Luc Besson knows who to write for strong women. They are tough, fierce but still allowed to be sexy, feminine and able to show emotion. But he is also known for writing films that are high-adrenaline, short on plot and full of action. For Colombiana you just sit back, let go, and allow the emotions take you to that dark place where vengeance, anger and retribution are waiting to be expressed. As a woman there is something cathartic about watching another woman who is indomitable, capable and equal to the task, taking out the low-life domineering men that step into her path. You leave the theater feeling refreshed, a little taller, and basically like a bad-ass.
In Colombiana, the beautiful, sexy Zoe Zaldana plays our fierce, tenacious, feminine hero. As a little girl she grows up in Bogata, Colombia and her father is involved in the drug trade. She is a bright, well-educated and very much loved by her parents. But when she sees them murdered in front of her own eyes and a family friend is now interrogating her about a missing microchip, she shows him that all her education may not have come from Catholic school as she shimmies down the side of a building and escapes the hired assassins.
As per her father’s instructions she uses the microchip as her passport into the United States where she escapes her government escort and seeks out her uncle (Cliff Curtis). He is a thug in Chicago and he takes her in to his home where she learns everything she can about being a cold-blooded killer. When she reaches maturity and the height of her talents she starts picking off the men, one by one, who where involved in her parents death.
Cataleya is named after a rare orchid from Colombia and her father places an orchid necklace around her neck right before he dies. She uses this symbol to mark her kills sending a message to Don Luis that she is coming. Her Tio has trained her well and with her intelligence and focus she is quite lethal, but when her kills start becoming personal her uncle warns her to slow down and step back. But Cataleya has waited 15 years for her vengeance. She is lonely, angry and only has room in her heart for hate until she meets an artist named Danny (Michael Vartan).
Danny knows Cataleya as Jennifer and she shows up at will in his apartment and leaves just as mysteriously. He has grown to love this tender and passionate woman, but he knows nothing about her. His Jennifer is guarded, secretive and disappears whenever he pries. The only proof that he has that she exists at all is the photo he took on his cell phone when she was asleep. A photo that she doesn’t know he has.
Soon, the messages that Cataleya has been leaving for Don Luis have also made her known to the F.B.I. The agent in charge of the case (Lennie James) is starting to connect the dots and Cataleya is running out of time. She must finish her task before Don Luis disappears again. Don Luis is being hidden by the C.I.A. and Cataleya must smoke him out. Columbiana is is fast-paced, explosive and full of action. And Zoe Saldana is one attractive bad-ass.
Rating: First Run Zoe Saldana is one attractive bad-ass assassin.
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, August 30, 2011
Our Idiot Brother
If you listen to Liz, Miranda and Natalie, their brother Ned (Paul Rudd) is an idiot. After spending three years living and working on an organic farm he gets arrested for selling marijuana directly to a uniformed cop. When he is released on parole his former girlfriend Janet (Kathryn Hahn) has replaced him with another emasculated male (T.J. Miller) and to add injury to insult she keeps his dog Willie Nelson. With no other place to go, Ned returns to his family and is passed around between his sisters as he subsequently destroys each one of their lives.
After leaving mom’s house (Shirley Knight) Ned first moves in with Liz (Emily Mortimer). She is a politically correct mother of two married to a documentary filmmaker (Steve Coogan). Liz is so overwhelmed at trying to be the prefect wife and mother that she hires Ned to help out with the kids, and he’s great at it. But when he makes an idiot mistake he is kicked out of the house and sent along to the next sister.
Miranda (Elizabeth Banks) is the career type. She is fighting to be taken seriously as a writer and has finally landed her first big interview. But once again Ned not only gets involved with her interview but with her relationship with the guy who lives upstairs (Adam Scott). Jeremy is her best friend and the only one who seems to put up with her bossy and pushy ways. Ned thinks that they should be together and this changes their whole dynamic.
The next sister to take Ned in is Natalie (Zooey Deschanel). She is an inspiring stand-up comic living with her lesbian girlfriend (Rashinda Jones). Their apartment is crowded with other artistic types and Ned fits right in. But Ned is so guileless that he screws up their relationship too. The problem with Ned is that he is open, honest and unguarded in his speech. He sees the best in everyone and he’s accepting too, even his promiscuous sister gets a pass. To the outside world, Ned is a little eccentric, maybe even flaky, but he is genial, friendly, kind and easy to talk to, qualities that his uptight sisters lack. Our Idiot Brother is a film about family and how it is hard to appreciate the people living under your own roof.
Paul Rudd is very likable as Ned and it doesn’t take long to realize that he’s not really an idiot, he has just chosen to live his life by a different set of standards. Growing up among a gaggle of pent-up, tightly-wound women and his decision begins to make sense. As the film unfolds you may identify with the sisters and maybe even understand their embarrassment at having someone like him around, but this film will have you questioning who has got it right and who is really the happiest. Our Idiot Brother is amusing, insightful and stars Paul Rudd. A good reason to see a movie in my book.
Rating: First Run Who is the idiot?
After leaving mom’s house (Shirley Knight) Ned first moves in with Liz (Emily Mortimer). She is a politically correct mother of two married to a documentary filmmaker (Steve Coogan). Liz is so overwhelmed at trying to be the prefect wife and mother that she hires Ned to help out with the kids, and he’s great at it. But when he makes an idiot mistake he is kicked out of the house and sent along to the next sister.
Miranda (Elizabeth Banks) is the career type. She is fighting to be taken seriously as a writer and has finally landed her first big interview. But once again Ned not only gets involved with her interview but with her relationship with the guy who lives upstairs (Adam Scott). Jeremy is her best friend and the only one who seems to put up with her bossy and pushy ways. Ned thinks that they should be together and this changes their whole dynamic.
The next sister to take Ned in is Natalie (Zooey Deschanel). She is an inspiring stand-up comic living with her lesbian girlfriend (Rashinda Jones). Their apartment is crowded with other artistic types and Ned fits right in. But Ned is so guileless that he screws up their relationship too. The problem with Ned is that he is open, honest and unguarded in his speech. He sees the best in everyone and he’s accepting too, even his promiscuous sister gets a pass. To the outside world, Ned is a little eccentric, maybe even flaky, but he is genial, friendly, kind and easy to talk to, qualities that his uptight sisters lack. Our Idiot Brother is a film about family and how it is hard to appreciate the people living under your own roof.
Paul Rudd is very likable as Ned and it doesn’t take long to realize that he’s not really an idiot, he has just chosen to live his life by a different set of standards. Growing up among a gaggle of pent-up, tightly-wound women and his decision begins to make sense. As the film unfolds you may identify with the sisters and maybe even understand their embarrassment at having someone like him around, but this film will have you questioning who has got it right and who is really the happiest. Our Idiot Brother is amusing, insightful and stars Paul Rudd. A good reason to see a movie in my book.
Rating: First Run Who is the idiot?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Mozart’s Sister
Leopold Mozart was a gifted composer and teacher whose career was overshadowed by his prodigy son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Little Wolfie would eavesdrop on his older sister’s music lessons and at the age of three he already showed musical talent. At age five Wolfgang wrote his first composition and Leopold resigned his job to tour Europe with his talented children. Nannerl (Marie Feret) was five years older than Wolfgang and she was accomplished in piano, violin and voice. But when Wolfgang proved to be exceptional at the violin, Nannerl was forbidden to play the instrument given the reason that it was un-lady like.
Nannerl and Wolfgang (David Moreau) were very close. They spoke in a musical language all their own and Nannerl often helped him write down his compositions. When she asked her father (Marc Barbé) to teach her to compose he discouraged her and said that few had the talent. But the more that Nannerl was put down and repressed the more she wanted to express herself musically. If Nannerl had been born a boy her life would have been completely different. In this case her sex has betrayed her.
Being a child music prodigy in 18th century Europe meant traveling throughout the continent visiting the wealthy and influential hoping to be lavishly praised and paid. You were always at the mercy of your host who would provide you with rooms and oftentimes instead of payment you were showered with small trinkets and gifts. But in a time before recorded music it was the only way to become well known. Leopold Mozart was proud of his children and wanted their genius to be renowned, but he was also accused of exploiting them.
One day while traveling in the country the Mozart family’s carriage breaks down and they find themselves at an abbey. While seeking refuge for the night they discover that the King of France has warehoused his three youngest daughters’ there. Because they are the youngest and female they have been sent to the convent to be raised by nuns. Nannerl so strongly identifies with these young princesses that they become quick and fast friends. Nannerl even promises to secretly deliver a letter to the Dauphin of France when she visits court in the coming season. The princesses have never met their older brother and they barely remember their parents.
Because the court is in mourning and it is forbidden for the prince to receive women, Nannerl is disguised as a man in order to deliver the letter. The prince is taking a music lesson at the time and he asks her if she can play. Because she is dressed as a man, and it would not be deemed un-lady like, Nannerl picks up the violin and impresses the Dauphin. He calls on her again, but out of guilt and fear of exposure she confesses her true sex and identity. The prince becomes her confidant and protector.
With the prince’s admiration and encouragement her desire to compose becomes even stronger. She evens disguises herself as a man, now that she knows it’s possible, to attend lessons at the Academy of Music. But as Wolfgang becomes more famous, Nannerl is pushed further into his shadow. She is discouraged by her parents and slips reluctantly into a more feminine role. Mozart’s Sister is a film about repression, prejudice, and the people living in the shadow of greatness.
Rating: First Run Mozart's Sister is about the people living in the shadow of greatness
Nannerl and Wolfgang (David Moreau) were very close. They spoke in a musical language all their own and Nannerl often helped him write down his compositions. When she asked her father (Marc Barbé) to teach her to compose he discouraged her and said that few had the talent. But the more that Nannerl was put down and repressed the more she wanted to express herself musically. If Nannerl had been born a boy her life would have been completely different. In this case her sex has betrayed her.
Being a child music prodigy in 18th century Europe meant traveling throughout the continent visiting the wealthy and influential hoping to be lavishly praised and paid. You were always at the mercy of your host who would provide you with rooms and oftentimes instead of payment you were showered with small trinkets and gifts. But in a time before recorded music it was the only way to become well known. Leopold Mozart was proud of his children and wanted their genius to be renowned, but he was also accused of exploiting them.
One day while traveling in the country the Mozart family’s carriage breaks down and they find themselves at an abbey. While seeking refuge for the night they discover that the King of France has warehoused his three youngest daughters’ there. Because they are the youngest and female they have been sent to the convent to be raised by nuns. Nannerl so strongly identifies with these young princesses that they become quick and fast friends. Nannerl even promises to secretly deliver a letter to the Dauphin of France when she visits court in the coming season. The princesses have never met their older brother and they barely remember their parents.
Because the court is in mourning and it is forbidden for the prince to receive women, Nannerl is disguised as a man in order to deliver the letter. The prince is taking a music lesson at the time and he asks her if she can play. Because she is dressed as a man, and it would not be deemed un-lady like, Nannerl picks up the violin and impresses the Dauphin. He calls on her again, but out of guilt and fear of exposure she confesses her true sex and identity. The prince becomes her confidant and protector.
With the prince’s admiration and encouragement her desire to compose becomes even stronger. She evens disguises herself as a man, now that she knows it’s possible, to attend lessons at the Academy of Music. But as Wolfgang becomes more famous, Nannerl is pushed further into his shadow. She is discouraged by her parents and slips reluctantly into a more feminine role. Mozart’s Sister is a film about repression, prejudice, and the people living in the shadow of greatness.
Rating: First Run Mozart's Sister is about the people living in the shadow of greatness
The Hedgehog
A precocious 11-year girl named Paloma (Garance Le Guillermic) equipped with her father’s camera has been chronicling the lives of the people around her. One of the most fascinating subjects to her is the dowdy superintendent of the luxury apartment she lives in, Renee Michel (Josiane Balasko). Paloma calls her the Hedgehog because she is all prickly on the outside, but she also suspects that underneath she is soft and a bit of a romantic. To Paloma’s thinking, Madame Renee has found the perfect hiding place in her job.
Renee Michel is a woman of routine. Her office apartment opens exactly at 8:00 A.M. and don’t bother coming early, you will be sent away. She dutifully distributes the mail, collects packages, cleans the lobby and makes sure that the trash cans are brought in every week. But when not on duty she withdraws into her inner sanctum with a hot pot of tea, a good book and some dark chocolate.
When Paloma discovers Renee’s secret life she asks her why she keeps her extensive library hidden. Renee explains that rich people don’t like to have their menials educated and that they enjoy feeling superior. Besides, she doesn’t want to be bothered, she likes her secret life. But when a new tenant moves in, a rich, widowed, Japanese businessman, he sees right through her disguise. He quickly picks up on a literary reference and from her expression he knows that he has discovered a kindred spirit.
Kakuro Ozu (Togo Igawa) is a kind, democratic man and he invites Renee to dinner in newly decorated home. He also opens up his life to Paloma who is fascinated by Japanese culture and is learning to speak Japanese. The three of them become friends and Renee opens her life to Paloma as well. Paloma is an enigma to her own family but her new friends see her in ways that her family cannot. Paloma also sees through them and a bond is quickly formed. The Hedgehog is about acceptance, insight, and learning how to love. It is about seeing through one’s defenses and learning how to drop your own. The Hedgehog is a lovely story, bittersweet with a quiet impact. I really enjoyed this film and identified with it more than I can say.
Rating: First Run A movie about seeing people for who they really are
Renee Michel is a woman of routine. Her office apartment opens exactly at 8:00 A.M. and don’t bother coming early, you will be sent away. She dutifully distributes the mail, collects packages, cleans the lobby and makes sure that the trash cans are brought in every week. But when not on duty she withdraws into her inner sanctum with a hot pot of tea, a good book and some dark chocolate.
When Paloma discovers Renee’s secret life she asks her why she keeps her extensive library hidden. Renee explains that rich people don’t like to have their menials educated and that they enjoy feeling superior. Besides, she doesn’t want to be bothered, she likes her secret life. But when a new tenant moves in, a rich, widowed, Japanese businessman, he sees right through her disguise. He quickly picks up on a literary reference and from her expression he knows that he has discovered a kindred spirit.
Kakuro Ozu (Togo Igawa) is a kind, democratic man and he invites Renee to dinner in newly decorated home. He also opens up his life to Paloma who is fascinated by Japanese culture and is learning to speak Japanese. The three of them become friends and Renee opens her life to Paloma as well. Paloma is an enigma to her own family but her new friends see her in ways that her family cannot. Paloma also sees through them and a bond is quickly formed. The Hedgehog is about acceptance, insight, and learning how to love. It is about seeing through one’s defenses and learning how to drop your own. The Hedgehog is a lovely story, bittersweet with a quiet impact. I really enjoyed this film and identified with it more than I can say.
Rating: First Run A movie about seeing people for who they really are
Saturday, August 20, 2011
One Day
Two college graduates meet on July 15 (St. Swithun’s Day) and after a lot of alcohol they spend the night with each other. Emma (Anne Hathaway) is a smart, serious student and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) is a carefree, fun-loving ladies’ man. After their sexual encounter gets interrupted they part ways as friends but Dexter gets her number first and she reciprocates by writing long, heartfelt and humorous letters. After many years Dexter begins to appreciate her as the one constant in his life and Emma relies on him as the one guy who accepts and loves her for who she is. Together they are better people.
One Day follows Emma and Dexter every July 15th as life brings them together and takes them apart. It sees them through bad jobs, bad relationships, and various successes and detours. For them July 15th is like an anniversary, a reminder of the day they met.
As a romantic drama this film meanders through decades chronicling the life of these two friends. There is no tension as to whether or not they’ll ever sleep with each other, the drama lies in the idea of whether they’ll be able to maintain their relationship as they grow and change as people. This is a thinking man’s romantic drama. It is a character film with a St. Swithun’s Day device. It investigates the nature of love, friendship and personal growth and why we are attracted to people and how they impact us.
I liked this film. I was engaged throughout, but it lacks the highs and lows of most romantic dramas. I can’t say that it is cliché free but it is far from corny. Jim Sturgess is very touching and if you can get past Anne Hathaway’s trendy clothes and dramatic hair choices, her performance is honest too. This is by no means a chick-flick but if I were to see this film again I would enjoy it best curled up on my couch on some rainy morning. According to the legend if it rains on St. Swithun’s Day it will rain for 40 days after and that’s how this film feels, dark, cloudy with patches of sunshine. Watch this film and look for the rainbow.
Rating: Bargain Matinee The perfect film for a rainy day
One Day follows Emma and Dexter every July 15th as life brings them together and takes them apart. It sees them through bad jobs, bad relationships, and various successes and detours. For them July 15th is like an anniversary, a reminder of the day they met.
As a romantic drama this film meanders through decades chronicling the life of these two friends. There is no tension as to whether or not they’ll ever sleep with each other, the drama lies in the idea of whether they’ll be able to maintain their relationship as they grow and change as people. This is a thinking man’s romantic drama. It is a character film with a St. Swithun’s Day device. It investigates the nature of love, friendship and personal growth and why we are attracted to people and how they impact us.
I liked this film. I was engaged throughout, but it lacks the highs and lows of most romantic dramas. I can’t say that it is cliché free but it is far from corny. Jim Sturgess is very touching and if you can get past Anne Hathaway’s trendy clothes and dramatic hair choices, her performance is honest too. This is by no means a chick-flick but if I were to see this film again I would enjoy it best curled up on my couch on some rainy morning. According to the legend if it rains on St. Swithun’s Day it will rain for 40 days after and that’s how this film feels, dark, cloudy with patches of sunshine. Watch this film and look for the rainbow.
Rating: Bargain Matinee The perfect film for a rainy day
Sarah’s Key
On the fiftieth anniversary of a shameful event in France’s history, a reporter named Julia Jarmond begins to do research for an article on the Vel’ d’Hiv round up of 1942. Through her research Julia (Kristen Scott Thomas) discovers a link to her own life. Her husband’s family home was acquired when the Jewish tenants that lived there were forced out during the war. Guilt stricken, Julia obsesses over the Jewish family and a little girl named Sarah whose name does not appear on the concentration camp death rolls.
Julia’s husband has just inherited the said apartment and she cannot stand to be in it knowing its history. Without revealing to him the cause of her tension she hunts for records, evidence and the fate of little Sarah. She cannot live in that place without knowing the truth and that her in-laws are blameless for what happened to the Starzynski family.
There is so much ground to cover in this film as Julia’s search takes her all over Europe and America. For a while you feel immune to the emotional impact as each secret is revealed. But when you get to the end the commutative effect is like a sucker punch in the stomach. It sneaks up on you. And like Julia you will be forever affected by the mystery behind Sarah’s Key.
Rating: First Run A family mystery reveals itself
Julia’s husband has just inherited the said apartment and she cannot stand to be in it knowing its history. Without revealing to him the cause of her tension she hunts for records, evidence and the fate of little Sarah. She cannot live in that place without knowing the truth and that her in-laws are blameless for what happened to the Starzynski family.
There is so much ground to cover in this film as Julia’s search takes her all over Europe and America. For a while you feel immune to the emotional impact as each secret is revealed. But when you get to the end the commutative effect is like a sucker punch in the stomach. It sneaks up on you. And like Julia you will be forever affected by the mystery behind Sarah’s Key.
Rating: First Run A family mystery reveals itself
Fright Night
It totally makes sense, vampires in Las Vegas. There are plenty of night jobs, a transient population, and a culture of decadence that makes it easy to get people alone. What makes even more sense is casting Colin Farrell as a Vampire. He is such a good actor that he elevates the genre and can switch effortlessly from light to dark, sexy to savage, and he navigates every tonal change like a master tightrope walker never making a false step.
Fright Night is a perfect date movie or a night out with the friends. It is scary, funny, and full of perfectly pitched performances that makes this movie better than the average scare fest. Anton Yelchin plays Charley Brewster, a teen-age boy who has ditched his childhood friend (Christoher Mintz-Plasse) in order to be with the stunning and vivacious Amy (Imogene Poots). When his former best friend tries to warn him that a vampire has moved next door, he blows him off to be with his new, cooler friends. But when Ed goes missing, Charley begins to take the warning more seriously. And when he discovers that Ed was right he goes to the only person who might believe him, Peter Vincent (David Tennant) a Vegas performer and vampire expert.
Peter Vincent is the star of a show called Fright Night and every evening he slays vampires on stage. But he is also a collector of vampire lore and artifacts so Charley and Amy go to him for help. David Tennant is hysterical as the pampered Vegas headliner. He lives in a pent house apartment which is decorated in display cases filled with everything vampire. But as fierce and courageous as he is on stage, in the privacy of his home he is a total coward. It is fun to watch him as his on-stage persona is literally peeled away revealing the milksop underneath.
Once Charley is convinced that vampires are real and his 400 year old neighbor is one of them he has to convince his single mom (Toni Collette) to stay away from the hot new neighbor. And Colin Farrell is hot. His vampire is charming, manly and hard to resist. He is also smart and it also doesn’t take him long to figure out that his identity has been revealed. His solution is to be even more aggressive and this is where the horror begins. He sets his sights on Charley, his mom and even Charley’s girlfriend. The stakes are high as Charley tries to drive in his own stake in new and creative ways. This film is a lot of fun and will satisfy the horror fan. It also plays well as a comedy. Fright Night is creative, fast paced, well-acted and a lot of laughs. Be sure to bring your garlic and crucifix.
Rating: First Run Colin Farrell will have you craning your neck
Fright Night is a perfect date movie or a night out with the friends. It is scary, funny, and full of perfectly pitched performances that makes this movie better than the average scare fest. Anton Yelchin plays Charley Brewster, a teen-age boy who has ditched his childhood friend (Christoher Mintz-Plasse) in order to be with the stunning and vivacious Amy (Imogene Poots). When his former best friend tries to warn him that a vampire has moved next door, he blows him off to be with his new, cooler friends. But when Ed goes missing, Charley begins to take the warning more seriously. And when he discovers that Ed was right he goes to the only person who might believe him, Peter Vincent (David Tennant) a Vegas performer and vampire expert.
Peter Vincent is the star of a show called Fright Night and every evening he slays vampires on stage. But he is also a collector of vampire lore and artifacts so Charley and Amy go to him for help. David Tennant is hysterical as the pampered Vegas headliner. He lives in a pent house apartment which is decorated in display cases filled with everything vampire. But as fierce and courageous as he is on stage, in the privacy of his home he is a total coward. It is fun to watch him as his on-stage persona is literally peeled away revealing the milksop underneath.
Once Charley is convinced that vampires are real and his 400 year old neighbor is one of them he has to convince his single mom (Toni Collette) to stay away from the hot new neighbor. And Colin Farrell is hot. His vampire is charming, manly and hard to resist. He is also smart and it also doesn’t take him long to figure out that his identity has been revealed. His solution is to be even more aggressive and this is where the horror begins. He sets his sights on Charley, his mom and even Charley’s girlfriend. The stakes are high as Charley tries to drive in his own stake in new and creative ways. This film is a lot of fun and will satisfy the horror fan. It also plays well as a comedy. Fright Night is creative, fast paced, well-acted and a lot of laughs. Be sure to bring your garlic and crucifix.
Rating: First Run Colin Farrell will have you craning your neck
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Help
I was standing on the sand watching the horizon and waiting for the big wave of a movie called The Help to hit me. But when it finally reached the shore and slapped my legs I didn’t even lose my balance. Based on the hype, I was expecting to be knocked down flat, instead I was underwhelmed. The film is decent, there are some excellent performances, but as far as the story goes, I saw nothing new.
Perhaps for young viewers with no sense of history this movie may be shocking. But for someone like me who lived through the period there was no new ground covered here. Emma Stone plays Skeeter, a young white woman who grew up in a big southern house and was raised by a black nanny. She returns from college and gets a job at the local newspaper and suddenly she has a conscious. That in a nutshell is my problem with the movie, character motivation. Repression is a byproduct of fear and an act of rebellion takes courage. All throughout this film I was looking for those defining moments, those sparks of courage that allow a person to stand up. But in some cases they were really hard to find.
There are two performances that are pivotal to this film, Viola Davis as Aibileen and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook. Both performances are crucial to the story and they are wonderful. Aibileen is a black maid who took pride in raising seventeen white children. She learned at the age of 14 that she had the ability to influence and instill self-esteem into her young charges even when their parents ignored them. But her heartbreak occurs when the children grow up. As adults they fall right into step and become just like their parents. Not everyone turns out like Skeeter.
On the other side is a woman like Hilly. She was raised by a black maid too, but when it was her turn to run a house and become a part of society, her fear and insecurity causes her to use her influence to spread hate. Not only does she use her power to ostracize the outsider who stole her former beau, but she uses her leadership to spread her bigotry through political means. How can any woman raised and nurtured by a black nanny turn out this way? Besides insecurity and fear what is her motivation, what causes her to be so hateful and venomous?
It is never clear why these white mothers maintained such a distance from their children. Some were distant while others were downright neglectful. Even Skeeter claims that her nanny raised her while her mom (Allison Janney) was busy with her meetings and such. Why were these woman so detached when it came to their children?
When it comes to Skeeter it is never shown where her courage and indignation comes from. Is it her eastern education or the unexplained disappearance of her beloved nanny (Cecily Tyson) or is it her outsider mentality? Skeeter was never like the other southern girls. Or is it just a way for her to secure a new job? When she returns home she joins her peers at the league, dates a southern boy, and tries to fit in, but why is it different now? Did someone open her eyes at school, was it the civil rights movement? What causes Skeeter to fall out of step. Once her writing project begins she cannot do it alone, she cannot succeed without the cooperation of “the help”, the women whose stories she will tell. I really wanted to know why these women finally said, “Enough!” I was more interested in the catalyst.
Viola Davis’ Aibileen is Skeeter’s first interview but it isn’t until Minny (Octavia Jackson) climbs on board that the ball gets rolling. Minny is sassy and resents being put down but she swallows her pride in order to care for her own family. Aibilene on the other hand always took pride in her job. She is good at it and it is what she knows. It isn’t until she loses her own son that she becomes bitter and resentful. As the two most fully realized characters in the film their motivation is clear, but what about the rest? Standing up and speaking out could get a person beat or killed. This is not something the women would do without conviction.
I am going to recommend this film based on some very strong performances, but I do have reservations when it comes to the execution of the story. I have not read the bestselling book. Perhaps it does a better job explaining the culture. But based on the hype and the high praise going in I really wanted to love this movie and leave praising its virtues. But after seeing it I just felt underwhelmed. I would love to be convinced otherwise, that I missed the point or I am expecting too much from a movie. I sincerely hope you enjoy the film more than I did, but for me The Help needs help in making a stronger statement.
Like Skeeter I made a few stands in my life and I could tell you exactly when, where and why these acts occurred. I guess I was expecting the same from the movie, more pivotal and defining moments. I like the movie, I respect what it is trying to say, I just wanted more clarity and understanding. The Help is about women who changed the world and that is a very worthy subject.
Rating: First Run Change begins with the word enough
Perhaps for young viewers with no sense of history this movie may be shocking. But for someone like me who lived through the period there was no new ground covered here. Emma Stone plays Skeeter, a young white woman who grew up in a big southern house and was raised by a black nanny. She returns from college and gets a job at the local newspaper and suddenly she has a conscious. That in a nutshell is my problem with the movie, character motivation. Repression is a byproduct of fear and an act of rebellion takes courage. All throughout this film I was looking for those defining moments, those sparks of courage that allow a person to stand up. But in some cases they were really hard to find.
There are two performances that are pivotal to this film, Viola Davis as Aibileen and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook. Both performances are crucial to the story and they are wonderful. Aibileen is a black maid who took pride in raising seventeen white children. She learned at the age of 14 that she had the ability to influence and instill self-esteem into her young charges even when their parents ignored them. But her heartbreak occurs when the children grow up. As adults they fall right into step and become just like their parents. Not everyone turns out like Skeeter.
On the other side is a woman like Hilly. She was raised by a black maid too, but when it was her turn to run a house and become a part of society, her fear and insecurity causes her to use her influence to spread hate. Not only does she use her power to ostracize the outsider who stole her former beau, but she uses her leadership to spread her bigotry through political means. How can any woman raised and nurtured by a black nanny turn out this way? Besides insecurity and fear what is her motivation, what causes her to be so hateful and venomous?
It is never clear why these white mothers maintained such a distance from their children. Some were distant while others were downright neglectful. Even Skeeter claims that her nanny raised her while her mom (Allison Janney) was busy with her meetings and such. Why were these woman so detached when it came to their children?
When it comes to Skeeter it is never shown where her courage and indignation comes from. Is it her eastern education or the unexplained disappearance of her beloved nanny (Cecily Tyson) or is it her outsider mentality? Skeeter was never like the other southern girls. Or is it just a way for her to secure a new job? When she returns home she joins her peers at the league, dates a southern boy, and tries to fit in, but why is it different now? Did someone open her eyes at school, was it the civil rights movement? What causes Skeeter to fall out of step. Once her writing project begins she cannot do it alone, she cannot succeed without the cooperation of “the help”, the women whose stories she will tell. I really wanted to know why these women finally said, “Enough!” I was more interested in the catalyst.
Viola Davis’ Aibileen is Skeeter’s first interview but it isn’t until Minny (Octavia Jackson) climbs on board that the ball gets rolling. Minny is sassy and resents being put down but she swallows her pride in order to care for her own family. Aibilene on the other hand always took pride in her job. She is good at it and it is what she knows. It isn’t until she loses her own son that she becomes bitter and resentful. As the two most fully realized characters in the film their motivation is clear, but what about the rest? Standing up and speaking out could get a person beat or killed. This is not something the women would do without conviction.
I am going to recommend this film based on some very strong performances, but I do have reservations when it comes to the execution of the story. I have not read the bestselling book. Perhaps it does a better job explaining the culture. But based on the hype and the high praise going in I really wanted to love this movie and leave praising its virtues. But after seeing it I just felt underwhelmed. I would love to be convinced otherwise, that I missed the point or I am expecting too much from a movie. I sincerely hope you enjoy the film more than I did, but for me The Help needs help in making a stronger statement.
Like Skeeter I made a few stands in my life and I could tell you exactly when, where and why these acts occurred. I guess I was expecting the same from the movie, more pivotal and defining moments. I like the movie, I respect what it is trying to say, I just wanted more clarity and understanding. The Help is about women who changed the world and that is a very worthy subject.
Rating: First Run Change begins with the word enough
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Guard
I’m not sure how to take this movie. The humor is very British, or more accurately Irish and The Guard has a comic sensibility all its own. Brendan Gleeson plays a maverick police officer in a remote part of County Galway. He believes in protecting his little part of the world but he does it in his own way ignoring rules and procedures if they are too much of a nuisance. He knows his town and he knows his people and like a beat cop in America, not much gets by him. But he has no use for the politics, corruption or outside interference of others, this is his home and he’s on the job.
When Sergeant Gerry Boyle responds to a murder and finds that he’s strapped with a new young officer from the city (Rory Keenan) Boyle goes out of the way to show him that things are different in Galway. Boyle displays absolutely no respect for forensics, protocol, or the victim’s dignity. But when his new partner’s wife, (Katarina Cas) arrives at his door to tell him that her husband didn’t come home, he is genuinely concerned. Underneath his rough exterior he’s a tender man.
The next day Sergeant Boyle’s world is rocked again when an American F.B.I. agent, (Don Cheadle) shows up looking for a drug smuggling ring and a half billion dollars worth of cocaine. Boyle shows his true colors by being a smart-ass in the briefing and he and the uptight American agent get off on the wrong foot. Once on his own turf, Boyle becomes invaluable because the locals are tight-lipped, suspicious and will have nothing to do with a black, American, English speaking, police officer. In a town that speaks Gaelic, FBI agent Wendall Everett could not be more out of place.
Behind his lazy irreverent appearance Sergeant Boyle is a deep man. He probably inherited his irreverent streak from his feisty mother (Fionnula Flanagan) who is dying from cancer and doing it on her own terms. They share a love of good literature, music and cutting people down to size. Boyle is also a favorite among the prostitutes because he makes their dates nights as much fun for them as he does himself. He is a strange complicated man.
When the drug runners do arrive, they are not your typical thugs either. They play intellectual memory games in the car and believe in reducing their work load by being smart which means bribing cops, intimidating locals and removing obstacles whenever necessary. When they discover that the FBI is in Ireland, Mark Strong is particularly funny as he criticizes American culture and their goody-two-shoes policing ethics.
If you are tired of all the police procedurals and action films of late and want to cleanse your palette than this film will do the trick. It’s like a little cop vacation in Ireland. Everything is the same but different, and the film will leave you guessing.
Rating: First Run If Clint Eastwood was Irish
When Sergeant Gerry Boyle responds to a murder and finds that he’s strapped with a new young officer from the city (Rory Keenan) Boyle goes out of the way to show him that things are different in Galway. Boyle displays absolutely no respect for forensics, protocol, or the victim’s dignity. But when his new partner’s wife, (Katarina Cas) arrives at his door to tell him that her husband didn’t come home, he is genuinely concerned. Underneath his rough exterior he’s a tender man.
The next day Sergeant Boyle’s world is rocked again when an American F.B.I. agent, (Don Cheadle) shows up looking for a drug smuggling ring and a half billion dollars worth of cocaine. Boyle shows his true colors by being a smart-ass in the briefing and he and the uptight American agent get off on the wrong foot. Once on his own turf, Boyle becomes invaluable because the locals are tight-lipped, suspicious and will have nothing to do with a black, American, English speaking, police officer. In a town that speaks Gaelic, FBI agent Wendall Everett could not be more out of place.
Behind his lazy irreverent appearance Sergeant Boyle is a deep man. He probably inherited his irreverent streak from his feisty mother (Fionnula Flanagan) who is dying from cancer and doing it on her own terms. They share a love of good literature, music and cutting people down to size. Boyle is also a favorite among the prostitutes because he makes their dates nights as much fun for them as he does himself. He is a strange complicated man.
When the drug runners do arrive, they are not your typical thugs either. They play intellectual memory games in the car and believe in reducing their work load by being smart which means bribing cops, intimidating locals and removing obstacles whenever necessary. When they discover that the FBI is in Ireland, Mark Strong is particularly funny as he criticizes American culture and their goody-two-shoes policing ethics.
If you are tired of all the police procedurals and action films of late and want to cleanse your palette than this film will do the trick. It’s like a little cop vacation in Ireland. Everything is the same but different, and the film will leave you guessing.
Rating: First Run If Clint Eastwood was Irish
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Devil’s Double
What do you do if your father is the most powerful man in the country and you have access to an unlimited supply of money? The answer is anything you want! And if your father is Saddam Hussein no one is going to tell you no. That is why in The Devil’s Double, Uday Hussein (Saddam’s oldest son) snatches a young Iraqi soldier off the battlefield and turns him into his own personal body double. And Latif Yahia is not in a position to refuse.
The Devil’s Double, starring Dominic Cooper in a duel role, is the true story of Latif Yahia who was once a childhood acquaintance of Uday Hussein. With a few minor adjustments he became a dead ringer for the despised dictator’s son. Forced to stand in for him at public events Latif was also compelled to follow Uday around like a lap dog watching him perform despicable acts. To his family Latif was declared dead and when he tried to get a message to them that he was still alive, he was beaten and his family was threatened with death. So, trapped in a hellish nightmare, Latif has found himself as the devil’s new play toy.
Watching a sadistic, spoiled, out of control despot is not my idea of having fun, but witnessing Dominic Cooper chew up the scenery as Uday is a treat and something worth watching. Then when you see him play the conflicted, morally outraged and indignant Latif, you understand what a truly fine performance he has given. Playing Uday alone would have been a difficult task, Dominic gives him a manic quality that is over the top psychotic, but he also comes off lonely, insecure, and sympathetic. At times you feel sorry for him.
There are parts of this film that are really hard to watch. Uday was a monster and hurt a lot of people, especially women. But if you can stomach the viciousness of his acts, Dominic’s performance brings us two multi-layered characters and a bit of understanding to a troubling time.
Another fine performance is that of Ludvine Sagnier. She plays Sarrab, another one of Uday’s play toys who puts up with Uday to protect her family. Latif is attracted to her but knows that to touch her would mean certain death. Sarrab is also attracted to him because he is everything that Uday is not.
The rest of the movie is just a framework for three extraordinary performances, two by the same guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dominic Cooper’s name is mentioned around awards time. It is also interesting to think about the practice of using doubles. Saddam had his, so did Bin Laden and I believe Stalin had one too. It makes you wonder if we got the right guy. The Devil’s Double is a provocative film.
Rating:First Run Remember Dominic Cooper at awards time
The Devil’s Double, starring Dominic Cooper in a duel role, is the true story of Latif Yahia who was once a childhood acquaintance of Uday Hussein. With a few minor adjustments he became a dead ringer for the despised dictator’s son. Forced to stand in for him at public events Latif was also compelled to follow Uday around like a lap dog watching him perform despicable acts. To his family Latif was declared dead and when he tried to get a message to them that he was still alive, he was beaten and his family was threatened with death. So, trapped in a hellish nightmare, Latif has found himself as the devil’s new play toy.
Watching a sadistic, spoiled, out of control despot is not my idea of having fun, but witnessing Dominic Cooper chew up the scenery as Uday is a treat and something worth watching. Then when you see him play the conflicted, morally outraged and indignant Latif, you understand what a truly fine performance he has given. Playing Uday alone would have been a difficult task, Dominic gives him a manic quality that is over the top psychotic, but he also comes off lonely, insecure, and sympathetic. At times you feel sorry for him.
There are parts of this film that are really hard to watch. Uday was a monster and hurt a lot of people, especially women. But if you can stomach the viciousness of his acts, Dominic’s performance brings us two multi-layered characters and a bit of understanding to a troubling time.
Another fine performance is that of Ludvine Sagnier. She plays Sarrab, another one of Uday’s play toys who puts up with Uday to protect her family. Latif is attracted to her but knows that to touch her would mean certain death. Sarrab is also attracted to him because he is everything that Uday is not.
The rest of the movie is just a framework for three extraordinary performances, two by the same guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dominic Cooper’s name is mentioned around awards time. It is also interesting to think about the practice of using doubles. Saddam had his, so did Bin Laden and I believe Stalin had one too. It makes you wonder if we got the right guy. The Devil’s Double is a provocative film.
Rating:First Run Remember Dominic Cooper at awards time
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Larry Crowne
As a producer Tom Hanks has been so successful that he can pretty much produce anything he wants. As a director his credits are not as substantial, yet he still is one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. With his clout, prestige and access to the Hollywood elite I kept asking myself while watching Larry Cowne, “Why, Tom Hanks, why?” I just didn’t understand the appeal of this film.
Larry Crowne is the story of a middle age man who loses his job because he has never gone to college. Since his company has promoted him as far as he can go, they feel that it is time to sever ties. As an employee he has never missed a single day, he knows every position and presents a positive cheerful attitude. But in the corporate structure, focused on diplomas and degrees, Larry Crowne has become disposable.
Getting fired now is the worst possible timing for Larry. After twenty years in the Navy Larry has worked for the store ever since he left the service. He just took out a big loan to buy his ex-wife’s interest in their family home. So this blow to his self-esteem has hit him hard. Larry is feeling worthless and very vulnerable. It is difficult for him to remain positive.
After attacking the job market and countless interviews Larry decides to take matters in to his own hands. He enrolls in community college and in his first class he gets Julia Roberts as a teacher. Julia Roberts is in full burn-out mode. Her husband (Bryan Cranston) has published two books and is now staying at home all day surfing porn. She is unhappy with him, her job, and the state of her life. She has put her own writing aside and is fighting desperately to answer the question why is she still teaching? Mercedes has lost all her passion and inspiration.
Setting aside his SUV for a more economical scooter Larry has been adopted by another scooter rider who also happens to be a classmate. Talia, (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a pretty, effervescent girl who collects vintage clothes and dreams of having her own shop. She has taken on Larry as a make-over project and has brought him into her little gang. Her boyfriend (Wilmar Valderama) is keeping a close eye on him. He likes the guy but all this attention is ridiculous.
Like a smarter version of Forrest Gump, Julia Robert’s Mercedes becomes taken with this optimistic, cheerful, simple man. She turns into a more energized teacher, inspires her class, and they all become better public speakers. I can’t say that this film bored me, parts of it were kind of nice, but it was as bland as tapioca pudding. George Takei was kind of funny as an economics teacher and I really liked his role, but Tom’s other friends were kind of wasted. It was like the Pacific Palisades version of “Come on guys, let’s put on a show.” Everyone, including friends and family, got a part. But overall this movie was kind of dull.
Nia Vardalos wrote the script with Tom and both of their spouses appear in the film. Also appearing is Cedric the Entertainer, Pam Grier and Taraji P. Henson, a terrific actress that was given nothing to do. I don’t know what they were thinking or what they were trying to say but like a scooter this film was running on a two-stroke engine and it never really went anywhere.It was sweet, smooth and went down easy just like my favorite pudding. Not bad for a snack, but sometimes you want more. Disappointing when you consider the talent.
Rating: Rent It Sweet and as bland as tapioca pudding
Larry Crowne is the story of a middle age man who loses his job because he has never gone to college. Since his company has promoted him as far as he can go, they feel that it is time to sever ties. As an employee he has never missed a single day, he knows every position and presents a positive cheerful attitude. But in the corporate structure, focused on diplomas and degrees, Larry Crowne has become disposable.
Getting fired now is the worst possible timing for Larry. After twenty years in the Navy Larry has worked for the store ever since he left the service. He just took out a big loan to buy his ex-wife’s interest in their family home. So this blow to his self-esteem has hit him hard. Larry is feeling worthless and very vulnerable. It is difficult for him to remain positive.
After attacking the job market and countless interviews Larry decides to take matters in to his own hands. He enrolls in community college and in his first class he gets Julia Roberts as a teacher. Julia Roberts is in full burn-out mode. Her husband (Bryan Cranston) has published two books and is now staying at home all day surfing porn. She is unhappy with him, her job, and the state of her life. She has put her own writing aside and is fighting desperately to answer the question why is she still teaching? Mercedes has lost all her passion and inspiration.
Setting aside his SUV for a more economical scooter Larry has been adopted by another scooter rider who also happens to be a classmate. Talia, (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a pretty, effervescent girl who collects vintage clothes and dreams of having her own shop. She has taken on Larry as a make-over project and has brought him into her little gang. Her boyfriend (Wilmar Valderama) is keeping a close eye on him. He likes the guy but all this attention is ridiculous.
Like a smarter version of Forrest Gump, Julia Robert’s Mercedes becomes taken with this optimistic, cheerful, simple man. She turns into a more energized teacher, inspires her class, and they all become better public speakers. I can’t say that this film bored me, parts of it were kind of nice, but it was as bland as tapioca pudding. George Takei was kind of funny as an economics teacher and I really liked his role, but Tom’s other friends were kind of wasted. It was like the Pacific Palisades version of “Come on guys, let’s put on a show.” Everyone, including friends and family, got a part. But overall this movie was kind of dull.
Nia Vardalos wrote the script with Tom and both of their spouses appear in the film. Also appearing is Cedric the Entertainer, Pam Grier and Taraji P. Henson, a terrific actress that was given nothing to do. I don’t know what they were thinking or what they were trying to say but like a scooter this film was running on a two-stroke engine and it never really went anywhere.It was sweet, smooth and went down easy just like my favorite pudding. Not bad for a snack, but sometimes you want more. Disappointing when you consider the talent.
Rating: Rent It Sweet and as bland as tapioca pudding
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a powerful movie. As someone who was raised with the Ape’s franchise I do not make this statement lightly. I hold this film to a very high standard and although there are a few things that I found fault with there is one scene that is so electric that the hair on my arms literally stood up. On this basis alone I recommend this film.
The strength of Rise of the Planet of the Apes is in its humanity. In the original Planet of the Apes star Roddy McDowall was able to convey his humanity through a latex mask and heavy make-up by using his posture and soulful eyes. In this film Andy Serkis does the same using the latest, state-of-the-art, motion-capture techniques. This film is capitalizing on the advances made by the groundbreaking movie Avatar. Taking it one step further Rise has created a portable MoCap unit being the first to film in a natural setting and in direct sunlight. This innovation frees them from the confinement of the soundstage and opens new possibilities. But when I speak of the humanity of the film I am also talking about the human actors, whether it’s live action or CGI, there are some really good performances in this film.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes centers on a scientist (James Franco) who has dedicated his life to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. His own father (John Lithgow) suffers from the disease and Will (Franco) has now become his father’s sole caregiver. With a focus boarding on obsession, Will has developed a benign drug-carrying virus that repairs damaged brain tissue. However, he has also discovered that in apes without brain damage, it actually increases brain function. In other words, the apes are getting smarter.
When a lab accident occurs, forcing the company to destroy all its test animals, the lead ape handler, Robert Franklin (Tyler Labine) is burdened with the loathsome task of putting the animals down. But while carrying out this despicable duty he discovers a baby chimp that is not on the company records. In an act of compassion he begs Will to take the baby with him until he can find it a home. Will reluctantly agrees but becomes attached to the little guy. Caesar has found a new father in Will.
It doesn’t take long for Will to discover that Caesar is no ordinary ape. His blood work reveals that he inherited the virus from his mother and his growth and intelligence is exponential. Will secretly carries on his work at home and even starts human trials on his father without clearance. When the cure appears to be working, Will admits to his supervisor what he has done. His boss (David Oyelowo) eager to make a profit overlooks Will’s breech of ethics and agrees to start a new trial. More apes are secured for testing and the vicious cycle renews.
Back home things are beginning to go wrong and Caesar’s existence has become publicly known. Thrown into a local primate sanctuary, which is little more than an ape prison, Caesar learns about brutality, violence, prejudice and hate. He uses his intelligence to survive his incarceration and eventually rises to become an ape leader. Caesar learns that he is now among his own and his own have been sorely mistreated.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an origin story that attempts to explain how apes grew to rule the earth. It is an ambitious project that couldn’t be made before because the technology needed to tell the story wasn’t available. We have come a long way since latex masks and hairy suits. But with the magic of motion-capture, Andy Serkis is able to age from a baby chimp into a fully mature chimpanzee. MoCap also allows him to convey intelligence, emotion and a full range of movement, something that the restrictive methods of the sixties could not do.
If you ignored the science-fiction element and all the special effects, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is really a father-son story. John Lithgow gives an elegant performance as a man struggling with dementia. His performance is meticulous as he shows varying stages of Alzheimer disease. He is also very touching as he develops a bond with his simian grandson, Caesar. For Franco, saving John’s character from Alzheimer’s is a very strong motivator. He also has formed a strong attachment to Caesar who becomes like a son to him.
Another nice performance, although understated, is Freida Pinto as Caroline Aranha, a veterinarian with an affinity for chimps. She is the voice of reason in this strange father-son story, but her affection for both Will and Caesar turns her into a surrogate mom. Until now Will has been too focused to let anyone in. But Caroline knows his secret and wants to help. She is the only one who has been able to get past his cold exterior. The four of them have become a strange family.
Another strong performance is Tom Felton as a nasty, sadistic keeper who loves to torment apes. His father, Brian Cox runs the ape sanctuary but he seems to be blind to his son’s behavior. He also seems to be blind to his original purpose and the condition of his establishment. He is not above taking bribes or selling his charges back to research facilities. We don’t know much about this despicable man, we only know that somewhere he lost his way.
When it comes to the CGI and the motion-capture work, the apes are extremely well done and photo-realistic. However, some species do look better than others. The orangutan is flawless and looks completely real and the Silverback gorilla looks great too. But when it comes to the chimpanzees, some look better than others. There is one old chimp that looks so familiar to me that I wondered if I saw him in a film before. Then I remembered that they are all computer generated so they probably used this chimp as a model. As far as Caesar is concerned I felt that they went too humanoid with him. At times he lost his simian qualities.
I loved how each ape was different with their own look and personality. This really helps you identify with them and see them as individuals. It also helps you understand their plight and causes you to be sympathetic. It is funny how in a movie pitting apes against humans that we end up rooting for the other side. How intelligent is that? But that is the power of film and science fiction. It allows us to look at things from another perspective and see them with fresh eyes. Planet of the Apes is about equality, prejudice, segregation and the hubris of science, themes that were tackled in 1963 and are still being tackled today. My question is how many films do we have to make before we learn our lesson? Apparently, one more, and like its predecessors Rise of the Planet of the Apes will make you think.
Rating: First Run A powerful movie that will make you think
The strength of Rise of the Planet of the Apes is in its humanity. In the original Planet of the Apes star Roddy McDowall was able to convey his humanity through a latex mask and heavy make-up by using his posture and soulful eyes. In this film Andy Serkis does the same using the latest, state-of-the-art, motion-capture techniques. This film is capitalizing on the advances made by the groundbreaking movie Avatar. Taking it one step further Rise has created a portable MoCap unit being the first to film in a natural setting and in direct sunlight. This innovation frees them from the confinement of the soundstage and opens new possibilities. But when I speak of the humanity of the film I am also talking about the human actors, whether it’s live action or CGI, there are some really good performances in this film.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes centers on a scientist (James Franco) who has dedicated his life to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. His own father (John Lithgow) suffers from the disease and Will (Franco) has now become his father’s sole caregiver. With a focus boarding on obsession, Will has developed a benign drug-carrying virus that repairs damaged brain tissue. However, he has also discovered that in apes without brain damage, it actually increases brain function. In other words, the apes are getting smarter.
When a lab accident occurs, forcing the company to destroy all its test animals, the lead ape handler, Robert Franklin (Tyler Labine) is burdened with the loathsome task of putting the animals down. But while carrying out this despicable duty he discovers a baby chimp that is not on the company records. In an act of compassion he begs Will to take the baby with him until he can find it a home. Will reluctantly agrees but becomes attached to the little guy. Caesar has found a new father in Will.
It doesn’t take long for Will to discover that Caesar is no ordinary ape. His blood work reveals that he inherited the virus from his mother and his growth and intelligence is exponential. Will secretly carries on his work at home and even starts human trials on his father without clearance. When the cure appears to be working, Will admits to his supervisor what he has done. His boss (David Oyelowo) eager to make a profit overlooks Will’s breech of ethics and agrees to start a new trial. More apes are secured for testing and the vicious cycle renews.
Back home things are beginning to go wrong and Caesar’s existence has become publicly known. Thrown into a local primate sanctuary, which is little more than an ape prison, Caesar learns about brutality, violence, prejudice and hate. He uses his intelligence to survive his incarceration and eventually rises to become an ape leader. Caesar learns that he is now among his own and his own have been sorely mistreated.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an origin story that attempts to explain how apes grew to rule the earth. It is an ambitious project that couldn’t be made before because the technology needed to tell the story wasn’t available. We have come a long way since latex masks and hairy suits. But with the magic of motion-capture, Andy Serkis is able to age from a baby chimp into a fully mature chimpanzee. MoCap also allows him to convey intelligence, emotion and a full range of movement, something that the restrictive methods of the sixties could not do.
If you ignored the science-fiction element and all the special effects, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is really a father-son story. John Lithgow gives an elegant performance as a man struggling with dementia. His performance is meticulous as he shows varying stages of Alzheimer disease. He is also very touching as he develops a bond with his simian grandson, Caesar. For Franco, saving John’s character from Alzheimer’s is a very strong motivator. He also has formed a strong attachment to Caesar who becomes like a son to him.
Another nice performance, although understated, is Freida Pinto as Caroline Aranha, a veterinarian with an affinity for chimps. She is the voice of reason in this strange father-son story, but her affection for both Will and Caesar turns her into a surrogate mom. Until now Will has been too focused to let anyone in. But Caroline knows his secret and wants to help. She is the only one who has been able to get past his cold exterior. The four of them have become a strange family.
Another strong performance is Tom Felton as a nasty, sadistic keeper who loves to torment apes. His father, Brian Cox runs the ape sanctuary but he seems to be blind to his son’s behavior. He also seems to be blind to his original purpose and the condition of his establishment. He is not above taking bribes or selling his charges back to research facilities. We don’t know much about this despicable man, we only know that somewhere he lost his way.
When it comes to the CGI and the motion-capture work, the apes are extremely well done and photo-realistic. However, some species do look better than others. The orangutan is flawless and looks completely real and the Silverback gorilla looks great too. But when it comes to the chimpanzees, some look better than others. There is one old chimp that looks so familiar to me that I wondered if I saw him in a film before. Then I remembered that they are all computer generated so they probably used this chimp as a model. As far as Caesar is concerned I felt that they went too humanoid with him. At times he lost his simian qualities.
I loved how each ape was different with their own look and personality. This really helps you identify with them and see them as individuals. It also helps you understand their plight and causes you to be sympathetic. It is funny how in a movie pitting apes against humans that we end up rooting for the other side. How intelligent is that? But that is the power of film and science fiction. It allows us to look at things from another perspective and see them with fresh eyes. Planet of the Apes is about equality, prejudice, segregation and the hubris of science, themes that were tackled in 1963 and are still being tackled today. My question is how many films do we have to make before we learn our lesson? Apparently, one more, and like its predecessors Rise of the Planet of the Apes will make you think.
Rating: First Run A powerful movie that will make you think
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Bellflower
Bellflower is the story of a really bad break-up. If you take immaturity, alcohol and add a flamethrower, bad things are going to happen. Written, directed and starring Evan Glodell, Bellflower is the apocalyptic tale of a relationship gone wrong. Completely made in true Indie fashion, Bellflower was picked up for distribution at the Sundance Film Festival. It is a unique, self-styled love story with a take all its own. Like a car wreck it is hard to look away.
Woodrow and Aiden (Evan Glodell and Tyler Dawson) are best friends. They moved to California because they thought it would be cool. Obsessed with the movie Mad Max, they spend all their spare time designing a flamethrower and planning for the end of the world. Relying on sketches and cartoons they made as boys they tinker, experiment and create weapons of mass destruction. Their theory is that a show of power is the final days will make them masters in a time of confusion. They call their gang Medusa and they are like grown-up little boys playing with dangerous toys. I bet that everyone knows someone like them.
Woodrow has recently broken up with a girl and Aiden drags him to a cheesy bar to get over it. Tricked into joining a cricket eating contest Woodrow meets his soulmate in Milly (Jessie Wiseman). Milly is wild child with a free spirit and a zest for life. She seldom thinks about consequences and she is the kind of friend who is fun to hang with, but you wouldn’t trust with a dollar. On a dare, Woodrow and Millie drive to Texas for their first date and fall in love on the way. Meanwhile on the road of myopic self-indulgence, Woodrow and Milly’s friends get left behind.
Milly’s best friend is Courtney (Rebekah Brandes) and she is feeling a little left out. She commiserates with Milly’s roommate and he agrees to have her birthday party there. Mike, played by Vincent Grashaw knows that Milly is a flake but he obviously has feelings for her. Meanwhile Courtney and Aiden become acquainted with each other as they both wait for their best friends to return. Aiden uses his time to pick up parts and finishes the flamethrower while Woodrow is gone. He feels a bit abandoned but is taking it better than Courtney is. The Woodrow-Milly love affair is leaving everyone in the dust.
Like most immature relationships built on superficial foundations the Woodrow-Milly affair doesn’t last, but like a weapon of mass destruction the fallout impacts those around them. Jealousy, rage, hurt and desire becomes a noxious cloud that covers them all. This tale is a tragedy but it also has moments of tenderness, brutal honesty and sweetness. You’ll feel like you know these people, or have least partied with them. You will encounter Woodrow’s gentle innocence, Aiden’s loyalty, Milly’s magnetism and Courtney’s sorrow. These are characters that you will always remember in a film that has its own special signature look and feel. If you are tired of the same ol’, same ol’, give Bellflower a try. It is a film that should be seen.
Rating: First Run It is a unique, self-styled love story with a take all its own. Like a car wreck it is hard to look away
Woodrow and Aiden (Evan Glodell and Tyler Dawson) are best friends. They moved to California because they thought it would be cool. Obsessed with the movie Mad Max, they spend all their spare time designing a flamethrower and planning for the end of the world. Relying on sketches and cartoons they made as boys they tinker, experiment and create weapons of mass destruction. Their theory is that a show of power is the final days will make them masters in a time of confusion. They call their gang Medusa and they are like grown-up little boys playing with dangerous toys. I bet that everyone knows someone like them.
Woodrow has recently broken up with a girl and Aiden drags him to a cheesy bar to get over it. Tricked into joining a cricket eating contest Woodrow meets his soulmate in Milly (Jessie Wiseman). Milly is wild child with a free spirit and a zest for life. She seldom thinks about consequences and she is the kind of friend who is fun to hang with, but you wouldn’t trust with a dollar. On a dare, Woodrow and Millie drive to Texas for their first date and fall in love on the way. Meanwhile on the road of myopic self-indulgence, Woodrow and Milly’s friends get left behind.
Milly’s best friend is Courtney (Rebekah Brandes) and she is feeling a little left out. She commiserates with Milly’s roommate and he agrees to have her birthday party there. Mike, played by Vincent Grashaw knows that Milly is a flake but he obviously has feelings for her. Meanwhile Courtney and Aiden become acquainted with each other as they both wait for their best friends to return. Aiden uses his time to pick up parts and finishes the flamethrower while Woodrow is gone. He feels a bit abandoned but is taking it better than Courtney is. The Woodrow-Milly love affair is leaving everyone in the dust.
Like most immature relationships built on superficial foundations the Woodrow-Milly affair doesn’t last, but like a weapon of mass destruction the fallout impacts those around them. Jealousy, rage, hurt and desire becomes a noxious cloud that covers them all. This tale is a tragedy but it also has moments of tenderness, brutal honesty and sweetness. You’ll feel like you know these people, or have least partied with them. You will encounter Woodrow’s gentle innocence, Aiden’s loyalty, Milly’s magnetism and Courtney’s sorrow. These are characters that you will always remember in a film that has its own special signature look and feel. If you are tired of the same ol’, same ol’, give Bellflower a try. It is a film that should be seen.
Rating: First Run It is a unique, self-styled love story with a take all its own. Like a car wreck it is hard to look away
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Crazy, Stupid, Love is one of the best written, wonderfully acted and finely directed comedic-dramas that I’ve seen in a long time. It flirts with the idea of being a romantic comedy, but the performances are so heartfelt that it grounds you in the pain of a marriage breaking up and the reality of unrequited love. The plot is as complex as Shakespeare's Midsummer’s Night Dream, where desire is quickly followed by misunderstanding, yet in this movie the only magic is Steve Carell.
Steve Carell is the hinge-pin of this film and I believe that this is one of his finest performances. As Cal, he is in such shock when his wife asks for a divorce that he’d rather throw himself out of a moving car than to sit there and hear about her infidelity. Cal and his wife Emily (Julianna Moore) met when they were fifteen years old and have been a couple ever since. Emily questions her life and wonders if she is having a mid-life crisis.
Emily has never been with anyone else until she slept with David Lindhagen from the office. David Linhagen, and you must say the name while gritting your teeth, is played by Kevin Bacon. He’s a nice, good looking accountant who is totally enamored of Emily and can’t wait to get to work each day to see her. He makes Emily feel young, attractive and alive after 25 years of marriage with kids. She has forgotten what that spark is like and never got the chance to be a single gal. Cal on the other hand has never strayed. He knew the moment that he saw Emily at age 15 that she was the only one. For 25 years, Cal has been living with his soul mate.
After having his heart ripped out, Cal finds himself in a bar with young vibrant professional people. The women are beautiful, single, but none of them are interested in hearing about Cal’s failing marriage. They are there to hook up, have some fun, and decompress after a hard day’s work. But Cal doesn’t get it. He babbles on, if only to himself. His wife got all the friends in the split, he just needs someone to talk to.
After several days of being pitiful, Cal is called over by one of the bar’s greatest pick-up artists, Jacob. “I’m going to give you back your manhood,” he says. And Ryan Gosling as Jacob can do it. He takes Cal under his wing, gives him a make-over and then strives to build up his confidence. Cal goes along because he doesn’t know what else to do. His world has been shattered and he just wants to move on with his life.
When Jacob thinks that Cal is ready he drops him in the lap of a sexy school teacher (Marisa Tomei) wanting to have fun. She responds to Cal’s fumbling honesty and the two of them have a wild night. Cal has never been casual about sex before, he’s been with the same girl since he was fifteen years old. But after a night of adult fun, a new creature is born and Cal becomes a ladies man. The master has a worthy pupil.
Like Love Actually, all the characters in this film are connected in some way so it is delightful to follow every twist and turn. The conclusion is strange, explosive and very satisfying. There is little to not like about this film. Every performance from Steve Carell to Julianne Moore to the children and even the babysitter is expertly played and emotionally moving. Ryan Gosling gives insight and depth to his role as the playboy, and Emma Stone is engaging as the girl who finally turns him down. Analeigh Tipton is refreshing as the babysitter with a crush, and Jonah Bobo is soulful as the middle-school boy who only wants to be taken seriously. Every player in this film is relatable even when some of the devices get over the top. We believe because our actors are grounded and we know how they really feel. Crazy, Stupid, Love is a wonderful, lovely, thoughtful film. I enjoyed the movie immensely and it made me laugh.
Rating: First Run Where love is followed by misunderstanding
Steve Carell is the hinge-pin of this film and I believe that this is one of his finest performances. As Cal, he is in such shock when his wife asks for a divorce that he’d rather throw himself out of a moving car than to sit there and hear about her infidelity. Cal and his wife Emily (Julianna Moore) met when they were fifteen years old and have been a couple ever since. Emily questions her life and wonders if she is having a mid-life crisis.
Emily has never been with anyone else until she slept with David Lindhagen from the office. David Linhagen, and you must say the name while gritting your teeth, is played by Kevin Bacon. He’s a nice, good looking accountant who is totally enamored of Emily and can’t wait to get to work each day to see her. He makes Emily feel young, attractive and alive after 25 years of marriage with kids. She has forgotten what that spark is like and never got the chance to be a single gal. Cal on the other hand has never strayed. He knew the moment that he saw Emily at age 15 that she was the only one. For 25 years, Cal has been living with his soul mate.
After having his heart ripped out, Cal finds himself in a bar with young vibrant professional people. The women are beautiful, single, but none of them are interested in hearing about Cal’s failing marriage. They are there to hook up, have some fun, and decompress after a hard day’s work. But Cal doesn’t get it. He babbles on, if only to himself. His wife got all the friends in the split, he just needs someone to talk to.
After several days of being pitiful, Cal is called over by one of the bar’s greatest pick-up artists, Jacob. “I’m going to give you back your manhood,” he says. And Ryan Gosling as Jacob can do it. He takes Cal under his wing, gives him a make-over and then strives to build up his confidence. Cal goes along because he doesn’t know what else to do. His world has been shattered and he just wants to move on with his life.
When Jacob thinks that Cal is ready he drops him in the lap of a sexy school teacher (Marisa Tomei) wanting to have fun. She responds to Cal’s fumbling honesty and the two of them have a wild night. Cal has never been casual about sex before, he’s been with the same girl since he was fifteen years old. But after a night of adult fun, a new creature is born and Cal becomes a ladies man. The master has a worthy pupil.
Like Love Actually, all the characters in this film are connected in some way so it is delightful to follow every twist and turn. The conclusion is strange, explosive and very satisfying. There is little to not like about this film. Every performance from Steve Carell to Julianne Moore to the children and even the babysitter is expertly played and emotionally moving. Ryan Gosling gives insight and depth to his role as the playboy, and Emma Stone is engaging as the girl who finally turns him down. Analeigh Tipton is refreshing as the babysitter with a crush, and Jonah Bobo is soulful as the middle-school boy who only wants to be taken seriously. Every player in this film is relatable even when some of the devices get over the top. We believe because our actors are grounded and we know how they really feel. Crazy, Stupid, Love is a wonderful, lovely, thoughtful film. I enjoyed the movie immensely and it made me laugh.
Rating: First Run Where love is followed by misunderstanding
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