TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE

 Sports drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Clint Eastwood: aging baseball scout Gus Lobel

John Goodman: his boss Pete Klein

Robert Patrick: team owner Vince

Matthew Lillard: his assistant Tom Silver

Amy Adams: Gus’s daughter Mickey

Justin Timeberlake: rival team’s scout Johnny Flanagan

Joe Massingill: hot high school player Bo Gentry

REVIEW

For the totally dedicated baseball fan who can’t get enough of the game this one is a winner. For the rest of us it is very much a “déjà-vu movie” following a proven formula to the point there is no doubt about the outcome, much less what transpires prior to that.

However even with all its shortcomings, it is entertaining and enjoyable, something that cannot be said for a lot of offerings out there.

CLASSIFICATION

for language, sexual references, some thematic material and smoking.

2012 Top Ten + Two

 

There’s always hope: that’s the message we take away after seeing this small scale film about the on-going situation in the Gaza strip, an area surrounded by Israel. The acting is uniformly good and the story is a credible one taking time to portray the contrasts such as rich/poor, freedom/confinement, Jew/Arab. I know which side I’d pick.

A slightly altered version of the events that took place in Iran with the taking hostage of American diplomatic personnel in 1978 does not diminish the impact of the rescue attempt. Careful attention to period detail and great acting bring the events to life. Even knowing the actual outcome, the tension is palpable as you can never be sure how Hollywood will handle the facts. Riveting stuff.

Set in the South two years before the American Civil War this story about a slave is not for everyone. Despite some terrific acting, great cinematography, lots of humorous situations, some hilarious dialogue with a twist for the dramatic the unremitting violence will be too much for many.  Although some of the violence is almost cartoonish what with all the blood spatters and too much gore, some of it definitely is not. The squeamish like me will have to avert their eyes more than a couple times. And some movie-goers will be offended with the frequent use of the “N” word. Another thing: it’s long. Real long. It runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes, time some people do not have for a movie. However, given that this is definitely a “Quentin Tarantino film” those who enjoy his work will relish every moment of it.

Expectations are high any time there is a movie with Denzel Washington in it: this time he really nails it giving what is probably his best performance. Because the role calls for him to handle a variety of human emotions it’s to his credit he never goes over the top, something lesser actors constantly do. But he is not the only one who puts in a terrific performance; it’s just that he’s the best. Although flying has a lot to do with the movie storyline it’s the human side of things that make it interesting. Questions of morals and ethics abound and that makes for good ol’ fashioned solid entertainment. Despite the fact the running time is in excess of two hours, it is not a minute too long. One movie goer put it this way: “the movie is never too long when Denzel Washington is in it”.

Brilliant. No other term comes close to describing Meryl Streep’s portrayal of a woman who is unhappy with her marriage of some thirty-odd years. Not that the other two principals are slouches, it’s just that she is so much better than they are. The story will resonate with anyone who has been (or still is) in a long term relationship. There is a ring of truth about it and it does not feel fake. Perhaps one of the writer’s went through this or knows someone who did? Clearly geared to the more discerning viewer, one moviegoer so succinctly put it this way: “an interesting movie that caters to a more senior demographic although parts of it made me cringe” because of the explicit and graphic nature of some scenes. Most people will feel the same, being uncomfortable hearing others talk about their intimate personal sex life. However, like me, you can always look away if it becomes too much. But more often than not there is some comic relief, either a titter or a chuckle from someone.

Worthy of an Academy award, the performance by Day-Lewis is but one of many fine character impersonations this film has to offer. It also provides an insight to Lincoln’s interpersonal skills with people and his clear-sighted judgment in face of a terrible dilemma: end slavery or end the war. Lincoln accomplished more in the last four months of his life than most people do in a lifetime. It can be a bit confusing at times while trying to follow the House discussions (more like a yelling match than debate) and understanding the implications of the back room makeovers not to forget the under-the-table deals to outwit his opponents but the effort is worthwhile in order to get the gist of it. (My full review includes important background information.) Production values are first rate and the score by John Williams is one of his best. At 2 hours and 30 minutes it is not a minute too long given that the story being told is such an important one. 



There are more than a few chuckles and laughs in the telling of this rather unusual story including the premise itself of sport fishing in the desert. The acting is first rate and some of the scenery is pretty impressive. It is thoroughly entertaining even though the British accent keeps you on your toes so as not to miss any of the dialogue. In the words of one movie-goer “it’s a charming gem of a movie with almost unbelievable challenges facing them with great acting by all the principals”.


 

Unlike most movies of this sort, this one is not aimed at the younger crowd. With some serious issues, it is anything but fluff. In fact, some scenes are difficult to watch as they are that real.

With a strong storyline and some great acting by Cooper and Lawrence (De Niro too) it is at times funny, inspiring, unsettling and engaging. That makes for a strong contender for recognition of some sort, maybe at the time they give out the Academy Awards?

 The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular with some of the “traditional” elements clearly in evidence (think fruit stands) which pretty well sums up this latest version of the series: a mix of the old and the new. Beautiful locations which are a trademark of the series include Istanbul, London, Shanghai, Macau and the Scottish Highlands. The beautiful girls (another Bond staple) are there as well. The acting is uniformly good with less tongue-in-cheek than in some earlier editions. To me, this is the best Bond yet in part because of the strong cast along with the work of Sam Mendes as Director and Roger Deakins in charge of cinematography. Although a tad long at 2 hours and 23 minutes, there are very few slow spots that could be left on the editing floor.


The film takes place over a 24 hour period while former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is clearing out her husband's belongings. Her life unfolds through a series of flashbacks sometimes with actual period television footage. It’s a huge undertaking as it covers almost her entire life chronologically from when she was a teenager at the outbreak of WWII up to the year 2005. The producers have wisely chosen not to dwell too long on any of the key events that took place during her career. To have done so would have resulted in a film three or four times longer than it is and who wants that? Another good choice is to have Meryl Streep portray the Prime Minister. Streep's performance is nothing short of remarkable. She really nailed it this time, not only in the voice (and accent) but with the mannerisms and facial expressions. Streep holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor, having been nominated sixteen times. There is no doubt in my mind she will up that count by one. Production values are top notch including costume design, set decoration, makeup (the best I’ve seen in years) and cinemaphotography all contributing to its elegant look.

The discriminating viewer will be rewarded with learning more about a charismatic world-class leader who was faced with having to decide between personal happiness and her people. During the first fifteen minutes or so the movie jumps back and forth in time but these flashbacks serve only to confuse the issue since at that stage we are not yet familiar with the characters on screen. But apart from that, the film has so much going for it: great acting, beautiful cinematography, excellent pacing, a well written story and a lovely score. Although the running time is just over two hours, it is not a minute too long as this is one film with a lot to say and that should not be rushed.

This latest IMAX documentary covers some very familiar ground: global warming and the daily struggle just to survive in this harsh environment. By focusing on a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs their plight becomes evident but the solutions are not. Meryl Streep narrates with feeling and Sir Paul McCartney has written some new songs that almost overwhelm the viewer. But not quite, as the majestic landscape draws our attention to what is indeed a serious problem. Although the producers have avoided including anything of a gory nature, that does not mean to say the film is without some sense of pending doom. By contrast, the cubs provide more than a few moments of levity so it’s a nice balance.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

Western drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Jamie Foxx: Django, a slave

Christoph Waltz: Dr. King Schultz, a dentist

Leonardo DiCaprio: plantation owner Calvin J. Candie

Samuel L. Jackson: Candie’s trusted head slave Stephen

Kerry Washington: Broomhilda Von Shaft, a slave

REVIEW

Set in the South two years before the American Civil War this story about a slave is not for everyone. Despite some terrific acting, great cinematography, lots of humorous situations, some hilarious dialogue and a twist for the dramatic the unremitting violence will be too much for many.

Although some of the violence is almost cartoonish what with all the blood spatters and too much gore, some of it definitely is not. The squeamish like me will have to avert their eyes more than a couple times. And some movie-goers will be offended with the frequent use of the “N” word.

                                

Another thing: it’s long. Real long. It runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes, time some people do not have for a movie.

However, given that this is definitely a “Quentin Tarantino film” those who enjoy his work will relish every moment of it.

CLASSIFICATION

for strong graphic violence throughout, a vicious fight, brief nudity and language.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• While camping two horses are a short distance away from Dr. Shultz but then the camera cuts to a close-up and now one horse is directly behind him.
• On the way to see Candie, one of his henchmen angers Django so he pulls on the saddle resulting in both rider and horse falling to the ground. In a medium shot we see the henchman struggling to get up but the horse is standing there like nothing happened.
• As Django and Dr. Schultz approach Candie’s villa, the long shadows of the entranceway sweep across the path in front of them. But when they stop in front of the porch steps the shadows are short, like those seen around noon.
• While talking with Candie, Django and his horse are in a different location from one shot to another, sometimes besides the horses pulling Dr. Schultz’ wagon, sometimes back beside it.
• Dynamite is used a couple of times throughout the movie but it did not exist when these events took place. The Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel took out a patent for his new invention in 1867.
• One of the slave drivers is wearing a Confederate style kipi hat, some 2 years before the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 when they were first issued.

P.S.

The word nigger (the so-called “N” word) as a term to refer to black people is a variation of the Spanish noun negro. It was not always considered derogatory: it simply meant a person who was black-skinned. Nineteenth-century English language literature features the usage of nigger without raciest connotation. For example Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn published in 1885 refers to Misto’ Brandish’s nigger, a straight-forward description of the relationship between the two men. But by the 1900’s nigger had become a pejorative word and today the term black has become a mainstream alternative.

LIFE OF PI

 Fantasy drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Irrfan Khan: middle-aged Piscine “Pi” Molitor Patel

Rafe Spall: a Canadian author

Ayush Tandon: Pi as the 11-year-old son

Adil Hussein: Pi’s father Santosh, owner of a zoo

Tabu: Pi’s mother Gita

Suraj Sharma: 16-year-old Pi

REVIEW        

To my mind movies told in flashback many times take away the essence of the story by telling us the ending so I don’t know why they do it so often. Case in point: before we even learn about the epic struggle of Pi as a teenager, we know he survives. So the key element is gone. I wish I had missed the first fifteen minutes because this is really a simple story about survival with frequent references to spirituality thrown in.

Despite some beautiful images they only serve to break up the monotony during the second half of the movie and do nothing to move the narrative along. Consequently it is over two hours long and overstays its welcome by at least 20 minutes.

However the director seems to have switched gears somewhere because the ending is told without any visual references at all and that’s where they could have helped in telling the story. How odd.

CLASSIFICATION

for emotional thematic content, some scary action sequences and scenes of peril.

HITCHCOCK

 Drama

F.Y.I.

Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (August 1899 – April 1980) was a film director and producer who pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. He was first to have the camera move to mimic a person’s gaze, and often framed shots to maximise anxiety, fear or empathy. His innovative film editing and twist endings made for engaging entertainment as did his cameo appearances in his own film.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Anthony Hopkins: Alfred “Hitch” Hitchcock

Helen Mirren: his wife and collaborator Alma

Toni Collette: Hitch’s assistant Peggy

Danny Huston: screenwriter Whitfield “Whit” Cook

Jessica Biel: actress Vera Miles

Scarlett Johansson: actress Janet Leigh

James D’Arcy: actor Anthony Perkins

REVIEW

Having already met with much success, Hitch wanted to make a horror movie but encountered a lot of resistance. How he overcomes these obstacles and at the same time deals with his troubled marriage makes for an interesting look at one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century. Both Hopkins and Mirren put in wonderful performances which makes it all that more real.

But the infrequent appearance of a ghostly figure of the killer in conversation with Hitch seems out of place. There are better ways than that to provide revealing insights to his thoughts that are not so intrusive.

CLASSIFICATION

for some violent images, sexual content and thematic material.

KILLING THEM SOFTLY

Crime drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Scoot McNairy: low life thug Frankie

Ben Mendelsohn: his partner-in-crime Russell

Vincent Curatola: Johnny “Squirrel” Amato

Ray Liotta: Markie Trattman, manager of a mob-controlled poker game

Sam Shepard: legendary enforcer Dillon

Brad Pitt: Mafia hitman Jackie Cogan

Richard Jenkins: Driver, the mob’s lawyer

James Gandolfini: Mickey, a NYC Mafia hitman

and others no doubt

REVIEW

To be honest with you I had no idea this film is a piece of junk. Knowing that Brad Pitt starred in it, I never thought he would in any way be associated with something like this, a fiilm about unsavoury, corrupt, foul-mouthed low-life gangsters whose every second utterance is the f-word with a penchant for describing in lurid detail their sexual encounters.

They all exhibit some bad behaviour but having to watch a brutal up-close beating is revolting. I had to close my eyes and left as soon as I could right after. 

CLASSIFICATION

for violence, sexual references, pervasive language and drug use.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• Russell holds a half-eaten ice cream bar in his hand as he approaches Frankie but in the next scene it has completely disappeared.
• Mickey finishes his martini and orders another but before it arrives he picks up the glass which is now full and takes a sip.
• Mickey downs a beer in one gulp but in the following scene it is now half full. 

P.S.

I was not the first to walk out: six or seven people with better sense than me left before I did. My excuse? I hung in as long as I could.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

 Romantic comedy

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Bradley Cooper: former high school teacher Pat Solitano

Chris Tucker: his friend Danny

Jacki Weaver: Pat’s mother Dolores

Robert De Niro: his father Pat Sr. a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan

John Ortiz: their neighbour Ronnie

Julia Stiles: Ronnie’s wife Veronica

Jennifer Lawrence: Veronica’s sister Tiffany

REVIEW

Unlike most movies of this sort, this one is not aimed at the younger crowd. With some serious issues, it is anything but fluff. In fact, some scenes are difficult to watch as they are that real.

With a strong storyline and some great acting by Cooper and Lawrence (De Niro too) it is at times funny, inspiring, unsettling and engaging. That makes for a strong contender for recognition of some sort, maybe at the time they give out the Academy Awards?

CLASSIFICATION

 for sexual content, brief nudity and language.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• The car Dolores is driving does not meet the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202 so would not be allowed on the road  since both head restraints have been removed.
• During dinner at Ronnie’s house in the mirrored cabinet behind Veronica a crew member can be seen trying to get out of the camera’s view.
• While Pat Sr. is explaining his strategy to Dolores and Randy, his gambling friend never stays put; from one shot to another Randy is either behind or beside her.
• Although Pat and his father are alone in the car and Pat Sr. keeps both hands on the wheel, the back seat window closes all by itself.
• When Tiffany recaps the Eagles season she mentions that they won both games  against the Seahawks; since these teams are in separate divisions they would not play each other twice in a season.
• Pat walks into the dance studio with duct tape on his sneakers. He sits down so  Tiffany can wrap duct tape around his now tape-free shoes.
• While reading the letter in the dance studio, without touching it the pendant on his necklace comes and goes; sometimes it is on the front of his shirt or not and when he walks away it is at the back of his neck.

LINCOLN

Historical drama

F.Y.I.

During the 1850’s citizens of the United States were divided on the question of slavery. Campaigning leading up to the Presidential Election in November 1860 was split on this issue: the Democratic party was divided into Northern and Southern factions while the Republican party led by Abraham Lincoln opposed slavery and wanted it abolished.

Lincoln won the election with less than 40% of the popular vote but did not carry one slave-holding state. Secessionists had threatened that were he elected, their fifteen slave-holding states would leave the Union. This they did in February 1861 becoming the Confederate States of America.

At Lincoln's inauguration on March 4, 1861 the new president said he had no plans to end slavery in those states where it already existed, but he also said he would not accept secession. He hoped to resolve the national crisis without warfare. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under the command of General Robert E. Lee fired on Fort Sumter on April 12,1861. Thus began the long civil war.

On January 1, 1863 Lincoln exercised his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to sign an executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation which ordered the Army to treat as free men the slaves in the 10 states still in rebellion. This was an explicit war goal in addition to reuniting the Union. As a consequence 3 million people in Confederate territory became free men.

On April 8, 1864 the 13^th Amendment to the United States Constitution which outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude was passed by the Senate. To become law it had to be passed by the House but prolonged partisan debate caused delays. In December 1864 Lincoln expected the war to end within a month. He was concerned that the Emancipation Proclamation would be thrown out by the courts once the war concluded. He therefore endeavoured to have the 13^th Amendment passed by the House before the end of January 1865 thus removing any possibility that those freed would be re-enslaved.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Daniel Day-Lewis: President Abraham Lincoln

David Strathairn: Secretary of State William Seward

Tommy Lee Jones: Thaddeus Stevens, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee

Lee Pace: Fernando Wood, democratic supporter of Confederacy

Sally Field: his wife Mary Todd Lincoln

Gulliver McGrath: the Lincoln’s youngest son Tad

Joseph Gordon-Levitt: his older brother Robert

REVIEW

Worthy of an Academy award, the performance by Day-Lewis is but one of many fine character impersonations this film has to offer. It also provides an insight to Lincoln’s interpersonal skills with people and his clear-sighted judgment in face of a terrible dilemma: end slavery or end the war. It soon becomes apparent that Lincoln accomplished more in the last four months of his life than most people do in a lifetime. 

It can be a bit confusing at times while trying to follow the House discussions (more like a yelling match than debate) and understanding the implications of the back room makeovers not to forget the under-the-table deals to outwit his opponents but the effort is worthwhile in order to get the gist of it.

Production values are first rate and the score by John Williams is one of his best. At 2 hours and 30 minutes it is not a minute too long given that the story being told is such an important one.

CLASSIFICATION

 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language. 

SKYFALL

Action and adventure

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Daniel Craig: James Bond, agent 007

Judi Dench: his boss, M, head of M.I.6

Naomie Harris: field agent Eve Moneypenny

Ralph Fiennes: Gareth Mallory, Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee

Ben Whisaw: Q, the M.I.6 quartermaster

Bérénice Marlohe: Sévérine

Javier Bardem: Raoul Silva, former MI6 agent

Helen McCrory: Claire Dowar, chairwoman of the public inquiry

REVIEW

The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular with some of the “traditional” elements clearly in evidence (think fruit stands) which pretty well sums up this latest version of the series: a mix of the old and the new.

Beautiful locations which are a trademark of the series include Istanbul, London, Shanghai, Macau and the Scottish Highlands. The beautiful girls (another Bond staple) are there as well. The acting is uniformly good with less tongue-in-cheek than in some earlier editions. To me, this is the best Bond yet in part because of the strong cast along with the work of Sam Mendes as Director and Roger Deakins in charge of cinematography.

Although a tad long at 2 hours and 23 minutes, there are very few slow spots that could be left on the editing floor.

CLASSIFICATION

for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• Bond gets hit on the right shoulder but later when he attempts to extract the bullet it’s now in his left shoulder.
• During the assessment of his shooting skills, Bond fires off 8 or 9 rounds but when he checks the target there are twice as many bullet holes in it.
• The night security man in Macau was shot approaching the ground floor door not at the top of the escalator where Bond walks around him.
• Bone describes the dress worn by Bérénice as backless but it is not: the back of the dress is a sheer fabric encrusted with sparkles.
• Silva says he survived the cyanide capsule which is patently impossible given the deadly nature of the substance.
• When the tube train plunges off the tracks the interior lights remain lit; once the train leaves the rails that carry the electricity the train would have been in darkness.
• When M is being questioned by the panel her watch shows it to be 3:37 but it is 3:00 according to the clock on the wall and moments later on Bond’s watch we see it to be 3:50.
• Big Ben shows it to be 5:30 when Eve gets to the rooftop but seen over Bond’s shoulder it is almost 6:00 o’clock.
• When Bond falls through the ice we can see it is only 2” thick. Thin ice like that cannot support the weight of a grown man. Ice of at least 4” thick is safe to walk on; 3” or less … keep off!

 P.S.

Although there are a number of songs and books that have remained popular for years, this is the 50th year of the franchise which is a remarkable achievement in cinema.

FLIGHT

 Drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Denzel Washington: airline pilot Captain Whip Whitaker

Nadine Velazquez: flight attendant Katerina Marquez

Tamara Tunie: purser Margaret Thomason

Brian Geraghty: co-pilot Ken Evans

Kelly Reilly: Nicole Maggen

Bruce Greenwood: pilot union rep Charlie Anderson

John Goodman: drug dealer Harling Mays

Don Cheadle: lawyer Hugh Lang

Melissa Leo: chief investigator Ellen Block

REVIEW

Expectations are high any time there is a movie with Denzel Washington in it: this time he really nails it giving what is probably his best performance. Because the role calls upon him to handle a variety of human emotions it’s to his credit he never goes over the top, something lesser actors constantly do. But he is not the only one who puts in a terrific performance; it’s just that he’s the best.

Although flying has a lot to do with the movie storyline it’s the human side of things that make it interesting. Questions of morals and ethics abound and that makes for good ol’ fashioned solid entertainment.

Despite the fact the running time is in excess of two hours, it is not a minute too long. One movie goer put it this way: “the movie is never too long when Denzel Washington is in it”.

  

CLASSIFICATION

 for drug and alcohol abuse, language, intense action sequence, sexuality and nudity.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• In aviation terms the flight level is the altitude in feet divided by 100. For example 9,000 feet is referred to as flight level niner zero not niner thousand as we hear from Atlanta air traffic control.
• The flight from Orlando to Atlanta takes about 68 minutes not 52 as announced by the flight attendant.
• The NTSB official would have addressed Whitaker with his airline title Captain, not Mister.

P.S.

Although he’s in just one scene, James Dale is terrific playing a hospital patient. Can’t wait to see more of him in meatier roles.

INCH’ALLAH

 Drama 

In French, Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles

F.Y.I.

In sha’Allah in Arabic means God willing.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Evelyne Brochu: Cholé, a Quebec trained obstetrician

Sivan Levy: her friend Ava, a checkpoint guard 

Sabrina Ouazani: Rand, one of Cholé’s patients

Yousef Sweid: Rand’s older brother Faysal

REVIEW

We get to experience the on-going struggle between the Israelis and Palestinians seen this time from the perspective of someone who lives and works with both factions. The contrast between the two sides once more is brought to light: on one hand poverty, endless misery, deprivation, hopelessness; the exact opposite on the other. It’s not pretty but it is realistic with great attention to detail.

A hand-held camera has been used extensively instead of the more professional-looking steady shots. I’m not a big fan of these wiggly jerky shots as it looks like something an amateur would produce.

One more thing: the slow pace results in a movie that seems longer than the 1 hour and 45 minutes actual run time.

  

CLASSIFICATION

ARBITRAGE

 Drama

F.Y.I.

Arbitrage

Definition Financial

The technique of simultaneously buying a commodity at one price in one market and selling it at a higher price in another market to profit from the spread between the two prices. Although the price difference may be small, arbitrageurs typically trade in huge volumes so they can make sizable profits.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Richard Gere: billionaire hedge fund manager Robert Miller

Susan Saradon: his wife Ellen

Laetitia Casta: art gallery owner Julie Cote

Brit Marling: the Miller’s daughter Brooke, the company CFO

Stuart Margolin: the company lawyer Syd Felder

Nate Parker: Jimmy Grant, son of Miller’s retired chauffeur

Tim Roth: NYPD detective Bryer

REVIEW

Trying to wrap up the sale of his company to a larger one Robert Miller soon finds he’s got more problems than that. This well-written story brings out one of Gere’s best performances (if not his very best) as he tires to sort things out. In fact the acting is uniformly good and the pacing excellent.

Not wanting to give away anything I will not dwell too much on the plot other than to say that this is one of the few thrillers that does not rely upon car chases to keep our interest. How refreshing.

CLASSIFICATION

 for profanity, sexual content and drugs.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

• Ellen helps Robert with his tie and from one shot to another the knot is up or down from it’s previous position.
• Robert storms in the office and immediately locks the door but when he goes to leave he opens the door without having to undo the lock.
• Ellen’s workout t-shirt is off her right shoulder when viewed from the front but back up where it belongs when seen from behind.
• The toll to cross the Triborough Bridge is posted as $6.50 and Syd hands the toll booth person a bill and only gets back the requested receipt but no change.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS

 IMAX Documentary

REVIEW

Building a railroad across Canada was an ambitious project. So was the making of this film that according to the press release took more than five years to complete. But the results are nothing short of spectacular: from the close-up shots of the immense driving wheels of the huge engine to swooping aerial views of the magnificent landscape the film is visually stunning. The original musical soundtrack blends in well with the sound of the engine as it storms across the continent.

The narrative gives a first hand account of the problems the builders had to face, not only financial but the hardships of construction under difficult conditions. Fascinating stuff.

CLASSIFICATION

THE MASTER

Drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Joaquin Phoenix: World War II Naval Officer Freddie Quell

Philip Seymore Hoffman: Lancaster Dodd, founder of “The Cause”

Amy Adams: his wife Peggy

Ambyr Childers Dodd’s daughter Elizabeth

Rami Malek: Clark, her betrothed

Jesse Plemons: Dodd’s eldest son Val

Laura Dem: Helen Sullivan, one of Dodd’s wealthy supporters,

REVIEW

This film is clearly geared to the more discerning mature viewer, primarily because Freddie’s violent and erratic behaviour is disturbing to watch. But he is not alone: some of what others do is unsettling as well.

Some members of the audience will regard Freddie’s sexual fantasies as repulsive and nearly everyone will find the movie too long at 2 hours and 17 minutes.

However, those willing to hang in are sure to agree that Freddie’s performance has all the earmarks of Academy Award nomination. As usual Hoffman does a very credible job of it and Adams shows she really can act. However good acting alone does not make a good movie.

CLASSIFICATION

 for sexual content, graphic nudity and language.