Monday, December 31, 2012
TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE
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.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
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.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
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
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.
Friday, December 21, 2012
LIFE OF PI
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
Thursday, December 13, 2012
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
Sunday, December 9, 2012
KILLING THEM SOFTLY
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
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.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
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
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.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
LINCOLN
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 13th 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 13th 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.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
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
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.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
FLIGHT
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
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.
Friday, November 2, 2012
INCH’ALLAH
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
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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
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.
Monday, October 29, 2012
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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
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