A janitor working at the Bolshoi theatre in Russia is standing at the back of the house silently conducting the Bolshoi orchestra. His eyes are closed in ecstasy enjoying every movement when an unbalance in the orchestra destroys his rapturous mood. As he tries to will them back into perfect harmony his cell phone goes off and the real conductor shoots him a deadly glance. Andrey is now banded from watching rehearsals.
Back in Paris, Andrey Simonovich Filipov (Aleksey Guskov) was a brilliant conductor with a promising career, but he was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Exiled to Russia, he and his musicians now work various odd jobs, but have never given up their love for music. For Filipov, music is universal so he never cared where his musicians came from as long as they were good. But in post-war Europe he was penalized for taking a moral stand and now he is suffering with the others.
One day while cleaning the boss’ office, Andrey intercepts an invitation for the Bolshoi Orchestra to play a last-minute concert at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris. The Americans who were supposed to play cancelled suddenly and they were hoping that the Bolshoi could take their place in two weeks time. Knowing that the director was going on vacation, Andrey decides to impersonate the orchestra and call out all his old musician friends to help. Eliciting the help of the very manager that fired him 30 years ago, Andrey scours Moscow for other musicians to fill in the gaps. They also need instruments, visas and money to travel on.
Knowing that they have the Chatelet Theatre over a barrel the rag-tag orchestra makes some ridiculous demands. But being out of the music business for years, their demands are still less expensive than the Americans would have been so they agree. The only catch is that the Russians have to pay for their airfare upfront and the French will reimburse them latter. This creates a tremendous burden for Andrey, but he is driven. He’ll do anything to conduct an orchestra again.
One of Andrey’s demands is a French soloist by the name of Ann-Marie Jacquet (Melanie Laurent). Unbeknownst to her she is the daughter of Andrey’s previous star soloist who died in a Russian prison camp. Andrey has been following her career for years and wants more than anything to meet her. She is one of the reasons behind this hare-brained scheme. Andrey is driven by love, guilt and passion.
The Concert is a comedy and parts of it are completely ridiculous, but what makes this film so great is its finale. When the concert finally comes together and all the pieces have fallen into place, the result is purely miraculous. I have never played in an orchestra before so I’ve never had this experience, but there is something so heavenly, so spiritual when musicians get it right that I defy you to fight back the tears. The Concert will leave you weeping and like all good music it will touch your soul.
Rating: First Run Experience heaven through music
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
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Company Men
In high school it’s about getting into a good college, then it’s about being at the top of your class. After graduation, it’s landing a prestigious job and then climbing up the corporate ladder. Better money, better toys, marriage, kids, mortgage; it’s all about having the best and looking successful. Then, the music stops and all you have left is stuff.
They call it the rat race because you can’t stop and that wheel has to keep turning. It’s all about the next best thing and keeping what you have. The Company Men is a fictional film focused on one corporation. Now a public company, in order to show profits, they have merged departments and cut their workforce. But these men and women who have just lost their jobs are the very men and women who built up the company in the first place. No one is immune, no one is safe, and so everyone who is left is looking over his or her shoulder waiting for the axe to fall.
Tommy Lee Jones plays Gene McClary a top executive for an international transportation company. He and his college best friend, Craig T. Nelson started the company years ago and now they are reaping the benefits. James Salinger (Nelson) is the owner of the company, but when you go public, the stockholders are now who you work for. The downsizing is Salinger’s idea and he is ruthless. “We are a business, not a charity”, he would roar. “They got their paycheck. We don’t owe them anything.”
Ben Affleck plays Bobby Walker, regional sales manager. After twelve years of bringing the company their top clients he is now out on his ear. Also gone is thirty year veteran Phil Woodward, Chris Cooper. He started on the manufacturing floor and worked his way up through the ranks. Bobby Walker is convinced that he’ll find a new job right away, but Phil is almost sixty. For him, this is the end of his life.
The company has provided all its ousted employees with a job placement service and Bobby Walker has been going everyday. He was sure that there was something out there for him, but the competition has been fierce. Weeks have turned into months and now Bobby is getting desperate. He sold his Porsche, walked away from his mortgage and now his wife and kids are living with his parents. Finally, at his lowest point, he has humbled himself and has gone to his brother-in-law to beg for a job doing construction. Jack Dolan, Kevin Costner has taken on a money-losing renovation project just to keep his crew working through the winter. He knows what it’s like to not be able to provide for your family. He offered Bobby a job before, but he was too proud to take it. Bobby has just learned that his brother-in-law is not such a bad guy.
This is one film in which Tommy Lee Jones’ hangdog expression really fits the part. He disagrees with the downsizing of the company and thinks they should ride things out. He’d rather go a year with no growth than layoff his work force. He sees these people not as company assets, but as individuals. These layoffs are killing him and he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He now looks around him and sees all the executive perks as distasteful. That painting could pay somebody’s mortgage and that lunch at the club could feed a family for a week. McClury doesn’t even enjoy all these luxuries. He’s a simple man at heart. But how can he help all those who have been so callously thrown away. McClury is heavy in thought looking for an answer.
The Company Men as a film gives no answers, but rather it’s a record of our current economical situation. It’s like a mirror being held up to our culture. Will it strike a chord, and will it incite change? The answer is, probably not. But just talking about it does help and we have to know that this crisis is temporary. In the movie Ben Affleck’s character calls his HR rep (Maria Bello) everyday just to cuss her out. When his friend says, “Man, that’s not going to get you anywhere.” Ben replies, “yeah, but it sure makes me feel good.” That’s what this film is about. It’s cathartic. Sometimes you just have to cuss.
Rating: First Run Sometimes you just have to cuss
They call it the rat race because you can’t stop and that wheel has to keep turning. It’s all about the next best thing and keeping what you have. The Company Men is a fictional film focused on one corporation. Now a public company, in order to show profits, they have merged departments and cut their workforce. But these men and women who have just lost their jobs are the very men and women who built up the company in the first place. No one is immune, no one is safe, and so everyone who is left is looking over his or her shoulder waiting for the axe to fall.
Tommy Lee Jones plays Gene McClary a top executive for an international transportation company. He and his college best friend, Craig T. Nelson started the company years ago and now they are reaping the benefits. James Salinger (Nelson) is the owner of the company, but when you go public, the stockholders are now who you work for. The downsizing is Salinger’s idea and he is ruthless. “We are a business, not a charity”, he would roar. “They got their paycheck. We don’t owe them anything.”
Ben Affleck plays Bobby Walker, regional sales manager. After twelve years of bringing the company their top clients he is now out on his ear. Also gone is thirty year veteran Phil Woodward, Chris Cooper. He started on the manufacturing floor and worked his way up through the ranks. Bobby Walker is convinced that he’ll find a new job right away, but Phil is almost sixty. For him, this is the end of his life.
The company has provided all its ousted employees with a job placement service and Bobby Walker has been going everyday. He was sure that there was something out there for him, but the competition has been fierce. Weeks have turned into months and now Bobby is getting desperate. He sold his Porsche, walked away from his mortgage and now his wife and kids are living with his parents. Finally, at his lowest point, he has humbled himself and has gone to his brother-in-law to beg for a job doing construction. Jack Dolan, Kevin Costner has taken on a money-losing renovation project just to keep his crew working through the winter. He knows what it’s like to not be able to provide for your family. He offered Bobby a job before, but he was too proud to take it. Bobby has just learned that his brother-in-law is not such a bad guy.
This is one film in which Tommy Lee Jones’ hangdog expression really fits the part. He disagrees with the downsizing of the company and thinks they should ride things out. He’d rather go a year with no growth than layoff his work force. He sees these people not as company assets, but as individuals. These layoffs are killing him and he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He now looks around him and sees all the executive perks as distasteful. That painting could pay somebody’s mortgage and that lunch at the club could feed a family for a week. McClury doesn’t even enjoy all these luxuries. He’s a simple man at heart. But how can he help all those who have been so callously thrown away. McClury is heavy in thought looking for an answer.
The Company Men as a film gives no answers, but rather it’s a record of our current economical situation. It’s like a mirror being held up to our culture. Will it strike a chord, and will it incite change? The answer is, probably not. But just talking about it does help and we have to know that this crisis is temporary. In the movie Ben Affleck’s character calls his HR rep (Maria Bello) everyday just to cuss her out. When his friend says, “Man, that’s not going to get you anywhere.” Ben replies, “yeah, but it sure makes me feel good.” That’s what this film is about. It’s cathartic. Sometimes you just have to cuss.
Rating: First Run Sometimes you just have to cuss
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Dilemma
In The Dilemma, much has been said about the comedic partnering of Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop) and Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball), but for me it was all about Channing Tatum. What a delightful surprise. This guy was hilarious. After seeing him in films like Dear John and Step It Up, this performance from him was completely unexpected, but he ended up being my favorite part of the movie.
The Dilemma tells the story of two best friends who are venturing out on their own as a car design team. Together since college, they make an excellent partnership, Ronny as the smooth talking promoter and front man and Nick as the design genesis. Their goal is to convince a major car company to let them design a vehicle that is both eco-friendly and sexy, capturing the sound and excitement of a muscle car.
Right before their first big presentation, Ronny (Vince Vaughn) discovers that his best friend’s wife is cheating on him. The dilemma is whether or not to tell Nick (Kevin James). Geneva, Nick’s wife (Winona Ryder) is stepping out with Zip (Channing Tatum), a muscle bound, tattooed, yet over-sensitive pretty boy. When Geneva is confronted she tells Ronny to butt out, that there is more to their marriage than he can see. But Ronny doesn’t heed her advice and tries to fix things on his own. What he does is screw things up even further and injures his own love live with his girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly).
The Dilemma is not a light hearted comedy, it is rather dark. Vince Vaughn’s character has a gambling problem and Kevin James’ Nick is a manic workaholic that visit’s massage parlors to reduce stress. Winona Ryder’s character is cheating on her husband, but is using blackmail to keep it a secret. She still loves her Nick and doesn’t want to hurt him, but she is lonely and trying to fulfill her own sexual needs. Jennifer Connelly’s Beth has trust issues and rightly so. She immediately thinks the worst and jumps to the wrong conclusions.
I did not mind the tone of this film, I actually like dark humor, but this film had a hard time remaining balanced. Director Ron Howard has made this a message film which makes things even more strange. This movie asks us how much we really know about the people we love and where does trust end? But overall I liked the film and found enough there to keep me entertained. It was nice seeing Kevin James and Vince Vaughn stretching their dramatic chops, but what was even nicer was discovering a new comedic talent in Channing Tatum. I’m telling you, Channing Tatum is funny. I look forward to more from this talented young man.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A dark comedy with a few bright spots
The Dilemma tells the story of two best friends who are venturing out on their own as a car design team. Together since college, they make an excellent partnership, Ronny as the smooth talking promoter and front man and Nick as the design genesis. Their goal is to convince a major car company to let them design a vehicle that is both eco-friendly and sexy, capturing the sound and excitement of a muscle car.
Right before their first big presentation, Ronny (Vince Vaughn) discovers that his best friend’s wife is cheating on him. The dilemma is whether or not to tell Nick (Kevin James). Geneva, Nick’s wife (Winona Ryder) is stepping out with Zip (Channing Tatum), a muscle bound, tattooed, yet over-sensitive pretty boy. When Geneva is confronted she tells Ronny to butt out, that there is more to their marriage than he can see. But Ronny doesn’t heed her advice and tries to fix things on his own. What he does is screw things up even further and injures his own love live with his girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly).
The Dilemma is not a light hearted comedy, it is rather dark. Vince Vaughn’s character has a gambling problem and Kevin James’ Nick is a manic workaholic that visit’s massage parlors to reduce stress. Winona Ryder’s character is cheating on her husband, but is using blackmail to keep it a secret. She still loves her Nick and doesn’t want to hurt him, but she is lonely and trying to fulfill her own sexual needs. Jennifer Connelly’s Beth has trust issues and rightly so. She immediately thinks the worst and jumps to the wrong conclusions.
I did not mind the tone of this film, I actually like dark humor, but this film had a hard time remaining balanced. Director Ron Howard has made this a message film which makes things even more strange. This movie asks us how much we really know about the people we love and where does trust end? But overall I liked the film and found enough there to keep me entertained. It was nice seeing Kevin James and Vince Vaughn stretching their dramatic chops, but what was even nicer was discovering a new comedic talent in Channing Tatum. I’m telling you, Channing Tatum is funny. I look forward to more from this talented young man.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A dark comedy with a few bright spots
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Animal Kingdom
In Roman mythology, baby twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned in the wilderness to die and then were saved, being suckled by a she-wolf. Somehow in watching the movie Animal Kingdom this story has been brought to mind. James Frecheville plays Joshua Cody, a seventeen-year-old boy who has been kept away from the rest of his family, living alone with his drug addicted mother. His mother has just overdosed on heroin and not knowing where to go or what to do, J reaches out to his grandmother, the she-wolf of the Cody clan (Jacki Weaver). Matriarch to a gang of bank robbers, Janine Cody keeps her boys close and advises them shrewdly. She is sharp, intelligent and has connections. She has been living this life a long time.
An innocent until now, J sees why his mother has kept him apart, but with nowhere else to go he is desperately trying to find a way to fit in. His only refuge is his girlfriend Nicky played by Laura Wheelwright. She is a good girl from a good family, but she finds J’s uncles a bit dangerous and exciting. Soon she learns how truly dangerous they are and tries to convince her mother to let J stay with them. They like J, but all of this seems improper. Having a grown boy under their roof living with their daughter is too much.
From the very beginning of the film, the Cody family is under extreme pressure. The cops are watching them like a hawk and the family is starting to implode. The special unit that has been tracking them is being phased out and the cops are turning up the heat while they still can. When the police murder the leader of the Cody clan in cold blood, the boys begin to scatter without the leadership of the alpha male. Mother Cody, the old she wolf herself tries to keep them together. But the new alpha male is crazy and lacks common sense. Her family is in danger and she knows it.
Ben Mendelson plays the unstable “Pope”. He is trying to fill his brother’s shoes but frankly even his own mother doesn’t trust him. Guy Pearce plays a police detective who is trying to befriend J. He can see that he is not like the rest of the family and is honestly trying to help him find a way out. But J is lost and doesn’t know whom to believe. They may be wolves, but he is a member of the pack. This is a difficult choice for any young man to make.
When J is picked up by the police and held longer than any of the others, the family begins to distrust him. J is at a crossroads but doesn’t know which way to turn. Should he be loyal to the family or make a break now. And how can he really trust Pope? Or, his grandmother for that matter. J has just learned it’s a dog eat dog world and the question is which way will he run? Animal Kingdom is an intense look at the inner-circle of a crime family and Jacki Weaver will creep you out. She is the kind of mother Greek legends are made for.
Rating: First Run A look at the inner workings of a crime family
An innocent until now, J sees why his mother has kept him apart, but with nowhere else to go he is desperately trying to find a way to fit in. His only refuge is his girlfriend Nicky played by Laura Wheelwright. She is a good girl from a good family, but she finds J’s uncles a bit dangerous and exciting. Soon she learns how truly dangerous they are and tries to convince her mother to let J stay with them. They like J, but all of this seems improper. Having a grown boy under their roof living with their daughter is too much.
From the very beginning of the film, the Cody family is under extreme pressure. The cops are watching them like a hawk and the family is starting to implode. The special unit that has been tracking them is being phased out and the cops are turning up the heat while they still can. When the police murder the leader of the Cody clan in cold blood, the boys begin to scatter without the leadership of the alpha male. Mother Cody, the old she wolf herself tries to keep them together. But the new alpha male is crazy and lacks common sense. Her family is in danger and she knows it.
Ben Mendelson plays the unstable “Pope”. He is trying to fill his brother’s shoes but frankly even his own mother doesn’t trust him. Guy Pearce plays a police detective who is trying to befriend J. He can see that he is not like the rest of the family and is honestly trying to help him find a way out. But J is lost and doesn’t know whom to believe. They may be wolves, but he is a member of the pack. This is a difficult choice for any young man to make.
When J is picked up by the police and held longer than any of the others, the family begins to distrust him. J is at a crossroads but doesn’t know which way to turn. Should he be loyal to the family or make a break now. And how can he really trust Pope? Or, his grandmother for that matter. J has just learned it’s a dog eat dog world and the question is which way will he run? Animal Kingdom is an intense look at the inner-circle of a crime family and Jacki Weaver will creep you out. She is the kind of mother Greek legends are made for.
Rating: First Run A look at the inner workings of a crime family
Blue Valentine
I had a college professor tell me once that the things that we find the most personal are the things that we have the most in common. I have always remembered that because I have found it to be true. The things that are hard to share or talk about are the things that everyone has felt. Shame, humiliation, degradation, guilt, these are human feelings known all throughout the world.
Blue Valentine is the story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart. We see them at two stages in their life, falling in love and breaking up. Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) plays a genial young man with very simple expectations. He loves music and would like to be a musician, but right now he is searching for a job, anything that will pay the rent. Dean ends up getting a job as a mover.
When we meet Cindy, Michelle Williams (Wendy and Lucy) she is in college and in a bad relationship. The bright spot in her life is spending time with her grandmother who has recently been sent to a nursing home. Dean has just moved an old veteran into that same nursing home and he spots Cindy in the hall. For him, it’s love at first sight. For Cindy, all men are trouble.
Cindy and Dean finally meet again and this time he persuades her to go for a walk. They fall in love and circumstances cause them to marry. In their marriage, Dean has found purpose; he lives to be a good husband and father. But Cindy is discontent. She had big dreams and settled for a baby and marriage. She starts tugging on the string of a loosely knit marriage and now it’s unraveling.
A personal film, Blue Valentine is done in such a naturalistic style that you feel like you are spying on a real, intimate relationship. Viewing things that should be private between a man and a woman leaves you with the feeling of being a voyeur. I don’t know if we are meant to take sides, but I certainly did. I also felt that this marriage could have been saved if both parties were willing to stick with their commitment. But these are the kinds of emotions that are dredged up when you see such a personal film. The movie is raw, real and a bit of a tragedy. A tragedy that happens every day.
Rating: First Run A film that shows the personal life between a man and a woman
Blue Valentine is the story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart. We see them at two stages in their life, falling in love and breaking up. Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) plays a genial young man with very simple expectations. He loves music and would like to be a musician, but right now he is searching for a job, anything that will pay the rent. Dean ends up getting a job as a mover.
When we meet Cindy, Michelle Williams (Wendy and Lucy) she is in college and in a bad relationship. The bright spot in her life is spending time with her grandmother who has recently been sent to a nursing home. Dean has just moved an old veteran into that same nursing home and he spots Cindy in the hall. For him, it’s love at first sight. For Cindy, all men are trouble.
Cindy and Dean finally meet again and this time he persuades her to go for a walk. They fall in love and circumstances cause them to marry. In their marriage, Dean has found purpose; he lives to be a good husband and father. But Cindy is discontent. She had big dreams and settled for a baby and marriage. She starts tugging on the string of a loosely knit marriage and now it’s unraveling.
A personal film, Blue Valentine is done in such a naturalistic style that you feel like you are spying on a real, intimate relationship. Viewing things that should be private between a man and a woman leaves you with the feeling of being a voyeur. I don’t know if we are meant to take sides, but I certainly did. I also felt that this marriage could have been saved if both parties were willing to stick with their commitment. But these are the kinds of emotions that are dredged up when you see such a personal film. The movie is raw, real and a bit of a tragedy. A tragedy that happens every day.
Rating: First Run A film that shows the personal life between a man and a woman
Rabbit Hole
There is a scene in Rabbit Hole where a series of couples are sitting in a circle participating in a support group for parents who have lost children. Each couple is coping with their loss in their own way. Even within the couples they are dealing with their loss as individuals, in their own way and in their own time. Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rogue), as Becca, has just made a shocking comment and the entire circle is showing disapproval, including her husband. After enduring an uncomfortable silence Becca says, “I want to go. I need to go.”
Howie, her husband, Aaron Eckhart (Thank you for Smoking) loves his wife but Becca is becoming difficult to be with. Becca wants to clean house, remove all reminders and move on with her life. Whereas Howie treasures the reminders of his son and feels like she is trying to erase him. The way they grieve is so incompatible and so different that their pain is causing a riff. You wonder if the couple with has the strength to get past this. Is there enough love to keep them together?
Nicole Kidman is the focus of this story. Dianne Wiest (Bullets Over Broadway) who plays her mother has also lost a son, yet Becca is incapable of going to her for comfort. She can’t stand going to the support group and even her sister cannot help. Izzy, Tammy Blanchard (Cadillac Records) Becca’s little sister is newly pregnant. Izzy for fear of her sister’s reaction kept it secret, but now that she knows Becca is upset. The truth would have been less painful, now it’s even worse. Becca hates being the subject of pity.
Becca eventually finds comfort, but it is from such an unexpected source that when her family discovers it, they are bewildered. Howie even becomes angry. For weeks Becca has been meeting with the teenage boy who was driving the car that killed their son. They sit in the park, talk about their feelings and let each other off the hook. Together they have understanding; together they can share their grief.
I procrastinated going to see this film. I don’t enjoy wallowing in sorrow even when it’s in the movies. But I do have to recommend this film based on the performances. Nicole Kidman takes a risk at being a bit unlikable and Aaron Eckhart shows a vulnerability that is seldom seen. Dianne Wiest is sympathetic as the housewife who gets little respect from her daughters and Sandra Oh has a nice supporting role as a mother who can’t seem to let go. Rabbit Hole is a beautifully acted film and if you can handle the subject matter I say go. If you can’t, stay home and hug the kids. Either way, appreciate them. They are never so precious as when they are gone.
Rating: First Run Difficult subject, but excellent performances
Howie, her husband, Aaron Eckhart (Thank you for Smoking) loves his wife but Becca is becoming difficult to be with. Becca wants to clean house, remove all reminders and move on with her life. Whereas Howie treasures the reminders of his son and feels like she is trying to erase him. The way they grieve is so incompatible and so different that their pain is causing a riff. You wonder if the couple with has the strength to get past this. Is there enough love to keep them together?
Nicole Kidman is the focus of this story. Dianne Wiest (Bullets Over Broadway) who plays her mother has also lost a son, yet Becca is incapable of going to her for comfort. She can’t stand going to the support group and even her sister cannot help. Izzy, Tammy Blanchard (Cadillac Records) Becca’s little sister is newly pregnant. Izzy for fear of her sister’s reaction kept it secret, but now that she knows Becca is upset. The truth would have been less painful, now it’s even worse. Becca hates being the subject of pity.
Becca eventually finds comfort, but it is from such an unexpected source that when her family discovers it, they are bewildered. Howie even becomes angry. For weeks Becca has been meeting with the teenage boy who was driving the car that killed their son. They sit in the park, talk about their feelings and let each other off the hook. Together they have understanding; together they can share their grief.
I procrastinated going to see this film. I don’t enjoy wallowing in sorrow even when it’s in the movies. But I do have to recommend this film based on the performances. Nicole Kidman takes a risk at being a bit unlikable and Aaron Eckhart shows a vulnerability that is seldom seen. Dianne Wiest is sympathetic as the housewife who gets little respect from her daughters and Sandra Oh has a nice supporting role as a mother who can’t seem to let go. Rabbit Hole is a beautifully acted film and if you can handle the subject matter I say go. If you can’t, stay home and hug the kids. Either way, appreciate them. They are never so precious as when they are gone.
Rating: First Run Difficult subject, but excellent performances
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Illusionist
In 2003 I went to see an animated film called The Triplets of Belleville because it was nominated for an Academy Award. I fell in love with this strange little film and even purchased a copy to keep for my own. So this year when Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist was released I made sure that I saw it right away. This film however was an entirely different experience. Whereas The Triplets of Belleville was quirky, funny and had an irresistible musical number, The Illusionist was melancholy, bittersweet and had the feel of a silent movie.
The story of The Illusionist centers on a magician who is struggling to survive as Music Halls are closing and people’s homes are being filled with television. After securing a small gig in a pub in Scotland, a young chambermaid becomes infatuated with the magician and believes his magic to be completely real. Feeding his sagging ego, he goes along with this ruse, even transforming her worn out work boots into new red shoes.
When the illusionist ends his run at the pub and takes a boat back to London he discovers that the little girl has followed him. Not only that, but she expects him to pay for her ticket by pulling money out of her ear. Not wanting to destroy this young girl’s innocence, he continues the charade and ends up becoming her protector. What she doesn’t know is that after she goes to bed at night he gets up and works another job to earn enough money to feed her.
A strange bond forms between the two of them as she points out her heart’s desire in the form of new coats, dresses, etc. and then he makes them magically appear. Not knowing their true cost she doesn’t quite have the appropriate appreciation and keeps asking the poor magician for more. Meanwhile she becomes a surrogate wife for the rag-tag bunch of performers who live in the Show Biz hotel, bringing them meals and keeping the own rooms immaculate.
The dialogue in this film is so spare and much of what there is, is gibberish. But this non-verbal atmosphere allows you to concentrate on the beautifully rendered animation and focus on the characters themselves. It is very poetic in nature and will definitely impact you in one way or another. It is too bad that this beautiful film will have to compete with the sentimental favorite, Toy Story 3 for the Oscar. The Illusionist is really a wonderful film and deserves to be honored.
Rating: First Run A beautifully rendered film
The story of The Illusionist centers on a magician who is struggling to survive as Music Halls are closing and people’s homes are being filled with television. After securing a small gig in a pub in Scotland, a young chambermaid becomes infatuated with the magician and believes his magic to be completely real. Feeding his sagging ego, he goes along with this ruse, even transforming her worn out work boots into new red shoes.
When the illusionist ends his run at the pub and takes a boat back to London he discovers that the little girl has followed him. Not only that, but she expects him to pay for her ticket by pulling money out of her ear. Not wanting to destroy this young girl’s innocence, he continues the charade and ends up becoming her protector. What she doesn’t know is that after she goes to bed at night he gets up and works another job to earn enough money to feed her.
A strange bond forms between the two of them as she points out her heart’s desire in the form of new coats, dresses, etc. and then he makes them magically appear. Not knowing their true cost she doesn’t quite have the appropriate appreciation and keeps asking the poor magician for more. Meanwhile she becomes a surrogate wife for the rag-tag bunch of performers who live in the Show Biz hotel, bringing them meals and keeping the own rooms immaculate.
The dialogue in this film is so spare and much of what there is, is gibberish. But this non-verbal atmosphere allows you to concentrate on the beautifully rendered animation and focus on the characters themselves. It is very poetic in nature and will definitely impact you in one way or another. It is too bad that this beautiful film will have to compete with the sentimental favorite, Toy Story 3 for the Oscar. The Illusionist is really a wonderful film and deserves to be honored.
Rating: First Run A beautifully rendered film
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Made in Dagenham
In the United States we have the tendency to be a little egocentric and we forget that there is a whole world on the other side of the ocean. In one small English industrial town, in 1968, a group of women machinists decided to stand up and face one of the world’s largest auto manufactures, America’s Ford. The issue was equal pay and recognition as semi-skilled laborers. The problem was that Ford has plants all over the globe and what these women wanted had huge financial repercussions. Ford came down on them with all their might, but they held fast. Made in Dagenham is the true story of these women and how they changed history.
Unlike Norma Rae, Silkwood or Erin Brockovich this film is not about one mouthy woman, it emphasizes a group that held stedfast together. After a one day work stoppage an unassuming leader arises and Ford is at a loss on how to control her. She has no political or union background, no education, she is a common woman living in factory housing married to another factory employee, with two kids. Her strength comes from moral right, clear thinking and good common sense. She becomes the voice and face of the woman’s movement and Rita O’Grady is a natural. With uncanny instinct and shrewd self-awareness she becomes the little mouse that roared, and the world listened.
Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) portrays Rita O’Grady and her performance is so subtile and finely nuanced that it is hard to notice that she is acting. The look and tone of the film so accurately captures the 60’s that I barely recognized Richard Schiff (The Westwing) who plays Ford’s representative. Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) plays the ladies supervisor who supports and guides their union walkout. Daniel Mays (Vera Drake) plays Rita’s husband. He represents the men in this film and how their support turns to self-preservation. This film is an excellent example of the social obstacles that women faced. Modern girls don’t understand how hard it was for woman to speak up back then. I think that every working woman should she this film and give thanks for women like Rita O’Grady.
Rating: Must See Every woman should see this film and say thanks
Unlike Norma Rae, Silkwood or Erin Brockovich this film is not about one mouthy woman, it emphasizes a group that held stedfast together. After a one day work stoppage an unassuming leader arises and Ford is at a loss on how to control her. She has no political or union background, no education, she is a common woman living in factory housing married to another factory employee, with two kids. Her strength comes from moral right, clear thinking and good common sense. She becomes the voice and face of the woman’s movement and Rita O’Grady is a natural. With uncanny instinct and shrewd self-awareness she becomes the little mouse that roared, and the world listened.
Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) portrays Rita O’Grady and her performance is so subtile and finely nuanced that it is hard to notice that she is acting. The look and tone of the film so accurately captures the 60’s that I barely recognized Richard Schiff (The Westwing) who plays Ford’s representative. Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) plays the ladies supervisor who supports and guides their union walkout. Daniel Mays (Vera Drake) plays Rita’s husband. He represents the men in this film and how their support turns to self-preservation. This film is an excellent example of the social obstacles that women faced. Modern girls don’t understand how hard it was for woman to speak up back then. I think that every working woman should she this film and give thanks for women like Rita O’Grady.
Rating: Must See Every woman should see this film and say thanks
True Grit
When I learned that the Coen Brothers were remaking True Grit I was so excited. Not only am I a big fan of the book, John Wayne’s True Grit is one of my all time favorite movies. With these directors and this cast I wasn’t afraid of them ruining the story, after all the original will always be with us. What I was looking forward to was a chance to relive a favorite tale and perhaps get a new perspective.
First off I must say that I really liked the Coen Brother’s True Grit. It was a little rougher and more spare than the first one. The acting was excellent; from newcomer Hailee Steinfeld to veteran Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) all the performances were outstanding down to the smallest part. The photography and attention to detail was stellar, yet as much as I liked it, there were many things that I missed about the original film.
For one thing, I missed Kim Darby. I was eleven years old when True Grit came out and I identified so strongly with Kim Darby’s Mattie Ross that she has been a part of me all these years. Hailee Steinfeld did a phenomenal job but she wasn’t Kim Darby. Hopefully she’ll inspire a new generation of little girls, but her Mattie Ross comes off a little bitter and sharp, whereas Kim Darby’s Mattie Ross came off as plucky and capable. You could imagine her running the farm, supervising her crew and growing it in to something grand.
Another thing that I missed was Elmer Bernstein’s score. The theme song seems a little dated, but the score was rousing and virile. It matched the grandeur of the landscape and underscored the adventure. I really loved the music in the original film. And the setting of John Wayne’s film is breathtaking.
Another thing that I missed the most about the original True Grit was John Wayne himself and what he brought to the role with him. There were relationship details that Mr. Wayne conveyed that aren’t as prevalent in the current film. For example, everywhere that Rooster Cogburn went he had a relationship with the people that existed there. He knew the territory like the back of his hand and at every outpost he was widely known. Whether it was the Chinese man that owned the store where he lived or the Native Americans who ran the outpost, Rooster knew them all and they knew him. He even had an understanding with Judge Parker until the lawyers came and messed things up. Even the rats got their due. When the outlaws weren’t running from Rooster they respected his abilities as a marshall. I didn’t get that feeling with Jeff Bridges, especially in the courtroom.
Another difference I noticed about Jeff Bridges is that his Rooster Cogburn comes off a little racist. When he arrives at the Indian outpost two Indian boys are tormenting a mule and he kicks them off the porch. This is understandable, they were torturing an animal, but on the way back he kicks them again and this behavior is spiteful. Also, there is a point in the film where Rooster is placing whiskey bottles on tree limbs to find his way back. The original Rooster would never admit if he were lost. He was the master of his environment and he demanded attention. When John Wayne told stories of his past it was in the voice of an elder statesman, but when Jeff Bridges told stories it was like a pissing contest with Matt Damon’s LeBoeff.
I was also missing Rooster’s relationship with his horse Beau. His horse was so precious to him that when he is shot it is a tragic loss. Jeff Bridge’s Rooster mentions liking his horse, but John Wayne showed it. Everything from his saddle to his pistol to his rifle was an extension of the man. John Wayne was Rooster Cogburn. Jeff Bridges just played him. I think that Jeff Bridges did an excellent job but John Wayne has some big boots to fill. It’s hard standing up to an icon. Imagine one day if someone tried to recreate The Dude and you’ll see what I mean.
Now that the comparisons are over I will have to see the film again. I loved the original so much that it is hard to accept an imitator. But although a lot of the lines were the same, this film has its own voice and I need to go see it again so I can be a better listener. As many movies that I go to, it’s hard to find time to see a movie twice, but with this one I’ll make an exception. Coming from the same generation as the Coen Brothers, we’ve been influenced by many of the same films. I’m glad they remade True Grit and I’m even more glad that it causing people to go back and visit the original. It still holds up and it is still a great film. True Grit is a memorable story and a little part of me will always be Mattie Ross.
Rating: First Run A worthy successor
First off I must say that I really liked the Coen Brother’s True Grit. It was a little rougher and more spare than the first one. The acting was excellent; from newcomer Hailee Steinfeld to veteran Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) all the performances were outstanding down to the smallest part. The photography and attention to detail was stellar, yet as much as I liked it, there were many things that I missed about the original film.
For one thing, I missed Kim Darby. I was eleven years old when True Grit came out and I identified so strongly with Kim Darby’s Mattie Ross that she has been a part of me all these years. Hailee Steinfeld did a phenomenal job but she wasn’t Kim Darby. Hopefully she’ll inspire a new generation of little girls, but her Mattie Ross comes off a little bitter and sharp, whereas Kim Darby’s Mattie Ross came off as plucky and capable. You could imagine her running the farm, supervising her crew and growing it in to something grand.
Another thing that I missed was Elmer Bernstein’s score. The theme song seems a little dated, but the score was rousing and virile. It matched the grandeur of the landscape and underscored the adventure. I really loved the music in the original film. And the setting of John Wayne’s film is breathtaking.
Another thing that I missed the most about the original True Grit was John Wayne himself and what he brought to the role with him. There were relationship details that Mr. Wayne conveyed that aren’t as prevalent in the current film. For example, everywhere that Rooster Cogburn went he had a relationship with the people that existed there. He knew the territory like the back of his hand and at every outpost he was widely known. Whether it was the Chinese man that owned the store where he lived or the Native Americans who ran the outpost, Rooster knew them all and they knew him. He even had an understanding with Judge Parker until the lawyers came and messed things up. Even the rats got their due. When the outlaws weren’t running from Rooster they respected his abilities as a marshall. I didn’t get that feeling with Jeff Bridges, especially in the courtroom.
Another difference I noticed about Jeff Bridges is that his Rooster Cogburn comes off a little racist. When he arrives at the Indian outpost two Indian boys are tormenting a mule and he kicks them off the porch. This is understandable, they were torturing an animal, but on the way back he kicks them again and this behavior is spiteful. Also, there is a point in the film where Rooster is placing whiskey bottles on tree limbs to find his way back. The original Rooster would never admit if he were lost. He was the master of his environment and he demanded attention. When John Wayne told stories of his past it was in the voice of an elder statesman, but when Jeff Bridges told stories it was like a pissing contest with Matt Damon’s LeBoeff.
I was also missing Rooster’s relationship with his horse Beau. His horse was so precious to him that when he is shot it is a tragic loss. Jeff Bridge’s Rooster mentions liking his horse, but John Wayne showed it. Everything from his saddle to his pistol to his rifle was an extension of the man. John Wayne was Rooster Cogburn. Jeff Bridges just played him. I think that Jeff Bridges did an excellent job but John Wayne has some big boots to fill. It’s hard standing up to an icon. Imagine one day if someone tried to recreate The Dude and you’ll see what I mean.
Now that the comparisons are over I will have to see the film again. I loved the original so much that it is hard to accept an imitator. But although a lot of the lines were the same, this film has its own voice and I need to go see it again so I can be a better listener. As many movies that I go to, it’s hard to find time to see a movie twice, but with this one I’ll make an exception. Coming from the same generation as the Coen Brothers, we’ve been influenced by many of the same films. I’m glad they remade True Grit and I’m even more glad that it causing people to go back and visit the original. It still holds up and it is still a great film. True Grit is a memorable story and a little part of me will always be Mattie Ross.
Rating: First Run A worthy successor
Gulliver’s Travels
There is a place in life for silly and Jack Black is the King of Silliness. Whether it’s playing air guitar, jumping into a wrestling ring, or lending his voice to a cartoon character, Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda) has been amusing us at the cinema for years. Yet when I went to see Gulliver’s Travels this holiday, I was surprised to find more to this man-boy. In Gulliver’s Travels Jack Black displays pathos, growth, sweetness and a lot of heart.
Once in Liliput, the Liliputians acted with earnestness and a sense of pride in their community. As little people, they knew that there are bigger things in life than themselves, yet they had a real sense of who they are and what they had to offer. On the other hand Gulliver was unaware of his worth and despite his size he had to grow from the role of a whipping boy to a true self-sacrificing hero.
Billy Connolly (Mrs. Brown) plays the king of Liliput and Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria) plays his daughter Princess Mary. His daughter has been promised in marriage to General Edward Chris O’Dowd (Dinner for Schmucks) but he is an insufferable social climber without an ounce of romance in his body. The Princess Mary doesn’t care much for him and only tolerates him in response to her duty.
When Gulliver enters their kingdom, the balance of power is disrupted as well as their social order. A young serf named Horatio, Jason Segel (I Love You Man) has been imprisoned by General Edward for daring to speak directly to the Princess Mary. But now that Gulliver and Horatio are friends, he demands Horatio’s release. War has broken out with the neighboring kingdom and Gulliver has become their secret weapon. In addition, Horatio has a chance to prove himself in battle and possibly earn a commission. Gulliver has been coaching him in the art of love and with a proof of valor, perhaps he can woo the princess after all.
In Liliput, Gulliver is the big man in town, but back home in Manhattan he was all talk and no action. As a mailroom clerk Gulliver has been in love with the travel editor, Amanda Peet (2012) for five years. In order to get her attention Gulliver would invent excuses to go by Darcy’s desk, until one day he is forced to make a bold step. He pretends to have stopped by to pick up an application and Darcy in turn gives him an assignment to cover a story on the Bermuda Triangle. Exaggerating his prowess as a traveler and a sailor, he ends up piloting his boat into a waterspout, which lands him in the land of Liliput.
Gulliver’s Travels was a much better movie than I was expecting. It had heart, wit and still enough silliness for the kids. There were some honest laughs in this film and the performances were all endearing. This film is really the perfect vehicle for Jack Black’s talents and the rest of the cast is good too. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Horatio and the princess. I had a good time with this film and I found the comedy groan free. It was fun and entertaining and that’s all you can ask. Sailing to Liliput was a satisfying little vacation. As a family film I recommend it.
Rating: First Run A great film for the little ones
Once in Liliput, the Liliputians acted with earnestness and a sense of pride in their community. As little people, they knew that there are bigger things in life than themselves, yet they had a real sense of who they are and what they had to offer. On the other hand Gulliver was unaware of his worth and despite his size he had to grow from the role of a whipping boy to a true self-sacrificing hero.
Billy Connolly (Mrs. Brown) plays the king of Liliput and Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria) plays his daughter Princess Mary. His daughter has been promised in marriage to General Edward Chris O’Dowd (Dinner for Schmucks) but he is an insufferable social climber without an ounce of romance in his body. The Princess Mary doesn’t care much for him and only tolerates him in response to her duty.
When Gulliver enters their kingdom, the balance of power is disrupted as well as their social order. A young serf named Horatio, Jason Segel (I Love You Man) has been imprisoned by General Edward for daring to speak directly to the Princess Mary. But now that Gulliver and Horatio are friends, he demands Horatio’s release. War has broken out with the neighboring kingdom and Gulliver has become their secret weapon. In addition, Horatio has a chance to prove himself in battle and possibly earn a commission. Gulliver has been coaching him in the art of love and with a proof of valor, perhaps he can woo the princess after all.
In Liliput, Gulliver is the big man in town, but back home in Manhattan he was all talk and no action. As a mailroom clerk Gulliver has been in love with the travel editor, Amanda Peet (2012) for five years. In order to get her attention Gulliver would invent excuses to go by Darcy’s desk, until one day he is forced to make a bold step. He pretends to have stopped by to pick up an application and Darcy in turn gives him an assignment to cover a story on the Bermuda Triangle. Exaggerating his prowess as a traveler and a sailor, he ends up piloting his boat into a waterspout, which lands him in the land of Liliput.
Gulliver’s Travels was a much better movie than I was expecting. It had heart, wit and still enough silliness for the kids. There were some honest laughs in this film and the performances were all endearing. This film is really the perfect vehicle for Jack Black’s talents and the rest of the cast is good too. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Horatio and the princess. I had a good time with this film and I found the comedy groan free. It was fun and entertaining and that’s all you can ask. Sailing to Liliput was a satisfying little vacation. As a family film I recommend it.
Rating: First Run A great film for the little ones
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