Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 TOP TEN
AWAY FROM HER
Drama
What a combination: a well-crafted story, great acting, believable dialogue, excellent pacing and lovely cinematography. Although the subject of disease has come up before, I don’t think it has ever been handled with such insight and in such a straightforward manner.
The tremendous acting ability of both Julie Christie (who is at her very best) and Gordon Pinset allows us to gain some better understanding of what people have to go through in these situations, without having to spell it out for us with a bunch of words.
Certainly there are sad and touching moments but more importantly, this is a story of love. And it’s beautiful to see.
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU ARE DEAD
Crime thiller
Using a rather unusual device of each scene being played out from someone’s point of view (as noted in the on-screen label) then later seeing it again from someone else’s perspective the movie advances then retreats a bit until it catches up where we left off. In this way the story unfolds in bits and pieces, which keeps you interested in the developments. Being a crime thriller the less said about these developments the better.
What needs to be said is the acting throughout is excellent, the editing crisp, the other production values first rate. In other words, a really good movie.
CONTROL
Biography
It is so unusual to see a movie in black and white but it is absolutely the best choice: it feels like it was made years ago, it best depicts the dreary inner city of Manchester, it perfectly suits the languorous pace of the movie.
Complementing that is another great choice, this time of the actors. Particularly outstanding is Sam Riley. Although I’ve never seen the performance of Ian Curtis, the way he is portrayed looks and feels so authentic I have to believe it really was how he acted on stage. In addition, Morton and Lara both put in excellent performances.
One caveat though: it is long, just over two hours, so it requires a fair amount of patience. But it is well worth it.
INTO THE WILD
Drama
There are few films with a running time in excess of two hours that I would recommend seeing; but this is one of them.
The fact that it is based on a true story only serves to enhance its appeal. Fabulous camerawork (unusual camera angles, sweeping vistas, tight close-ups and lingering sunsets) coupled with some really good acting by most everyone (the border guard being an exception) a great soundtrack and a story about someone who takes the unconventional route makes for compelling viewing.
Using flashbacks always results in topsy-turvy chronological references but generally these are easy to handle, in part because of titles appearing periodically indicating the point in time. One other thing: a couple of times I started to get the feeling that it is running a tad too long then something happens and I wanted to stay on. And did so right to the end.
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
War
There have been few war movies seen from the enemy’s perspective. And there have been even fewer that have the air of realism to it (Das Boot comes to mind) but this one combines that with believable acting entirely in their own language, not in poorly spoken English.
Unlike a lot of movies about international conflict, this one does not have an anti-war message about it. In fact it has no hidden agenda; simply showing us a group of people who are not all one-dimensional as the propaganda would have us believe.
The attention to detail is remarkable. For example the dimly lit caves and the muffled background noise of machines on the move recreates the situation to the point we almost can feel it ourselves. Despite the fact it is lengthy (2 hours and 20 minutes) it is compelling viewing and does not seem that long.
MISS POTTER
Biography
Great acting by people who seem to fit their roles perfectly, this is a well-written story about a strong-willed woman who has to overcome more than a few difficulties. Along the way there are plenty of humorous moments and some really gorgeous shots of the Lake District in England. The pacing is excellent and unlike most movies lately, it is not overly long.
MOLIERE
Drama, comedy
The film begins with a play being staged before a boisterous audience and your first thought might be “Oh my heavens, what have I got myself into?” But stick around because it soon moves on from the theatre setting and the real movie begins.
Although it is not promoted as an autobiography, the combined efforts of historians have unearthed no trace of Molière between the time of the Theatre Troupe bankruptcy and his reappearance later when he formed a new group and began touring the provinces. So perhaps the movie recounts what really happened in the intervening months?
In any event, it is so refreshing to see a movie that relies on intellectual humour rather than the “in your face” variety that is so prevalent. This is a lavish production with the costumes and acting of the highest order amid sumptuous settings. Although it is two hours long, very little could be edited out and the time passes quickly.
One more thing that sets this film apart: the audience started applauding when the end credits began to roll. That in itself is quite an endorsement.
ONCE
Drama
What a refreshing change: most current movies tend to be lavish expensive productions with a cast of thousands (ok, I exaggerate a bit), often are way too long with convoluted and overly complex story lines, with the incessant use of the f-word and lots of computer graphic images instead of the real thing.
Well, this one is none of the above. Instead we get to see a charming film with very little plot and acting that comes across as so real it seems like the movie is a documentary. Music is a big part of the film, not surprising given the fact the story is about a talented musician. But the music is never intrusive; it just melds in perfectly with the story. All of the songs are written and performed by the principals and some are a real joy to hear.
RATATOUILLE
Animated cartoon
Just when you think it can’t get any better, Pixar comes out with the best animated cartoon ever. Combining state of the art computer generated images with a well-developed story line it is most entertaining. The main theme is one of following your dreams. The romantic comedy aspect is somewhat unexpected.
The realism is incredible (in particular the trip down the Seine) and the detail simply amazing (especially some of the food preparations). And to top it all off, the musical score is exquisite, a real delight to the ears.
THE GREAT DEBATERS
Drama based on a true story
As the end credits rolled, spontaneous clapping broke out; to my mind this is the finest accolade any audience can give a movie.
But you wouldn’t figure on that right from the beginning: for the first ten minutes or so there are a variety of vignettes that do not seem to have any connection. Then gradually things come together and it all makes sense. What a wonderful start.
The balance of the movie is equally refreshing with excellent performances, superb cinematography, a great musical score and a well-written story. In fact there are several stories, that of the debating team and their efforts to succeed and some graphic examples of the racism that pervaded the times.
Despite a running time of two hours, it does not seem that long.
HONORABLE MENTION
IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON
Documentary
Although the American space program has been thoroughly covered before, somehow this movie puts a new slant on things. In part because it is the retelling from the point of view of the astronauts themselves and also because new footage from NASA files is being shown for the first time. It's riveting stuff.
JUNO
Romantic comedy
This movie is just about perfect: nice pleasant people who don’t speak badly of others, witty thought-provoking smart dialogue and a nice toe-tapping musical score. All this within a very respectable hour and a half.
The casting is bang-on: each of the principals is exactly the right person for the job and several put in really great low key performances. In fact the whole thing is pretty low-key and very entertaining with the jokes more of the smile-sort rather than the right out laughter type.
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Musical
Few will have the patience to sit through the 2 hours and 15 minutes of this movie unless you are a big fan (I mean really big fan) of the Beatles music. The simplistic plot serves only to provide an opportunity to fit in another song, even if it is out of place and/or inappropriate to the situation. Consequently every 10 minutes or so the story is put on hold while another song is sung, often poorly lipped synched.
The acting is only so-so: Jude in particular seems to have been selected more for his singing ability than his other thespian talents. And Maxwell’s father is almost ludicrous.
There are several rather innovative visual elements and some of the dance numbers are well done. It is also a bit of a historical overview of the Vietnam era but there are far better sources of history than this somewhat distorted view.
LIONS FOR LAMBS
Drama, war
A well structured anti-war film seen from three perspectives: that of a Senator, as seen by soldiers engaged in fighting the enemy and comments from the intelligentsia. However, the latter only serves to muddy the waters (except for one brief flashback) and it really just showcases Redford’s acting abilities. But it’s not needed.
Another thing not needed is the static approach taken with the Senator and also with the professor. In both cases, two cameras are plunked down and the shots simply flip-flop back and forth so we can see the speaker. The cameras hardly move so it makes for a monotonous visual experience. The action shots in Afghanistan aren’t much better.
The acting is fine with only Meryl Streep coming across as making any real effort. Although there are a lot of words, thankfully the movie is fairly short so we’re not totally overwhelmed.
SWEENY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Musical
The first thing that strikes you is the desaturated colour, just shades of black and grey throughout except for a couple of minutes right at the beginning. It’s really very depressing but sets the mood oh so beautifully. This is not a fun experience unless you are enjoy watching throats being sliced and are not put off with such things as cockroaches crawling in meat pies served to unwitting customers.
This dark, humourless, gory, gruesome, creepy, icky film about a cruel, scheming, serial killer runs for almost two hours and includes too many interminable musical numbers that are not upbeat nor particularly pleasant listening. What a combination.
I like movies that are entertaining and\or informative. This is neither.
Drama
What a combination: a well-crafted story, great acting, believable dialogue, excellent pacing and lovely cinematography. Although the subject of disease has come up before, I don’t think it has ever been handled with such insight and in such a straightforward manner.
The tremendous acting ability of both Julie Christie (who is at her very best) and Gordon Pinset allows us to gain some better understanding of what people have to go through in these situations, without having to spell it out for us with a bunch of words.
Certainly there are sad and touching moments but more importantly, this is a story of love. And it’s beautiful to see.
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU ARE DEAD
Crime thiller
Using a rather unusual device of each scene being played out from someone’s point of view (as noted in the on-screen label) then later seeing it again from someone else’s perspective the movie advances then retreats a bit until it catches up where we left off. In this way the story unfolds in bits and pieces, which keeps you interested in the developments. Being a crime thriller the less said about these developments the better.
What needs to be said is the acting throughout is excellent, the editing crisp, the other production values first rate. In other words, a really good movie.
CONTROL
Biography
It is so unusual to see a movie in black and white but it is absolutely the best choice: it feels like it was made years ago, it best depicts the dreary inner city of Manchester, it perfectly suits the languorous pace of the movie.
Complementing that is another great choice, this time of the actors. Particularly outstanding is Sam Riley. Although I’ve never seen the performance of Ian Curtis, the way he is portrayed looks and feels so authentic I have to believe it really was how he acted on stage. In addition, Morton and Lara both put in excellent performances.
One caveat though: it is long, just over two hours, so it requires a fair amount of patience. But it is well worth it.
INTO THE WILD
Drama
There are few films with a running time in excess of two hours that I would recommend seeing; but this is one of them.
The fact that it is based on a true story only serves to enhance its appeal. Fabulous camerawork (unusual camera angles, sweeping vistas, tight close-ups and lingering sunsets) coupled with some really good acting by most everyone (the border guard being an exception) a great soundtrack and a story about someone who takes the unconventional route makes for compelling viewing.
Using flashbacks always results in topsy-turvy chronological references but generally these are easy to handle, in part because of titles appearing periodically indicating the point in time. One other thing: a couple of times I started to get the feeling that it is running a tad too long then something happens and I wanted to stay on. And did so right to the end.
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
War
There have been few war movies seen from the enemy’s perspective. And there have been even fewer that have the air of realism to it (Das Boot comes to mind) but this one combines that with believable acting entirely in their own language, not in poorly spoken English.
Unlike a lot of movies about international conflict, this one does not have an anti-war message about it. In fact it has no hidden agenda; simply showing us a group of people who are not all one-dimensional as the propaganda would have us believe.
The attention to detail is remarkable. For example the dimly lit caves and the muffled background noise of machines on the move recreates the situation to the point we almost can feel it ourselves. Despite the fact it is lengthy (2 hours and 20 minutes) it is compelling viewing and does not seem that long.
MISS POTTER
Biography
Great acting by people who seem to fit their roles perfectly, this is a well-written story about a strong-willed woman who has to overcome more than a few difficulties. Along the way there are plenty of humorous moments and some really gorgeous shots of the Lake District in England. The pacing is excellent and unlike most movies lately, it is not overly long.
MOLIERE
Drama, comedy
The film begins with a play being staged before a boisterous audience and your first thought might be “Oh my heavens, what have I got myself into?” But stick around because it soon moves on from the theatre setting and the real movie begins.
Although it is not promoted as an autobiography, the combined efforts of historians have unearthed no trace of Molière between the time of the Theatre Troupe bankruptcy and his reappearance later when he formed a new group and began touring the provinces. So perhaps the movie recounts what really happened in the intervening months?
In any event, it is so refreshing to see a movie that relies on intellectual humour rather than the “in your face” variety that is so prevalent. This is a lavish production with the costumes and acting of the highest order amid sumptuous settings. Although it is two hours long, very little could be edited out and the time passes quickly.
One more thing that sets this film apart: the audience started applauding when the end credits began to roll. That in itself is quite an endorsement.
ONCE
Drama
What a refreshing change: most current movies tend to be lavish expensive productions with a cast of thousands (ok, I exaggerate a bit), often are way too long with convoluted and overly complex story lines, with the incessant use of the f-word and lots of computer graphic images instead of the real thing.
Well, this one is none of the above. Instead we get to see a charming film with very little plot and acting that comes across as so real it seems like the movie is a documentary. Music is a big part of the film, not surprising given the fact the story is about a talented musician. But the music is never intrusive; it just melds in perfectly with the story. All of the songs are written and performed by the principals and some are a real joy to hear.
RATATOUILLE
Animated cartoon
Just when you think it can’t get any better, Pixar comes out with the best animated cartoon ever. Combining state of the art computer generated images with a well-developed story line it is most entertaining. The main theme is one of following your dreams. The romantic comedy aspect is somewhat unexpected.
The realism is incredible (in particular the trip down the Seine) and the detail simply amazing (especially some of the food preparations). And to top it all off, the musical score is exquisite, a real delight to the ears.
THE GREAT DEBATERS
Drama based on a true story
As the end credits rolled, spontaneous clapping broke out; to my mind this is the finest accolade any audience can give a movie.
But you wouldn’t figure on that right from the beginning: for the first ten minutes or so there are a variety of vignettes that do not seem to have any connection. Then gradually things come together and it all makes sense. What a wonderful start.
The balance of the movie is equally refreshing with excellent performances, superb cinematography, a great musical score and a well-written story. In fact there are several stories, that of the debating team and their efforts to succeed and some graphic examples of the racism that pervaded the times.
Despite a running time of two hours, it does not seem that long.
HONORABLE MENTION
IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON
Documentary
Although the American space program has been thoroughly covered before, somehow this movie puts a new slant on things. In part because it is the retelling from the point of view of the astronauts themselves and also because new footage from NASA files is being shown for the first time. It's riveting stuff.
JUNO
Romantic comedy
This movie is just about perfect: nice pleasant people who don’t speak badly of others, witty thought-provoking smart dialogue and a nice toe-tapping musical score. All this within a very respectable hour and a half.
The casting is bang-on: each of the principals is exactly the right person for the job and several put in really great low key performances. In fact the whole thing is pretty low-key and very entertaining with the jokes more of the smile-sort rather than the right out laughter type.
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Musical
Few will have the patience to sit through the 2 hours and 15 minutes of this movie unless you are a big fan (I mean really big fan) of the Beatles music. The simplistic plot serves only to provide an opportunity to fit in another song, even if it is out of place and/or inappropriate to the situation. Consequently every 10 minutes or so the story is put on hold while another song is sung, often poorly lipped synched.
The acting is only so-so: Jude in particular seems to have been selected more for his singing ability than his other thespian talents. And Maxwell’s father is almost ludicrous.
There are several rather innovative visual elements and some of the dance numbers are well done. It is also a bit of a historical overview of the Vietnam era but there are far better sources of history than this somewhat distorted view.
LIONS FOR LAMBS
Drama, war
A well structured anti-war film seen from three perspectives: that of a Senator, as seen by soldiers engaged in fighting the enemy and comments from the intelligentsia. However, the latter only serves to muddy the waters (except for one brief flashback) and it really just showcases Redford’s acting abilities. But it’s not needed.
Another thing not needed is the static approach taken with the Senator and also with the professor. In both cases, two cameras are plunked down and the shots simply flip-flop back and forth so we can see the speaker. The cameras hardly move so it makes for a monotonous visual experience. The action shots in Afghanistan aren’t much better.
The acting is fine with only Meryl Streep coming across as making any real effort. Although there are a lot of words, thankfully the movie is fairly short so we’re not totally overwhelmed.
SWEENY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Musical
The first thing that strikes you is the desaturated colour, just shades of black and grey throughout except for a couple of minutes right at the beginning. It’s really very depressing but sets the mood oh so beautifully. This is not a fun experience unless you are enjoy watching throats being sliced and are not put off with such things as cockroaches crawling in meat pies served to unwitting customers.
This dark, humourless, gory, gruesome, creepy, icky film about a cruel, scheming, serial killer runs for almost two hours and includes too many interminable musical numbers that are not upbeat nor particularly pleasant listening. What a combination.
I like movies that are entertaining and\or informative. This is neither.
THE GREAT DEBATERS
Drama based on a true story
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Melvin Beaunorus Tolson (February 1898 – August 1966) was an American poet, educator, columnist, labour activist and politician. Born in Moberly, Missouri he was the son of a Methodist minister. He graduated with honours from Lincoln University in 1924 and moved to Texas to teach speech and English at Wiley College.
James Leonard Farmer (June 1886 – May 1961) was an American author, theologian and educator. In 1918 he earned his doctorate and became one of only twenty-five African-American’s who held a Ph. D. at that time. He served as a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church and an administrator at several black colleges and universities. He could read Aramaic, French, German, Hebrew, Greek and Latin.
Wiley College, founded in 1873, is a four-year, privately supported university located in Marshall, Texas. It holds the distinction as being one of the oldest historically black colleges west of the Mississippi River.
In the fall of 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of New York, was elected President of the United States. In his inaugural speech, he addressed the problems of the depression by telling the American people that, "I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people." The New Deal was based on the assumption that the power of the federal government was needed to get the country out of the depression. The first days of Roosevelt's administration saw the passage of banking reform laws, emergency relief programs, work relief programs, and agricultural programs. Dozens of alphabet agencies (so called because of their acronyms, such as SEC for the Securities and Exchange Commission, WPA for the Works Progress Administration etc.) were created as a result of his initiatives.
Sharecropper: a tenant farmer who gives a share of the crops raised to the landlord in lieu of rent.
The American Federation of Labor was one of the first federations of labour unions in the United States. Founded in 1886, the AFL was the largest union grouping in the USA for the first half of the twentieth century.
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Denzel Washington: Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College
Forest Whitaker: Wiley College adminstrator and preacher James Farmer, Sr.
Nate Parker: Henry Lowe, one of the four team members
Jermaine Williams: Hamilton Burgess, a superb debater
Denzel Whitaker: the team’s precocious 14-year-old researcher James Farmer Jr.
Jurnee Smollett: the team’s substitute Samantha Booke
REVIEW
As the end credits rolled, spontaneous clapping broke out; to my mind this is the finest accolade any audience can give a movie.
But you wouldn’t figure on that right from the beginning: for the first ten minutes or so there are a variety of vignettes that do not seem to have any connection. Then gradually things come together and it all makes sense. What a wonderful start.
The balance of the movie is equally refreshing with excellent performances, superb cinematography, a great musical score and a well-written story. In fact there are several stories, that of the debating team and their efforts to succeed and some graphic examples of the racism that pervaded the times.
Despite a running time of two hours, it does not seem that long.
CLASSIFICATION
for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
Try as I might, everything checked out perfectly. Even the flag hanging in the hall where the final debate was held is historically correct for the period. You do not see that attention to detail frequently enough. Drats!
THE KITE RUNNER
Drama
In Dari, Pashtu, Urdu and Russian with English subtitles
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Dari is the official name of the Persian language variant spoken in Afghanistan.
Pashtu is a language spoken by Pashtuns living in Afghanistan.
Urdu is the national language of Pakistan.
Kite fighting is a sport played by children. Most of these kites are single line flat kites that are unstable while there is little tension on the sail of the kite. Releasing line will cause the kite to spin; pulling in the line will cause the kite to deform into a shape that allows it to fly in a straight path. To control the kite, the flier will release line until the nose of the kite is pointed in the direction that the flier wants the kite to go, and then they will pull in line to make the kite track to the desired point in the air. Many of these types of kites are flown with a line that has an abrasive on it to cut their opponents' line. Usually the kite flyer is assisted by a spool handler who is also the kite runner. The best kite runners somehow know where a kite that has been cut loose will land and get there before anyone else to retrieve it. The fallen kite is considered a trophy.
Bābā is the Persian word for father.
The Hazāra are a Mongoloid people who reside mainly in the central region of Afghanistan. Set apart from fellow Afghans by religion, ethnicity and an independent nature they have suffered for these differences. Persecution has shaped and defined the Hazara, particularly over the last 200 years.
The Soviet war in Afghanistan (also known as the Soviet-Afghan War) was a nine-year conflict involving Soviet forces against the Islamic fundamentalist Mujahideen insurgents. The latter group were supported by the United States (covertly so as not to engage the Russians directly), Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other Muslim nations in the context of the Cold War. The initial Soviet deployment took place on December 25, 1979 and the final troop withdrawal began on May 15, 1988. The war had a profound impact in Russia due to the high cost and ultimate futility of this conflict. It is considered by many to be one of the key factors in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Khalid Abdalla: 32-year old Amir
Atossa Leoni: his wife Soraya
Zekeria Ebrahimi: twelve-year old Amir
Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada: Amir’s best friend Hassan
Homayoun Ershadi: Amir’s father Baba, a wealthy Kabul businessman
Nabi Tanha: Hassan’s father Ali, Baba’s longtime servant
Shaun Toub: Rahim Khan, Baba's business partner and best friend
REVIEW
Not having read the novel I can’t be sure who is responsible for the story’s major weakness: the author or the screenwriter? In any event, good writing would not leave us being blindsided by such things as Amir’s reaction as a child to the confrontation with the three bullies. There was no hint of this at any point prior to that. Nor is there any clue about the adult Amir that would explain his actions once he gets to Afganistan.
The acting for the most part is not particularly outstanding (except for Baba) and no serious effort has been made to shorten the run time which clocks in at over two hours. It drags on unnecessarily with too much time devoted to seeing a jeep careening through mountain roads and the kite dogfights go on far too long. Even the fine cinematography is spoiled by showing the same shots several times.
CLASSIFICATION
for strong thematic material including rape, violence and brief strong language.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
When young Amir is sitting at his desk having just opened a letter, both it and the envelope it came in move about from one shot to the next even though Amir does not touch them.
P.S.
According to Afghan tradition, a woman who has cohabited with a man is unsuitable for marriage to someone else.
Friday, December 28, 2007
THE SAVAGES
Drama
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Philip Bosco: 80-something-year-old Lenny Savage
Laura Linney: his daughter Wendy, an aspiring NYC playwright
Peter Friedman: her next-door neighbor Larry
Philip Seymour Hoffman: her brother Jon, a university drama professor
REVIEW
Good acting is more than just saying the words since what is unsaid is often more powerful and real. If you couple this with subtle glances, realistic facial expressions and other visual clues then you get truly outstanding performances. In this movie there are three of them: each is different, each is believable. As usual Hoffman is simply great (see a recap below of his recent films) and so is Linney. Bosco’s role is one that requires a certain restraint to pull it off and he does.
Having to take care of an ageing parent is something many of us will or have dealt with. Here we get some insight into the difficulties associated with this phase in life and it is not always pretty.
CLASSIFICATION
for some sexuality and language.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
Jon is there to meet his sister at the airport. Current security regulations do not allow anyone not holding a boarding pass to be in the departure lounge.
While sitting on the floor Wendy does not touch her piece of toast on the plate beside her. In the medium range shots it stays pretty much centered on the plate but in closeups it is almost off the edge.
When Wendy plugs in the lavalamp it immediately begins to circulate the wax suspended in the liquid. These things take several minutes to melt the wax before any upward circulation even begins.
Any student of his class would never address him other than Doctor Savage, never as Mister Savage.
The scene fades to black with Christmas decorations in profusion then an on-screen title shows the time to be “Six months later” so it should be June when the next scene appears. But the sign outside the theater is promoting the upcoming plays for the month of May so really it’s only five months later.
Jon flags down a taxi. NYC taxis have the number on top lit if they are unoccupied but in this case it is off which means the driver would not stop for another fare.
P.S.
Movie Title\Role
Owning Mahowny\Dan Mahowny
Cold Mountain\Reverend Veasey
Capote\Truman Copote
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead\Andy
Charlie Wilson’s War\Gust Avrakotos
JUNO
2008 Best Original Screenplay
Romantic comedy
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Ellen Page: sixteen-year old Juno MacGuff
Michael Cera: her boyfriend track star Paulie Bleeker
Olivia Thirby: her best girlfriend Leah
J.K. Simmons: her father Mac
Allison Janney: her stepmother Bren
Jason Bateman: Mark Loring, a musician and composer
Jennifer Garner: his wife Vanessa
REVIEW
This movie is just about perfect: nice pleasant people who don’t speak badly of others, witty thought-provoking smart dialogue and a nice toe-tapping musical score. All this within a very respectable hour and a half.
The casting is bang-on: each of the principals is exactly the right person for the job and several put in really great low key performances. In fact the whole thing is pretty low-key and very entertaining with the jokes more of the smile-sort rather than the right out laughter type.
CLASSIFICATION
for mature thematic material, sexual content and language.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
When Juno and her Dad drive up the street to visit the Lorings the sun is directly behind them. When they turn into the driveway the sun should be at right angles but instead has swung around and now comes in over the garage.
Juno is carrying a huge cup of Slurpee down the stairs with the brand name clearly in evidence. While holding it in one hand her drink twists around between shots of her and Vanessa.
Juno was a Roman goddess married to Jupiter, the ruler of the gods. Juno had no connection with the Greek god Zeus.
Leah too has a self-twister, as her can of Coke simply will not stay put between shots in the mall of her and Juno.
Juno drives alone to Mark and Vanessa’s house. The Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles stipulates that any driver under 18 must drive with and under the supervision of a licensed driver.
When Juno stops on the highway the van is not entirely off the road with one wheel still on the pavement. From the overhead crane shot when she leaves we can see that the car has properly parked itself with all four wheels safely on the shoulder.
Monday, December 24, 2007
CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
Drama
Based on a true story
BACKGROUND
Charles Nesbitt Wilson (born June 1, 1933) a former United States naval officer and member of Congress he first entered politics as a teenager by running for office in home town of Trinity.
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Tom Hanks: Charlie Wilson, Democratic Congressman from Texas
Amy Adams: congressional aide Bonnie Bach
Julia Roberts: Charlie’s friend and Houston socialite Joanne Herring
Philip Seymour Hoffman: CIA operative Gust Avrakotos
REVIEW
Although some liberties may have been taken, the movie comes across pretty much as true-to-life. Several fine performances (Hanks and Hoffman in particular) coupled with some really good one-liners makes this an entertaining outing. The rapid pace and sharp dialogue keeps you engrossed and the crisp editing makes sure things move right along.
CLASSIFICATION
for strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
While soaking in the tub Charlie has a bottle of Chivas Regal Scotch perched on the edge of the tub with the label clearly in view. When the camera shifts to a close-up of him, the bottle has turned around so the label can no longer be seen. (Perhaps the liquor distributor didn’t pay enough for close-up product placement?)
SWEENY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Musical
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Johnny Depp: Sweeney Todd one nasty barber
Alan Rickman: Judge Turpin
Timothy Spall: his assistant Beadly Bamford
Helena Bonham Carter: Mrs. Lovett, proprietor of a meat shop
Sacha Baron Cohen: Signor Adolfo Pirelli
REVIEW
The first thing that strikes you is the desaturated colour, just shades of black and grey throughout except for a couple of minutes right at the beginning. It’s really very depressing but sets the mood oh so beautifully. This is not a fun experience unless you are enjoy watching throats being sliced and are not put off with such things as cockroaches crawling in meat pies served to unwitting customers.
This dark, humourless, gory, gruesome, creepy, icky film about a cruel, scheming, serial killer runs for almost two hours and includes too many interminable musical numbers that are not upbeat nor particularly pleasant listening. What a combination.
I like movies that are entertaining and\or informative. This is neither.
CLASSIFICATION
for graphic bloody violence.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
Sweeney Todd has some white hair which changes from a measly 1” wide patch to a swatch three times that.
Pirelli’s assistant Toby takes two bites out of a meat pie then we see a heads and shoulders shot of Mrs. Lovett. When the camera returns to Toby the meat pie only has one bite in it.
The blood on the chin of Joanna’s potential suitor is sometimes two streaks, other times just one.
From the looks of it these events took place around the time of Jack the Ripper, in 1888. The Italian flag at that time had the Savoyan coat of arms in the center of the white band whereas Pirelli is flying the one adopted some 80 years later with the unification of Italy.
The sign up on Pirelli’s stage claims he is the barber to the King of Naples. The kingdom ceased to exist some 70 years earlier with the formal union of Naples and Sicily in 1816.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
I AM LEGEND
Action adventure
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Will Smith: Dr. Robert Neville, a brillant scientist
Alice Braga: Anna
REVIEW
It has all the requirements of a “blockbuster sci-fi” movie. There are elaborate special effects sequences, speeding cars and frightening scenes: two right up there on the top end of the scary scale where your neck hairs stand on end and your heart stops briefly, several others of the “saw it coming” sort.
But the thin story line provides no opportunity to develop beyond the repetitive daily routine of our hero until nearly three-quarters of the way through when a stranger appears. By that time it’s possible you’ve lost interest in the outcome. Speaking of which, the ending seems like something of an afterthought.
CLASSIFICATION
for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
In the opening sequence Neville and Sam are driving around in a red Mustang. Neville opens the passenger side window and Sam sticks his head out (as dogs are prone to do). The scene shifts to inside the car and the window is closed.
Neville is wearing a head-cam to provide streaming video while he checks some cages in his private lab. The view shown on the monitor does not always correspond to where he is looking.
Posted on the door of a taxi cab is the current drop (the initial fare) of $2.50 but in 2009 when the cab was last used the fare would definitely reflect the higher inflated cost of gas of 663 a gallon (as posted on a sign at the gas station).
During his daily recorded radio message Neville says he’s at the South Street Seaport every day at noon “when the sun is at its highest” but Sam’s long shadow belies that statement.
Neville gets injured with the result he has a blood on the shoulders of his white T-shirt. The blood on the left-hand side looks like a splayed hand but it disappears from time to time only to reappear again before he leaves.
Neville hurtles up a ramp in front of Grand Central Terminal, which has a wide swath of bright sunlight in front of it. He gets out of the car and walks toward the terminus but the bright patch is gone.
Neville, Anna and the kid leave the dinner table loaded with dishes and things. While talking with Anna in the background you can see the table is completely cleared with only a small vase in the middle of it.
When Neville and Anna return to the dinner table to pore over some papers it is devoid of anything at all.
Neville makes no mention of any world-wide devastation of humanity when he tells Anna there were 6 billion people in the world in 2009. We passed the 6.6 billion mark in July 2007.
Futhermore population growth based on a well-known formula projects the world population to be at least 7 billion in 2009.
Friday, December 14, 2007
THE POINT
Drama
REVIEW
Some movies are best left for others. This is one of them.
Set in Pointe-Saint-Charles (better known simply as The Point) a group of teenagers living in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of Montreal basically do their thing: hanging out, making out, getting drunk, shoplifting, sassing the cops, selling and/or using drugs, the girls preening, the guys playing pickup basketball.
The acting is really amateurish because that’s what they are: none are professionals and it shows.
After 45 minutes or so I walked out.
CLASSIFICATION
for drug use, offensive language.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
BREAKFAST WITH SCOT
Family comedy
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Tom Cavanagh: Ed McNally, former professional hockey player
Ben Shenkman: Sam, a sports lawyer
Noah Bernett: his brother's stepson 11-year-old Scot
Colin Cunningham: Sam’s brother Billy
REVIEW
There is a lot to be said for making a movie about relationships, self respect, dealing with adversary and intolerance. But trying to make it funny at the same time is a lot less effective (despite being done in a respectful manner) because several situations really lack credulity and consequently are not comical.
The acting for the most part is pretty standard stuff except for Scot who does quite a good job of it.
CLASSIFICATION
for mature matter and brief sport related violence.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
Eric offers Scot a variety of drinks including Mountain Dew. Health Canada regulations restrict the use of caffeine to 'dark-coloured' varieties of soft drinks such as cola and root beer. Since Mountain Dew is clear in colour like 7-Up it is unavailable in Canada.
At the end of the day Sam and Eric are laying in bed. The scene shifts to show Scot entering the room and back to them but now they are both sitting upright.
Sam tells his brother he is concerned that Scot has missed September schooling in Brazil. In fact he’s missed October, November and most of December as evidenced by the fact Christmas decorations are already up in the shopping mall.
ATONEMENT
2008 Best Original Score
Romantic drama
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Saoirse Ronan: 13-year old Briony Tallis, an aspiring writer
Kiera Knightley: her older sister Cecilia
James McAvoy: the housekeeper's son Robbie
Patrick Kennedy: Leon Tallis, the older brother
Benedict Cumberbatch: Leon’s wealthy friend Paul
Romola Garai: 18-year old Briony, a nurse in training
Vanessa Redgrave: the much older Briony
REVIEW
Right from the opening scene this period piece is beautifully photographed and nicely edited and so the two-hours do not seem that long. As with all beautifully made films the lighting is bang-on, the costumes are just right, the performances are uniformly excellent. What sets this one apart is the effective use of sound: time and again whether it is the music or the clattering of the typewriter or whatever, what is heard adds an element to the viewing experience that is solely lacking in so many movies.
The technique of replaying scenes first seen from Briony's perspective and then from someone else’s point of view allows us to appreciate how her imagination sometimes distorts things. It is left for us to judge which is real.
CLASSIFICATION
for disturbing war images, language and some sexuality.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
During the summer of 1935 Robbie is laying on his back and sees a bomber fly over. Throughout the 1930s, the Royal Air Force was interested primarily in twin-engine bombers. The first four-engine British bomber made its maiden flight in 1938.
When Robbie leaves in the black car standing behind Briony quietly watching him go are Leon and Paul. When seen again from Robbie’s point of view Paul is missing.
The British Expedionary Force fighting in France was manned by volunteers not by conscripted prisioners.
During her interview on television the Older Briony refers to “the evacuation to Dunkirk”. The evacuation FROM Dunkirk (not TO Dunkirk) by a hastily assembled fleet of seven hundred boats took nine days and saved the lives of some 300,000 soldiers.
P.S.
If they ever give an Academy Award for “the longest takes in filmmaking” the one of the beach at Dunkirk would be a real contender. It must be 3 minutes long.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
I’M NOT THERE
Biography
BACKGROUND
Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman), May 24, 1941 is an American singer-songwriter, author, musician and poet who has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of Dylan's most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a reluctant figurehead of American unrest. A number of his songs, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-changin’” became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements.
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Marcus Carl Franklin: a young African-American musical protege calling himself Woody Guthrie
Christian Bale: Jack Rollins, the early Dylan
Heath Ledger: Robbie Clark, the Dylan that gets married
Charlotte Gainsbourg: his wife Claire
Ben Whishaw: the talking-head Arthur
Cate Blanchett: Jude at the the top-of-his-career
Richard Gere: Billy the Kid
REVIEW
Those of you who are regulars readers know I purposely go to a movie knowing as little about it as possible (even to the point of going into the theatre only after the trailers are shown so not to "contaminate" future viewings) relying mostly on the ratings of a few critics (but ignoring their reviews entirely) to decide whether to see a movie or not. In this way I hope to replicate the experience of the average moviegoer who pays his/her ticket and sits down to watch what unfolds. Unfortunately that does not always work because sometimes unless you are “clued in” beforehand you find yourself in the wrong movie for you or simply totally lost.
This film falls into the latter category: I never figured out that the six story lines had anything in common. Only now having gone to the official website and watched two of the trailers did I find out that these six people reflect the different personas of one man, Bob Dylan. It’s a novel idea but one that was never made clear from either the brief ramblings of some fellow at the start or any other means such as an on-screen label “Bob Dylan, the wanna-be Woody Guthrie young, black, sassy kid” or something similar.
Now I can understand why the film begins with a 11-year-old black boy who tells his travelling companions he’s already been singing and writing music for years then proceeds to demonstrate his talent and then we jump to someone else (“Bob Dylan, the wanna-be Jack Rollins type of up-and-coming troubadour”) and never see the kid again.
But for reasons I have yet to figure out, they don’t even use the name of the singer being portrayed. Instead he’s called Jude. And played by a woman rather than a man. Why?
Frankly the whole thing is such a mess it’s not worth the effort of trying to sort it out. In addition it is long, running over two hours and lacking any linear time-line means these characters frequently reappear which just adds to the confusion. Switching from black-and-white to colour and back doesn’t help either. Nor does the weird Billy-the-Kid in a carnival setting.
It’s a wonder I didn’t walk out.
CLASSIFICATION
for language, some sexuality and nudity.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
The reflective glass behind the music producer on the left-hand side allows you to see the camera tracking in for a close up.
While performing in someone’s living room the strumming by the Woody Guthrie character is out of sync by at least half a beat to the music being heard.
And his first vocal rendition is off by twice that to the words being heard.
P.S.
The title comes from one of Dylan’s songs.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
ENCHANTED
Romantic comedy
PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Amy Adams: Giselle, a beautiful fairytale princess
James Marsden: the handsome Prince Edward
Susan Sarandon: the Prince’s wicked stepmother Queen Narissa
Timothy Spall: the Prince’s manservant Nathaniel
Rachel Covey: six-year-old Morgan
Patrick Dempsey: her father Robert, a NYC divorce attorney
REVIEW
It starts off like most Disney movies as an old fashioned animated cartoon but quickly becomes a live-action type film with real people. Well as real as they can get in a Disney movie.
Although geared to kids it is still an entertaining outing for all since it has some great music and dance numbers along with some pretty goofy humour. Giselle’s bright and cheerful outlook sets the tone and the colourful sets match her disposition.
Computer generated images (CGI) is used sparingly except near the end when they go a bit overboard with the dragon stuff which gets them the PG classification.
CLASSIFICATION
for some scary images and mild innuendo.
FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
While strolling in Central Park Giselle gives an old lady some money which she holds in her hands as Giselle continues on. The scene shifts to Giselle looking back at the old lady who has her hands in the air with no money to be seen until it once more reverts to the original view of Giselle skipping away with the old lady firmly holding the money.
When Robert and Giselle are in the Italian restaurant, the number of breadbaskets on the shelf behind them varies from one scene to the next although no one approaches them. Sometimes two piles, usually just one, sometimes piled six high, other times just four.
P.S.
Unlike most films geared to kids, there is but one instance of the requisite crude, vulgar bodily noises. Goes to show you, even Disney has to make some concession to meet the expectations of their younger audience.
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