Why Movies?

Do you love movies?


When I was a kid, my brother and I used to go to the Saturday Morning Matinees to watch our favorite serial stars, like Commander Cody, Flash Gordon, heroes who always faced certain death at the end of the episode, and somehow always made it back the next week.

If there is a particular film you would like to see reviewed, or just one you would like to talk about, feel free to comment.
Thanks, Fred

Monday, April 30, 2012

Texas Killing Fields - 2011

Texas Killing Fields - 2011


Anchor Bay Films, Blue Light, Infinity Media


Directed by Ami Caanan Mann


Cast:


Story: Souder, a homicide detective in a small Texan town, and his partner, transplanted New York City cop Detective Heigh, track a sadistic serial killer dumping his victims' mutilated bodies in a nearby marsh locals call 'The Killing Fields'. Though the swampland crime scenes are outside their jurisdiction, Detective Heigh is unable to turn his back on solving the gruesome murders. Despite his partner's warnings, he sets out to investigate the crimes. Before long, the killer changes the game and begins hunting the detectives, teasing them with possible clues at the crime scenes while always remaining one step ahead. When familiar local girl Anne goes missing, the detectives find themselves racing against time to catch the killer and save the young girl's life. (borrowed from IMDb)

Review: Based on true events (again?), there seem to be a lot of these going around these days, but this one is not one of the better ones. While the actors play their roles well (and I must confess, part of the reason I rented this is because Sam Worthington was in it), the film lacks an overall sense of cohesion. We are tossed into the middle of things, and the dialog concerning the “Killing Fields” is sketchy at best. Sam Worthington's character seems to feel there is enough crime in his jurisdiction to let the killing fields be someone else's problem. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's character is taking those killings personally, for some reason that is never fully revealed until a local girl comes up missing. There's plenty of action, a fairly good plot, but not enough exposition to tell us what is going on. The depth of the character development is poor, and the photography looks like something out of the Blair Witch Project at times, nothing to write home about. Rated R for language, violence, and some sexual situations, I'd recommend this for people who have a lot of time on their hands and don't care about things like making sense. If you must rent it, do so, but can't see this one as being collectible.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Apollo 18 - 2011

Apollo 18 - 2011


Dimension Films, Bekmambetov Projects Ltd. (BPL), Apollo 18 Productions


Directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego


Cast:


Story: Unknown to the world, the US did launch another Apollo mission, a secret military mission with only one agenda: place listening devices and motion activated cameras on the moon. The three astronauts chosen were not briefed on any other details, and they are confused when their equipment begins to have problems. Because of communications problems, they miss one take off, and begin to realize there is more here than meets the eyes. They stumble upon a Russian lander, and realize the bodies of the two Cosmonauts did not die of natural causes. Their worst fears are realized when they are told they cannot return to Earth.

Review: Conspiracy theories and “recovered” footage, hmm...Blair Witch project, take three? While not quite ready to put this in the total waste of time category, I have to admit this could have used a lot of work. The acting is so-so, the dialog is “too” real, almost forced, and the story wanders around in search of a decent climax. Like “Cloverfield”, the project was a low-budget, ambitious film with that more than tripled its cost, which has to have made the investors happy. But the premise of the US sending three men into space to die, knowing the outcome of the mission, is sparse at best, and the worst kind of obscure and meaningless conspiracy theory. Hostile creatures on the moon, spider-like beings disguised as rocks then sent by the government to other nations to what, assassinate other leaders in mysterious, untraceable deaths? Sorry, but I just can't wrap my head around this one. Probably a “once see” for the scifi crowd, rated PG-13 for violence and language, I don't see this one as a collectible, or really as that entertaining.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Columbiana -2011

Columbiana -2011


Europa Corp., TF1 Films Production, Grive Productions


Directed by Olivier Megaton


Cast:


Story: In Columbia, the 9 year old daughter of a man who works for a drug lord watches as her parents are murdered and narrowly escapes with her life. She goes to an address her father has given her for emergencies, where events are set in motion and she arrives at the home of her uncle. When asked what she wants to do, Cataleya replies she wants to kill Don Luis, the drug lord. Her uncle is also involved in the underworld, and teaches her all he can about the skills she will need to accomplish her mission. We move ahead a decade, where the adult Cataleya is not a bloodied professional hit woman. She continues to seek Don Luis, who has surrendered to the DEA and the CIA in exchange for information. When she finally locates her objective, the battle is bloody and devastating.

Review: Zoe Saldana as a hit woman, a professional killer. As improbable as that may seem, she pulls it off, showing us a very different side of her abilities than we have seen in previous films. Perhaps it is the directing abilities of Olivier Megaton, or the writing of Luc Beeson, but there is a fluidity in this film that leads the audience into the realm of probability. The casting is exceptional, and the supporting roles for her character give an air of excitement and credibility to an otherwise mundane story of revenge. Of particular note is the lack of sexploitation so often associated with these types of films. While the sex is implied, there are no explicit scenes, and no frontal nudity tossed in as titillation, which is refreshing in itself. The action scenes are interspersed with enough exposition to keep the plot interesting, and Cataleya's character is nicely developed throughout the story. Rated PG-13 in the theaters, there is an unrated version in the video stores which contains more blood and gore. Violence, language, “disturbing scenes”, and sexuality are the caveats here, so the little ones should probably be tucked in before the teens and parents put this one in the player. While I don't see this one as particularly collectible, it isn't a waste of your time if you're looking to be entertained.

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Conspirator - 2010

The Conspirator - 2010


American Film Company, The, Wildwood Enterprises


Directed by Robert Redford


Cast:


Story: In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt, 42, owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks. Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken, a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal, even though she and the other accused are civilians. As the trial unfolds, Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son. During the course of the trial, it becomes obvious this is a kangaroo court where the defendants will be found guilty.

Review: Produced by the American Film Company to be an accurate accounting of this historical event, there is little doubt that any fan of history will find this film compelling. This is not merely a telling of events, but a revealing look at the ability of those in power to bend the law to their will, and an indictment of the government in general. While there are some inaccuracies in the film according to historical records, the events are basically told in a straightforward and truthful fashion. James McAvoy becomes the pawn that is sacrificed during the trial, a decorated war veteran with a law degree who has no experience at law. McAvoy delivers a plausible and believable performance, as does Robin Wright as Mary Surratt, the woman who may or may not actually be guilty. Kevin Kline and Tom Wilkinson bring their formidable talents to the screen as the Secretary of War and the Senator from Maryland who is charged with Surratt's defense. While it may seem at first the appointment to defend Mary Surratt is an honor, it becomes apparent it will destroy Aiken (McAvoy's character), who at length becomes the first editor of the Washington Post. Rated PG-13 for some violent content, this is a compelling drama which should be included in the American history portion of any high school curriculum. Collectible for history buffs and fans of Redford.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Columbus Circle - 2012

Columbus Circle - 2012


Oxymoron Entertainment, Blue Star Entertainment, G4 Pictures


Directed by George Gallo


Cast:


Story: Abigail Clayton has not come out of her condo in nearly twenty years. Her self imposed agoraphobic existence is about to be disturbed when the neighbor across the way from her condo is found dead from a fall, an accident? Detective Giardello isn't convinced, and questions the neighbors, including Abigail. He is even more intrigued to find no trace of this mysterious woman before she moved into the condo. Abigail, in an attempt to protect her privacy, attempts to purchase the victim's condo, only to find out it has been sold to Lillian and Charles, a dysfunctional couple who soon intrude upon her privacy even more. Abigail hears them arguing loudly outside her door, and peeks through the peep hole to witness Lillian being hit across the face by Charles, who is obviously drunk. Abigail tries to help, but this only leads to further intrusions as she attempts to be supportive of the apparently abused woman. Meanwhile Detective Giardello and his partner, Jerry Evans, locate Dr. Fontaine, who they soon discover is also Abigail's doctor. As the plot unfolds, we learn this is a carefully orchestrated attempt to steal a fortune from Abigail. Will it work?

Review: Bravo to Kevin Pollack, who also co-wrote this refreshing mystery in the style of the Raymond Chandler stories of old. Selma Blair and Giovanni Ribisi (in my opinion one of the most underexposed and capable actors of recent years, re: The Other Sister, Boiler Room, Avatar, etc.) give plausible and perfectly tuned performances in this film. The supporting cast is exceptional. Jason Lee provides the audience with a new perspective on his already estimable talents, not falling back upon his comedic style. Pollack and Bridges, two actors whose abilities are well known, provide us with exceptional supporting characters, as do Jason Antoon and Amy Smart. Although the initial twenty minutes of the film are a bit slow, the action quickly picks up and the conclusion contains a refreshing twist. Cinematography and photography are excellent, and the film has a cohesive feel that provides the illusion of the first time, which is after all the point of acting. Rated PG-13 for language and violence, hats off to the director and writers for not falling into the “gratuitous sex scenes that so often accompany films of this nature. Collectible? Depends on your particular bent, but wouldn't rule it out. Watch it and decide for yourself.

Staten Island (original title) - 2009

Staten Island (original title) – 2009 aka Little New York


Europa Corp., Open City Films, Why Not Productions


Directed by James DeMonaco


Cast:


Story: A mob story in three vignettes, all centering on three people who live and work on Staten Island. Parmie Tarzo is a minor league mob boss who has ambitions, but his crew doesn't agree with him, so they pay off a Russian hitman to kill him. It doesn't work out, but the experience has left Parmie with an altered view of his own identity. He isolates himself in a treehouse to help protect and endangered forest area. Meanwhile, Sully Halverson is married to the love of his life and they want to have a baby, but Mary is having some problems getting pregnant. While they are at the fertility clinic, Sully sees a video about genetic alterations to create genius babies. He wants to do this for his child, but he doesn't have the $50,000.00 he needs, so he and two friends decide to rob a mafia type for the money...Parmie Tarzo. Jaspaer Sabiano is the deaf mute meat cutter in a little Italian deli on Staten Island, and he is friends with Sully, who is discovered as one of the three thieves who stole from Parmie. When the stories all conclude, we discover why we have watched them, and how their lives intersect.

Review: This is delightful comedy where the mobsters all get their just desserts, but only after a series of really dumb moves by all concerned. Vincent D'Onofrio, who for years has played the role of Detective Goran in Law and Order: Criminal Intent, shows us his ability to completely change persona and delve into the mind of a small time hood with delusions of grandeur. Ethan Hawke delivers an excellent performance as the guy who cleans septic tanks for a living and wants a better life for his kid. Julianne Nicholson, who was also on Criminal Intent for a season across from Chris Noth, shows us an interesting character as Hawke's wife. And Seymour Cassel is excellent as the deaf mute counterman who secretly assists the mob in some of their more nefarious endeavors. The film is shot with the three perspectives merging into one, so the entire plot comes together in a very cohesive manner. One of the better indies I have seen. Be forewarned it is a Russian Comedy, which is to say everyone dies, but they all die happy....well, not everyone. Rated R for violence and language, I highly recommend this one as a great rental. Collectible? Not particularly, but definitely a must see.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Seraphim Falls - 2006

Seraphim Falls - 2006


Icon Productions


Directed by David Van Ancken


Cast:


Story: It is three years after the end of the Civil War. Carver, a former Confederate officer, is on a manhunt. He is chasing Gideon, a former Union officer, the man he holds responsible for the death of his wife and family. His four hired guns are warned not to kill him, aim for his limbs only. But capturing Gideon proves a bit more complicated than it would appear. He is a highly resourceful man, able to live in the wild. Along the way, they encounter homesteaders, traders, robbers, and a railroad crew, and while several times it appears Gideon is at the end of his rope, he manages to escape. Carver is driven by pure revenge, Gideon by pure survival. Who will win in the end?

Review: A morality play with two Irishmen as Civil War soldiers? As improbable as that may seen, this film opens quickly with a pursuit through the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada mountains and continues across to the desert. Liam Neeson portrays Carver, a former Confederate officer who had returned to his wife and family and put away his uniform, only to be discovered by the Union, who sent Gideon (played by Pierce Bronson) to arrest him. After a series of unfortunate mistakes, Carver's wife and family are burned alive in their home while Gideon watches helplessly. Bronson's performance is a man running from an unspeakable horror and his part in it, Neeson's performance is the man who has allowed revenge to consume him. The remainder of the cast is solid in their performances. Angelica Huston and Wes Studi have interesting roles as surreal traders along the way in the desert, and you have to ask yourself if they are really there, or simply the facilitators of this climax between our two subjects. Tom Noonan gives an exceptional performance as the minister who is leading a flock to better fields. Rated R for violence and language, this is a film that will intrigue the intellectual and die hard oater fans alike. Collectible if you are a western or civil war fan, or just like watching Pierce and Liam hide their accents.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Cloverfield - 2008

Cloverfield - 2008


Paramount Pictures, Bad Robot


Directed by Matt Reeves


Cast:


Story: Shot from the perspective of a personal video camera, we follow five young adults through a night of sheer horror. Rob Hawkins, the older brother of Jason, is leaving tomorrow for Japan for his job, and his friends decide to throw him a going away party. We see moments leading up to the party, as well as some personal footage (they borrowed Rob's camera to shoot the memento video and forgot to change the tape) between Beth and Rob. While the party is in full swing, Beth shows up with another guy, and Rob and her argue, some of it on tape. Beth and her friend leave the party, and Rob is off sulking when an explosion rocks the building and the power flickers on and off. The guests quickly leave the party and go out into the street to see what is happening, when the head of the Statue of Liberty comes sailing through the air and lands in the street. They quickly learn the Army is battling a creature of unknown origin in the streets of Manhattan, and trying to evacuate civilians. Rob, Hud, and Lily head out to find Beth, who is injured and in her apartment. Along the way they discover Marlena, and together the four try to rescue Beth and make it to the evacuation area before the Army obliterates Manhattan.

Review: An interesting take on the horror genre, Cloverfield was not my first “recovered footage” film. I have to admit, once I got through the first 20 minutes of the film, it moved pretty well. The dialogue was interesting and the actors played their parts well. Since the entire film is comprised of “recovered classified footage”, the film is not of the quality you would expect from a big budget production. But the story is both plausible (except for the creature, which is never fully identified) and real. How would you react to that level of chaos and panic? This is an interesting character study which looks for the best in the participants, who are willing to sacrifice their lives to save another. While certainly not a huge collectible for the mainstream, I think this will be a favorite of lovers of the Blair Witch Project and Apollo 18. Rated PG-13 for terror, violence and disturbing images, I think this is one time you should heed the warning and watch this one after the little ones are asleep.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Mission Impossible; Ghost Protocol - 2011

Mission Impossible; Ghost Protocol - 2011


Paramount Pictures, Skydance Productions, Bad Robot


Directed by Brad Bird


Cast:


Story: Ethan Hunt is caught up in another mystery as he and his inexperienced IMF team is set up to take the fall for a massive explosion at the Kremlin. A rogue Russian physicist has concluded a nuclear war will save the planet and should happen so that only the fittest survive. He has anticipated the involvement of the super secret IMF,and as they are burglarizing the Kremlin in an attempt to safeguard the launch codes for their nuclear arsenal, they are set up to take the fall while the lunatic scientist escapes with the codes. The team travels to Dubai, where they must assault the building servers at the 130th floor, and ultimately to Mumbai, where they must prevent the detonation of a nuclear device on San Francisco.

Review: More of the same...with less. Don't get me wrong, I was a big fan of the television series, even the more sedate episodes where the team had to get in and out without ever being detected. And when Tom started the series with an excellent cast and a seriously good plot, I applauded the return to the adventures of the IMF. But this film lacks the power and the potency of it's three predecessors. While Cruise recaptures the role of Ethan Hunt well, his supporting team acts as if they have no clue as to what's happening. While I think the director was trying to inject a bit of humor in the incessant babblying of Simon Pegg, the false modesty of Paula Patton, and the hesitantcy of Jeremy Renner, these attempts fail miserably, and we are left with a Keystone Kops version of what should be a very dramatic and exciting film. The special effects and stunts are impressive, but that is a combination of money and technology, and with the backers for this film, I doubt either was in short supply. I am sure they were counting on the appeal of the franchise to carry this one to the box office hits column, and they were right. However, if this writing and acting are any indication of the future of this series, I think we would be better off with a remake of Space 1999. Rated PG 13 for the violence and language, rent it if you must, add it to your collection if you have the other three, I suppose. It will not be in mine.

Kill the Irishman - 2011

Kill the Irishman - 2011


Anchor Bay Films, Code Entertainment, Dundee Entertainment


Directed by Jonathon Hensleigh


Cast:


Story: Based on the true story of the Irishman who dared to defy the Mob in Cleveland in the 1970's. Danny Greene was a true Celtic warrior, or so the story goes. He's involved in the unions on the docks, unloading freight containers, when a few people encourage him to run for union president. When he helps out a friend who has run up a gambling debt with the local mob, he becomes involved in a spiral into the world of organized crime. He becomes the union president, and is involved in a number of enterprises, including organizing the local garbage men. A local reporter snoops around and discovers some of his dealings, which leads to his arrest and conviction. But Danny is still a force to be reckoned with, and he soon returns to the criminal life as a collection agent for a loan shark, Shondor Birns. When Birns eventually puts a contract out on Danny, he sets into motion a murder spree that accounts for more than 30 explosions and killings in the underworld, and a syndicate story that shocked the nation.

Review: Great cast, great acting, and an absolute must-see for mafia-philes. Ray Stevenson and Linda Cardellini give exceptional performances as Danny and Joan Greene in this hard hitting story based on his life. Unlike many bio-dramas, this one moves along at a rocket pace, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. D'Onofrio is exceptional in this role, as is Christopher Walken, and you have to wonder how Stevenson keeps up with such powerful performers, but he does. Lots of favorite character actors dress up this larger than life scenario, including the lovely and always enticing Fionnula Flanagan as the neighbor, Mike Starr as one of Tony Lo Biano's enforcers, and Bob Gunton as the Union President who can't stand on his own. Paul Sorvino gives us the perfect NYC mob boss image and, while his role is brief, it's a performance worth watching. Val Kilmer's role as the police officer who grew up with Greene is subdued, but he carries it off with the right tone and balance to the film. Since a great film always comes down to the director, we have to give Jonathon Hensleigh a resounding round of applause for this fascinating and entertaining portrait of the underworkings of the mob. Rated R for violence, language and sexual situations, if you like films like the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, etc, you are going to love this one. And if you are a fan of those, this needs to be added to your collection.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

We Bought A Zoo - 2011

We Bought A Zoo - 2011


Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, LBI Entertainment, Vinyl Films


Directed by Cameron Crowe


Cast:


Story: Based on the true story of the Mee family who operate the Dartmoor Zoological Park in England, this touching story is a treat for the entire family and a must see for all Damon and Johansson fans who think their only abilities lie in beating people up. Benjamin Mee is a writer who lives to record adventures. His articles are published by a national paper, he has written a few books, and he is well known in the journalism community. But when he loses his wife, Katherine, his life begins to come apart. His brother, Duncan, is a practical man, an accountant who wants to help his brother, but Benjamin is looking for a new life. When Dylan becomes a problem in school, he must find a new place to live so his children can get back into school. As he and his daughter travel out with the real estate agent, they happen upon a closed down zoo, complete with animals and a staff. As they move in and begin to renovate, they discover things about themselves, and learn to deal with many of the issues between them. By the time they are ready to open, they have reunited as a family.

Review: Okay, so I don't review a whole lot of family films, but I am happy to make an exception here. This is a delightful, well thought out, and thoroughly enjoyable film that touches on some very sensitive subjects and shines like a beacon through it all. Matt Damon and Thomas Haden Church have a charisma which bonds them on the screen and helps the audience to identify with them as brothers. Damon's charm and gentle personality is disarming, and his ability to transcend the “Bourne” image shows just how capable and talented an actor he has become. Scarlett's role is equally challenging from past performances, particularly with her “Black Widow” persona about to be displayed across the big screen in the Avengers, but she plays the part of the zookeeper with a sensitivity that reaches off the screen and into your heart. Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, and Maggie Elizabeth Jones all give excellent performances in their roles as the younger generations dealing with the realities of loss, life, and just being kids. John Michael Higgins and Angus Macfayden lend an air of comedy with out going over the top, giving just the right tones to this impressive film. Since family films rarely make it to the Oscars, we probably won't see this one on the dais next year, but it is a shame, since the film is a testimony to great cinema. Rated PG for language and theme, I can't see why the preteens wouldn't enjoy this as well as the rest of the family. Definitely a collectible film, especially for fans of Matt, Scarlett, and just plain good theater.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Slipstream - 2007

Slipstream - 2007


Strand Releasing, Destination Films, Samson Films


Written and Directed by Anthony Hopkins


Cast:


Story: An actor and would-be screenwriter, who at the very moment of his meeting with Fate, comes to discover that life is random and fortune is sightless. He is thrown into a vortex where time, dreams, and reality collide in an increasingly whirling slipstream. It's a surreal and dreamlike tale of one man's journey. Written by Gregg Brilliant (borrowed from IMDb)

Review: What goes through a screenwriter's mind? When does everything merge into everything else and become one huge canvas where you can draw from everything at once? This is the premise, I gather, of the film. Anthony Hopkins has written and directed a stream of consciousness surreal film that allows us, the viewer, to evaluate the actions and scenes for what they mean, which could be something or nothing at all. The casting of the film is brilliant, with Christian Slater, Jeffrey Tambor, S. Epatha Merkerson, and others too numerous to mention all giving a performance of lifetime in a film which really doesn't have a plot at all. Is this the movie that flashes before one's eyes at the moment of transition? Rated R for language and some violence, this is definitely not for the timid or the weak, and certainly not one for the Entertainment Tonight set. Don't get me wrong, I like to be entertained as much as the next guy, but watching Slipstream is more like attending a showing of Dali's paintings or reading a Virginia Woolf novel. This one gets into your head. Collectible like the volumes of Shakespeare you have on your shelf, you have to open your mind to the possibilities.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Trust_ - 2010

Trust_ - 2010


Millennium Films, Nu Image Films, Dark Harbor Stories


Directed by David Schwimmer


Cast:


Story: A cautionary tale that exposes the reasons for parents to educate their children on the dangers of online relationships. Annie, an innocent fifteen year old with a good family and loving parents, is deceived into thinking she is chatting with a boy her own age. After they have been chatting a while, he tells her he is actually in college. They continue their online relationship until she reveals her parents will be out of town for a weekend, then he asks for a meeting at the local mall where she lives, telling her he will be in town. When she finally meets Charlie, he is much older, but her inexperience allows her to be sucked into his lies and his pretended feelings for her. He convinces her to get into his car, takes her to a motel, and connives her into surrendering her virginity. She is so ashamed she fell for this deception she denies it is rape. The incident comes to light because a friend saw her in the mall with the man and reported it to the school, who called the police. Annie's father is lost in his emotions, and instead of confessing his shame at not knowing what was happening, is focusing on the man instead of his daughter.

Review: I would hope every student in every elementary school in the country would be required to watch this exceptional film. David Schwimmer proves himself as capable behind the camera as in front of it in this story of the internet and what can happen when more information that is prudent is revealed. Clive Owen gives a powerful performance as the father who discovers too late his daughter is the victim of an internet predator. Catherine Keener is equally as powerful as the mother who is trying to keep her family together. Liana Liberato assures us with this performance she will be rising on to many more films. The tone of the film, the tempo, even the photography is beyond reproach and why this wasn't nominated for content alone is beyond me. This is a dark and totally believable film, and the context and content are fitting for this electronic world we live in. Parent or child, you need to see this film if you are an internet user. Rated R for language, sexual situations and innuendo, and some violence, this film will hit you to your core and scare the hell out of you, especially if you are the parent of a teenage girl. Collectible for the family, and loan it to the school for their use.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Blitz - 2011

Blitz - 2011


Lionsgate, Davis-Films, Current Entertainment


Directed by Elliot Lester


Cast:


Story: Someone nicknamed the Blitz, is killing police officers in London. Only problem is, he is doing a bang up job of it. A detective, Brant, is assigned to the case, but is told to be inconspicuous if he can, since the police are getting a lot of heat in the papers about their brutality. Brant has just returned from suspension and taking some time off to help his inspector, Roberts, bury his wife. Blitz wants the publicity and contacts a local reporter, Dunlop, who sits on his contact information. Then a street informant, Radnor, discovers information about Blitz's identity and tries to shake down the newspaper for a reward. Again, Dunlop tries to use the information before notifying the police. Meanwhile, other police officers are killed. When Dunlop finally does reveal his knowledge to the police, Blitz has had time to hide all the evidence. But the police are not done yet.

Review: I guess London needed a Dirty Harry, so they came up with this one. Jason Statham is an English Clint Eastwood/Bruce Willis combo in this action packed thriller about a cop killer on the loose. Paddy Considine does an excellent job portraying the temporary station commander who is assigned after the current commander, played by Mark Rylance, is placed on bereavement leave after the death of his wife. Aiden Gillen is Blitz, the cop killer with a mission of vengeance for the officers who incarcerated him before. Overall, the plot is nothing new, the good guys are chasing the bad guy, life goes on, and good triumphs over evil. But the action scenes are crisp and well done, as is the photography. This is not the glitzy, shiny world of 007, where everyone dresses to the nines and the royals are out on display. These are the mean streets of London, and Jason Statham is the cop who breaks the rules to keep the citizens safe. Rated R for violence, some nudity, language, and some drug use, this one is definitely not a collectible, but worth an evenings entertainment.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Faces in the Crowd - 2011

Faces in the Crowd - 2011


Forecast Pictures, Frantic Films Live Action Productions, Minds Eye Entertainment


Written and Directed by Julian Magnat


Cast:


Story: Anna Marchant is on her way home from a night out with her girlfriends when she witnesses the murder of a young woman. The killer, a serial killer nicknamed the “Tear Jerker” because his tears have been found on all his victims, comes after her, and in the ensuing struggle she is knocked off the bridge into the water, violently striking her head on the way down. The impact has left her with a rare condition, she is unable to remember anyone's face, including the face of the man who attacked her. Sam Kerrest, the police detective who is assigned to the case, must try to protect her from the unknown assailant, and in the process, is falling in love with her. Anna must cope with the condition, which causes her to be suspended from her job, since she cannot remember the faces of the children, and loses her relationship with Bryce. When one of her closest friends is murdered, almost in front of her, Sam realizes the killer is near, and takes her away to the island where he grew up as a boy. When they return to the city, Sam realizes who the killer is, and in the end, the cost to save Anna is high.

Review: Milla Jovovich as the victim? Wow, after all the films where she kicks butts and takes names, this is an interesting change, and one that seems to work well. While there is the mandatory nudity of a Milla Jovovich movie (let's face it, the lady is beautiful), I found most of the scenes to be unnecessary to the plot. Milla does a good job of portraying Anna, and her emotions are direct and correct for the scene she is in. Julian McMahon is equally good, so the two combine to make a credible match up in this low key story about the hunt for a serial killer. The photography is excellent and the script is average, so the overall feel of the show is more suited for the small screen than the big screen, which is why this started out in Turkey and went to DVD release in the US. While I doubt there will be a big following for this film, fans of Milla will enjoy it, as will fans of Julian McMahon, who enjoys a modicum of interest from his fans from NIP TUCK and CHARMED. (Wouldn't count on a lot of fans of DR. DOOM, Julian, that movie missed the mark among us comic book, er, graphic novel, fans. Rated R for violence and sexuality, this is a film you can pass on or not, depending on your taste for melodrama. Nothing to write home about, but certainly nothing to dismiss out of hand. Rent it and put it back on the shelf.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Young Adult - 2011

Young Adult - 2011


Paramount Pictures, Denver and Delilah Productions, Indian Paintbrush


Directed by Jason Reitman


Cast:


Story: A thirty seven year old woman lives in a dumpy apartment in Minneapolis and ghost writes a book series titled “Young Adult”. She is single, alone except for her Pomeranian, and at a crisis time in her life. Suddenly she receives an email inviting her to the naming ceremony for the first child of her high school sweetheart. She travels to her hometown, expecting to be met with open arms, and instead finds a happily married man who is trying to be friendly to her. She also runs into Matt Freehauf, otherwise known as “hate crime guy”, who was beaten and crippled in his senior year by a group of football players who thought he might be gay. They form a strange bond as he tries to dissuade her from making a complete fool of herself. In the end, Mavis learns she needs to move on with her life, the way her friends have.

Review: Okay, so after all his successes, Jason Reitman deserves a pass on this one. While the story is well written and the cast is excellent, the film lacks angst, appeal, and really any comedy to speak of. It is a tragedy of the lowest order. Charlize Theron is certainly capable of much more emotion than was shown in this film. Patton Oswalt gives an exceptional performance, but his persona displays much more maturity than a geek living with his sister in the house he grew up in and painting model figurines. Patrick Wilson is probably the best of the performers in the film, and he plays Mr. Small Town regular Joe, a character that gives him little challenge and falls far short of his abilities. Jill Eikenberry is the domineering mother who discovers her daughter is back in town only after hearing it from a friend, and her performance lends credibility to Theron's character, but overall the effect is less that expected. Call me crazy, but when you tag the film with the word Comedy, I really expected something in the film I could actually laugh at. If Reitman was trying for the angst of Allen or the subtle humor of his dad, he missed the mark. Rated R for language and sexuality, I personally regard this as 94 minutes of my life I would like to get back. Collectible? Maybe, since I am sure Theron's agents are trying to buy up every copy for their burn bag.

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Descendants - 2011

The Descendants - 2011


Fox Searchlight Pictures, Ad Hominem Enterprises


Directed by Alexander Payne


Cast:


Story: Matt King has a few decisions to make. Matt is a real estate broker in Hawaii, and he and his relatives are the direct descendants of King Kamehameha the first. His wife, Elizabeth, is in the hospital following a boating accident that has left her in a coma. His daughters are almost strangers to him. And he is the executor of a huge estate on the island of Oahu that is up for disposition. Some of the family wants to sell, some of the family is against the sale, but the law of perpetuity in Hawaii is changed and they will lose the land in seven years. Matt tries to do the best he can. His oldest daughter, Alexandra, is angry, and he doesn't know why. He assumes it is over his failure as a father, but she tells him it is because she discovered her mother was having an affair. Soon the doctor at the hospital tells Matt his wife will not wake up, and there is a DNR order on file for her, so he must find a way to let his daughters know their mother will soon die. Through all of this, Matt is obsessed with finding the man his wife was having an affair with, and strangely, the search leads to a reconnecting of Matt and his daughters.

Review: George Clooney continues to impress and amaze in this sometime sad, sometime delightful story of a father reuniting with his family. This role is reminiscent of his role in “One Fine Day” with Michelle Pfeiffer, but offers a little less wit and a little more maturity. Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller are excellent as the two daughters, with Shailene demonstrating a savvy wisdom in her delivery of lines most adults would find difficult. Robert Forster plays the wife's father, and he gives us an insight that most people would find rare, the father who trusts his son-in-law and cares for his wife at home in her battle with Alzheimer disease. All of the characters in this film are dealing with dramatic changes in their lives, and their interactions and decisions are really what we empathize with. This kind of film has to connect with the audience, and this one does an excellent job. Special hats off to Matthew Lillard, a young star of the past whose appearances have been fewer and fewer of late, and to Beau Bridges, who as Cousin Hugh reminds us that we all have a Cousin Hugh in the family. Rated R for language and sexual references, I think most families will agree this is a film for the teens, especially for families who have had to deal with loss. Definitely collectible for Clooney fans.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

A Perfect World - 1993

A Perfect World - 1993


Warner Bros. Pictures, Malpaso Productions


Directed by Clint Eastwood


Cast:


Story: Two prisoners break out of a Texas jail in the early 1960's. One is just trying to get away, the other is an idiot who is hell bent on going out Texas-style, guns blazing. While looking for a different car, they happen on a single mom and her daughters and son in a residential area. They take the son hostage and escape in the car they came in. The next morning, while getting some supplies, Butch kills Terry for trying to sexually assault the boy, Phillip. By this time the U. S. Marshalls have been alerted and Chief Red Garnett, who is in charge of the manhunt, commandeers the Governor's latest equipment as his command post. The governor has sent a specialist in criminal behavior, Sally Gerber, to aide in the recapturing of the prisoners. The FBI has sent Bobby Lee to assist, but as a sniper. Butch and 'Buzz' steal a yellow Ford sedan and make their way across the back roads of Texas, trying to avoid roadblocks and escape. Marshall Garnett and his crew try to figure a way to get the boy out safely, while the Governor of Texas is making as much political currency as he can.

Review: Clint Eastwood's perspective on the human condition is remarkable. In this film he takes the best of each cadre of the cast and seems to make the entire thing about everyone's agenda. Keith Szarabajka is the perfect sociopath, and you can tell he is not long for the film. Kevin Costner is not a career criminal, just a wild youth who got sent up on the recommendation of Garnett years ago, a recommendation he is now regretting. Eastwood and Dern are the realists on the Law Enforcement side, trying to cope with a situation while dealing with the politics of the situation. Bradley Whitford should really be in the prison uniform, but instead plays the FBI sniper who is intent on proving to everyone his testosterone levels are up to the task. Throughout the film, the relationship between Costner and Lowther is the principle theme, and you can tell Costner's character is basically a decent person, although there are some things in his understand of life that need a little adjustment. The end of the film is as powerful as the beginning, and this early Eastwood epic ranks up there with Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby as a powerful film with a subtle, but provocative message. Rated R for violence, language, and sexual content. If you are an Eastwood fan, you are going to want this one for your collection.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Catch .44 - 2011

Catch .44 - 2011


Annapurna Productions, Emmett/Furla Films, Benaroya Pictures


Written and Directed by Aaron Harvey


Cast:


Story: In a crappy little, backwater diner in Texas, three young gals are about to rip off both drugs and money from two couriers when all hell breaks loose. Two of the girls are killed, along with a waitress, a driver, and a couple of tourists, leaving Tes and Billy, the cook, in a Mexican Standoff. But how did it all start? In the vein of Pulp Fiction and other film noir hits, we get flashbacks in bits and pieces to tell us how Tes got taken in to Mel's organization. Mel is the head man, the man running heroin and other drugs up and down from Mexico. He recruits Tes from one of his strip club / dives to work for him. But after three years the bloom is off the rose, so Tes and her friends are set up in the diner. How does it work out? You gotta watch the film.

Review: Film Noir is a lasting art form that rarely comes across for the general audience, and this film is no exception. Catch .44 is a gritty, no frills film with some excellent acting by both the principles and the cameo players. Bruce Willis and Brad Dourif are the supporting actors in this little drama, with Forest Whitaker taking the lead as Willis' second in command. Malin Akerman, Reila Aphrodite, and Deborah Ann Woll are excellent as the three clueless women who are thrust into a situation they were never meant to control. Most of the rest of the cast is window dressing, and the plot boils down to who lives through this dark drama. If you like Pulp Fiction or the old 40's style detective story, you'll probably enjoy this hour and a half of raw action. Rated R for violence, language and nudity, put this one back on the video store shelf after you've watched it.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Killer Elite - 2011

Killer Elite - 2011


Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment, Current Entertainment


Directed by Gary McKendry


Cast:


Story: Based on a true story by Ranulph Fiennes, a British officer in the service of the Sultanate of Oman, orginally published under the title “The Feather Men.” A special ops team of assassins is sent in to eliminate a politician, but after the assassin kills the target, he discovers there is a child in the car. He hesitates, is shot in the arm, and his team manages to extract him before the police and guards can get to him. As he is being driven away, he tells the team leader “I'm out.” approximately a year later, while working on his property in Australia, he receives a package in the mail containing an airline ticket and a photo of his team leader in captivity. When he arrives in Oman, the Sultan explains there are three men responsible for the deaths of his sons, and he wants them killed before he will uphold his bargain with the British for oil rights. If Danny, the assassin, does not do this, they will kill Hunter, his old team leader. There is a slight problem, the men he wants killed are all Special Air Service commandos, known as some of the most skilled killers in the world. As Danny works with his former teammates, Davies and Meier, to complete the task, Spike, a former SAS operative in the service of the “Feather Men”, discovers his former teammates are being killed and alerts the SAS. Danny must battle the British government's most prolific killers to keep his team leader alive.

Review: This is NOT a remake of the 1975 film! This is a remarkable translation of a book that exposes the British government, or at least a scheming, ruthless portion of it, for the money grubbing, greedy opportunists they were. Set in Oman in the 1980's, the film focuses on an elite team of assassins sent in under the guise of maintaining political stability to take out elements of the government who were unfriendly to British interests. There missions are simple assassinations, usually clean kills, until the one we see at the opening of the film. I could digress into the book itself, but had better stick to the movie if I don't want to start an editorial. I do highly recommend the book, if you have the time. As to the film, it is a no-holds barred look at the seedy underside of political deals and the life of a trained mercenary. Jason Statham gives a rare and remarkable performance as the assassin who is tired of the game, yet pulled back in to save the life of his former team leader, Robert De Niro. De Niro's performance is highly reminiscent of his role in Ronin, and he brings that sense of a man who knows so much more than he is willing to tell. Clive Owen is a passionate, cold blooded killer who has trouble coming to grips with his physical impairment (he lost an eye) which led to his discharge from the SAS. Dominic Purcell gives a stellar performance as the assassin who resembles Fiona in Burn Notice in attitude (“Shall we shoot them?”), but is intensely loyal and follows orders as directed. The film moves quickly, and the action is appropriate to the scene, which means that there are no added explosions or visuals beyond what is needed to get the point across. Rated R for language, violence, and some sexuality/nudity, this is a carefully thought out film without a bias. The events unfold, the story is told, and it is up to you, the viewer, to determine right and wrong. I will leave collectible up to you, it will depend on your taste in politics and war films.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Midnight in Paris - 2011

Midnight in Paris - 2011


Gravier Productions, Mediapro, Pontchartrain Productions


Written and Directed by Woody Allen


Cast:


Story: Gil is a successful Hollywood script writer who longs for the romantic times of the 1920's in Paris. He and his fiancee, Inez, have “tagged along” with her parents to Paris. Inez is a domineering sort who presses Gil to go places he does not want to go, and do things he does not want to do, and he is so undecided about life he allows her to do so. But he regrets his choice to do script writing, and has been working on a novel for several years. He just lacks the confidence to show it to anyone. One night after a wine tasting, Gil decides to walk the streets of Paris instead of accompanying his fiancee and her friends dancing. As the clock strikes midnight, he is hailed into a older car by a group of folks out for a night on the town and finds himself in the company of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. They arrive at a party where Cole Porter is playing piano, and Ernest Hemingway is sitting to the side getting drunk. After an exhilarating night, he is back in his own time, with a promise from Hemingway to have Gertrude Stein look at his novel. Night after night, Gil returns to the 1920's to meet such legends as Matisse, Dali, and even travels to the 1890's for one night to meet Gauguin, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec in the infamous Moulin Rouge. When all is said and done, he realizes he does not belong with Inez, does not belong in the past, and remains in Paris to work on his novel.

Review: Woody Allen has a perspective that will never be duplicated or imitated properly. Not only is this story classic Woody, but the acting and perspective of the characters is so clearly his vision in this delightful comedy about confronting choices and taking risks. Owen Wilson gives a remarkable performance as Gil, the everyman who has come to the crossroads of his life and is uncertain about the path he has chosen. Rachel McAdams is so good at being the spoiled brat daughter of the well off parents, self absorbed, self aggrandizing, and totally unaware of anything she cannot control or seduce. The transitions from Paris of 2010 to Paris of the 1920's is seamless, without the mystical special effects of so many Hollywood productions these days. Gil is sitting on the stairs when an antique sedan comes by and the party goers call him in. The cast is a wonderful mix of American, French and British actors who all seem so at ease in the roles you would swear you had run into them in the street. The music throughout the film is perfectly suited to the city, and the photography is incredible. Kathy Bates stands out for her performance of Gertrude Stein, the groundbreaking author, patron of the arts, and openly gay woman who influenced so many of the artists of the "Lost Generation". And I would be terribly remiss if I did not commend Corey Stoll in his bold performance as Ernest Hemingway, who was Stein's opposite in so many ways. As romantic comedy goes, this film will become a classic in the hearts of anyone who appreciates a finely woven tale of awakening and redemption in the city of lights. Rated PG-13 for sexual references and smoking, I hardly think the teens will have a problem with this film. Rent it, buy it, and watch it when you need a great story to pick you up.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 2011


Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Scott Rudin Productions


Directed by David Fincher


Cast:


Story: A renown Swedish investigative reporter, Mikael Blomkvist, who has exposed the illicit dealings of a major financial player is taken to court and successfully sued. He resigns from his position at his newspaper and is approached by a retired industrialist to investigate the forty year old mystery of his granddaughter's disappearance. As he investigates, he finds there are many skeletons hidden in this family's closet, including the family Nazi's, but most of his leads are ending in dead ends. Mikael decides he requires assistance. The industrialist had Mikael's background checked prior to hiring him, so Mikael demands to see the report. Having read things that could only be discovered by an adept hacker, he insists on hiring this individual as his assistant. Lisbeth is a very different individual, a thin, goth appearing girl with multiple piercings and tattoos, including a large dragon across her left shoulder. We see enough of her life to know she is a hard individual who cares little for the conventions of society, and has a very mean temper. But she is an adept researcher who knows how to analyze information, and together, Mikael and Lisbeth must piece together the mystery of the disappearance of Vanger's granddaughter.

Review: Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig form an interesting and unusual pair in this thriller based on the book by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. There is a lot of exposition at first, since the characters are new and their lives complicated, to say the least. And frankly, at just under two and one half hours, I would not be a proponent, but this film is an exception. The background of the characters, especially Lisbeth's, is required to understand the darkness of not only the family being investigated, but the investigators themselves. The depth of Lisbeth's darkness can be seen in the way she deals with a purse snatcher in the subway, and with the abusive state appointed clerk who administers her funds after her guardian is hospitalized. Christopher Plummer is superb as the retired industrialist who only wants closure to the disappearance of his granddaughter, an event he might have put out of his mind except that every year on his birthday he receives the same gift she gave him before she disappeared. Stellan Skarsgard gives a wonderful performance as the incompetent grandson who is ruining the company, and Joely Richardson is magnificently understated in her role. Perhaps the most impressive player is Daniel Craig, who continues to astound us with his range and depth of ability. To transition from the hard, emotionless Bond to this role is a total reversal of character, but one we have seen before in Defiance and Lara Croft. Craig, I believe, is the next actor to be added to the list of phenomenal performers like DeNiro, Hopkins, Pacino, and a scattered few more. Lastly, Rooney Mara impresses me with her ability to remain detached yet empathic in this role. Overall, this film is a wonderful peek into the dark underbelly of the human condition, and a must see for fans of Hitchcock, Craven, and the other masters of horror who have gone before. Rated R for graphic violence, rape, torture, language, and sexuality, I would hazard to say this film belongs in your collection if you are a fan of the detective genre.