: Up-and-coming soccer star and down-on-her-luck waitress experience tragedy and unfortunate circumstances, only to bond and rediscover joy in life over the course of one unforgettable day.
Review: A cute little drama. Jose (Verastegui) is a cook working for his brother, Manny, and has little spark in his life following a tragic experience years earlier. Nina (Blanchard) is a waitress who has become a burden in the restaurant due to circumstances beyond her control. After she gets fired by Manny, Jose experiences sympathy for her and decides to look into what's going on in her life. As they share their life stories and experience a wonderful day together, they bond and both open up. The name of the movie, Bella, takes on a multi-faceted meaning throughout the film. Portions of the movie are in Spanish, reflecting Jose's family and background.
Quite enjoyable.
Overall: Good.
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