When I initially started watching I Am Number Four I had the impression I was watching a CW teen drama like Kyle XY, Supernatural, or Smallville. With pretty boy Alex Pettyfer and Glee’s Dianna Agron it was easy to make that mistake. But as the story progressed I really started to enjoy this science fiction yarn, especially when Timothy Olyphant showed his face.
According to the mythology of this film a group of exceptional children along with their protectors are sent to earth as their own home planet is being destroyed. A unit of Mogadorian hunters has followed them there and are systematically killing them one by one. Changing names, looks and locations frequently these children have grown up on the lam. One, Two and Three have already been killed. Number Four is next in line.
It is only now as the survivors are heading towards adulthood that their powers (their legacies) have been manifesting. Not understanding their role in the survival of their species they quickly realize that together they may be more powerful than alone. But Number Four (John) must first survive rural Ohio and the throes of high school love, a difficult task for any teenager.
What I like about this film was the way that quiet moments were celebrated without sacrificing any of the action. Being a boy who has always had to move around John not only falls in love with Sarah (Dianna Agron) but her family as well. When things get too hot in Paradise after the Mogadorians track him down, for the first time in his life he is reluctant to leave. It is the first place and the first girl that he could see himself staying with.
I enjoyed the romanticized Americana of this fictional town. Dianna Agron is a lovely girl and you could see why a boy would risk his life to be with her. Alex Pettyfer also does an excellent job balancing the emotions of discovering his powers and using them responsibly at the same time. Jealousy, fear, anger and passion all get in the mix. John must learn how to use his abilities and control them without hurting his romantic rival or blowing his cover. When his cover is blown he makes a friend and ally out of Sam (Callan McAuliffe). Sam’s father went missing searching for extra terrestrials so Sam is elated to finally meet one. It means that his father was not crazy and it also means that all the bullying he’s received over the years was not in vain.
After my initial impression that this film was too young for me I ended up really liking it. The special effects are good and even though the story is a mishmash of other sci-fi stories that have come before, it still feels somewhat original. The cast is good and the aliens were really interesting. It was fun watching them trying to blend in. The next time you see a heavily tattooed guy in a hoodie, look a little closer. It might be a Mogadorian.
Rating: First Run Eye Candy for the Sci-Fi fan.
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
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Even The Rain
A Spanish movie crew has traveled to Bolivia to make a film about Christopher Columbus. The producer (Luis Tosar) is bragging on the phone to his American financiers about how cheap it is to film there and how they are only paying the extras $2.00 a day. One of the natives (Juan Carlos Aduviri) glares at him. He spent some time in the U.S. working construction so he understands a little English. He knows that he and his fellow Indians are being taken advantage of, but in Chochabamba work is scarce. His people have been trampled on ever since Columbus got there so why expect things to be any different now? Daniel, as an actor, is standing in as Hatuey, a Taino chief who led a rebellion against the Spanish. When casting, his lean frame did not fit the bill, but there was something powerful in his eyes. Daniel won the role and his eyes are now staring down Costa.
Costa, the producer is embarrassed by his words and knows what he is doing is wrong. He’s had his producer’s hat on for so long that he has become callous to the exploitation of others. The look in Daniel’s eyes has convicted him and he begins to see things in a new way. As he watches the movie about Columbus being made, he realizes that for the Indians nothing much has changed in the last 600 years.
Gael Garcia Bernal plays Sebastian, the director of the film, and he has been trying to get this story told for years. He wants the focus of the movie to be on Bartolome de las Casas, a priest who advocated for the natives and fought for their rights as subjects under Spain. Many consider him the father of international law. And then there’s Juan de Montesinos, another priest who criticized Spain from the pulpit. His fiery sermons denounced the treatment of the Taino and inspired many to action including Bartolome de las Casas. The irony here is that Sebastian is so focused on making his movie that he is oblivious to the injustice going on right under his nose.
In 2000, in Chochabamba, Bolivia, the government moved to privatize water. This drove up the cost by 300% and prevented the natives from drawing from their own wells that they themselves dug. This ended in a peasant’s revolt and Daniel, like his counter-part in the film, became a leader in the uprising. To Sebastian, the riots and following siege were only a disruption to his film, without realizing that his attitude was now mirroring Christopher Columbus. In his zeal to get his film made he missed the fact that history was repeating itself.
In this modern time, water has become more precious than gold and those who control water, control life. This film works on so many levels because it illustrates how the powerful still manipulate the weak. By viewing this concept through history, revisionist history and contemporary examples, we come away with such a richer understanding. Our producer, Costa, becomes our eyes and experiences the biggest change. You will also be haunted by the character of Daniel, a small man with the heart of a warrior.
I loved this film, was moved by it, and like some of the characters, even changed. The rich jungle settings populated by authentic Indians and Spanish actors brought Columbus’ exploits to life. Columbus, played by Karra Elejalde, shows us an alcoholic washed–up actor who transforms, not into a monster, but into a driven man using the natives as his own private work force. Karra Elejalde has some wonderful scenes humanizing Columbus and giving us insight into the man. Columbus was not so much a villain, but a man of his times. It is a wonderful movie and should be seen.
Rating: Must See Not much has changed in 600 years
Costa, the producer is embarrassed by his words and knows what he is doing is wrong. He’s had his producer’s hat on for so long that he has become callous to the exploitation of others. The look in Daniel’s eyes has convicted him and he begins to see things in a new way. As he watches the movie about Columbus being made, he realizes that for the Indians nothing much has changed in the last 600 years.
Gael Garcia Bernal plays Sebastian, the director of the film, and he has been trying to get this story told for years. He wants the focus of the movie to be on Bartolome de las Casas, a priest who advocated for the natives and fought for their rights as subjects under Spain. Many consider him the father of international law. And then there’s Juan de Montesinos, another priest who criticized Spain from the pulpit. His fiery sermons denounced the treatment of the Taino and inspired many to action including Bartolome de las Casas. The irony here is that Sebastian is so focused on making his movie that he is oblivious to the injustice going on right under his nose.
In 2000, in Chochabamba, Bolivia, the government moved to privatize water. This drove up the cost by 300% and prevented the natives from drawing from their own wells that they themselves dug. This ended in a peasant’s revolt and Daniel, like his counter-part in the film, became a leader in the uprising. To Sebastian, the riots and following siege were only a disruption to his film, without realizing that his attitude was now mirroring Christopher Columbus. In his zeal to get his film made he missed the fact that history was repeating itself.
In this modern time, water has become more precious than gold and those who control water, control life. This film works on so many levels because it illustrates how the powerful still manipulate the weak. By viewing this concept through history, revisionist history and contemporary examples, we come away with such a richer understanding. Our producer, Costa, becomes our eyes and experiences the biggest change. You will also be haunted by the character of Daniel, a small man with the heart of a warrior.
I loved this film, was moved by it, and like some of the characters, even changed. The rich jungle settings populated by authentic Indians and Spanish actors brought Columbus’ exploits to life. Columbus, played by Karra Elejalde, shows us an alcoholic washed–up actor who transforms, not into a monster, but into a driven man using the natives as his own private work force. Karra Elejalde has some wonderful scenes humanizing Columbus and giving us insight into the man. Columbus was not so much a villain, but a man of his times. It is a wonderful movie and should be seen.
Rating: Must See Not much has changed in 600 years
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Eagle
Do you have a memento, a souvenir from a special day, which reminds you every time you look at it of everything involved in making that day unique? Well take that idea and multiple it by hundreds of years of history and accomplishment. That’s what the eagle means to Rome. It is a symbol of the ideals, principles, might, and power of an entire empire. When that symbol is disrespected, than a people are disrespected. That is why a young man named Marcus Aquila is haunted. His father led 5,000 men into the northern regions of Britannia never to be heard of again. The Eagle, the symbol of Rome, was lost with them and this is a huge disgrace for Rome and his father. Wanting to remove the stigma from his family and restore it’s honor, Marcus, Channing Tatum, has requested a command in the region of his father’s defeat. He hopes to learn what happened to the 9th, reclaim the eagle, and restore the honor of his father.
In his very first command, Marcus Aquila wins the heart of his men by being a sound leader, a cunning tactician, and a brave soldier. Marcus is disciplined, focused and driven to be a good leader. In an effort to save the lives of his men, he bravely attacks a tribe of painted people who have captured a patrol that he had ordered to find a missing supply of food. These fierce bands of Celtic warriors who have never been contained or thwarted are the key to his father’s mystery, but Marcus has been severely wounded in the attack and has been given a honorable discharge by Rome. But even though he has gained fame for himself he still wants to reclaim the honor of his father. So with the help of a captured slave, Jamie Bell, he sets off on his own, with a man he can barely trust to solve the mystery of the 9th.
Once beyond the protection of Rome Marcus and Esca endure many hardships. Marcus must submit to the expertise of his guide and follow his lead which is difficult for any man of action. When Marcus begins to mistrust his guide and blows their cover, he now has to place his life into his slave’s hands. To protect his life Esca has told the seal people that Marcus is his slave. If not for that lie, Marcus would have been killed immediately and Esca would have been considered a traitor.
Esca and Marcus respect each other and have formed a bond during Marcus’ rehabilitation. Esca admires the stoic determination of his master and Marcus trusts in the vow of servitude that Esca has made to the man who spared his life. Marcus, going against the popular vote stood up for Esca and claimed his life during a defeat in a gladiatorial battle. If not for Marcus, Esca would have died in the gladiator ring. Esca has repaid Marcus with his fidelity.
History contains many stories of honor, accomplishment and bravery. Based on a novel, I don’t know how much of The Eagle is true, but it is a compelling story based on actual events. Rome never did conquer the people of the north; neither have any invaders who have followed. The Celtic region now known as Scotland contains an inhospitable land full of a stout, loyal and proud people. The Eagle is an adventure story about honor and integrity on both sides. In the Celts Rome found a worthy opponent.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Plays too much like a Marine Corp recruiting ad, but watchable. I like Channing Tatum more each time I see him.
In his very first command, Marcus Aquila wins the heart of his men by being a sound leader, a cunning tactician, and a brave soldier. Marcus is disciplined, focused and driven to be a good leader. In an effort to save the lives of his men, he bravely attacks a tribe of painted people who have captured a patrol that he had ordered to find a missing supply of food. These fierce bands of Celtic warriors who have never been contained or thwarted are the key to his father’s mystery, but Marcus has been severely wounded in the attack and has been given a honorable discharge by Rome. But even though he has gained fame for himself he still wants to reclaim the honor of his father. So with the help of a captured slave, Jamie Bell, he sets off on his own, with a man he can barely trust to solve the mystery of the 9th.
Once beyond the protection of Rome Marcus and Esca endure many hardships. Marcus must submit to the expertise of his guide and follow his lead which is difficult for any man of action. When Marcus begins to mistrust his guide and blows their cover, he now has to place his life into his slave’s hands. To protect his life Esca has told the seal people that Marcus is his slave. If not for that lie, Marcus would have been killed immediately and Esca would have been considered a traitor.
Esca and Marcus respect each other and have formed a bond during Marcus’ rehabilitation. Esca admires the stoic determination of his master and Marcus trusts in the vow of servitude that Esca has made to the man who spared his life. Marcus, going against the popular vote stood up for Esca and claimed his life during a defeat in a gladiatorial battle. If not for Marcus, Esca would have died in the gladiator ring. Esca has repaid Marcus with his fidelity.
History contains many stories of honor, accomplishment and bravery. Based on a novel, I don’t know how much of The Eagle is true, but it is a compelling story based on actual events. Rome never did conquer the people of the north; neither have any invaders who have followed. The Celtic region now known as Scotland contains an inhospitable land full of a stout, loyal and proud people. The Eagle is an adventure story about honor and integrity on both sides. In the Celts Rome found a worthy opponent.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Plays too much like a Marine Corp recruiting ad, but watchable. I like Channing Tatum more each time I see him.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
From Prada To Nada
Loosely based on Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility, From Prada to Nada tells the story of two sisters who lose all their wealth and privilege the day their father dies of a heart attack. When an unknown half-brother emerges to share the estate they learn that their father was actually bankrupt. Nora and Mary must leave their Beverly Hills lifestyle behind and move in with their aunt in East LA.
Nora (Camilla Belle) the sensible one takes the transition in stride. She is all about education and earning her law degree so she can study anywhere. But Mary (Alexa Vega) is taking things hard. She lives to shop and her aunt has just sold her luxury car to pay for her tuition. She has also been reduced to driving a beat up economy car and canceling all her credit cards.
Raised in Beverly Hills with servants and speaking no Spanish, Nora and Mary do not fit well in East LA. Their skin color does not fool the local residents and they love to intimidate the girls and watch them squirm. But soon Nora embraces the neighborhood culture and dreams of opening a law clinic there, whereas Mary only embraces Hispanic culture when she falls in love with a visiting Mexican professor.
Like Sense and Sensibility, Nora is tormented by falling in love with Edward Ferris, the genial brother of her evil sister-in-law. Edward (Nicholas D’Agosto) is a lawyer and he gives Nora a job in his law firm. Following the Jane Austin story further, Mary has a long-suffering admirer in Bruno (Wilmer Valderama). Like Col. Brandon in the novel he is selfless man with a good heart. It takes awhile for Mary to see through her deceiving lover and appreciate the noble man across the street. There is a lot more to this Bruno than Mary realizes. He is really the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
What I liked the most about this movie was that even though it showed the Hispanic people as stereotypes it still respected and honored the culture. All the clichés are there like Cholas, gang-bangers, low-rider’s and running from the I.N.S. But this film is more like a love letter; it actually makes East LA look like a cool place to live. The supporting characters can be broad and two-dimensional, but they are fun. The film does not take itself too seriously.
Even though I enjoyed this movie and found it sweet, I was distracted by the Jane Austin comparisons. This film is “loosely” based on Sense and Sensibility. And where the novel is beautifully constructed and all the story threads come to a satisfying conclusion, From Prada to Nada skipped some of the richest details and presented a more streamlined version. This was disappointing in a way. I would have almost preferred that they skipped the comparisons altogether and developed a more original story.
I liked this film but because it lacked depth I am going to recommend it as a rental or a bargain matinee. But I do encourage you to see it. I completely support smaller independent films especially when they feature cultures that are often overlooked in main stream cinema. From Prada to Nada will appeal to anyone. Get out of your comfort zone and see it.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Jane Austin goes to the hood
Nora (Camilla Belle) the sensible one takes the transition in stride. She is all about education and earning her law degree so she can study anywhere. But Mary (Alexa Vega) is taking things hard. She lives to shop and her aunt has just sold her luxury car to pay for her tuition. She has also been reduced to driving a beat up economy car and canceling all her credit cards.
Raised in Beverly Hills with servants and speaking no Spanish, Nora and Mary do not fit well in East LA. Their skin color does not fool the local residents and they love to intimidate the girls and watch them squirm. But soon Nora embraces the neighborhood culture and dreams of opening a law clinic there, whereas Mary only embraces Hispanic culture when she falls in love with a visiting Mexican professor.
Like Sense and Sensibility, Nora is tormented by falling in love with Edward Ferris, the genial brother of her evil sister-in-law. Edward (Nicholas D’Agosto) is a lawyer and he gives Nora a job in his law firm. Following the Jane Austin story further, Mary has a long-suffering admirer in Bruno (Wilmer Valderama). Like Col. Brandon in the novel he is selfless man with a good heart. It takes awhile for Mary to see through her deceiving lover and appreciate the noble man across the street. There is a lot more to this Bruno than Mary realizes. He is really the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
What I liked the most about this movie was that even though it showed the Hispanic people as stereotypes it still respected and honored the culture. All the clichés are there like Cholas, gang-bangers, low-rider’s and running from the I.N.S. But this film is more like a love letter; it actually makes East LA look like a cool place to live. The supporting characters can be broad and two-dimensional, but they are fun. The film does not take itself too seriously.
Even though I enjoyed this movie and found it sweet, I was distracted by the Jane Austin comparisons. This film is “loosely” based on Sense and Sensibility. And where the novel is beautifully constructed and all the story threads come to a satisfying conclusion, From Prada to Nada skipped some of the richest details and presented a more streamlined version. This was disappointing in a way. I would have almost preferred that they skipped the comparisons altogether and developed a more original story.
I liked this film but because it lacked depth I am going to recommend it as a rental or a bargain matinee. But I do encourage you to see it. I completely support smaller independent films especially when they feature cultures that are often overlooked in main stream cinema. From Prada to Nada will appeal to anyone. Get out of your comfort zone and see it.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Jane Austin goes to the hood
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Just Go With It
Just Go With It has redeemed the romantic comedy. After a string of bad ones lately I was ready to give the genre up, but Just Go With It has restored my faith. Adam Sandler is at his charming Wedding Singer best and I will go as far as to say that this is now my favorite Jennifer Aniston movie. The banter between Sandler and Aniston is so much fun. There is a sense of familiarity and closeness between them, yet they also seem to challenge each other to be even funnier. I really like them as a comedic couple. I’d love to see them do another film.
The rest of the supporting cast is equally good. Brooklyn Decker provides the beautiful fresh face that is so enticing that a man would lie and invent an entire family for. And Nick Swardson comes to the party with a bizarre hilarity that’s hard to describe. He plays Adam Sandler’s insufferable cousin who inserts himself into the fake family in order to get a free trip to Hawaii.
Usually kids in comedies can be quite superfluous, but Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck were not only necessary to this film they more than carried their comedic weight. I found Bailee Madison a little pretentious in the movie trailers, but in the context of the film she is very funny. They are complete characters and not cute little props or gag devices. Both of them added greatly to the enjoyment of the film.
Romantic comedies can be quite predictable but this one has a lot of surprises. Joke seeds would be planted in the dialogue of the film and later would spring up as full blown belly-laughs. There is also some good running gags like substituting the word poop with the name Devlin. Adam Sandler runs this bit into the ground but it never stops being funny. When we finally meet the real Devlin (Nicole Kidman) she is so deliciously over-the-top crazy you can’t believe that this is the same dramatic actress currently nominated for an Academy Award. She is really great in this role and should do comedy more often. Seeing her going toe-to-toe with Jennifer Aniston is a delight.
As the lie in this film grows to become more and more entangled you can’t believe how ridiculous it gets. Yet the cast seems to keep everything grounded. I sure that the director Dennis Dugan deserves some of the credit. The pace and tone of this film is good throughout and the script is very well balanced. As a comedy Just Go With It is top-notch and as a romantic comedy it is sweet; tame enough for the older kids but raunchy enough for the adults. This film is great for the family or a date. With this movie Aniston and Sandler deliver. I loved the Devlin out of this film.
Rating: First Run I loved the Devlin out of this film
The rest of the supporting cast is equally good. Brooklyn Decker provides the beautiful fresh face that is so enticing that a man would lie and invent an entire family for. And Nick Swardson comes to the party with a bizarre hilarity that’s hard to describe. He plays Adam Sandler’s insufferable cousin who inserts himself into the fake family in order to get a free trip to Hawaii.
Usually kids in comedies can be quite superfluous, but Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck were not only necessary to this film they more than carried their comedic weight. I found Bailee Madison a little pretentious in the movie trailers, but in the context of the film she is very funny. They are complete characters and not cute little props or gag devices. Both of them added greatly to the enjoyment of the film.
Romantic comedies can be quite predictable but this one has a lot of surprises. Joke seeds would be planted in the dialogue of the film and later would spring up as full blown belly-laughs. There is also some good running gags like substituting the word poop with the name Devlin. Adam Sandler runs this bit into the ground but it never stops being funny. When we finally meet the real Devlin (Nicole Kidman) she is so deliciously over-the-top crazy you can’t believe that this is the same dramatic actress currently nominated for an Academy Award. She is really great in this role and should do comedy more often. Seeing her going toe-to-toe with Jennifer Aniston is a delight.
As the lie in this film grows to become more and more entangled you can’t believe how ridiculous it gets. Yet the cast seems to keep everything grounded. I sure that the director Dennis Dugan deserves some of the credit. The pace and tone of this film is good throughout and the script is very well balanced. As a comedy Just Go With It is top-notch and as a romantic comedy it is sweet; tame enough for the older kids but raunchy enough for the adults. This film is great for the family or a date. With this movie Aniston and Sandler deliver. I loved the Devlin out of this film.
Rating: First Run I loved the Devlin out of this film
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sanctum
Adventure film is my favorite genre, so with Sanctum I was ready to dig in and enjoy all the exotic locales and action. But instead I experienced shortness of breath, neck tension, and the over-all feeling of my entire body being clenched. In other words this film hit me too close to home and I was way too caught up in my personal memories to give any objective observations.
In my life I have been rock climbing once, I’ve repelled into a cavern, and have gone spelunking several times. I’ve also gone scuba diving once, but not all activities at the same time. Being a novice and inexperienced in all of these I was terrified of making a rookie mistake. I listened carefully, followed directions, but even then I had some mishaps. Luckily none were fatal.
When I watched Sanctum and saw some of the characters in harrowing situations, my sense memory was so strong that I was right there with them. The beauty of Sanctum is that the cinematography is extremely realistic. Filmed on location and using underwater cameras and 3-D techniques that James Cameron has developed over the years has allowed director Alister Grierson to get right into every nook and cranny. There is nothing more terrifying than being stuck in a wormhole and knowing that no one else can get to you. The space is so tight that it is all up to you. You either control your fear, work it out, or die.
When I had my experience it wasn’t underwater, thank goodness, but it was 410 feet below the earth’s surface. It was late in the afternoon, after dozens of visitors and the oxygen was thin. I had an asthma attack and had to crawl out of a tight spot one-inch and one breath at a time. There was a person stuck behind me and I felt terrible for him. A guide stayed ahead of me to offer encouragement and the rest of the group went topside. When the three of us finally reached the surface it was dark, the gift shop was closed and everyone was waiting for me in the parking lot. I could have died that day, but all I felt was embarrassment for holding the others back and delaying our plans. It is amazing what goes through your mind.
My companion sitting next to me in the movie thought that some of the acting was weak and that part of the script was cliché, but I was so caught up in the realism of the movie that I felt it keenly and didn’t notice. When I went rock climbing for the first time, I didn’t have the technique or the upper body strength to hold my position so I fell and slid down the rock face. After three failed attempts I had to take an alternate route with someone coaching me and helping me up the side. Therefore when the characters were struggling in the film I felt every scrape and bruise with them. Parts of the film were very hard for me to watch.
I don’t know how much experience the actors have with diving and climbing, but I noticed in the credits that each one had a diving double and a climbing double. The script for the film was based on writer Andrew Wight’s real life experience and director Alister Grierson has a lot of short film credits dealing with caves and underwater footage. That’s how he met James Cameron. Hauling all that equipment to the caves must have been a monumental task let alone caring for the cast and crew. I can’t even imagine the logistics involved. Even craft service would have been a nightmare.
As far as the actor’s are concerned that must have been some audition. Not only do they have to act and develop their characters they have to perform all the basics of repelling, diving and rock climbing in the film. None of which are easy. Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rogue) is a veteran actor, I like to imagine him having a great adventure doing this project, but on the other hand it could have been quite unpleasant. Filming takes a long time and being underground that long must have been tiresome. I hope one day to see a “making of” short. That must have been some undertaking.
Sanctum was a stirring experience for me bringing back a lot of fear and anxiety, but for others I think that they’ll find it thrilling and exhilarating. You won’t find any more compelling or realistic footage. James Cameron will long be remembered for the innovations and contributions that he and his collaborations have brought to the world of movie-making. This film is worth seeing for the cinematography alone. If you have one ounce of adventurer spirit in you I think you will like this film. For me, I think I need some counseling. I’m afraid of the dreams I’ll have tonight.
Rating: First Run A film for the adventurer in you
In my life I have been rock climbing once, I’ve repelled into a cavern, and have gone spelunking several times. I’ve also gone scuba diving once, but not all activities at the same time. Being a novice and inexperienced in all of these I was terrified of making a rookie mistake. I listened carefully, followed directions, but even then I had some mishaps. Luckily none were fatal.
When I watched Sanctum and saw some of the characters in harrowing situations, my sense memory was so strong that I was right there with them. The beauty of Sanctum is that the cinematography is extremely realistic. Filmed on location and using underwater cameras and 3-D techniques that James Cameron has developed over the years has allowed director Alister Grierson to get right into every nook and cranny. There is nothing more terrifying than being stuck in a wormhole and knowing that no one else can get to you. The space is so tight that it is all up to you. You either control your fear, work it out, or die.
When I had my experience it wasn’t underwater, thank goodness, but it was 410 feet below the earth’s surface. It was late in the afternoon, after dozens of visitors and the oxygen was thin. I had an asthma attack and had to crawl out of a tight spot one-inch and one breath at a time. There was a person stuck behind me and I felt terrible for him. A guide stayed ahead of me to offer encouragement and the rest of the group went topside. When the three of us finally reached the surface it was dark, the gift shop was closed and everyone was waiting for me in the parking lot. I could have died that day, but all I felt was embarrassment for holding the others back and delaying our plans. It is amazing what goes through your mind.
My companion sitting next to me in the movie thought that some of the acting was weak and that part of the script was cliché, but I was so caught up in the realism of the movie that I felt it keenly and didn’t notice. When I went rock climbing for the first time, I didn’t have the technique or the upper body strength to hold my position so I fell and slid down the rock face. After three failed attempts I had to take an alternate route with someone coaching me and helping me up the side. Therefore when the characters were struggling in the film I felt every scrape and bruise with them. Parts of the film were very hard for me to watch.
I don’t know how much experience the actors have with diving and climbing, but I noticed in the credits that each one had a diving double and a climbing double. The script for the film was based on writer Andrew Wight’s real life experience and director Alister Grierson has a lot of short film credits dealing with caves and underwater footage. That’s how he met James Cameron. Hauling all that equipment to the caves must have been a monumental task let alone caring for the cast and crew. I can’t even imagine the logistics involved. Even craft service would have been a nightmare.
As far as the actor’s are concerned that must have been some audition. Not only do they have to act and develop their characters they have to perform all the basics of repelling, diving and rock climbing in the film. None of which are easy. Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rogue) is a veteran actor, I like to imagine him having a great adventure doing this project, but on the other hand it could have been quite unpleasant. Filming takes a long time and being underground that long must have been tiresome. I hope one day to see a “making of” short. That must have been some undertaking.
Sanctum was a stirring experience for me bringing back a lot of fear and anxiety, but for others I think that they’ll find it thrilling and exhilarating. You won’t find any more compelling or realistic footage. James Cameron will long be remembered for the innovations and contributions that he and his collaborations have brought to the world of movie-making. This film is worth seeing for the cinematography alone. If you have one ounce of adventurer spirit in you I think you will like this film. For me, I think I need some counseling. I’m afraid of the dreams I’ll have tonight.
Rating: First Run A film for the adventurer in you
Another Year
Tom and Gerri are a well-adjusted, mature, couple that loves gardening and spending time with each other. Tom (Jim Broadbent) is a geologist and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) is a mental-health counselor. They have a warm inviting home and a large kitchen in which they enjoy entertaining their friends and family. They are a kind, generous, patient couple, but after a visit from Mary, their patience is put to the test.
Mary (Lesley Manville) is a co-worker of Gerri’s and she is a bit of a lonely heart. Divorced, middle-aged and single, she is envious of Gerri’s family and often seeks them out for company. When she does visit, she drinks to excess frequently becoming an overnight guest by necessity. For twenty years Gerri has been a friend to Mary.
During the course of the year, Mary’s behavior becomes more and more inappropriate. Tom and Gerri are concerned for her and try to be good friends. But when Mary begins to intrude on family matters, Gerri starts to loose her British reserve. Her face tells the real story but Mary is too self-involved to see the difference. Her boorish behavior is getting harder and harder to take. Will Tom and Gerri tell her to go?
Another Year is blessed with a strong, mesmerizing performance by Lesley Manville. Her character is such a “Debbie Downer” that she is hard to be around and yet at the same time she elicits great sympathy. You almost wish that Gerri would tell her off and do her some good.
I found Another Year very easy to identify with. I think we’ve all had that friend or relative that’s hard to be around. But you stick with them out of hope, charity, or the realization that you can be annoying too. This film is a wonderful character study and has exceptional performances. It’s worth a look and will surely start a conversation at home. If you don’t have a friend like Mary, maybe you’re the one in the group like her. See this film and watch for the signs.
Rating: First Run A study of manners
Mary (Lesley Manville) is a co-worker of Gerri’s and she is a bit of a lonely heart. Divorced, middle-aged and single, she is envious of Gerri’s family and often seeks them out for company. When she does visit, she drinks to excess frequently becoming an overnight guest by necessity. For twenty years Gerri has been a friend to Mary.
During the course of the year, Mary’s behavior becomes more and more inappropriate. Tom and Gerri are concerned for her and try to be good friends. But when Mary begins to intrude on family matters, Gerri starts to loose her British reserve. Her face tells the real story but Mary is too self-involved to see the difference. Her boorish behavior is getting harder and harder to take. Will Tom and Gerri tell her to go?
Another Year is blessed with a strong, mesmerizing performance by Lesley Manville. Her character is such a “Debbie Downer” that she is hard to be around and yet at the same time she elicits great sympathy. You almost wish that Gerri would tell her off and do her some good.
I found Another Year very easy to identify with. I think we’ve all had that friend or relative that’s hard to be around. But you stick with them out of hope, charity, or the realization that you can be annoying too. This film is a wonderful character study and has exceptional performances. It’s worth a look and will surely start a conversation at home. If you don’t have a friend like Mary, maybe you’re the one in the group like her. See this film and watch for the signs.
Rating: First Run A study of manners
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