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
Showing posts with label review: good. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review: good. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Splice (2010)
Premise: Two genetic scientists do what they shouldn't and add human DNA to their experiment.
Stars: Adrien Brody * Sarah Polley * Delphine Chanéac * David Hewlett
Story: Two genetic scientists, Elsa and Clive, are working on projects that may provide medical benefits to people suffering numerous maladies with a genetic basis. They experiment on creating new lifeforms combining genetic traits of several species and, intoxicated by their success, they decide to move to the next level and use human DNA. Unfortunately their program sponsor and their boss want to concentrate on retrieving products from the current creations and do not want to move forward without gaining the support of the shareholders.
The scientists move forward on their own, creating a human hybrid named Dren.
Review: While the technology and attitude is cutting edge, the film is a definite throwback to the moral tale of the first Frankenstein film. While the scientists are human and the hybrid is definitely not - chicken legs, four fingers, eventually wings, and a tail with a venomous stinger - it is the hybrid that earns the sympathy of the viewer. This film is definitely a notch above the typical "mad scientist" flick of the past decade or so (eg. Mimic, Species).
Adrien Brody (Clive) and Sarah Polley (Elsa) - references to the original scientist and his bride from Frankenstein - put in strong performances as the two scientists. Dressed in the trappings of geek culture - T-shirts and jackets, an AMC Pacer for a car, anime posters, etc. - the two scientists are also lovers and are simultaneously dreaming of a better place for themselves, as well as pushing the boundaries of science for the betterment of mankind. There is an ongoing dialogue regarding self-discovery of themselves and a growing realization of the harm they've done to themselves, to their research, and to the new lifeform, named Dren.
Dren really steals the show, as the monster did in Frankenstein. From its first appearance as a defensive lifepod (carrying Dren) to the rabbit-chicken infant, the creature moves from something to be feared and destroyed to an "almost cute" and needing to be examined and protected. As Dren grows, the girl-like appearance draws the viewer in as she is incapable of speech but clearly demonstrates emotions and intelligence. When the secrecy surrounding her is threatened by the scientists' boss (played by David Hewlett, Rodney of Stargate: Atlantis fame), the pair move the child to Elsa's old family farm.
Once there, the film focuses on the emotional development of the now young-adult Dren (Chanéac) and her relationships with her "parents". We can see the frustration on her face as she yearns to be outside the farm, to experience life without being chained or hidden. Yet the film doesn't play on the typical "Why am I not like other people" trope that many other films have used. Dren knows she's different but simply wants to feel sunlight and freedom.
One of the strengths of the film is that as we watch Dren develop through the film, the relationship between Elsa and Clive also changes; additional character traits are shown and their relationship moves from ecstatic scientists reveling in creation (like new parents) to fears over what they have done (for the future, for themselves) to loving Dren as an actual child. The strength of the casting is clearly on display - from Brody's anguished spontaneous attempt to kill Dren, to Polley's just-below-the-surface madness as she tries to control Dren.
There are a few horrific moments in the film that will place the viewer on the edge of their seats, but the slow-burn of the film and the great character development is a great counterweight. While I expected simply another "genetic experiment gone awry" like the earlier films, it was a pleasant surprise to see a true throwback to the classics.
Definitely a great modern take on the classic Frankenstein. Easily recommended.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Adrien Brody * Sarah Polley * Delphine Chanéac * David Hewlett
Story: Two genetic scientists, Elsa and Clive, are working on projects that may provide medical benefits to people suffering numerous maladies with a genetic basis. They experiment on creating new lifeforms combining genetic traits of several species and, intoxicated by their success, they decide to move to the next level and use human DNA. Unfortunately their program sponsor and their boss want to concentrate on retrieving products from the current creations and do not want to move forward without gaining the support of the shareholders.
The scientists move forward on their own, creating a human hybrid named Dren.
Review: While the technology and attitude is cutting edge, the film is a definite throwback to the moral tale of the first Frankenstein film. While the scientists are human and the hybrid is definitely not - chicken legs, four fingers, eventually wings, and a tail with a venomous stinger - it is the hybrid that earns the sympathy of the viewer. This film is definitely a notch above the typical "mad scientist" flick of the past decade or so (eg. Mimic, Species).
Adrien Brody (Clive) and Sarah Polley (Elsa) - references to the original scientist and his bride from Frankenstein - put in strong performances as the two scientists. Dressed in the trappings of geek culture - T-shirts and jackets, an AMC Pacer for a car, anime posters, etc. - the two scientists are also lovers and are simultaneously dreaming of a better place for themselves, as well as pushing the boundaries of science for the betterment of mankind. There is an ongoing dialogue regarding self-discovery of themselves and a growing realization of the harm they've done to themselves, to their research, and to the new lifeform, named Dren.
Dren really steals the show, as the monster did in Frankenstein. From its first appearance as a defensive lifepod (carrying Dren) to the rabbit-chicken infant, the creature moves from something to be feared and destroyed to an "almost cute" and needing to be examined and protected. As Dren grows, the girl-like appearance draws the viewer in as she is incapable of speech but clearly demonstrates emotions and intelligence. When the secrecy surrounding her is threatened by the scientists' boss (played by David Hewlett, Rodney of Stargate: Atlantis fame), the pair move the child to Elsa's old family farm.
Once there, the film focuses on the emotional development of the now young-adult Dren (Chanéac) and her relationships with her "parents". We can see the frustration on her face as she yearns to be outside the farm, to experience life without being chained or hidden. Yet the film doesn't play on the typical "Why am I not like other people" trope that many other films have used. Dren knows she's different but simply wants to feel sunlight and freedom.
One of the strengths of the film is that as we watch Dren develop through the film, the relationship between Elsa and Clive also changes; additional character traits are shown and their relationship moves from ecstatic scientists reveling in creation (like new parents) to fears over what they have done (for the future, for themselves) to loving Dren as an actual child. The strength of the casting is clearly on display - from Brody's anguished spontaneous attempt to kill Dren, to Polley's just-below-the-surface madness as she tries to control Dren.
There are a few horrific moments in the film that will place the viewer on the edge of their seats, but the slow-burn of the film and the great character development is a great counterweight. While I expected simply another "genetic experiment gone awry" like the earlier films, it was a pleasant surprise to see a true throwback to the classics.
Definitely a great modern take on the classic Frankenstein. Easily recommended.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Monday, May 31, 2010
Moon (2009)
Premise: Sam Bell is a contractor on a three-year lunar mission when an accident occurs that changes his life.
Stars: Sam Rockwell
Story: Sam Bell is an astronaut on a three-year contract to extract helium-3 from the dark side of the moon. Helium-3 is a resource used by the company Lunar Industries that provides energy to the Earth. Due to the heavy automation on the base where he is assigned, Sam is the only human employee; he works with a sophisticated computer system named GERTY, that provides companionship. With Sam's contract nearing the end, he looks forward to leaving the base, but begins to hallucinate that he sees or hears other people in the base.
On an excursion to check on one of the automated crawlers that retrieve helium-3, an accident occurs and Sam is injured. He awakens on the base and makes a discovery that changes the nature of his mission.
Review: This is a great piece of science fiction. From the lunar base with its realistic interiors and exteriors to the equipment Bell uses to attempt to contact others, it enforces the sense of claustrophobia present in the film. Add in the lack of human interaction due to faulty communication equipment, and the isolation of Bell is clear to the audience.
Rockwell puts in another great performance - I honestly believe he's one of the best actors going today. From his performance as Guy in GalaxyQuest to roles in Matchstick Men and The Green Mile, Rockwell really knows his art. Here, Sam Bell's anticipation of going home, his frustration with the faulty equipment, the longing in missing his family are etched in his face and actions.
Likewise, after the discovery of how the base has truly been a one-man effort for years, the confrontation and conversations between Bell and his clone show the effect of isolation upon both of them. Without the typical hysterical blow-up that usually accompanies such self-realization and utter despair, Rockwell remains true to his character's strengths - rationality and dedication. He sets out to right the wrongs done in the name of science and industry, as well as save himself from the company agents coming to "clean up" the situation.
The film is a character study piece, but with the strengths of Rockwell's acting and the low-key nature of its message (until the end), it's a great piece to watch.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Sam Rockwell
Story: Sam Bell is an astronaut on a three-year contract to extract helium-3 from the dark side of the moon. Helium-3 is a resource used by the company Lunar Industries that provides energy to the Earth. Due to the heavy automation on the base where he is assigned, Sam is the only human employee; he works with a sophisticated computer system named GERTY, that provides companionship. With Sam's contract nearing the end, he looks forward to leaving the base, but begins to hallucinate that he sees or hears other people in the base.
On an excursion to check on one of the automated crawlers that retrieve helium-3, an accident occurs and Sam is injured. He awakens on the base and makes a discovery that changes the nature of his mission.
Review: This is a great piece of science fiction. From the lunar base with its realistic interiors and exteriors to the equipment Bell uses to attempt to contact others, it enforces the sense of claustrophobia present in the film. Add in the lack of human interaction due to faulty communication equipment, and the isolation of Bell is clear to the audience.
Rockwell puts in another great performance - I honestly believe he's one of the best actors going today. From his performance as Guy in GalaxyQuest to roles in Matchstick Men and The Green Mile, Rockwell really knows his art. Here, Sam Bell's anticipation of going home, his frustration with the faulty equipment, the longing in missing his family are etched in his face and actions.
Likewise, after the discovery of how the base has truly been a one-man effort for years, the confrontation and conversations between Bell and his clone show the effect of isolation upon both of them. Without the typical hysterical blow-up that usually accompanies such self-realization and utter despair, Rockwell remains true to his character's strengths - rationality and dedication. He sets out to right the wrongs done in the name of science and industry, as well as save himself from the company agents coming to "clean up" the situation.
The film is a character study piece, but with the strengths of Rockwell's acting and the low-key nature of its message (until the end), it's a great piece to watch.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
UP (2009)
Premise: An elderly man undertakes an adventure he's put off for decades but finds more than he bargained for when a neighborhood kid accidentally is brought along.
Stars: Ed Asner (voice) * Jordan Nagai (voice) * Christopher Plummer (voice)
Story: Carl Frederickson (Asner) is an elderly man whose life has been filled with love of his wife Ellie. After her passing, he lives alone, a shut-in, while the city moves in and surrounds the plot of land where the two had built their lives. Facing a forced move to a retirement home, he decides to undertake an adventure that both he and his wife had wanted to pursue as children, but had to put off as reality took most of their meager earnings.
Attaching thousands of helium balloons to his home, Carl detaches his home and life from the old plot of ground, but quickly discovers an unwelcome guest - Russell (Nagai), a Wilderness Explorer scout that was attempting to help the elderly man has accidentally stowed away on his porch. Unable to get rid of the boy, Carl faces his trip to South America with the passenger and experiences some - at first - unwelcome adventures as they approach his target.
Russell encounters a strange bird that he names Kevin and unwittingly involves Carl in the life's hunt of Charles Muntz (Plummer), setting the man against his childhood hero.
Review: The movie is absolutely superb. As with most Pixar films (A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo), the animation is excellent and does not distract. That aside, the story is moving, inviting, and endearing.
Without seeming to, Pixar has created their first truly human character, in Carl Frederickson, a triumph of writing, visual storytelling, and the gravelly voice of Ed Asner. Asner does an excellent job as Carl, an elderly man who has recently lost his beloved wife. The quiet, subdued music that accompanies the story of Carl & Ellie's life together is near-perfect as ten minutes unfolds and the trials, triumphs, and tragedies of their lives together unwinds on film. It literally left me in tears. As Carl faces life alone in his small house, the sprawl of the city takes over the once suburban landscape, leaving the man nothing but his dreams of the past. One can clearly see the years and care on the man's face, an achievement for Pixar animation.
Russell, voiced by newcomer Nagai, is a young boy whose happiness is built upon his scouting and the visits by his father at the awards ceremony. His earnestness and honesty are welcome even as they initially do nothing more than irritate the old man. His positive outlook masks an attempt to move past the disappointment in his family life, and the slow reveal of his inner character visibly moves Carl out of his shell.
The bond that grows between the two is possibly one of the finest storytelling moments in Pixar's movies. Previous films focused on established families (The Incredibles, Finding Nemo), blossoming romance (Cars, Wall-E), situational comedy (A Bug's Life) or buddy movies (Toy Story & Toy Story 2). This is the first film by Pixar where a family relationship is created on-screen, and between two dreamers - an old man setting off on what seems to be the end of his life's journey and a young boy trying to hold on to his fragile links to his father.
Their adventure together - it is unclear if the journey takes only a few days or more - brings Carl back to life, as it were, and through his experience, we share in the joy, the pain and heartache and the realization of a dream.
P.S. The opening animated short Partly Cloudy is also quite entertaining and serves as a nice appetizer for the film.
Overall: Good.
Other Sites: IMDb * AllMovie * Wikipedia * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Ed Asner (voice) * Jordan Nagai (voice) * Christopher Plummer (voice)
Story: Carl Frederickson (Asner) is an elderly man whose life has been filled with love of his wife Ellie. After her passing, he lives alone, a shut-in, while the city moves in and surrounds the plot of land where the two had built their lives. Facing a forced move to a retirement home, he decides to undertake an adventure that both he and his wife had wanted to pursue as children, but had to put off as reality took most of their meager earnings.
Attaching thousands of helium balloons to his home, Carl detaches his home and life from the old plot of ground, but quickly discovers an unwelcome guest - Russell (Nagai), a Wilderness Explorer scout that was attempting to help the elderly man has accidentally stowed away on his porch. Unable to get rid of the boy, Carl faces his trip to South America with the passenger and experiences some - at first - unwelcome adventures as they approach his target.
Russell encounters a strange bird that he names Kevin and unwittingly involves Carl in the life's hunt of Charles Muntz (Plummer), setting the man against his childhood hero.
Review: The movie is absolutely superb. As with most Pixar films (A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo), the animation is excellent and does not distract. That aside, the story is moving, inviting, and endearing.
Without seeming to, Pixar has created their first truly human character, in Carl Frederickson, a triumph of writing, visual storytelling, and the gravelly voice of Ed Asner. Asner does an excellent job as Carl, an elderly man who has recently lost his beloved wife. The quiet, subdued music that accompanies the story of Carl & Ellie's life together is near-perfect as ten minutes unfolds and the trials, triumphs, and tragedies of their lives together unwinds on film. It literally left me in tears. As Carl faces life alone in his small house, the sprawl of the city takes over the once suburban landscape, leaving the man nothing but his dreams of the past. One can clearly see the years and care on the man's face, an achievement for Pixar animation.
Russell, voiced by newcomer Nagai, is a young boy whose happiness is built upon his scouting and the visits by his father at the awards ceremony. His earnestness and honesty are welcome even as they initially do nothing more than irritate the old man. His positive outlook masks an attempt to move past the disappointment in his family life, and the slow reveal of his inner character visibly moves Carl out of his shell.
The bond that grows between the two is possibly one of the finest storytelling moments in Pixar's movies. Previous films focused on established families (The Incredibles, Finding Nemo), blossoming romance (Cars, Wall-E), situational comedy (A Bug's Life) or buddy movies (Toy Story & Toy Story 2). This is the first film by Pixar where a family relationship is created on-screen, and between two dreamers - an old man setting off on what seems to be the end of his life's journey and a young boy trying to hold on to his fragile links to his father.
Their adventure together - it is unclear if the journey takes only a few days or more - brings Carl back to life, as it were, and through his experience, we share in the joy, the pain and heartache and the realization of a dream.
P.S. The opening animated short Partly Cloudy is also quite entertaining and serves as a nice appetizer for the film.
Overall: Good.
Other Sites: IMDb * AllMovie * Wikipedia * 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
Friday, May 29, 2009
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Premise: Young up-and-coming member of modern society pisses off a member of the old country. Demons, possessions, violence, and downright eerie things follow.
Stars: Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men) * Justin Long (the Mac guy) * Dileep Rao
Story: Banker Christine (Lohman) has a nice life with her milquetoast boyfriend (Long) and is working on a promotion. While doing so, she angers a local Gypsy woman (whether she's Gypsy, Hungarian, Roma, or just straight out of the Army of Darkness, you're not sure) who gets her revenge by placing a curse on the banker. Christine now has three days to get rid of the curse, or the demon summoned to avenge the wrong will take her physically to Hell.
Review: Pure Raimi. From the roving cameras to the eerie violins to the rushing winds to the madcap slapstick that occurs, this is vintage Evil Dead material. The film is a classic-style horror film - strange shit all of a sudden starts happening to an otherwise urbane twenty-something who has a limited time to save herself. Lohman does great work with the acting chops, going from sunshiney-goodness to wicked badass and proves that she can carry a genre film. Indeed, Christine could easily be seen as an inheritor of Ash, Bruce Campbell's character in Raimi's Evil Dead films, in her reactions to the weird happenings going on after her encounter with the Gypsy.
(Whether this odd timing pays off as DMtH plays against Terminator: Salvation, Up, and Night at the Museum 2 in terms of bank, I don't know, but hopefully better things are in store for Ms. Lohman. This is easily a film that would do well against the expected Saw-type tripe that will appear this Halloween season.)
Long, Rao and the rest of the cast are merely supporting characters with little to do except carry scenes and dialogue. The film is a basic character-study (what would any twentysomething do to avoid being sent to Hell?) and plot. It moves quickly, going from ominous to threatening, to grotesque to wicked funny to scary. It's driven by the music of genre regular Christopher Young and reminds one of Raimi's horror trilogy - sudden violins, troubling bass, all playing off sound effects designed for gotcha moments and suspense building.
The movie is literally a shock-and-go supernatural horror film designed to get the pulse pounding - even when you are expecting a shock and it comes straight as predicted, I could literally feel my pulse quicken after the moment. Raimi's body of work includes films designed around this - the aforementioned Evil Dead series - and other genre pictures - Darkman, moments in Spider-Man 2 - and allows the director to manipulate the audience in a manner unlike the more subdued A Simple Plan and Spider-Man 1 & 3.
One can easily see this film becoming a member of the Raimi ouvre that appears every Halloween.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men) * Justin Long (the Mac guy) * Dileep Rao
Story: Banker Christine (Lohman) has a nice life with her milquetoast boyfriend (Long) and is working on a promotion. While doing so, she angers a local Gypsy woman (whether she's Gypsy, Hungarian, Roma, or just straight out of the Army of Darkness, you're not sure) who gets her revenge by placing a curse on the banker. Christine now has three days to get rid of the curse, or the demon summoned to avenge the wrong will take her physically to Hell.
Review: Pure Raimi. From the roving cameras to the eerie violins to the rushing winds to the madcap slapstick that occurs, this is vintage Evil Dead material. The film is a classic-style horror film - strange shit all of a sudden starts happening to an otherwise urbane twenty-something who has a limited time to save herself. Lohman does great work with the acting chops, going from sunshiney-goodness to wicked badass and proves that she can carry a genre film. Indeed, Christine could easily be seen as an inheritor of Ash, Bruce Campbell's character in Raimi's Evil Dead films, in her reactions to the weird happenings going on after her encounter with the Gypsy.
(Whether this odd timing pays off as DMtH plays against Terminator: Salvation, Up, and Night at the Museum 2 in terms of bank, I don't know, but hopefully better things are in store for Ms. Lohman. This is easily a film that would do well against the expected Saw-type tripe that will appear this Halloween season.)
Long, Rao and the rest of the cast are merely supporting characters with little to do except carry scenes and dialogue. The film is a basic character-study (what would any twentysomething do to avoid being sent to Hell?) and plot. It moves quickly, going from ominous to threatening, to grotesque to wicked funny to scary. It's driven by the music of genre regular Christopher Young and reminds one of Raimi's horror trilogy - sudden violins, troubling bass, all playing off sound effects designed for gotcha moments and suspense building.
The movie is literally a shock-and-go supernatural horror film designed to get the pulse pounding - even when you are expecting a shock and it comes straight as predicted, I could literally feel my pulse quicken after the moment. Raimi's body of work includes films designed around this - the aforementioned Evil Dead series - and other genre pictures - Darkman, moments in Spider-Man 2 - and allows the director to manipulate the audience in a manner unlike the more subdued A Simple Plan and Spider-Man 1 & 3.
One can easily see this film becoming a member of the Raimi ouvre that appears every Halloween.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Star Trek (2009)
Premise: Return to where it all began. Kirk. Spock. McCoy. Sulu. Uhura. Chekov.
Stars: Chris Pine * Zachary Quinto * Eric Bana * Karl Urban * Leonard Nimoy * Zoe Saldana * Bruce Greenwood * Simon Pegg
Story: A young boy grows up without his father, a captain who died when he was born. Another young boy grows up as a child of two worlds, one alien, one human. Their futures entwine when they both go to Starfleet, one as an instructor, the other as a cadet. Their paths cross, the stage is set as they both end up on the Enterprise, the new flagship of a spaceborne United Nations. Unfortunately, a villain from the future has entered the current reality hellbent on revenge, including destroying the homeworlds of both Kirk (Pine) and Spock (Quinto).
Review: The acting is pretty much spot-on for all actors involved. Pine is arrogant and brash, but has that intelligence and wit to prove he's capable of leadership. Quinto does a great job portraying the conflict within Spock (I've never heard a better placed 'Fuck you' as when Spock says 'Live long and prosper' in one pivotal scene.) as his emotions roil beneath a calm exterior. Urban does homage to DeForest Kelley's performance as Doctor McCoy, with mannerisms, statements, and profundities that pay tribute as well as establish his bona fides as a character actor. Pegg plays Scotty, in a role that seemed destined for the star of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. The rest of the cast plays well in supporting roles, providing depth and characterization to the re-imagined Star Trek universe.
The only acting disappointment is Bana as the villainous leader Nero. Coming across as more like a spoiled child than a tortured grieving victim, it's easy to see that the writing concentrated on the main acts - the Enterprise crew - and let other pieces fall where they may.
Story-wise, the plot is simple: Bad thing happened in the future, Nero and Spock Prime (Nimoy) travel into the past via accident, Nero sets out for revenge, setting the stage for a confrontation with our heroes. Meanwhile, our heroes have to cover a little background history, set up a confrontation between the two main stars (Kirk and Spock), and let the final showdown resolve the issues in a somewhat predictable manner.
There are holes in the writing - matters of inconvenience are papered over for expediency (Kirk and Spock Prime meeting in a fortuitous ice cave, Nero somehow being able to predict within minutes where Spock Prime would appear in space, a few others), some logic was sacrificed for impressive effects (massive ships being built in farm country planet-side as opposed to in space, the future has robot/android police, why not robot/android military figures?) - and the pacing does seem uneven.
There are plenty of Easter eggs in the movie referencing the different television series as well as most if not all of the ten previous movies. It's easy to geek out over this movie, and I must admit that the first time I watched it, I clapped at the end. (A little golf clap.)
I'm not a fan of J.J. Abrams' use of the kinetic shooting method - the camera moves from eye level to close-up to farther away over the course of a few frames too often for my taste - but it is muted in many spots and doesn't distract in the way that it did in Mission Impossible III or the Abrams-produced Cloverfield.
However, the story does stay true to some aspects. Star Trek was never about space battles - at least not until the big screen and the later series. Trek was always about character first and foremost. It's about who we are, where we're going, and what one man - Gene Roddenberry - thought was the way it could be done. As one planet. As one people. Among many other peoples. Thinking before fighting, but fighting when necessary. And that's what Trek boils down to. Abrams may have created this film based on Roddenberry's vision, but it holds true. It may anger some fans, but it most certainly delighted this one.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Chris Pine * Zachary Quinto * Eric Bana * Karl Urban * Leonard Nimoy * Zoe Saldana * Bruce Greenwood * Simon Pegg
Story: A young boy grows up without his father, a captain who died when he was born. Another young boy grows up as a child of two worlds, one alien, one human. Their futures entwine when they both go to Starfleet, one as an instructor, the other as a cadet. Their paths cross, the stage is set as they both end up on the Enterprise, the new flagship of a spaceborne United Nations. Unfortunately, a villain from the future has entered the current reality hellbent on revenge, including destroying the homeworlds of both Kirk (Pine) and Spock (Quinto).
Review: The acting is pretty much spot-on for all actors involved. Pine is arrogant and brash, but has that intelligence and wit to prove he's capable of leadership. Quinto does a great job portraying the conflict within Spock (I've never heard a better placed 'Fuck you' as when Spock says 'Live long and prosper' in one pivotal scene.) as his emotions roil beneath a calm exterior. Urban does homage to DeForest Kelley's performance as Doctor McCoy, with mannerisms, statements, and profundities that pay tribute as well as establish his bona fides as a character actor. Pegg plays Scotty, in a role that seemed destined for the star of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. The rest of the cast plays well in supporting roles, providing depth and characterization to the re-imagined Star Trek universe.
The only acting disappointment is Bana as the villainous leader Nero. Coming across as more like a spoiled child than a tortured grieving victim, it's easy to see that the writing concentrated on the main acts - the Enterprise crew - and let other pieces fall where they may.
Story-wise, the plot is simple: Bad thing happened in the future, Nero and Spock Prime (Nimoy) travel into the past via accident, Nero sets out for revenge, setting the stage for a confrontation with our heroes. Meanwhile, our heroes have to cover a little background history, set up a confrontation between the two main stars (Kirk and Spock), and let the final showdown resolve the issues in a somewhat predictable manner.
There are holes in the writing - matters of inconvenience are papered over for expediency (Kirk and Spock Prime meeting in a fortuitous ice cave, Nero somehow being able to predict within minutes where Spock Prime would appear in space, a few others), some logic was sacrificed for impressive effects (massive ships being built in farm country planet-side as opposed to in space, the future has robot/android police, why not robot/android military figures?) - and the pacing does seem uneven.
There are plenty of Easter eggs in the movie referencing the different television series as well as most if not all of the ten previous movies. It's easy to geek out over this movie, and I must admit that the first time I watched it, I clapped at the end. (A little golf clap.)
I'm not a fan of J.J. Abrams' use of the kinetic shooting method - the camera moves from eye level to close-up to farther away over the course of a few frames too often for my taste - but it is muted in many spots and doesn't distract in the way that it did in Mission Impossible III or the Abrams-produced Cloverfield.
However, the story does stay true to some aspects. Star Trek was never about space battles - at least not until the big screen and the later series. Trek was always about character first and foremost. It's about who we are, where we're going, and what one man - Gene Roddenberry - thought was the way it could be done. As one planet. As one people. Among many other peoples. Thinking before fighting, but fighting when necessary. And that's what Trek boils down to. Abrams may have created this film based on Roddenberry's vision, but it holds true. It may anger some fans, but it most certainly delighted this one.
Overall: Good
Other Sites: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Mumford (1999)
Premise: A mysterious psychologist has an odd take on dealing with his patients' issues.
Stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince * Mary McDonnell * Jason Lee * Alfre Woodard * Zooey Deschanel * Ted Danson * Hope Davis * Loren Dean * Martin Short
Story: Mumford (Dean) is a psychologist who has recently moved to the town of Mumford. He sees various patients, including a man who lives through his fantasies (Vince), a rich young man who has no friends (Lee), a goth trying to figure out who she is (Deschanel), and a shopaholic mother (McDonnell).
He refuses to take on a lawyer (Short) as a patient, leading to the lawyer as well as the established local psychologist and psychiatrist taking an interest in Mumford's history. He also takes the case of a young woman (Davis) who is suffering from depression, only to fall in love with her.
However, he has a past he has been trying to escape. As his competition start digging, the town's fascination with the TV show Unsolved Mysteries ends up revealing to everyone his sordid history.
Review: I liked it. Aside from the main character's history prior to arriving in the eponymous town, the movie is positive and encouraging. Dean and Davis are a cute couple, Deschanel's debut performance is indicative of her future cute and quirky characters, and Vince and McDonnell are charming in their roles.
The two plotlines - Mumford and his effect on residents of the town and the investigation initiated by the lawyer - play off each other well by pacing the movie. Additionally, the conversations with the different patients and the development of their cases provide humour as well as a slight pathos that keeps the film interesting.
There is a nice payoff at the end of the two main plots as well as the subplots.
Overall: Good
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince * Mary McDonnell * Jason Lee * Alfre Woodard * Zooey Deschanel * Ted Danson * Hope Davis * Loren Dean * Martin Short
Story: Mumford (Dean) is a psychologist who has recently moved to the town of Mumford. He sees various patients, including a man who lives through his fantasies (Vince), a rich young man who has no friends (Lee), a goth trying to figure out who she is (Deschanel), and a shopaholic mother (McDonnell).
He refuses to take on a lawyer (Short) as a patient, leading to the lawyer as well as the established local psychologist and psychiatrist taking an interest in Mumford's history. He also takes the case of a young woman (Davis) who is suffering from depression, only to fall in love with her.
However, he has a past he has been trying to escape. As his competition start digging, the town's fascination with the TV show Unsolved Mysteries ends up revealing to everyone his sordid history.
Review: I liked it. Aside from the main character's history prior to arriving in the eponymous town, the movie is positive and encouraging. Dean and Davis are a cute couple, Deschanel's debut performance is indicative of her future cute and quirky characters, and Vince and McDonnell are charming in their roles.
The two plotlines - Mumford and his effect on residents of the town and the investigation initiated by the lawyer - play off each other well by pacing the movie. Additionally, the conversations with the different patients and the development of their cases provide humour as well as a slight pathos that keeps the film interesting.
There is a nice payoff at the end of the two main plots as well as the subplots.
Overall: Good
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Monday, July 21, 2008
Funny Games (2007)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: The young Farber family are visited by two sadistic young men playing violent games on Long Island.
Stars: Tim Roth * Naomi Watts * Michael Pitt * Brady Corbet
Story: A vacationing family - George Farber (Roth), his wife Ann (Watts) and their young son - visit their cottage on Long Island. They see their neighbors, the Thompsons, and a pair of young men that are unfamiliar. Later, the two young men (Pitt and Corbet) - using various aliases such as Peter & Paul and Tom & Jerry - pay a visit to the Farbers claiming they've been sent over by the Thompsons.
Very quickly, they start playing mental games with the Farbers by accidentally ruining a cell phone and being unsubtly rude. They ditch the facade and begin terrorizing the family, but are playful and attempt to be witty throughout the mental and psychological abuse. Young Georgie temporarily escapes, but is caught and brought back after discovering that the Thompsons are dead. Later, the pair pretend they have left and when George tries to contact the police and Ann runs for help, they catch her and return to the home.
Ann manages to kill one of the young men, but the fourth wall is broken and the young men return to the scene moments before, preventing her from doing so. They kill George as a consequence, and then take her sailing the following morning. They throw her into the water to drown and then pay a visit to another neighbour, following their m.o. of asking for eggs.
Review: The film is engrossing, allowing the viewer to believe that at given moments, the family may actually succeed in escaping from the two young men. However, this seems to represent a "funny game" that the two are having with the viewer, as Peter and Paul break the fourth wall to prevent a more optimistic outcome.
However, the film does present the two getting away with actions that they should not - the capture of Ann towards the end, in particular - so it defies logic and disbelief. As a result the film can't be viewed as anything but an exercise by the director in getting the audience's goat. The art in the film is similar to that of the torture porn genre, in that the kicks of the film seem to be that of ruining any possible enjoyment by the audience.
Overall: Good, but caveat emptor.
Premise: The young Farber family are visited by two sadistic young men playing violent games on Long Island.
Stars: Tim Roth * Naomi Watts * Michael Pitt * Brady Corbet
Story: A vacationing family - George Farber (Roth), his wife Ann (Watts) and their young son - visit their cottage on Long Island. They see their neighbors, the Thompsons, and a pair of young men that are unfamiliar. Later, the two young men (Pitt and Corbet) - using various aliases such as Peter & Paul and Tom & Jerry - pay a visit to the Farbers claiming they've been sent over by the Thompsons.
Very quickly, they start playing mental games with the Farbers by accidentally ruining a cell phone and being unsubtly rude. They ditch the facade and begin terrorizing the family, but are playful and attempt to be witty throughout the mental and psychological abuse. Young Georgie temporarily escapes, but is caught and brought back after discovering that the Thompsons are dead. Later, the pair pretend they have left and when George tries to contact the police and Ann runs for help, they catch her and return to the home.
Ann manages to kill one of the young men, but the fourth wall is broken and the young men return to the scene moments before, preventing her from doing so. They kill George as a consequence, and then take her sailing the following morning. They throw her into the water to drown and then pay a visit to another neighbour, following their m.o. of asking for eggs.
Review: The film is engrossing, allowing the viewer to believe that at given moments, the family may actually succeed in escaping from the two young men. However, this seems to represent a "funny game" that the two are having with the viewer, as Peter and Paul break the fourth wall to prevent a more optimistic outcome.
However, the film does present the two getting away with actions that they should not - the capture of Ann towards the end, in particular - so it defies logic and disbelief. As a result the film can't be viewed as anything but an exercise by the director in getting the audience's goat. The art in the film is similar to that of the torture porn genre, in that the kicks of the film seem to be that of ruining any possible enjoyment by the audience.
Overall: Good, but caveat emptor.
In Bruges (2008)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: Two hitmen retire to Bruges following an assignment that went wrong, leaving one suicidal. The other receives a call from their boss to take care of the errant hit man.
Stars: Brendan Gleeson * Colin Farrell * Ralph Fiennes
Story: Two hit men Ray (Farrell) and Ken (Gleeson) travel to Bruges, Belgium after Ray accidentally kills a kid during a hit on a priest. While there, the two have witty spirited conversations about sightseeing and other topics. Ray goes out one evening and comes across a film shoot, where he meets a local thief / drug peddler and a dwarf actor. He begins a romance with the thief only to be confronted by her ex-boyfriend and partner, whom he partially blinds. He then has an evening with the dwarf and a pair of local prostitutes, inviting Ken along for the party.
The next day, Ken receives a call from their boss and his next assignment is to kill Ray for shooting the kid. Ken prepares for the job, but has a change of heart wen he finds Ray is suicidal. He sends Ray off on a train, and tells Harry (Fiennes) that he will take the consequences. Harry travels to Bruges and confronts Ken. After a discussion, he decides only to wound Ken because of his betrayal. However, when the partially blinded thief tells Harry that Ray is in Bruges, Harry shoots Ken in the neck. Ken jumps from the tower and tries to warn Ray, but dies too soon. Ray runs from Harry, and gets shot multiple times. Howevever, when shooting Ray, Harry killed the dwarf. As the dwarf was dressed in a schoolboy outfit for the movie, Harry believes he killed a kid also, and takes his own life. The movie ends with Ray in a questionable state.
Review: The film is enjoyable and reminds one of the Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch due to its witty dialogue. A memorable scene involves the two hitmen and a family of American tourists. The two lead actors are very good - Farrell as the tormented Ray and Gleeson as the experienced and jaded Ken - and make the film worth watching. Fiennes' supporting role is strictly one-note, even with a couple of good scenes with Gleeson and Farrell.
The subplots involving a dwarf American actor who believes a race war is coming, as well as Chloe, Erik (her partner), and the woman running the hostel where the two hitmen are staying are also nicely done. Smart, tight, and witty, the film is nicely diverting entertainment.
Overall: Good
Premise: Two hitmen retire to Bruges following an assignment that went wrong, leaving one suicidal. The other receives a call from their boss to take care of the errant hit man.
Stars: Brendan Gleeson * Colin Farrell * Ralph Fiennes
Story: Two hit men Ray (Farrell) and Ken (Gleeson) travel to Bruges, Belgium after Ray accidentally kills a kid during a hit on a priest. While there, the two have witty spirited conversations about sightseeing and other topics. Ray goes out one evening and comes across a film shoot, where he meets a local thief / drug peddler and a dwarf actor. He begins a romance with the thief only to be confronted by her ex-boyfriend and partner, whom he partially blinds. He then has an evening with the dwarf and a pair of local prostitutes, inviting Ken along for the party.
The next day, Ken receives a call from their boss and his next assignment is to kill Ray for shooting the kid. Ken prepares for the job, but has a change of heart wen he finds Ray is suicidal. He sends Ray off on a train, and tells Harry (Fiennes) that he will take the consequences. Harry travels to Bruges and confronts Ken. After a discussion, he decides only to wound Ken because of his betrayal. However, when the partially blinded thief tells Harry that Ray is in Bruges, Harry shoots Ken in the neck. Ken jumps from the tower and tries to warn Ray, but dies too soon. Ray runs from Harry, and gets shot multiple times. Howevever, when shooting Ray, Harry killed the dwarf. As the dwarf was dressed in a schoolboy outfit for the movie, Harry believes he killed a kid also, and takes his own life. The movie ends with Ray in a questionable state.
Review: The film is enjoyable and reminds one of the Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch due to its witty dialogue. A memorable scene involves the two hitmen and a family of American tourists. The two lead actors are very good - Farrell as the tormented Ray and Gleeson as the experienced and jaded Ken - and make the film worth watching. Fiennes' supporting role is strictly one-note, even with a couple of good scenes with Gleeson and Farrell.
The subplots involving a dwarf American actor who believes a race war is coming, as well as Chloe, Erik (her partner), and the woman running the hostel where the two hitmen are staying are also nicely done. Smart, tight, and witty, the film is nicely diverting entertainment.
Overall: Good
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
Monday, July 14, 2008
definitely, maybe (2007)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: After a school sex ed class, a young girl asks her father how she came to be, and he tells of the three great love affairs in his life.
Director: Adam Brooks
Stars: Ryan Reynolds * Abigail Breslin * Rachel Weisz * Elizabeth Banks * Isla Fisher * Kevin Kline
Review: A surprise. A pleasant one.
The chemistry between the two leads - Breslin and Reynolds - is quite refreshing. Reynolds normally delivers in his roles - from Van Wilder to the remake of The Amityville Horror to Waiting - and while he excels in comedy, it is nice to see a change of pace from him. Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine herself - is also charming as Maya, his daughter in the film.
The three love affairs - Banks, Weisz and Fisher - are all presented as a tale to his daughter, but also are quite charming in and of themselves. The story is presented by Will to his daughter in order that she can know what love is, in order to placate her interest in sexual education - provoked by an earlier school lesson. In telling the story of his life's adventures, his daughter learns of her mother's relationship with her father, as well as who Will really is in love with.
The three actresses are all excellent in their parts, as Banks is the first true love that he experiences and then loses; Weisz plays the brainy, passionate affair during his early years in New York; and Fisher is the smouldering affair that is unrealized until later, although moments are clear clues to all but William.
An entertaining appearance by Kevin Kline as an acerbic mentor to Weisz's reporter-on-the-move lightens the movie slightly early on, but also prods the growth necessary for both Weisz and Reynolds later in the film.
A pleasant, moving film that definitely entertains.
Overall: Good
Premise: After a school sex ed class, a young girl asks her father how she came to be, and he tells of the three great love affairs in his life.
Director: Adam Brooks
Stars: Ryan Reynolds * Abigail Breslin * Rachel Weisz * Elizabeth Banks * Isla Fisher * Kevin Kline
Review: A surprise. A pleasant one.
The chemistry between the two leads - Breslin and Reynolds - is quite refreshing. Reynolds normally delivers in his roles - from Van Wilder to the remake of The Amityville Horror to Waiting - and while he excels in comedy, it is nice to see a change of pace from him. Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine herself - is also charming as Maya, his daughter in the film.
The three love affairs - Banks, Weisz and Fisher - are all presented as a tale to his daughter, but also are quite charming in and of themselves. The story is presented by Will to his daughter in order that she can know what love is, in order to placate her interest in sexual education - provoked by an earlier school lesson. In telling the story of his life's adventures, his daughter learns of her mother's relationship with her father, as well as who Will really is in love with.
The three actresses are all excellent in their parts, as Banks is the first true love that he experiences and then loses; Weisz plays the brainy, passionate affair during his early years in New York; and Fisher is the smouldering affair that is unrealized until later, although moments are clear clues to all but William.
An entertaining appearance by Kevin Kline as an acerbic mentor to Weisz's reporter-on-the-move lightens the movie slightly early on, but also prods the growth necessary for both Weisz and Reynolds later in the film.
A pleasant, moving film that definitely entertains.
Overall: Good
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: Hellboy and the BPRD have to save mankind from a vengeance-driven elf prince who threatens to unleash an unstoppable army.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Ron Perlman * Selma Blair * Doug Jones * John Hurt * Jeffrey Tambor * Luke Goss * Anna Walton * Seth MacFarlane
Review: Another amazing achievement for Guillermo del Toro.
Hellboy (Perlman), Liz (Blair), Abe (Jones) and the rest of the BPRD investigate an attack by tooth fairies and follow a trail of leads to a vengeance-driven Prince Nuada (Goss) who feels that humanity has broken an ancient truce and must be stopped. Along the way, a fourth member, Johann Strauss (voiced by MacFarlane), joins the crew, replacing Manning (Tambor). Princess Nuala (Walton), twin to Nuada, seeks their protection in order to prevent her brother from achieving his aims.
There are humourous moments - especially when Hellboy and Abe get drunk over the fact that they're both in love and the women they love are driving them crazy - and tragic moments - when Hellboy faces the last of the forest gods and has to decide between humanity or his "kind" (the supernatural races). The fight scenes are more dynamic and entertaining than the first film (Mr. Wink vs Hellboy definitely beats the Sammael vs Hellboy fight). The humour in the fight between Strauss and Hellboy is not to be missed.
Del Toro allows the visual imagery of the fantastical to further evolve - the Tooth Fairies, Mr. Wink, the Fragglewump, the Chamberlain, the Angel of Death, Cathedralhead, etc. - all build upon characters and artistic work done for previous films; one can easily see the influence of characters from Pan's Labyrinth upon the gallery of creatures presented in this film. Long spindly fingers, eyes detached from heads and placed in interesting locations, man-in-suit characters as opposed to pure CGI creations, etc. abound in the film.
Other influences also appear - the eye candy in the movie is appropriate to the genre: the forest god easily brings to mind films such as Princess Mononoke by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki; the destruction of a source of power at the end of the movie brings to mind the Lord of the Rings; the fighting style of Prince Nuala reminds one of any number of kung fu films from the Jet Li or Jackie Chan era - Once Upon a Time in China, etc.
While the film may not make as much bank as direct mainstream films may - Iron Man, etc. - the film is true to both the nature of Hellboy himself and the vision of del Toro. Truly an artistic achievement.
Overall: Good
Premise: Hellboy and the BPRD have to save mankind from a vengeance-driven elf prince who threatens to unleash an unstoppable army.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Ron Perlman * Selma Blair * Doug Jones * John Hurt * Jeffrey Tambor * Luke Goss * Anna Walton * Seth MacFarlane
Review: Another amazing achievement for Guillermo del Toro.
Hellboy (Perlman), Liz (Blair), Abe (Jones) and the rest of the BPRD investigate an attack by tooth fairies and follow a trail of leads to a vengeance-driven Prince Nuada (Goss) who feels that humanity has broken an ancient truce and must be stopped. Along the way, a fourth member, Johann Strauss (voiced by MacFarlane), joins the crew, replacing Manning (Tambor). Princess Nuala (Walton), twin to Nuada, seeks their protection in order to prevent her brother from achieving his aims.
There are humourous moments - especially when Hellboy and Abe get drunk over the fact that they're both in love and the women they love are driving them crazy - and tragic moments - when Hellboy faces the last of the forest gods and has to decide between humanity or his "kind" (the supernatural races). The fight scenes are more dynamic and entertaining than the first film (Mr. Wink vs Hellboy definitely beats the Sammael vs Hellboy fight). The humour in the fight between Strauss and Hellboy is not to be missed.
Del Toro allows the visual imagery of the fantastical to further evolve - the Tooth Fairies, Mr. Wink, the Fragglewump, the Chamberlain, the Angel of Death, Cathedralhead, etc. - all build upon characters and artistic work done for previous films; one can easily see the influence of characters from Pan's Labyrinth upon the gallery of creatures presented in this film. Long spindly fingers, eyes detached from heads and placed in interesting locations, man-in-suit characters as opposed to pure CGI creations, etc. abound in the film.
Other influences also appear - the eye candy in the movie is appropriate to the genre: the forest god easily brings to mind films such as Princess Mononoke by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki; the destruction of a source of power at the end of the movie brings to mind the Lord of the Rings; the fighting style of Prince Nuala reminds one of any number of kung fu films from the Jet Li or Jackie Chan era - Once Upon a Time in China, etc.
While the film may not make as much bank as direct mainstream films may - Iron Man, etc. - the film is true to both the nature of Hellboy himself and the vision of del Toro. Truly an artistic achievement.
Overall: Good
Disturbia (2007)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A grieving teenager under house arrest discovers that a serial killer may be living next door.
Stars: Shia LaBeouf * Sarah Roemer * Carrie-Anne Moss * David Morse
Review: A taut modernization of the classic Rear Window with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Kale (LaBeouf) is under house arrest after punching a teacher who provoked him. He and a friend spy on a new neighbor, Ashley (Roemer) and start watching another neighbor, Turner (Morse) who may or may not be a serial killer. When caught spying by Ashley, she decides to join their duo and they undertake a lot of effort to find out what Turner is up to. Several clues lead them to confront the killer, who convinces the cops that Kale is the problem. Turner decides to use the snooping Kale as the fall guy to remove all of them from the picture.
LaBeouf is consistently proving himself as a young actor. The dynamic set up by the plot with his friends and Turner, as well as his own dealing with the loss of his father (in a car accident Kale believes he's responsible for) are portrayed with great skill by the young actor. Roemer and Aaron Yoo (his friend Ronnie) are great foils as the love interest and the best friend. The music in the film does not overpower the acting, making for a nice combination when it comes to pushing the movie along.
Easily recommended.
Overall: Good
Premise: A grieving teenager under house arrest discovers that a serial killer may be living next door.
Stars: Shia LaBeouf * Sarah Roemer * Carrie-Anne Moss * David Morse
Review: A taut modernization of the classic Rear Window with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Kale (LaBeouf) is under house arrest after punching a teacher who provoked him. He and a friend spy on a new neighbor, Ashley (Roemer) and start watching another neighbor, Turner (Morse) who may or may not be a serial killer. When caught spying by Ashley, she decides to join their duo and they undertake a lot of effort to find out what Turner is up to. Several clues lead them to confront the killer, who convinces the cops that Kale is the problem. Turner decides to use the snooping Kale as the fall guy to remove all of them from the picture.
LaBeouf is consistently proving himself as a young actor. The dynamic set up by the plot with his friends and Turner, as well as his own dealing with the loss of his father (in a car accident Kale believes he's responsible for) are portrayed with great skill by the young actor. Roemer and Aaron Yoo (his friend Ronnie) are great foils as the love interest and the best friend. The music in the film does not overpower the acting, making for a nice combination when it comes to pushing the movie along.
Easily recommended.
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
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: Danny Ocean and his crew get revenge on Al Pacino for his mistreatment of Reuben.
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: George Clooney * Brad Pitt * Matt Damon * Al Pacino * Andy Garcia * Elliot Gould * Don Cheadle * Bernie Mac * Scott Caan * Casey Affleck * Eddie Izzard * Ellen Barkin * Vincent Cassel
Review: A heist movie. It's a little more over-the-top than the previous two movies but returns to the slick and glossy nature of the first film, rather than the European feel of the second movie.
Reuben (Gould) goes into business with Bank (Pacino) and gets shafted. Ocean and company come together in order to break the hotel & casino owner (whose catchphrase is "Can't break the Bank" obviously) for revenge.
It's a caper wherein Ocean is always a few steps ahead of his opponents, and while the crime is the plot, the focus is less on the crime than the interactions between the characters. The snappy dialogue is excellent as always. Characters get a little more definition than from earlier films; this makes the films feel more alive than some series where characters change little - if at all - between installments. Casey Affleck's character, for example, begins a somewhat humourous revolt in a Mexican die-making facility. Matt Damon moves up in the ranks of con men from basic pickpocketing - the first movie - to a more involved deception in this film. Nice to see the development.
Eddie Izzard and Ellen Barkin join the cast, which features a returning Andy Garcia from the first film and Vincent Cassel from the second. There's also an appearance from the hired goon from the first film (the one who helped Ocean by pretending to beat him up). David Paymer (playing the VUP - Very Unimportant Person) is excellent as the put-upon hotel inspector who suffers indignity upon indignity.
The directing is slick again, giving the feeling that Soderbergh stands back and lets the stars work their magic. (The second film had more of an artistic direction feel to it, coming across as a more forced interaction between director and actors - which may have led to its being viewed less favorably by some.)
Delightful.
Overall: Good
Premise: Danny Ocean and his crew get revenge on Al Pacino for his mistreatment of Reuben.
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: George Clooney * Brad Pitt * Matt Damon * Al Pacino * Andy Garcia * Elliot Gould * Don Cheadle * Bernie Mac * Scott Caan * Casey Affleck * Eddie Izzard * Ellen Barkin * Vincent Cassel
Review: A heist movie. It's a little more over-the-top than the previous two movies but returns to the slick and glossy nature of the first film, rather than the European feel of the second movie.
Reuben (Gould) goes into business with Bank (Pacino) and gets shafted. Ocean and company come together in order to break the hotel & casino owner (whose catchphrase is "Can't break the Bank" obviously) for revenge.
It's a caper wherein Ocean is always a few steps ahead of his opponents, and while the crime is the plot, the focus is less on the crime than the interactions between the characters. The snappy dialogue is excellent as always. Characters get a little more definition than from earlier films; this makes the films feel more alive than some series where characters change little - if at all - between installments. Casey Affleck's character, for example, begins a somewhat humourous revolt in a Mexican die-making facility. Matt Damon moves up in the ranks of con men from basic pickpocketing - the first movie - to a more involved deception in this film. Nice to see the development.
Eddie Izzard and Ellen Barkin join the cast, which features a returning Andy Garcia from the first film and Vincent Cassel from the second. There's also an appearance from the hired goon from the first film (the one who helped Ocean by pretending to beat him up). David Paymer (playing the VUP - Very Unimportant Person) is excellent as the put-upon hotel inspector who suffers indignity upon indignity.
The directing is slick again, giving the feeling that Soderbergh stands back and lets the stars work their magic. (The second film had more of an artistic direction feel to it, coming across as a more forced interaction between director and actors - which may have led to its being viewed less favorably by some.)
Delightful.
Overall: Good
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Howling (1981)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A reporter uncovers the story of her life when she goes to interview a serial killer.
Directed by: Joe Dante
Stars: Dee Wallace * Christopher Stone * Robert Picardo * Patrick Macnee * Dennis Dugan
Review: Aside from An American Werewolf in London (also 1981) and the seminal Wolf Man this is possibly the best werewolf movie ever made.
Reporter Karen White (Wallace) goes to interview a serial killer, Eddie Quist (Picardo). When she begins the interview Quist begins transforming in front of her - intending to transform and reveal the presence of werewolves. He's shot down by police who respond to her screams. She blanks out the memory and is haunted by nightmares until she counseled by a psychiatrist (Macnee) to go to a spiritual retreat/camp where she can recover. Accompanied by her husband (Stone), she goes to the retreat - unfortunately for her, it's a nest of werewolves.
As she slowly fears she's losing her mind from the odd goings-on at the retreat, her husband is seduced by a local and is turned - as are the only other couple at the retreat that she had befriended. She calls her friends to come and get her out of there after she realizes her husband has been cheating on her. One of her friends is killed by a returned-from-the-dead Quist, but notifies a detective (Dugan) that there are werewolves at the camp and that he should come prepared. As the detective heads to the camp, he takes silver bullets; in escaping the camp several of the werewolves are killed, including Karen's husband.
In a classic closing moment, Karen decides to reveal the presence of werewolves by transforming in front of camera screens.
The transformation effects by f/x master Rick Baker are superb. The acting is not phenomenal by any means, but that's not what you go to watch a werewolf movie for. This movie and American Werewolf set the gold standard by which all other lycanthrope movies are judged - no other film has approached these two since their appearance and the CGI versions of later films - American Werewolf in Paris, Van Helsing, etc. simply cannot compare.
Overall: Good
Premise: A reporter uncovers the story of her life when she goes to interview a serial killer.
Directed by: Joe Dante
Stars: Dee Wallace * Christopher Stone * Robert Picardo * Patrick Macnee * Dennis Dugan
Review: Aside from An American Werewolf in London (also 1981) and the seminal Wolf Man this is possibly the best werewolf movie ever made.
Reporter Karen White (Wallace) goes to interview a serial killer, Eddie Quist (Picardo). When she begins the interview Quist begins transforming in front of her - intending to transform and reveal the presence of werewolves. He's shot down by police who respond to her screams. She blanks out the memory and is haunted by nightmares until she counseled by a psychiatrist (Macnee) to go to a spiritual retreat/camp where she can recover. Accompanied by her husband (Stone), she goes to the retreat - unfortunately for her, it's a nest of werewolves.
As she slowly fears she's losing her mind from the odd goings-on at the retreat, her husband is seduced by a local and is turned - as are the only other couple at the retreat that she had befriended. She calls her friends to come and get her out of there after she realizes her husband has been cheating on her. One of her friends is killed by a returned-from-the-dead Quist, but notifies a detective (Dugan) that there are werewolves at the camp and that he should come prepared. As the detective heads to the camp, he takes silver bullets; in escaping the camp several of the werewolves are killed, including Karen's husband.
In a classic closing moment, Karen decides to reveal the presence of werewolves by transforming in front of camera screens.
The transformation effects by f/x master Rick Baker are superb. The acting is not phenomenal by any means, but that's not what you go to watch a werewolf movie for. This movie and American Werewolf set the gold standard by which all other lycanthrope movies are judged - no other film has approached these two since their appearance and the CGI versions of later films - American Werewolf in Paris, Van Helsing, etc. simply cannot compare.
Overall: Good
The Last Starfighter (1984)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A kid from a trailer park can save the galaxy.
Stars: Lance Guest * Catherine Mary Stewart * Robert Preston * Dan O'Herlihy
Review: One of the best science fiction films from the 80s. Introducing computer graphics on a larger scale than seen previously, all space effects were done on computer. While they seem dated now, they were ahead of their time and are still fun to watch.
Obviously inspired by Star Wars, the film follows a young kid who ends up doing what he's dreamed of - leaving behind the life in the trailer park. He is recruited by an interstellar defense force that is attempting to defeat a galactic-level threat in the Kodan Armada. When he initially rebuffs the group, he returns home, only to discover that the bad guys have followed him - and have killed the rest of the defense force. He's alone, with an alien co-pilot, and has to take on the entirety of the Armada by himself.
Robert Preston - of the Music Man - is delightful as the recruiter Centauri. O'Herlihy - the Old Man from the Robocop series - is equally delightful as Grig, the alien co-pilot. As for the humans, Lance Guest & Catherine Mary Stewart are satisfactory as the young hero & his girlfriend.
As a kid, I loved the movie and watching it recently I remembered those days. As I noted earlier, the effects seem dated today and the Rylos base interiors reek of early set stages, but the movie still grabs today.
Overall: Good
Premise: A kid from a trailer park can save the galaxy.
Stars: Lance Guest * Catherine Mary Stewart * Robert Preston * Dan O'Herlihy
Review: One of the best science fiction films from the 80s. Introducing computer graphics on a larger scale than seen previously, all space effects were done on computer. While they seem dated now, they were ahead of their time and are still fun to watch.
Obviously inspired by Star Wars, the film follows a young kid who ends up doing what he's dreamed of - leaving behind the life in the trailer park. He is recruited by an interstellar defense force that is attempting to defeat a galactic-level threat in the Kodan Armada. When he initially rebuffs the group, he returns home, only to discover that the bad guys have followed him - and have killed the rest of the defense force. He's alone, with an alien co-pilot, and has to take on the entirety of the Armada by himself.
Robert Preston - of the Music Man - is delightful as the recruiter Centauri. O'Herlihy - the Old Man from the Robocop series - is equally delightful as Grig, the alien co-pilot. As for the humans, Lance Guest & Catherine Mary Stewart are satisfactory as the young hero & his girlfriend.
As a kid, I loved the movie and watching it recently I remembered those days. As I noted earlier, the effects seem dated today and the Rylos base interiors reek of early set stages, but the movie still grabs today.
Overall: Good
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Chinatown (1974)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A detective who specializes in broken marriages gets in over his head when he's hired to investigate a local Water Department figure.
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Stars: Jack Nicholson * Faye Dunaway * John Huston
Review: One of the best film noir detective movies. Gittes (Nicholson) discovers how corrupt powerful men are cruel and malicious when he investigates his latest case of marital infidelity, a Mr. Mulwray. Discovering that he was hired by a moll who'd been paid to do so, Gittes is confronted by the real Mrs. Mulwray (Dunaway) and the case gets stranger and more complex. Mulwray was involved with his wife's father in business dealings that control most of the water in Los Angeles - and Mulwray quickly ends up dead. Gittes gets hired to find out who did so; when discussing the current goings-on with Cross (Huston) he is then hired to find the girl that Mulwray was having an alleged with.
Facing layers upon layers within the web surrounding Cross, Gittes also has to deal with two thugs - one of which is played by Polanski himself - and his former colleagues in the Los Angeles police department. As he discovers horrible secrets and tries to deal with them, he realizes how powerless he is when confronted by the manipulating Cross.
The dialogue is snappy. Nicholson at the top of his game. Huston is menacing from the moment you meet him even while trying to hide it. Dunaway is perfect as the desperate dame. The movie is superb and unforgettable.
Overall: Good
Premise: A detective who specializes in broken marriages gets in over his head when he's hired to investigate a local Water Department figure.
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Stars: Jack Nicholson * Faye Dunaway * John Huston
Review: One of the best film noir detective movies. Gittes (Nicholson) discovers how corrupt powerful men are cruel and malicious when he investigates his latest case of marital infidelity, a Mr. Mulwray. Discovering that he was hired by a moll who'd been paid to do so, Gittes is confronted by the real Mrs. Mulwray (Dunaway) and the case gets stranger and more complex. Mulwray was involved with his wife's father in business dealings that control most of the water in Los Angeles - and Mulwray quickly ends up dead. Gittes gets hired to find out who did so; when discussing the current goings-on with Cross (Huston) he is then hired to find the girl that Mulwray was having an alleged with.
Facing layers upon layers within the web surrounding Cross, Gittes also has to deal with two thugs - one of which is played by Polanski himself - and his former colleagues in the Los Angeles police department. As he discovers horrible secrets and tries to deal with them, he realizes how powerless he is when confronted by the manipulating Cross.
The dialogue is snappy. Nicholson at the top of his game. Huston is menacing from the moment you meet him even while trying to hide it. Dunaway is perfect as the desperate dame. The movie is superb and unforgettable.
Overall: Good
Inside Man (2006)
Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A bank robbery gone right. By the side that robs the bank, that is.
Directed by: Spike Lee
Stars: Denzel Washington * Clive Owen * Chiwetel Ejiofor * Christopher Plummer * Jodie Foster * Willem Dafoe
Review: An excellent bank heist movie. Owen plays the ringleader, Washington the detective trying to resolve the situation. One's a good guy, one's a bad guy. Only thing is, you really like them both.
Owen ostensibly seizes control of a bank, and seems to be way smarter than the police have thought. The criminals all wear identical clothing and force the hostages to do the same. They call each other variations of the same name, so no one knows what the real names are. They know police procedures and what they want from the bank.
Which is the real hook of the movie. Apparently a powerful man (Plummer) has something hidden in the bank and sends Foster to retrieve it. Owen and the thieves can all leave as far as the bank is concerned, as long as Foster returns with the items. While Owen plays mind games with the cops, the rich put pressure on the detectives to resolve the matter quickly.
The movie is played smartly and tightly. Foster is used sparingly, with most of the chemistry in the movie coming from the two leading men and the little backstory there is comes from Plummer and his explanations to Foster and the detective - to which Owen puts an interesting angle.
With great dialogue, great performances from solid actors, and a plot that moves quickly, the film is excellent. One of the best bank heist movies ever.
Overall: Good
Premise: A bank robbery gone right. By the side that robs the bank, that is.
Directed by: Spike Lee
Stars: Denzel Washington * Clive Owen * Chiwetel Ejiofor * Christopher Plummer * Jodie Foster * Willem Dafoe
Review: An excellent bank heist movie. Owen plays the ringleader, Washington the detective trying to resolve the situation. One's a good guy, one's a bad guy. Only thing is, you really like them both.
Owen ostensibly seizes control of a bank, and seems to be way smarter than the police have thought. The criminals all wear identical clothing and force the hostages to do the same. They call each other variations of the same name, so no one knows what the real names are. They know police procedures and what they want from the bank.
Which is the real hook of the movie. Apparently a powerful man (Plummer) has something hidden in the bank and sends Foster to retrieve it. Owen and the thieves can all leave as far as the bank is concerned, as long as Foster returns with the items. While Owen plays mind games with the cops, the rich put pressure on the detectives to resolve the matter quickly.
The movie is played smartly and tightly. Foster is used sparingly, with most of the chemistry in the movie coming from the two leading men and the little backstory there is comes from Plummer and his explanations to Foster and the detective - to which Owen puts an interesting angle.
With great dialogue, great performances from solid actors, and a plot that moves quickly, the film is excellent. One of the best bank heist movies ever.
Overall: Good
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