Watching Burlesque made me feel again like the 14 year old girl I once was who wore out the soundtrack to Caberet trying to learn all the lyrics. I was so intrigued by the music, style and sex appeal of what I was watching that I felt like Christina Aguilera does in the movie when she discover burlesque for the first time. Owned by Cher who is dealing with financial problems, Christina’s Ali finds the nightclub shortly before Cher’s Tess may lose it. Tess’ ex-husband, (Peter Gallagher) is pressuring her to sell. And a successful real-estate mogul (Eric Dane) is making her a very attractive offer. But Tess loves her club and her girl’s are her family. She refuses to sell and is looking for another way out.
Ali has just moved to L.A. from the mid-west and wants to make it as a singer and dancer. She is lured into to the theatre by the music and a costumed girl she sees in the alley. When she watches the girls perform their act her imagination takes flight. These songs are sexy without being lewd and the costumes are suggestive without being crude. It is all about the promise of naughtiness while maintaining the guise of innocence. It is fun, flirty, alluring and hot. Full of double entendres and bawdiness, burlesques is a very specific genre and an art. Ali was hooked and just had to be a part of it.
To break into the club Ali makes friends with the bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) who gives her an intro and an opportunity to meet Tess. But Tess is so self-involved with her money problems that she won’t even pay attention to her. So Ali settles for a waitressing job and looks for another way in. She watches everything like a hawk, learns the dances and studies about burlesque at home. With knowledge comes confidence and Ali will soon have her chance. She has the voice and she has the moves. All she needs is a break.
Unlike Caberet, this plot line does not have the social and political background of pre-war Germany to give it a serious and weighty edge, but it is enough to hold the musical together. And that is what makes this movie so good, the lights, the music, the dancing, the sex. Burlesque is pure entertainment and if Christina Aguilera wasn’t already a star, this movie would make her one. There are numbers and then more numbers and after that all you want is more. My only complaint is that I could have used more Cher and Alan Cumming. Alan Cumming was born for burlesque and it’s too bad he couldn’t have had a bigger role. Also in the running for more screen time is Stanley Tucci. He plays Cher’s gay best friend and I love him in everything he does.
I honestly went into this film with very modest expectations and now I am a huge fan. The costumes were awesome, the dancers were fantastic and Christina really has a marvelous voice. I even found Cam Gigandet quite adorable and Kristen Bell is also good as the star whose drinking problem gets in the way. The script avoids the usual melodrama and allows the musical numbers to speak for themselves. If I was still that 14 year old girl I would be heading off to the music store to make my buy. Spotlight please, I’m ready for my solo, “Welcome to Burlesque”.
Rating: First Run If she wasn’t already a star this film would make her one.
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Skyline
Skyline is ridiculous. A bunch of artistic types are partying in the penthouse of a luxury Venice high-rise. When they finally awaken from their drunken stupor they realize that Los Angeles is under attack by aliens who are sucking people up into the sky like a giant Hoover vacuum cleaner. Those who cannot be sucked up into the sky are being chased down by small flying aliens who capture their victims with their tentacles and eat their brains like cracking a walnut. If you manage to escape them there are small flying ships that emerge from the giant mother ships and knock down any resistance fighters. If that is not enough, there are huge walking monsters that go around smashing buildings and stepping on things. It is a hopeless situation unless you obtain the smallest amount of common sense. The smart ones will survive and therefore ensure the continuation of our species. Unfortunately none of the smart ones are depicted in this film. A dumb film about dumb people.
Rating: Don't Bother Unless you like cheap cheesy special effects in need of a script
Rating: Don't Bother Unless you like cheap cheesy special effects in need of a script
127 Hours
When the movie first started, for a brief moment I thought I might have been in the wrong film. The screen was full of crowds and noise, traffic and congestion. I was seriously thinking of getting up or checking my ticket stub when I finally saw Danny Boyle’s name. Knowing now that I was in the correct theatre I tried to understand what I was seeing. Then it became clear. When our protagonist ignores the phone, grabs his gear, fills a water bottle and hops in his car, he doesn’t unclench until he encounters a sign that says, “Next Services 100 Miles.” He is now far enough away from the city to breathe, calm down and relax. Come dawn, he’ll be able to rejuvenate. He’s about to experience the joys of nature.
By every behavior we can see that our hero, James Franco (Milk), is an expert outdoorsman. He’s organized, detailed, only this time he was rushed. A few fatal errors nearly cost him his life. When a boulder dislodges and pins his arm to a rock wall, only his training, cool-headed sanity and the will to survive keep him alive long enough to make a monumental decision. In order to live, Aron Ralston cuts off his own right arm.
We know that Aron Ralston endures because he makes it back and later writes a book. But the film is not about his survival it’s more about the process of survival. Why do some make it while others perish? It is luck, skill, training or attitude? This film breaks it down and shows us how one guy made it home. Some will find it gross, some will find it revolting, Aron had to take some extreme measures to cheat death. But what is fascinating about this film is its ability to connect us to his experience. Whether we’ve ever been rock climbing or not, we understand the feeling of being trapped. Director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) puts us right in there with him and we feel what he feels. It really is a remarkable cinematic achievement and James Franco gives a performance to match. The Oscar buzz is not unwarranted. I highly recommend this film.
Rating: Must See A riveting Oscar contender
By every behavior we can see that our hero, James Franco (Milk), is an expert outdoorsman. He’s organized, detailed, only this time he was rushed. A few fatal errors nearly cost him his life. When a boulder dislodges and pins his arm to a rock wall, only his training, cool-headed sanity and the will to survive keep him alive long enough to make a monumental decision. In order to live, Aron Ralston cuts off his own right arm.
We know that Aron Ralston endures because he makes it back and later writes a book. But the film is not about his survival it’s more about the process of survival. Why do some make it while others perish? It is luck, skill, training or attitude? This film breaks it down and shows us how one guy made it home. Some will find it gross, some will find it revolting, Aron had to take some extreme measures to cheat death. But what is fascinating about this film is its ability to connect us to his experience. Whether we’ve ever been rock climbing or not, we understand the feeling of being trapped. Director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) puts us right in there with him and we feel what he feels. It really is a remarkable cinematic achievement and James Franco gives a performance to match. The Oscar buzz is not unwarranted. I highly recommend this film.
Rating: Must See A riveting Oscar contender
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
It is difficult for me to evaluate a Harry Potter film. I have never read any of the books, therefore some of the characters and plot points elude me. However I was completely enchanted with the first Harry Potter film and I have seen every movie since. So since I can’t review this film as a Harry Potter fan, I am going to focus on this film as a fantasy adventure.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has no definitive beginning or end. It is clearly a bridging story between what has gone before and what will happen next. Harry Potter once again is in danger and his friends have rallied around him to save his life. Hermione with her superior spell casting powers has transformed everyone into Harry Potter decoys to confuse and frustrate the villains. But when things go wrong she has the ability to transport herself, Harry and Ron to any place that she is currently thinking of. This is an interesting concept for me. Since every place they land has some memory or significance for Hermione, each scene carries its own emotional weight, which causes an intriguing dynamic.
Unlike some of the previous Harry Potter films that are effects heavy, this one really focuses on the relationships of our three heroes. Romance is budding between Hermione and Ron and when under stress Ron becomes jealous of her relationship with Harry. Harry is full of remorse and guilt. He is trying desperately to push people away in a false attempt to protect them. But Harry needs his friends now more than ever. Together is the only way for them to survive.
What I liked the most about this film were the quiet scenes that took place when the three were hiding. Whether it was a tent in the woods, or an empty diner, these times of isolation forced them to deal with their emotions and come to terms with what was happening. What I noticed the most about these scenes is how much Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have grown as actors. These exchanges were honest, grounded and full of angst. It was delightful to see their growth. You could have easily pulled them out of this film and inserted them into a war film as resistance fighters. Their performances had experience and gravity. You could tell that they were feeling the weight of the world.
Since this Harry Potter has less spectacle than previous Potter films it really allowed me to appreciate the effects that were there. Because I wasn’t overwhelmed with the visual, I was able to appreciate the sound this time around. I was also fascinated by the elevator effect. I was having fun trying to figure out how much of that was practical and how much was CGI. It was a very cool and statisfying effect.
Even though this Harry Potter is not as action intensive as its other films I still found it well paced, intense and engaging through out. I was never bored, even in the quieter moments and when the film was over I was surprised when I looked at my watch. It didn’t feel long at all. Also I enjoyed the acting of some of the minor characters. It was amusing watching adults like David O’Hare, take on the mannerisms of our teen heroes. It was also entertaining viewing multiple Harry Potters. That was a very clever scene and provided some much needed humor.
I was curious about the Gestapo undercurrent in the film and wondered if young viewers would pick up on it. I immediately recognized these brown shirt behaviors because I grew up on World War II films. I wondered how much the kids would understand. But even if they didn’t, the tone was still there as well as the evil incarnations. Darkness is darkness, even in the world of magic. And what really saves Harry Potter is love, good friends, loyalty and thinking of others. That is the true magic of Harry Potter.
Rating: First Run Our heroes have grown up
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has no definitive beginning or end. It is clearly a bridging story between what has gone before and what will happen next. Harry Potter once again is in danger and his friends have rallied around him to save his life. Hermione with her superior spell casting powers has transformed everyone into Harry Potter decoys to confuse and frustrate the villains. But when things go wrong she has the ability to transport herself, Harry and Ron to any place that she is currently thinking of. This is an interesting concept for me. Since every place they land has some memory or significance for Hermione, each scene carries its own emotional weight, which causes an intriguing dynamic.
Unlike some of the previous Harry Potter films that are effects heavy, this one really focuses on the relationships of our three heroes. Romance is budding between Hermione and Ron and when under stress Ron becomes jealous of her relationship with Harry. Harry is full of remorse and guilt. He is trying desperately to push people away in a false attempt to protect them. But Harry needs his friends now more than ever. Together is the only way for them to survive.
What I liked the most about this film were the quiet scenes that took place when the three were hiding. Whether it was a tent in the woods, or an empty diner, these times of isolation forced them to deal with their emotions and come to terms with what was happening. What I noticed the most about these scenes is how much Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have grown as actors. These exchanges were honest, grounded and full of angst. It was delightful to see their growth. You could have easily pulled them out of this film and inserted them into a war film as resistance fighters. Their performances had experience and gravity. You could tell that they were feeling the weight of the world.
Since this Harry Potter has less spectacle than previous Potter films it really allowed me to appreciate the effects that were there. Because I wasn’t overwhelmed with the visual, I was able to appreciate the sound this time around. I was also fascinated by the elevator effect. I was having fun trying to figure out how much of that was practical and how much was CGI. It was a very cool and statisfying effect.
Even though this Harry Potter is not as action intensive as its other films I still found it well paced, intense and engaging through out. I was never bored, even in the quieter moments and when the film was over I was surprised when I looked at my watch. It didn’t feel long at all. Also I enjoyed the acting of some of the minor characters. It was amusing watching adults like David O’Hare, take on the mannerisms of our teen heroes. It was also entertaining viewing multiple Harry Potters. That was a very clever scene and provided some much needed humor.
I was curious about the Gestapo undercurrent in the film and wondered if young viewers would pick up on it. I immediately recognized these brown shirt behaviors because I grew up on World War II films. I wondered how much the kids would understand. But even if they didn’t, the tone was still there as well as the evil incarnations. Darkness is darkness, even in the world of magic. And what really saves Harry Potter is love, good friends, loyalty and thinking of others. That is the true magic of Harry Potter.
Rating: First Run Our heroes have grown up
Monday, November 15, 2010
Unstoppable
We’ve all experienced this. The communal act of being glued to the television watching some major news event unfold. With today’s technology we get instant background data, live video, interviews, graphs and even animated re-enactments. But one thing that the news cannot provide is that personal connection. Unless we have some stake or know someone personally involved, it’s just some interesting story in a far away place. The advantage of a filmmaker is that they can give us that connection.
Using the same techniques of a live-action television crew, director Tony Scott (The Taking of Pelhan 1 2 3) has created a film with the urgency of a live broadcast, but the luxury of a humanizing back-story. By focusing on some of the main participants we are now invested and have a stake. We care about the outcome and therefore the story is much more exciting. We want to know how things come out in the end.
Unstoppable re-enacts the story of a handful of men and women who risked their lives to stop a run-away train. Due to a series of operator errors, an unmanned locomotive gets loose and powers down the tracks heading towards an eventual collision. Worse yet, if they manage to remove all obstacles, the runaway train will still derail when it banks a curve at too high of a speed. When it is discovered that seven of the cars are full of toxic chemicals the situation becomes even worse. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Adding more danger to the circumstances if the train cannot be stopped it will reach a heavily populated town and derail in an industrial area full of oil tanks. The resulting explosions and toxic clouds would devastate the entire city. It is up to the railroad company to stop the train before this can happen, but they have lose-lose situation on their hands. How do they stop the train without loss of life and how do they minimize the damage to their company and others?
There were many men and woman who worked to prevent this disaster, but the two most visible heroes were the conductor, Chris Pine (Star Trek) and the engineer Denzel Washington (Book of Eli). Tony Scott has chosen them to be our personal connection to the story. Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds) plays an operations supervisor and she and the other participants will remain strangers to us. Through the lives of our conductor and engineer we will experience this event fully invested, like family. The rest of the characters will remain minor players.
Unstoppable is a very exciting film. Using the look of modern television and jump cutting quickly from scene to scene I became so engrossed in the impending action that my entire body became tense and I found myself squeezing the heck out of a wad of napkins. The stunt work is so phenomenal and realistic that it had me on the edge of my seat and even worried for the stuntmen and actors. I don’t care how many safety features are in place; there is something ferocious and powerful about a moving locomotive. One mistake means dismemberment or death and that is why train safety is so important. But even though train safety is a component in this film, it is still about action and entertainment. So, if you board this train, plan on an exhilarating ride and not some scenic excursion through the country. This film is intense from beginning to end, all aboard for a heart-stopping adventure.
Rating: First Run All aboard for a heart-stopping experience
Using the same techniques of a live-action television crew, director Tony Scott (The Taking of Pelhan 1 2 3) has created a film with the urgency of a live broadcast, but the luxury of a humanizing back-story. By focusing on some of the main participants we are now invested and have a stake. We care about the outcome and therefore the story is much more exciting. We want to know how things come out in the end.
Unstoppable re-enacts the story of a handful of men and women who risked their lives to stop a run-away train. Due to a series of operator errors, an unmanned locomotive gets loose and powers down the tracks heading towards an eventual collision. Worse yet, if they manage to remove all obstacles, the runaway train will still derail when it banks a curve at too high of a speed. When it is discovered that seven of the cars are full of toxic chemicals the situation becomes even worse. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Adding more danger to the circumstances if the train cannot be stopped it will reach a heavily populated town and derail in an industrial area full of oil tanks. The resulting explosions and toxic clouds would devastate the entire city. It is up to the railroad company to stop the train before this can happen, but they have lose-lose situation on their hands. How do they stop the train without loss of life and how do they minimize the damage to their company and others?
There were many men and woman who worked to prevent this disaster, but the two most visible heroes were the conductor, Chris Pine (Star Trek) and the engineer Denzel Washington (Book of Eli). Tony Scott has chosen them to be our personal connection to the story. Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds) plays an operations supervisor and she and the other participants will remain strangers to us. Through the lives of our conductor and engineer we will experience this event fully invested, like family. The rest of the characters will remain minor players.
Unstoppable is a very exciting film. Using the look of modern television and jump cutting quickly from scene to scene I became so engrossed in the impending action that my entire body became tense and I found myself squeezing the heck out of a wad of napkins. The stunt work is so phenomenal and realistic that it had me on the edge of my seat and even worried for the stuntmen and actors. I don’t care how many safety features are in place; there is something ferocious and powerful about a moving locomotive. One mistake means dismemberment or death and that is why train safety is so important. But even though train safety is a component in this film, it is still about action and entertainment. So, if you board this train, plan on an exhilarating ride and not some scenic excursion through the country. This film is intense from beginning to end, all aboard for a heart-stopping adventure.
Rating: First Run All aboard for a heart-stopping experience
Morning Glory
News flash! Hollywood: It is completely possible to make a comedy without dumbing it down, being crude, or exposing us to bodily fluids. In Morning Glory we are treated to charm, wit, endearing characters and good performances. Even the slapstick is doled out in measured portions; just enough to reveal personality, yet not enough to look like a cheap set-up. In other words, this comedy has class.
Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) portrays Becky, a young woman in love with the news and the art of broadcast journalism. Although she admires the stalwart anchormen of the past, she sees no reason why news cannot be both informative and entertaining. This makes her very effective in today’s journalism. She just wants the best of both.
After working her way up from the bottom and turning a local morning show into a big ratings success, Becky is served with a termination notice instead of an overdue promotion. Her loyal crew sends her off with hugs and tears while the station brings in a recent college graduate with a communications and business degree. Forced to begin over, Becky does not have the emotional support system to help her get back on top. She has given her life to her job and now her work-family has been torn from her. Overcoming this disappointment and a super critical mother, Becky must now find her own way back into the newsroom. So, in order not to give up her dream she throws herself into finding a new job, sending resumes everywhere and following up with persistent phone calls.
After being aggressive to the point of being annoying, Becky lands an interview with network executive Jerry Barnes, Jeff Goldbloom (Silverado). Becky overwhelms him with her enthusiasm, but she leaves disappointed. Mr. Barnes is not sure that she is up to the job. But after some thought he decides to give her a try and Becky is ecstatic. But what she doesn’t know is that the show is on its way out. As the last place morning show of all the networks, it is in danger of being cancelled and replaced by a game show. As it is, the budget is low, and morale is worse. What harm can she possibly do?
When Becky discovers the prospect of cancellation, she wheedles out a promise to give her six weeks to pull the ratings up and prolong the demise of the show. With this vow, she takes charge with a ferocity that only passion and determination can bring. Becky cleans house, invigorates the staff and brings in veteran news anchorman Mike Pomeroy, Harrison Ford (Star Wars). Mike Pomeroy, however doesn’t want to come. He feels that morning shows are beneath his stature. But Becky can read a contract with the best of them and she knows that if he refuses any serious offer he’ll lose his cushy 2 million dollar deal with the station. She has won this round, but he comes begrudgingly. Now she has a malcontent on her hands with a super-sized ego.
Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) plays Colleen Peck, a consummate professional who has been with the show for years. She feels like she has been single-handedly keeping things afloat and now she is saddled with an arrogant, grumpy, holier-than-thou prima donna. Sparks ensue, but the ratings go up. Becky’s plan is working.
Because this is a comedy, there must be other obstacles, so enter Adam Bennet, Patrick Wilson (Watchman). He used to produce for Mike Pomeroy and considers him the third most horrible man on the planet. Becky seeks his advice on how to manage Pomeroy and a romance between the two blossoms. Always being married to her job, this surprises her and throws her off at the same time. Not only has she found a great guy, but a man who can appreciate what she does. Now she just has to break her pattern and not screw things up.
Besides entertaining us, Morning Glory touches on the topics of news as entertainment, journalistic ethics and reveals to us the behind the scenes antics of live television. When the clock is ticking and being first is everything, emotions can run high. This creates the perfect pressure-cooker for drama and comedy and I feel that this film delivers. Rachel McAdams is very watch able and its fun to see her face down the veteran giant, Harrison Ford. I also enjoyed the work of Diane Keaton. From kissing a frog to donning a pink tutu, she was game for anything. I really liked her in this role and think that you will too.
Rating: First Run A classy comedy that deserves your attention
Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) portrays Becky, a young woman in love with the news and the art of broadcast journalism. Although she admires the stalwart anchormen of the past, she sees no reason why news cannot be both informative and entertaining. This makes her very effective in today’s journalism. She just wants the best of both.
After working her way up from the bottom and turning a local morning show into a big ratings success, Becky is served with a termination notice instead of an overdue promotion. Her loyal crew sends her off with hugs and tears while the station brings in a recent college graduate with a communications and business degree. Forced to begin over, Becky does not have the emotional support system to help her get back on top. She has given her life to her job and now her work-family has been torn from her. Overcoming this disappointment and a super critical mother, Becky must now find her own way back into the newsroom. So, in order not to give up her dream she throws herself into finding a new job, sending resumes everywhere and following up with persistent phone calls.
After being aggressive to the point of being annoying, Becky lands an interview with network executive Jerry Barnes, Jeff Goldbloom (Silverado). Becky overwhelms him with her enthusiasm, but she leaves disappointed. Mr. Barnes is not sure that she is up to the job. But after some thought he decides to give her a try and Becky is ecstatic. But what she doesn’t know is that the show is on its way out. As the last place morning show of all the networks, it is in danger of being cancelled and replaced by a game show. As it is, the budget is low, and morale is worse. What harm can she possibly do?
When Becky discovers the prospect of cancellation, she wheedles out a promise to give her six weeks to pull the ratings up and prolong the demise of the show. With this vow, she takes charge with a ferocity that only passion and determination can bring. Becky cleans house, invigorates the staff and brings in veteran news anchorman Mike Pomeroy, Harrison Ford (Star Wars). Mike Pomeroy, however doesn’t want to come. He feels that morning shows are beneath his stature. But Becky can read a contract with the best of them and she knows that if he refuses any serious offer he’ll lose his cushy 2 million dollar deal with the station. She has won this round, but he comes begrudgingly. Now she has a malcontent on her hands with a super-sized ego.
Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) plays Colleen Peck, a consummate professional who has been with the show for years. She feels like she has been single-handedly keeping things afloat and now she is saddled with an arrogant, grumpy, holier-than-thou prima donna. Sparks ensue, but the ratings go up. Becky’s plan is working.
Because this is a comedy, there must be other obstacles, so enter Adam Bennet, Patrick Wilson (Watchman). He used to produce for Mike Pomeroy and considers him the third most horrible man on the planet. Becky seeks his advice on how to manage Pomeroy and a romance between the two blossoms. Always being married to her job, this surprises her and throws her off at the same time. Not only has she found a great guy, but a man who can appreciate what she does. Now she just has to break her pattern and not screw things up.
Besides entertaining us, Morning Glory touches on the topics of news as entertainment, journalistic ethics and reveals to us the behind the scenes antics of live television. When the clock is ticking and being first is everything, emotions can run high. This creates the perfect pressure-cooker for drama and comedy and I feel that this film delivers. Rachel McAdams is very watch able and its fun to see her face down the veteran giant, Harrison Ford. I also enjoyed the work of Diane Keaton. From kissing a frog to donning a pink tutu, she was game for anything. I really liked her in this role and think that you will too.
Rating: First Run A classy comedy that deserves your attention
Friday, November 12, 2010
Jolene
People are either stones or leaves. When a stone hits the water it makes a splash, causes ripples and then rests on the bottom. But when a leaf lands on the water it becomes the mistress of the current, sucked in by eddies, cascading over falls, caught up in rapids or floating endlessly in still water waiting for something to change its course. Such is the life of Jolene.
Based on a short story by E.L. Doctorow, Jolene tells the story of a young orphaned girl who marries a boy at the age of 16 to escape from the abuse of a series of foster homes. Resented by her in-laws, Jolene is then seduced by Uncle Phil, Dermont Mulroney (Flash of Genius) and begins the first of many affairs. Jolene does not initiate these affairs, but rather she accepts them. Any sign of resistance is quickly replaced by the desire to be protected and loved.
It takes a long time for Jolene to see that anyone who would take advantage of a young naïve girl is not in it for her. It is her beauty and openness that brings out the predators. Her guileless nature makes her easy prey. The only thing that Jolene really owns is her talent for drawing and her ability to see beauty wherever she goes. Jolene is a survivor.
Throughout this melodramatic tale Jolene encounters Frances Fisher, Rupert Friend, Chazz Palminteri, and Michael Vartan. Each one of these users plucks a petal off the rose, but Jolene is not without self-esteem. She knows that she can draw and her passion for art is what keeps her going. Despite her circumstances she keeps moving forward looking for love and a place to belong.
Newcomer Jessica Chastain plays Jolene and it is easy to see why she was cast. This beautiful young actress must age from 15 to 25 and still be able to portray a certain amount of hope and trust even after being abused time after time. Unfortunately Jessica is the victim of a heavy-handed script that takes her from one situation to the next without any real subtext or personal growth. But then Jolene is like a leaf floating along the river of life going wherever the current takes her. Hopefully Jessica Chastain is more like a stone making a big splash in Hollywood and causing ripples throughout the industry. Inly time will tell.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A regular soap opera
Based on a short story by E.L. Doctorow, Jolene tells the story of a young orphaned girl who marries a boy at the age of 16 to escape from the abuse of a series of foster homes. Resented by her in-laws, Jolene is then seduced by Uncle Phil, Dermont Mulroney (Flash of Genius) and begins the first of many affairs. Jolene does not initiate these affairs, but rather she accepts them. Any sign of resistance is quickly replaced by the desire to be protected and loved.
It takes a long time for Jolene to see that anyone who would take advantage of a young naïve girl is not in it for her. It is her beauty and openness that brings out the predators. Her guileless nature makes her easy prey. The only thing that Jolene really owns is her talent for drawing and her ability to see beauty wherever she goes. Jolene is a survivor.
Throughout this melodramatic tale Jolene encounters Frances Fisher, Rupert Friend, Chazz Palminteri, and Michael Vartan. Each one of these users plucks a petal off the rose, but Jolene is not without self-esteem. She knows that she can draw and her passion for art is what keeps her going. Despite her circumstances she keeps moving forward looking for love and a place to belong.
Newcomer Jessica Chastain plays Jolene and it is easy to see why she was cast. This beautiful young actress must age from 15 to 25 and still be able to portray a certain amount of hope and trust even after being abused time after time. Unfortunately Jessica is the victim of a heavy-handed script that takes her from one situation to the next without any real subtext or personal growth. But then Jolene is like a leaf floating along the river of life going wherever the current takes her. Hopefully Jessica Chastain is more like a stone making a big splash in Hollywood and causing ripples throughout the industry. Inly time will tell.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A regular soap opera
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Due Date
I was really looking forward to seeing Due Date. I’m a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and now that most of his personal baggage has been packed and stowed I’ve been enjoying his forays into farce and comedy. He’s like Robert De Niro in that he doesn’t feel like he has anything to prove, so he picks projects that sound like fun and goes where the work takes him. I was also interested to see if Zach Galifianakis could bring anything new to the party after his similar characters in The Hangover and Dinner For Schmucks. That’s why I was disappointed when the early reviews of this film were so mediocre. I was hoping for something really great.
There is also my personal connection to the film. I work on the sitcom Two And A Half Men and Zach’s character, who is an actor in the film, is obsessed with the show. Last season we taped a scene for the movie after we filmed our regular week’s episode. The audience stayed, we all had to sign waivers and none of us knew how we would be worked into the plot. It was just fun being part of the process and we were wondering if we would be seen. So of course, I had to see the film. I needed to view the final product.
Well, the movie was not as bad as I thought, in fact there are parts that are quite funny. But it was a lot darker than I expected and more of a relationship film than a full blown comedy. Both characters are seriously flawed and they must find a way to work together in order to get to California. Ethan Tremblay (Zach) for his audition and Peter Highman (Robert) for the birth of his baby. Time is crucial in that both are facing life changing events. That’s why the stakes are so high and the emotions so raw. In addition, Ethan just lost his father so along for the ride is his ashes in a coffee can, as well as a spoiled bull terrier.
Ethan and Peter first meet at the airport when Ethan’s ride accidently rips the door off of Peter’s town car. As the driver’s are working things out the luggage gets switched and Peter is detained at security for carrying marijuana. (Ethan’s, not his). Everything would have been fine, but Peter has a short fuse and is easily frustrated. When he reacts badly onboard, they are both kicked off the plane and put on the no-fly list.
With no wallet or ID (It was left on the plane), Peter has no way to get home. Ethan, who is accustomed to rolling with the punches, uses his resources to rent a car. He invites Peter to come along, and Peter, with no other options, must go. For once he is not in the driver’s seat and it is making him crazy. The two must now share a common goal, California by Friday.
For me the best part of the movie was the small quiet scenes. I love watching Robert Downey Jr.’s face and Zach has some dramatic chops too. But then the film would swing big and take the story to extremes with wild stunts, larger than life characters, and far-fetched situations. In my opinion the relationship got lost and that’s what drew us to the film in the first place.You can have all the masturbating dogs, pot smokers, and corrupt policeman in the world, but if you can’t ground it with good-old fashion chemistry between two people it won’t feel right. You have to believe that they’ll come out at the end of the journey changed but also together. As is, I have a feeling that Peter is going to lose Ethan’s number. Some relationships are not meant to last.
Rating: Second Run Don’t leave this comedy on the side of the road
There is also my personal connection to the film. I work on the sitcom Two And A Half Men and Zach’s character, who is an actor in the film, is obsessed with the show. Last season we taped a scene for the movie after we filmed our regular week’s episode. The audience stayed, we all had to sign waivers and none of us knew how we would be worked into the plot. It was just fun being part of the process and we were wondering if we would be seen. So of course, I had to see the film. I needed to view the final product.
Well, the movie was not as bad as I thought, in fact there are parts that are quite funny. But it was a lot darker than I expected and more of a relationship film than a full blown comedy. Both characters are seriously flawed and they must find a way to work together in order to get to California. Ethan Tremblay (Zach) for his audition and Peter Highman (Robert) for the birth of his baby. Time is crucial in that both are facing life changing events. That’s why the stakes are so high and the emotions so raw. In addition, Ethan just lost his father so along for the ride is his ashes in a coffee can, as well as a spoiled bull terrier.
Ethan and Peter first meet at the airport when Ethan’s ride accidently rips the door off of Peter’s town car. As the driver’s are working things out the luggage gets switched and Peter is detained at security for carrying marijuana. (Ethan’s, not his). Everything would have been fine, but Peter has a short fuse and is easily frustrated. When he reacts badly onboard, they are both kicked off the plane and put on the no-fly list.
With no wallet or ID (It was left on the plane), Peter has no way to get home. Ethan, who is accustomed to rolling with the punches, uses his resources to rent a car. He invites Peter to come along, and Peter, with no other options, must go. For once he is not in the driver’s seat and it is making him crazy. The two must now share a common goal, California by Friday.
For me the best part of the movie was the small quiet scenes. I love watching Robert Downey Jr.’s face and Zach has some dramatic chops too. But then the film would swing big and take the story to extremes with wild stunts, larger than life characters, and far-fetched situations. In my opinion the relationship got lost and that’s what drew us to the film in the first place.You can have all the masturbating dogs, pot smokers, and corrupt policeman in the world, but if you can’t ground it with good-old fashion chemistry between two people it won’t feel right. You have to believe that they’ll come out at the end of the journey changed but also together. As is, I have a feeling that Peter is going to lose Ethan’s number. Some relationships are not meant to last.
Rating: Second Run Don’t leave this comedy on the side of the road
Monday, November 8, 2010
Red Hill
The first day on a new job can be hell, but for Shane Cooper, that is an understatement. Ryan Kwanten (Trueblood) plays a young constable who has just transferred from the big city to a remote Australian outpost. Showing up on the job gunless and late, he arrives at the station to find a horse in the driveway and a cool reception from his associates. His boss is down the street, so with some quick directions Shane ambles down the road to meet his superior, Old Bill.
After a dressing down for losing his gun amongst the packing boxes, Old Bill (Steve Bisley) interrogates his new employee and questions his motives for being there. With reluctance, Shane reveals that his wife has suffered a previous miscarriage and they have moved to the country to remove stress, lower her blood-pressure and help her carry her new baby to term. Unfortunately for them, they chose the town of Red Hill.
Before the day is through, like a panther coming out of the night, the devil has come to collect his due. A former resident of the town, Jimmy Conway, has escaped from prison and he’s back in Red Hill to exact his revenge. Old Bill, who put him away, is intent of stopping the formidable Jimmy. With the help of a posse, they prepare for the worst and the worst is what they’ll get. Jimmy Conway is an aborigine descendant and the best tracker in the country. Shane Cooper is stuck in the middle, clueless and wondering, who is hunting who.
Red Hill is a stylish thriller with the look and feel of a western and the intensity of a horror movie. Tommy Lewis, with his fire-scared face comes off like a Clint Eastwood character out of Hang ‘Em High. With a name like Shane Cooper, Ryan Kwanten represents what is right and true and as the new comer he must figure out what is going on before it gets him killed.
Patrick Hughes, after cutting his teeth on short films, has written, directed and produced this film. I found it so exciting that not only will I look for his future projects I will go back and seek out his earlier films as well. Like an Aussie version of Robert Rodriguez, Hughes’ movie is violent, but it is also thrilling and intense. It had me on the edge of my street and loving every minute. What an great new discovery in Patrick Hughes. I can’t wait to see his next film.
Rating: Must See A neo western thriller
After a dressing down for losing his gun amongst the packing boxes, Old Bill (Steve Bisley) interrogates his new employee and questions his motives for being there. With reluctance, Shane reveals that his wife has suffered a previous miscarriage and they have moved to the country to remove stress, lower her blood-pressure and help her carry her new baby to term. Unfortunately for them, they chose the town of Red Hill.
Before the day is through, like a panther coming out of the night, the devil has come to collect his due. A former resident of the town, Jimmy Conway, has escaped from prison and he’s back in Red Hill to exact his revenge. Old Bill, who put him away, is intent of stopping the formidable Jimmy. With the help of a posse, they prepare for the worst and the worst is what they’ll get. Jimmy Conway is an aborigine descendant and the best tracker in the country. Shane Cooper is stuck in the middle, clueless and wondering, who is hunting who.
Red Hill is a stylish thriller with the look and feel of a western and the intensity of a horror movie. Tommy Lewis, with his fire-scared face comes off like a Clint Eastwood character out of Hang ‘Em High. With a name like Shane Cooper, Ryan Kwanten represents what is right and true and as the new comer he must figure out what is going on before it gets him killed.
Patrick Hughes, after cutting his teeth on short films, has written, directed and produced this film. I found it so exciting that not only will I look for his future projects I will go back and seek out his earlier films as well. Like an Aussie version of Robert Rodriguez, Hughes’ movie is violent, but it is also thrilling and intense. It had me on the edge of my street and loving every minute. What an great new discovery in Patrick Hughes. I can’t wait to see his next film.
Rating: Must See A neo western thriller
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Hereafter
Have you ever awakened in the middle of a very vivid dream, and then in a state of semi-consciousness tried to hold on to the images and construct some kind of meaning or understanding from them? The more you try to retain the pictures, the harder it is to arrange them in some kind of configuration. You try to work quickly because the memories are evaporating like mist, yet there is a certain peacefulness in the languid state of sleepiness. As you become more wakeful and start to lose the dream all together you begin to let go and move on with your day. By evening, the dream is pretty much gone and you only remember bits and pieces. Well, that’s how I felt watching the movie Hereafter.
I loved the slow measured pace in the beginning, but as one story became two, and then became three I had to work harder to keep all the parts together which caused me to concentrate more, thus losing that tranquil feeling. Since Matt Damon (Bourne Identity) was the only notable star in the film, (I’m not counting Bryce Dallas Howard -The Village- who was unrecognizable in dark hair), there were no familiar characters to help us along. One of the actors even spoke in French so you had to really pay attention in order to read subtitles. Once my brain started working overtime I lost the dream-like state and then the tone no longer worked for me. It was now too slow and I started thinking of other things like why was Clint Eastwood attracted to this subject matter? And why did he direct this film?
The movie tried to raise some questions and alluded to the fact that the scientific community does not take spiritual or after-life studies seriously. Illustrating that researchers in this area are often kept on the fringe and their work, to avoid ridicule, is privately funded. It also shows that there are a lot of charlatans in this area, although there are genuine studies as well. Whatever questions are raised, they are never really answered, because in this field things are hard to prove. So we are left with what we’ve known before. People need closure, assurance and peace. They want to know that life doesn’t end with death. And until we find our answers, our proof, we’ll each keep looking in our own way.
As a film, I think that Hereafter was only partially successfully. Overall it left me wanting and my enjoyment of the film was minimal. I would have liked to see a commitment to some ideal, even if it was only the filmmaker’s opinion. As is, I don’t know what this film is trying to say. By the end I don’t know what Eastwood believes and with this type of film I think it should have a stronger voice. Unlike other Eastwood films, this one is being kept in limited release, more like an independent film. This makes me believe that it is personal. I just wish I knew what he was trying to say.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Don’t go if you are tired, it will put you asleep
I loved the slow measured pace in the beginning, but as one story became two, and then became three I had to work harder to keep all the parts together which caused me to concentrate more, thus losing that tranquil feeling. Since Matt Damon (Bourne Identity) was the only notable star in the film, (I’m not counting Bryce Dallas Howard -The Village- who was unrecognizable in dark hair), there were no familiar characters to help us along. One of the actors even spoke in French so you had to really pay attention in order to read subtitles. Once my brain started working overtime I lost the dream-like state and then the tone no longer worked for me. It was now too slow and I started thinking of other things like why was Clint Eastwood attracted to this subject matter? And why did he direct this film?
The movie tried to raise some questions and alluded to the fact that the scientific community does not take spiritual or after-life studies seriously. Illustrating that researchers in this area are often kept on the fringe and their work, to avoid ridicule, is privately funded. It also shows that there are a lot of charlatans in this area, although there are genuine studies as well. Whatever questions are raised, they are never really answered, because in this field things are hard to prove. So we are left with what we’ve known before. People need closure, assurance and peace. They want to know that life doesn’t end with death. And until we find our answers, our proof, we’ll each keep looking in our own way.
As a film, I think that Hereafter was only partially successfully. Overall it left me wanting and my enjoyment of the film was minimal. I would have liked to see a commitment to some ideal, even if it was only the filmmaker’s opinion. As is, I don’t know what this film is trying to say. By the end I don’t know what Eastwood believes and with this type of film I think it should have a stronger voice. Unlike other Eastwood films, this one is being kept in limited release, more like an independent film. This makes me believe that it is personal. I just wish I knew what he was trying to say.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Don’t go if you are tired, it will put you asleep
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Notes for October
Hello friends,
I apologize for only publishing four reviews in October. In truth I saw eight movies that month, but since several of them were foreign language films and may not be released in this country at all, or at least until next year, I didn’t want to tease you by writing about a film that you do not have access to or a chance to see. Also, October was a very busy month for me. I try to see a least two films a week, but with my schedule this takes a lot of effort on my part. In October I worked 3 or 4 rock concerts and I also did my first press junket for the DVD release of Toy Story 3. You can read my article at Cinemovie.tv (http://www.cinemovie.tv/cinemovie_new/toy-story-3).
November will also be a busy month but I hope to find time to write some more articles. For example I’d like to write about the animated short Day and Night. I got a chance to interview the director and I’m pretty sure he’ll be nominated for an Academy Award. When his presentation went down and we were waiting for tech support I took the opportunity to ask him some side questions about Pixar as a company to work for. I’d love to do an article about that. In addition I want you to remember the name Even The Rain. This film is Spain’s Foreign Language submission to this year’s Oscar race. I loved this movie so much and believe that everyone should see it. It is a beautiful poignant film and has a great message.
So, I’m already working on my next review and hope to get to another one soon. If I missed a movie that you really liked, let me know and I’ll try to see it before it disappears. As much as I try I can’t see them all, but I don’t want to let a good one get away. It is always my first choice to see them on the big screen. There is nothing like the communal experience of a movie theatre. It is the way that movies should be seen.
See you at the movie,
Mel
I apologize for only publishing four reviews in October. In truth I saw eight movies that month, but since several of them were foreign language films and may not be released in this country at all, or at least until next year, I didn’t want to tease you by writing about a film that you do not have access to or a chance to see. Also, October was a very busy month for me. I try to see a least two films a week, but with my schedule this takes a lot of effort on my part. In October I worked 3 or 4 rock concerts and I also did my first press junket for the DVD release of Toy Story 3. You can read my article at Cinemovie.tv (http://www.cinemovie.tv/cinemovie_new/toy-story-3).
November will also be a busy month but I hope to find time to write some more articles. For example I’d like to write about the animated short Day and Night. I got a chance to interview the director and I’m pretty sure he’ll be nominated for an Academy Award. When his presentation went down and we were waiting for tech support I took the opportunity to ask him some side questions about Pixar as a company to work for. I’d love to do an article about that. In addition I want you to remember the name Even The Rain. This film is Spain’s Foreign Language submission to this year’s Oscar race. I loved this movie so much and believe that everyone should see it. It is a beautiful poignant film and has a great message.
So, I’m already working on my next review and hope to get to another one soon. If I missed a movie that you really liked, let me know and I’ll try to see it before it disappears. As much as I try I can’t see them all, but I don’t want to let a good one get away. It is always my first choice to see them on the big screen. There is nothing like the communal experience of a movie theatre. It is the way that movies should be seen.
See you at the movie,
Mel
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