HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

 Drama

F.Y.I.

Springwood Estate in Hyde Park, NY (about 70 miles south of Albany) was the birthplace and lifelong home of FDR. He often stayed there as a vacation getaway even while serving as President.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Laura Linney: Margaret Suckley, distant relative of FDR

Elizabeth Wilson: the President’s mother Sara Ann

Bill Murray: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32^nd President of the United States

Olivia Williams: the First Lady Eleanor

Samuel West: King George VI “Bertie”

Olivia Colmand: Queen Elizabeth

Elizabeth Marvel: Marguerite Missy LeHand, the President’s secretary

REVIEW

What a missed opportunity: rather than depicting FDR as a powerful man who was instrumental in getting the USA out of the Great Depression and the one who led the country to becoming the super power it is today, he is shown as nothing more than a womanizer. If we were looking for another example of immoral behaviour we could pick up a copy of the National Enquirer, that  trashy American tabloid found at check-out counters.

               

Another serious shortcoming is that very little is said about the circumstances for the visit by British royalty (the first ever) just months before war broke out in Europe and even less about the American political situation and the constraints imposed on FDR by the populace, both significant, both totally underdeveloped and both virtually ignored.

Case in point: FDR and the King are alone in his study having after-dinner drinks and instead of discussing the real reasons for the visit they spend their time blathering on about their respective handicaps and women.

Production values are first-rate but that is not reason enough to waste your time on this clunker.

CLASSIFICATION

for brief sexuality (but one more huge mistake, it should be PG at worst).

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY

Although FDR wore rimless Pince-nez eyeglasses they were never perched on the end of his nose in such a jaunty manner.

The King and Queen are shown arriving at Springwood Estate being greeted by FDR sitting in front of the porch steps. In fact, the King and Queen after several days spent in Washington, DC accompanied FDR and Eleanor on the drive up to Hyde Park.

According to King George’s handwritten notes the Prime Minister of Canada, McKenzie King took part in the first conversation with the President but he is never even mentioned.

King George goes on to say they discussed “matters of extreme importance” not the light banter depicted in the movie.

The red telephone on FDR’s desk was a secure communication line first established in 1963 during the Cold War between the White House and the Soviet Union, some 23 years after these events took place.

RUST AND BONES

Original title De rouille et d’os

In French with English subtitles

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS

Matthias Schoenaerts: a mid 20’s single father Ali

Armand Verdure: his 5-year-old son Sam

Corinne Masiero: Ali’s sister Anna

Marion Cotillard: Stéphanie, trainer at Marineworld

Céline Sallette: her best friend Louise

REVIEW

The screen story is choppy and could do with a rewrite. Case in point: Ali sees a woman smoking and says something to the effect “nice day isn’t it?” and the next scene is a close-up of them making love. Like where’s the rest of that encounter?

Speaking of sex, it strikes me that the love ‘em and leave ‘em, wham/bam thank you ma’am-type encounters coupled with the extended violent brutal fights serve only to justify the R rating and not advance the story in a meaningful way. Furthermore the film is too long at two hours. Next time they should hire a competent screen editor.

And there are many inexplicable situations that make no sense, that defy logic. For example why does Stéphanie call Ali of all people whom she’s only known for half an hour at most? And once she gets to know him better why continue the relationship with such an irresponsible, inconsiderate, uneducated, boorish man? Surely she can do better! It simply does not ring true.

There is only one reason to see the movie: to experience the wonderful performance of Cotillard yourself. Other than that, there is nothing else of any redeeming value to it.

CLASSIFICATION

 for strong sexual content, brief graphic nudity, violence and language.

P.S.

Something got lost in translation: there is no literal reference to either rust or bones. Perhaps it’s meant in a philosophical manner?

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.