The Painted Veil - 2006

 WIP, Stratus Film Co.,  Bob Yari Productions

Directed by John Curran

Cast:

Walter Fane – Edward Norton

Kitty Fane – Naomi Watts

Charlie Townsend – Liev Schreiber

Waddington – Toby Jones

Mother Superior – Diana Rigg

Story: Set in the 1920's, W. Somerset Maugham's novel comes to life in an exquisite and exceptional creation for the cinema. Walter Fane is your stereotypical proper Englishman, a well-mannered, decent sort working for the British government. He is a laboratory scientist assigned to study diseases in China, where he works in Chaing Hai alongside Chinese scientists. Kitty, his young and pretty wife, becomes enamored and falls in love with Charlie Townsend, who is attached to the British Embassy. When Walter discovers she is having an affair, he volunteers to travel inland to an area where a cholera epidemic has broken out. Kitty accompanies him, and on the way they begin to discuss what will be done about the affair. Kitty is lonely and alone most days, and they sleep in separate rooms, but as they begin to fall into the routine, they start to discuss things in a more civilized manner.

Review: Classic films should be remade now and then, if for no other reason than to remind us of what true literature is all about. The Painted Veil is one of those incredibly compelling films which deals directly with the human condition, specifically under conditions which warrant reaction. Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, and Liev Schreiber create an ensemble fitting of a Maugham novel, and their performances are flawless.

Flawless as well is the cinematography and photography in this wonderful adaptation of the novel. Filmed entirely in China, the scenery is breathtaking and lends to the authenticity of the film. This also enhances the “illusion of the first time” which is so critical in any film, since the novel is set in China. A huge cast of extras is included.

The Painted Veil is a film which may not be suitable for the entire family (Rated PG-13 for some scenes of sexuality, partial nudity, disturbing images and brief drug content), but I don't believe it will offend older children, and I know it will entertain anyone who likes a well-acted film.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow - 2004

 Paramount Pictures, Brooklyn Films II, Riff Raff Film Productions 

Directed by Kerry Conran

Cast:

Polly Perkins – Gwyneth Paltrow

Sky Captain – Jude Law

Dex – Giovanni Ribisi

Editor Paley – Michael Gambon

Mysterious Woman – Bai Ling

Kaji – Omid Djalili

Franky – Angelina Jolie

Story: In 1939, a top secret force commanded by Sky Captain is activated when Polly Perkins, a reporter, uncovers the systematic murders of top scientists from World War One. As she is tracking down leads, trying to find the killers, she is almost killed along with another scientist when a group of advanced robots descends on the city to locate two missing components in an evil plot that will destroy the world. Only Sky Captain and his elite forces, along with the aide of an elite British force led by Franky, can save the world from certain and complete destruction. But can they do it?

Review: Unfortunately, this film did not do well in the theaters. Which is a shame, because being an excellent film with superb graphics, it is also the forerunner of everything that has followed in Compter Generated Images (CGI).

Sky Captain was filmed entirely in blue screen. None of the sets existed except it the mind of the people doing the graphics. Which meant the actors had no frame of reference when they were performing. Oh, of course there were tape marks on the floor, but nothing to react to, nothing to walk around, nothing but a blank room with platforms where necessary to go up and down. Which means the actors had to envision the room as it might be and then respond without the aid of visual cues. Now, I don't know about you, but I would call that acting above and beyond the normal requirements. And the best part is, they all do it extremely well.

As to plot, considering the setting of the film, the plot is exactly as it should be. If this had been made in the 1950's, this film would have been a “Cliffhanger”, like Commando Cody or Flash Gordon used to be, a tool to get parents to drop their kids off at the local theater for Saturday morning matinees while they did their grocery shopping or other chores. I remember doing that while my mom was off grocery shopping, and my brother and I would sit for two or three hours watching cartoons and a couple of those films.

Still, there isn't a lot of action by comparison to what we expect from films these days, and the technology in the film is 'old school', so perhaps the current generation of film goers just didn't get it. I recommend the film as a great way to spend ninety six minutes when the kiddies are looking to see what the old world used to be like. Rated PG, collectible for us Sci Fi types. Enjoy.

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard - 2009

Paramount Vantage, Gary Sanchez Productions, Kevin Messick Productions

Directed by Neal Brennan

Cast:

Don Ready – Jeremy Piven

Jibby Newsome – Ving Rhames

Ben Selleck – James Brolin

Brent Gage – David Koechner

Babs Merrick – Kathryn Hahn

Paxton Harding – Ed Helms

Ivy Selleck – Jordana Spiro

Stu Harding – Alan Thicke

Dick Lewiston – Charles Napier

Blake – Jonathan Sadowski

Story: A used car dealership in Temecula, California is facing hard times. If they don't sell cars, Ben Selleck will have to sell his dealership and fire all the employees. So he makes a last minute decision that will forever affect the way he does business, he hires a traveling crew of professional car sharks, headed by Don “The Goods” Ready. Don's crew of four show up ready to blast the dealership, and end up taking a bet to sell every car on the lot in three days, or sell the dealership to a local BMW dealer. Don is a rover, never thinking about settling down, and he has just lost his best friend in Albuquerque, but he takes the challenge and discovers his real destiny in Temecula, California.

Review: Plot? Who says a comedy needs a plot? Apparently no one ever told Andy Stock or Rick Stemson, but that doesn't seem to matter much. The Goods is an absolutely hilarious look at the irreverent business of selling used cars that hasn't been addressed this well since “Cadillac Man” or “Used Cars”.

They picked the perfect cast for this side splitter. Jeremy Piven is one of those guys who can pull off the two-dimensional character with finesse. His portrayal of Don Ready is the perfect lead for this cast of unlikely car salesmen trying to save the failing dealership. Ving Rhames plays his role with audacity, as do both Kathryn Hahn and David Koechner, all three exceptional comedians in their own right.

Seeing Alan Thicke and James Brolin in the film, along with Wendie Mallck, reminds us that older actors may not take the stage often, but when they do, they know their stuff. While their roles are brief, they are exceptional and add the right amount of balance to the film.

All in all, while I don't see this film walking away with any Oscars, it is an entertaining adult comedy with some great lines and a few scenes so ridiculous they are priceless. The kiddies need to be in bed or out playing in the yard though. Rated a serious R of language and nudity. Oh, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by the ever hot Gina Gershon.

The Adjustment Bureau -2011

Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Gambit Pictures

Directed by George Nolfi

Cast:

David Norris – Matt Damon

Elise Sellas – Emily Blunt

Charlie Traynor – Michael Kelly

Harry Mitchell – Anthony Mackie

Richardson – John Slattery

Story : David Norris, a soon to be Senator from the State of New York, meets a lovely ballerina on a bus one day....and that meeting soon changes his life. He walks into his office to find a group of men in suits and hats doing 'something' to one of his staff members, and when he tries to run for help, he is unable to escape. They explain they are part of the Adjustment Bureau, a group of beings who work behind the scenes in history to keep mankind from destroying the planet. They also tell David he was not supposed to meet Elise, the dancer, and take her number away from him. They release him, and for three years he never sees her. Then, by chance on the same bus where they met three years ago, he meets her again. The Bureau has been watching, and when they discover he has found Emily, the set about trying to prevent them from getting together. But David and Elise are determined to meet, so David devises a plan to intervene and prevent the Bureau from their task.

Review: In case you are not aware of it, this makes Phillip K. Dick officially one of the most influential storytellers in the last 50 years. His books have inspired such Sci Fi classics as Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, and now, the Adjustment Bureau. At least 19 films and television episodes have been created from his works.

The story is an interesting take on the notion there is a God in the universe who is carefully directing the actions and happenings on the planet. Here, of course, the element of 'faith' is removed and instead the Chairman makes plans and has the Adjustment Bureau to make sure the plans are kept on track. These 'agents' merely interfere when they need to, making suggestions that set actions in place. Theology is not in the plan, just a pattern to prevent mankind from becoming extinct by their own hand.

This is a different type of Sci Fi film, and it would take an actor with the flexibility of Matt Damon to play David Norris. His confident yet humble portrayal of the politician is riveting and interesting throughout. Emily Blunt portrays the blossoming ballerina with verve and appeal, sort of a cross between the focused artist and the determined woman who puts her career ahead of herself. Anthony Mackie and John Slattery work well as the adjustment agents sent to sidetrack Norris from reaching Elise.

Overall, the film moves well, offers some interesting twists, and allows us the interesting perspective of predestination without the burden of deity. Rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality, and a few brief scenes of violence, I personally can't think of a single scene that would be too intense for a ten year old. Collectible is a little early to say, but certainly a film you will want to see again.

The American President - 1995

Universal Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment, Wildwood Enterprises

Directed by Rob Reiner

Cast:

Pres. Andrew Shepherd – Michael Douglas

Sydney Ellen Wade – Annette Benning

A. J. MacInerney – Martin Sheen

Lewis Rothchild – Michael J. Fox

Robin McCall – Anna Deavere Smith

Janie Basdin – Samantha Mathis

Lucy Shepherd – Shawna Waldron

Leon Kodak – David Paymer

Mrs. Chapil – Anne Haney

Sen. Bob Rumsfeld – Richard Dreyfuss

Nina Siemaszko – Beth Wade

Story: President Shepherd is coming up the end of his term and would like to have another. His campaign staff and White House staff are busy trying to get him reelected while giving him the time he needs to do his job, but there is a slight glitch in the form of a new lobbyist for environmental concerns. Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia has been retained by an environmental lobby to get the necessary votes to pass a new bill requiring a reduction in carbon emissions in the next ten years. However, the problem does not lie in Sydney's politics or her job. President Shepherd is a widower, and he is smitten with her. They begin dating, much to the chagrin of the staff and Sydney's employer, and to the delight of Sen. Rumsfeld, a candidate for the next election and a real muckraker. Rumsfeld attacks Sydney on every possible level, using her past to try to intimate the President is being influenced by a right wing radical instead of being the President. President Shepherd feels the best way to address his allegations is to ignore them, but the staff and Sydney disagree.

Review: Okay, without a doubt this is one of my favorite romantic comedies. Michael Douglas comes off as Presidential, Annette Benning is spectacular, Martin Sheen is exceptional, and the supporting cast is marvelous. And this is all directed by Rob Reiner, the 2nd generation actor writer director who understands every aspect of film making and is not afraid to let loose with all the knowledge, power and presence required to make a first class film.

Of particular note are David Paymer, Michael J. Fox, and Anna Deavere Smith, all three exceptional character actors whose contributions add so much to the texture and tone of the film. Paymer is the perfect foil to Fox, and Anna balances them perfectly, giving a unity to the staff presence in the film.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the film is the incorporation of 'normal' events in the White House during the romance. We are not excluded or merely “clued in”, but we participate in all the activities of the President, which makes the film more realistic and visceral. The flow of the film is exceptional, since there are no explosions or other violence to distract us, and the cinematography is amazing. The sets are perfect. Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexual innuendo and a few uses of profanity, this film is far from offensive in its delivery, its demeanor, or its presentation. A classic which will enhance any collection.

Out of Reach - 2004

Franchise Pictures, Epsilon Motion Pictures

Directed by Po-Chih Leong

William Lansing – Steven Seagal

Irena Morawska – Ida Nowakowska

Kasia Lato – Agnieszka Wagner

Faisal – Matt Schulze

Ibo – Krzysztof Pieczynski

Lewis Morton – Robbie Gee

Azimi – Murat Yilmaz

Mr. Elgin – Nick Brimble

Nikki – Jan Plazalski

Agent Shepherd – Shawn Lawrence

Rosie – Hanna Dunowska

Story: Vietnam veteran Billy Ray Lancing, a former CSA agent who now works on a wildlife refuge in Northern Alaska, has been exchanging letters in a pen-pal relationship with Irena Morawska, a 13-year-old orphaned girl in Poland that he's helping out financially. She is about to leave the orphanage on her 14th birthday. When the letters suddenly stop coming, Billy heads to Poland to figure out why -- only to discover that the orphanage that Irena was staying in, which is financed by honest -- and unsuspecting -- good-intentioned Samaritans, is a cover for a human trafficking network. Run by a man named Faisal, the operation is worth billions -- girls are sold and traded to the highest bidders from all over the world. Through Billy's letters to Irina, Billy has taught Irina how to use secret codes, which she uses to keep Billy updated on where Faisal is taking her to. That's how Billy stays on Faisal's trail as Billy teams up with local cop Kasia Lato to rescue Irina and the other girls...Written by Todd Baldridge (borrowed from IMVU)

Review: Steven Seagal is perhaps the King of the B films, but he is also a cause driven individual who likes to make films that center around real problems. Renowned for his ability as a martial artist and his “I don't take any $h!@ from anyone.” attitude, Seagal's films have unfortunately become formulaic and predictable.

Seagal plays the former agent who has become disenchanted with the agency (Which agency? Does it really matter?) Naturally, he is in the wilderness, this time on a wildlife preserve, and is sponsoring an orphaned girl in Poland. While there are some moments of emotion, most of the time Steven plays the role with a lack of luster and motivation, like he is tired of making the same film for the 100th time.

Matt Schulze is the one actor in the cast who stands out. His portrayal of Faisal, the operator of the human trafficking ring, is one dimensional, but its the right dimension. If you're going to be a bad guy, be a really bad guy. Nick Brimble's brief appearance is good, but Nick comes off as the man behind the scenes and his threat to Faisal lacks the true tone of contempt anyone would show for a man in that business.

Overall, the film is slow to the point of boredom, predictable as a clock, and just plain poorly done. Rated R for violence, language, and a few scenes in an upscale brothel. If you happen to see this one on the shelf at your local video store, I'd let it collect dust, unless you are a big fan of Seagal, and even then I would take a moment and think about it.

Suicide Kings - 1997

Artisan Entertainment

Directed by Peter O'Fallon

Cast:

Carlo Bartolucci / Charlie Barret – Christopher Walken

Lono Veccio – Denis Leary

Jennifer – Nina Siemaszko

Avery Chasten – Henry Thomas

Max Minot – Sean Patrick Flannery

Brett Campbell – Jay Mohr

T. K. - Jeremy Sisto

Ira Reder – Johnny Galecki

Lydia – Laura San Giacomo

Elise Chasten – Laura Harris

Story: Okay. So this well connected former mobster turned respectable citizen walks into his favorite bar at his favorite hotel and two well dressed punks are sitting at his reserved booth. Charlie Barret, formerly Carlo Bartolucci, turns to the bartender to see what's happening. The punks start to give the bartender some lip, so Charlie pops up and starts to be gracious when the punks, Avery Chasten and Max Minot, recognize him and begin to apologize and offer to buy him a drink. After a little encouragement, Charlie sits in the booth and joins them, and they are joined by their friend, Brett Campbell. The boys make a little small talk with Charlie, and then explain they are meeting Avery's father for dinner and invite him to join them. Since Avery's dad is a well connected financial adviser, Charlie agrees to join the three for dinner, but as they are driving along in Avery's mother's Mercedes, suddenly the boys in the back toss a strap around Charlie while one of them tries to subdue him with chloroform. Charlie is a former mob boss, and does not go quietly, but eventually they get him unconscious and drive him to the house of Ira Reder, a friend who has no idea what they had planned. When Charlie comes around, he is strapped to a chair, and his pinkie finger with his ring has been removed. Avery tells him his sister has been kidnapped, and the kidnappers have begun to send her back in pieces, and for every piece they get of the sister, Charlie is going to lose a piece unless he helps them recover Avery's sister.

Review: A couple of years back, I was looking through a copy of Maxim magazine and I found a list of 20 films saved by having Christopher Walken in them. As you have probably guessed, Suicide Kings was among the 20, actually, I believe it was number 3.

This was Peter O'Fallon's premiere film for the big screen (he has since made only one other, although he continues to direct numerous television series), and there are a lot of things that might have gone a little better. The dialog is weak in spots, the premise of a “made guy” going off with a bunch of preppy kids is a little off the wall, and the overall feel of the film drags from time to time. But that doesn't mean it is a total failure.

As a matter of fact, just the opposite. Needless to say Walken and Leary come off exceptionally well, and the remainder of the cast is believable. Johnny Galecki comes off as Johnny Galecki, which is to say his dialog and acting are better suited to his current role in Big Bang Theory than to the big screen. Jay Mohr, well, I never have like Mohr, so I can tell you his character is passable, but he never quite rises to the level needed for his part. Henry Thomas and Sean Patrick Flannery both give good performances, and are really the two character who draw your interest. Jeremy Sisto as the medical student tending to Walken is more than adequate to the role, and you can see the young actor's ability flourishing into the actor he has become.

As to the film itself, the plot, once you get past the implausible part, is good and moves pretty well, although there is a lot of exposition that seems pointless until you get to the very end. By then, unfortunately, you lose interest, unless you are a die hard Walken fan (guilty as charged).

Since I have the DVD (yes, I pulled it out of the bargain bin at WalMart), I've watched the alternative endings and listened to O'Fallon's comments, and the one that struck me the most was his comparison of the final scene of the film to one in The Usual Suspects. Hmmm. Not even close, Pete.

Rated R for violence, language, torture, and some nudity, this film is one you might want to rent just to see why television directors who are really good at their jobs should stick to television. Definitely a renter, not a keeper, and then only if you are interested in coming away with a very unsatisfied feeling from a movie.