The Conspirator - 2010

American Film Company, The, Wildwood Enterprises

Directed by Robert Redford

Cast:

• Frederick Aiken – James McAvoy
• Mary Surratt – Robin Wright
• Edwin Stanton – Kevin Kline
• Anna Surratt – Evan Rachel Wood
• Reverdy Johnson – Tom Wilkinson
• Nicholas Baker – Justin Long
• Joseph Holt – Danny Huston
• William Hamilton – James Badge Dale
• David Hunter – Colm Meany
• Sarah Weston – Alexis Bledel
• John Surratt – Johnny Simmons

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.

Killer Elite - 2011

Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment, Current Entertainment

Directed by Gary McKendry

Cast:

• Danny – Jason Statham
• Spike – Clive Owen
• Hunter – Robert De Niro
• Davies – Dominic Purcell
• Meier – Aden Young
• Anne – Yvonne Strahovski
• Martin – Ben Mendelsohn
• Agent - Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

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.

J. Edgar - 2011

Imagine Entertainment, Malpaso Productions, Wintergreen Productions

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast:

• J. Edgar Hoover – Leonardo DiCaprio
• Helen Gandy – Naomi Watts
• Anna Marie Hoover – Judi Dench
• Robert Kennedy – Jeffrey Donovan
• Clyde Tolson – Armie Hammer

Story:In this frank and sometimes dark expose, Clint Eastwood directs a formidable cast in the biography of John Edgar Hoover, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For forty eight years, he was the undisputed power behind the power, the man who supposedly had files on everyone and knew everyone's secrets. This film explores the possible personal life and circumstances of the man, and shows J. Edgar Hoover as a man with many forces pulling on his life. He was a troubled man, to be sure, a man whose personal life was dominated by his mother, Anna Marie, and his sense of patriotism and commitment to making Americans safe. The film explores his relationships with his mother, his long-time assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson, and his ever vigilant and loyal Secretary, Helen Gandy. Throughout the film, we are given glimpses of his actions which may or may not have been prompted by his sense of duty to the country, and we are ultimately left to decide for ourselves who J. Edgar Hoover really was.

Review: This film reveals not only the persona of J. Edgar, but of Clint Eastwood as well. As in all of his recent films, we are not offered a conclusion. We are instead given a set of facts, circumstances, and theories, and left to decide the matter for ourselves. The film itself is well presented and the cast is nothing short of formidable. Leonardo DiCaprio creates the impression of growth and personality, showing us the changes from Hoover's past and how they are influenced by his mother and his friends, which are few. The allusion of homosexuality is dealt with in a tasteful and sensitive manner, and again allows us to draw our own conclusions concerning his relationship with his assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson. Armie Hammer plays his role with sensitivity and passion, as does Naomi Watts. As Helen Gandy, her obvious devotion to Hoover is clear. The remaining cast is incidental, although Jeffrey Donovan gives us another glimpse into his abilities with a flawless performance as Robert Kennedy. At the end, I am left with the impression that Hoover's life was sad and personally unfulfilled, but you'll have to see it yourself to draw your own conclusions. Rated R for subject matter and language, this film is collectible for lovers of Eastwood films, and anyone who enjoys a serious biography.

The Last Samurai - 2003

Warner Bros. Pictures, Bedford Falls Company, Cruise/Wagner Productions

Directed by Edward Zwick

Cast:

• Captain Nathan Algren – Tom Cruise
• Katsumoto – Ken Watanabe
• Sgt. Zebulon Grant – Billy Connolly
• Col. Bagley – Tony Goldwyn
• Omura – Masato Harada
• Simon Graham – Timothy Spall
• Emperor Meiji - Shichinosuke Nakamura
• Nobutada - Shin Koyamada
• Ojio - Hiroyuki Sanada
• Taka - Koyuki

Story: In 1876, Captain Nathan Algren, retired from the 7th Cavalry, is convinced by his former sergeant and comrade, Zebulon Grant, to accept a position as a military trainer and advisor for the Japanese. Algren is a brilliant military mind and an alcoholic who is haunted by the scenes of battles and engagements of his past, and his immediate superior, Col. Bagley, is a part of that. He begins training the Japanese troops, who are mostly conscripts and farmers, and is rushed into battle before they are ready to fight. He fights alongside his men and is captured by Katsumoto, the leader of the rebelling Samurai. The Samurai take him to a village deep in the mountains and explain that with winter coming on, there is no way to escape. He is not treated as a prisoner in the usual sense, and has access to the people of the village. During his captivity, he is allowed to learn the ways of the Samurai as Katsumoto, who speaks English, has “conversations” with him to learn about his American enemy. As the two learn about one another, they develop a respect for each other, and Algren develops a love and respect for the way of the Samurai. In the end, he helps the Samurai in their battle to preserve the way of the Japanese people.

Review: Based very loosely on the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, this two and one half hour epic is one of the closest views to Japanese life before western culture ever shot by an American. Tom Cruise shows us his ability to develop and mature as a character throughout the film, and Ken Watanabe displays the quiet yet powerful acting he is known for. The power and emotion of the film are riveting, and the scenery is incredibly beautiful. Supporting roles are exceptionally acted, with special credit to Billy Connolly for his brilliant, if not brief, portrayal as Sargent Zebulon Grant, the hard nosed enlisted man who is tasked with “whipping” the soldiers into shape. The only major flaw I see is a technical one that was added to the film to provide a more dramatic ending, and that is the use of Gatling Guns, which were in use in South America and Europe at the time, but not in the Orient.The links above wil provide you with the setting of the actual rebellion, and I believe Mr. Zwick did an excellent job in portraying the Imperial Court politics of the day. Omura is the prime example of a man consumed with greed and power, and his influence over the Emperor Meiji, the boy who has been thrust into the role of living god, is evident in every scene. Rated R for violence and language, this film is probably acceptable for teens who play battle games on their X-Box or Play Stations, but the little ones should probably be in bed or doing something else. Collectible for fans of Tom Cruise, good drama, or anyone who wants a little insight into the way of the Samurai.

King Arthur - 2004

Touchstone Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Green Hills Productions

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

Cast:

• Arthur – Clive Owen
• Lancelot – Iaon Gruffudd
• Tristam – Madds Mikkelson
• Gawain – Joel Edgerton
• Galahad – Hugh Dancy
• Bors – Ray Winstone
• Merlin – Stephen Dillane
• Guinevere – Keira Knightly
• Cerdic – Stellan Skarsgard
• Cynric – Til Schweiger

Story: Where did the legends of King Arthur originate? While scholars still debate the actual origins, this film reveals one possible circumstance. We are in the time of the decline of the Roman Empire, when the Roman cavalry stationed in Britain were conscripts from Samartia, a land in steppes of the Ural mountains. The Christian era has begun, and all Roman citizens are Christians, while the Samartians retain their pagan faith. Rome has decided to surrender its holdings in Britain, leaving that island to be conquered by the Saxons, the tribes from Northern Europe descended from the Vikings of old, or defended by the Wodes, the indigenous people. On the day the Samarian knights are to be discharged, the Bishop gives them a final task, to rescue a final family of Romans who live above Hadrian's wall, a defensive wall built to keep invaders out. Arthur and his knights reach the household of Marcus Oronius, to discover he has been using torture and beatings to control his serfs. As they journey back to the safety of their fort, they must battle the Wodes and the Saxons. With the hordes of the Wolds on one side and the Saxons close behind, will they succeed in their mission?

Review: For those of us who have read and seen the Arthurian legends based on Morte de Arthur, this is a fascinating look into the possible beginnings of the legend. Since Bruckeimer is producing and Fuqua is directing, the film is filled with fantastic battles and gore, but the plot is solid and the acting is superb. Clive Owen and Iaon Gruffudd (Mr. Fantastic) show incredible insight into their roles, building strong characters for us to consider, as do the remainder of the cast. Kiera Knightly is exceptional in role of Guinevere, the Wode “princess” rescued from the Roman torture chamber. Stephen Dillane is fascinating as Merlin, the guerrilla leader of the Wodes and Guinevere’s father. Stellan Skarsgard as the Saxon king is dark and determined, and you get the impression of three distinctly different cultures who have come to that place in history where the world will change. Overall, the film is a stand alone historical perspective with only one tastefully done (and wholly unnecessary) sex scene. Rated R for the gore and violence, and some language, this film will probably not offend teens who play video games with violent content. The little ones should be asleep before you slip this one in the player. Collectible for the history buffs, or for anyone who enjoys Bruckheimer's work.

The Ghost and the Darkness - 1996

Paramount Pictures, Constellation Entertainment, Douglas/Reuther Productions

Directed by Stephen Hopkins

Cast:

• Charles Remington – Michael Douglas
• Col. John Henry Patterson – Val Kilmer
• Robert Beaumont – Tom Wilkinson
• Samuel – John Kani
• Dr. David Hawthorne – Bernard Hill
• Angus Starling – Brian McCardie
• Helena Patterson – Emily Mortimer
• Abdulla – Om Puri
• Mahina – Henry Cele

Story: Based on the book written by Col. Patterson documenting his adventures in Kenya in 1898 while building a bridge over the Tsavo river, this films takes poetic license to the events. Col. Patterson is an Irishman in the service of the British Empire as an engineer with one specialty: Bridges. He is commissioned by Robert Beaumont to build a bridge for the railroad over the Tsavo river, and since he has always wanted to see Africa, he is thrilled to be going, even thought his wife, a school teacher, is expecting their first child. When he arrives in Africa, he learns of a troubling situation which has his workers frightened. A man-eating lion has killed one of the workers. He promises to “sort it out” and kills the lion on the first night. He thinks he has the problem solved, but soon afterward, another worker is killed. His workers are scared, Mr. Beaumont is upset about the delay in the schedule, and eventually sends a world famous American hunter named Charles Remington in to assist the engineer. Together, they discover these are no ordinary lions. They are killing for pleasure. After many attempts, the lions are killed, but at a high cost.

Review: Since the film was shot in South Africa, the scenery is exceptional. Like all docu-dramas, an amount of license was taken. Micheal Douglas' part in the film is fictional, but very well played and adds to the suspense of the movie. Val Kilmer gives a very quiet but determined air to the role and is supported by excellent performances by John Kani, Om Puri, and Henry Cele, all essential character actors who bring the proper balance of ethnicity and culture to the film. Tom Wilkinson plays Robert Beaumont, a man dedicated to advancing his position to the throne (“I care about my Knighthood!”), across the backs of the people he assigns the tasks. He is a self described Monster who can either make or break a career, and has no qualms about either. Overall the film is matter of fact and very ordinary, but what cannot be denied is that this happened. I have been to the Field Museum and seen the Lions of Tsavo. It is as the last line of the movie says. “If you lock eyes with them, you will be afraid.” Lots of gory scenes make this unsuitable for the children, but most teens have seen worse on their video games. Not necessarily collectible, but certainly worth a viewing, especially if you enjoy Kilmer and Douglas.