Anonymous

There is power in words and Anonymous proves that the pen is as mighty as the sword. For centuries learned men have applied ink to paper to either question, support, or refute the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays. There are many theories on who wrote these celebrated works from Ben Johnson, Christopher Marlowe to Edward de Vere the Earl of Oxford, but instead of a dry academic debate Roland Emmerich has given us an exciting politic intrigue full of machinations, betrayals, and Royal incest.

Anonymous is based on the theory that William Shakespeare was a buffoon and frontman for the true author of his plays Edward de Vere (Rhys Ifans) the Earl of Oxford. Edward de Vere was a Renaissance man who had his talents suppressed when he was obliged to bow to the authority of William Cecil, the Puritan advisor of Queen Elizabeth. He wrote his plays in secret to give voice to his artistic angst, but when public theatre became popular he saw it as a way to influence the masses. In the theatre one voice can reach, influence and impress many minds. He saw an opportunity to sway public opinion and he took it.

Whether you agree or disagree with the theory presented, Anonymous is rich, pleasing, stimulating and thoroughly entertaining. The art direction is fabulous, the sets and costumes are meticulously detailed and lush and Vanessa Redgrave gives an enlightening portrayal of Queen Elizabeth that reminds us of what an exciting actress she has always been. Rhys Ifans proves himself to be completely underrated as an actor. To compare this performance with his role in Notting Hill will blow your mind and showcase the man’s versatility. And David Thewlis, hiding under all that make-up, illustrates a talent that is undeniable. In fact this film is full of young British actors who display that the next generation is in very good hands. Rafe Spall is delightful as William Shakespeare and Edward Hogg is fascinating as Robert Cecil. This film is full of note-worthy performances.

I, like many people, struggled with Shakespeare in school because I couldn’t relate to the language or the time. But please don’t let the subject matter keep you away. This is an exciting film full of humor, action, and deceitful manipulations. It is as juicy as any soap opera, tele nova, or drama today. In fact, Shakespeare was the most popular writer of his time. He wrote for the groundlings as well as the nobles and his plays resonate on many levels. Anonymous is one of those rare films that leave you wanting more and it may even drive you back to the library to read his plays. There is a reason that Shakespeare's works have survived the ages. Everyone loves a good story and this is a good one.

Rating: First Run Drama abounds

The Mighty Macs

It is amazing to me when I meet young women athletes who have no idea that a mere 40 years ago their right to play organized sports did not exist. They may also be surprised to learn that the first Women’s College Basketball Tournament did not occur until 1972. The Mighty Macs tells the unlikely story of Coach Cathy Rush who led a dedicated team of girls to three consecutive championships. What is even more surprising is that the team came from a small Catholic College who was competing with larger, better funded universities.

Carla Gugino portrays Cathy Rush who was the lead scorer on her high school basketball team before it was disbanded her senior year for lack of funds. Before 1972’s Title IX law, women’s sports were considered a luxury and easily disposed of. In college Cathy struggled under the leadership of her head coach but never lost the love of the game even going so far as to marry a NBA referee (David Boreanez). Not satisfied being a housewife, especially with her husband on the road all the time, Cathy applied for a coaching position at Immaculata College. Without a gym, locker room or proper equipment she willed her team into shape with an amazing 6 appearances in the final four, 3 wins and an overall record of 149-15 during her six year coaching career.

As a movie, The Mighty Macs is missing some of the highs and lows of other sports films. None of the girls get pregnant, expelled or injured on the way to victory. This story avoids all those clichés.  But that doesn’t mean that there weren’t any challenges. The obstacles were social and financial ones. Not only did Coach Rush have to find travel money to support her team through their championship season she also had to convince the faculty and community that women playing sports was worthwhile.

The Mighty Macs is the first film for a small Pennsylvanian production company called Quaker Media. Writer, director and producer Tim Chambers may have chosen the subject for its local resonance but really it is a universal story. Like many films before it The Mighty Macs is about teamwork, vision, breaking barriers and self-worth. The film captures the time when women had few choices and only the strongest were able to break out of their pre-determined roles.

As a piece of entertainment I found the film a little mild and predictable, but as a subject matter it should be required viewing. It is also one of those films that are very family friendly, especially for a mother and daughter. Carla Gugino did a fine job as Coach Rush, but David Boreanez didn’t have much of a part to sink his teeth into; he was mostly in the background pouting because his wife was always busy with her team. Ellen Burstyn was very convincing as Mother Superior, but my favorite character in the film was Sister Sunday played by Marley Shelton. She is a fourth year novice questioning the spiritual value and satisfaction of doing admissions paperwork for the school. It isn’t until the basketball team comes along that she finds her passion again.

There are spiritual elements in this film but this movie is not about religion. It is about faith of a different kind. Coach Rush had some buttons made up for her team that read “We will be #1”. As an act of solidarity the team pinned the badges out of view on their uniforms until they had the right to wear them outside. Soon the nuns was wearing the buttons as well and then eventually the town. Cathy Rush is painted as a motivator, innovator and an inspiration for women everywhere. She was an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and this film honors her achievements. I have to admit that I was unfamiliar with Cathy Rush and that is why I like these kind of films. Any time we can celebrate, acknowledge and highlight a person of excellence it is worth our while. For that reason I recommend this film.

Rating: Bargain Matinee A great film for mom and daughter

50/50

“Mom, do you remember that movie Terms of Endearment?” These words are directed by Adam to his mother sitting across form him at the dinner table. Next to her is his father, a Alzheimer's victim, who is completely oblivious to what is going on. His girlfriend Rachel, sitting on his left, shoots him a warning glance. “Just tell her”, She pleads, "Just say it!" But there is no easy way. Adam must tell his parents that he has cancer.
 
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Adam and the movie 50/50 is based on the true-life experience of his co-star Seth Rogen. Seth Rogen as Kyle is essentially playing a version of himself. He and his best faced a cancer scare together and once in recovery they decided to write about it. Their goal was to take an honest, yet humorous look at managing cancer and how it impacts the people around you.
 
In 50/50, Bryce Dallas Howard plays Adam’s girlfriend and in the beginning she appears to be the perfect caregiver, but battling cancer is a stressful task and soon Rachel is displaying the chinks in her armor. Anjelica Huston portrays Diane, Adam’s mother and she is offended that Adam has not come to her for help. She lives to care for others and is already adept at caring for her husband. All she wants is to mother her little boy, but Adam is just trying to live a normal life.
 
As part of his treatment Adam is sent to a therapist (Anna Kendrick) as he undergoes chemotherapy. Katherine is young, inexperienced and full of rookie mistakes. But she genially cares for Adam and allows him to see how others care for him as well. As Adam struggles to hang onto life he learns what matters most and who he can really count on. 50/50 is frank, the antithesis of maudlin and at times very funny. Seth Rogen is in rare form and Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers an honest, unsentimental portrait. This is no Terms of Endearment, nor is it Brian’s Song. This is a cancer movie written by guys for guys, so leave your hankies at home.

Rating: First Run A cancer movie for the guys

Take Shelter

Watching Take Shelter I was transfixed to the screen from beginning to the end. Like a storm in the distance I felt the pressure build, the tingling of electricity and the dread of something coming. Something big, oppressive and life changing. Such is the state of Curtis played by Michael Shannon, a loving father, husband and hard working man who has been plagued with nightmares and hallucinations. Having his mother taken from him at age ten and committed for schizophrenia, Curtis fears that he may be following in her footsteps. But what if a storm really is coming and what if he is right? He must protect his family and prepare.

Unsure if what he is seeing is prophetic or the first signs of mental illness Curtis starts expanding their storm shelter at home. Meanwhile as the dreams and visions increase, Curtis begins having trouble concealing his anxiety. Afraid that he is going nuts he hides his motives from his family. But something is clearly bothering him. His friends notice, his wife is concerned and everyone asks, “Are you alright?”

Michael Shannon gives such a fascinating performance that I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. Paired with Jessica Chastain as his wife the two of them give us a loving couple that are not immune to marriage difficulties, but strong enough to stand up against them. Their daughter is deaf and while they struggle with doctors, financial problems and learning how to communicate with their little girl, Samantha is still paying attention and sees that something is going on.

Set in Ohio with a cast of naturalistic actors, this film recreates the experience of small town gossip. Have you heard about Curtis? What’s going on with him? Have you seen what he’s doing? The film is so intimate that you feel like part of the community. The movie has the atmosphere of a horror movie, but keeps you guessing like a mystery. I’ve never looked so forward to the conclusion of a movie while still not wanting it to end. I was loving the mood, shape and color that gave a tactual sense to this story while savoring the superior acting at the same time. Kathy Baker has a wonderful scene as Curtis’ mom unable to reassure her son. She wants to tell him he’ll be alright but she just doesn’t know. And that is the beauty of this film, is he crazy or not?

It has been a while since I have been so captivated by a movie. I believe it is excellent on so many levels. If Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastian are not remembered at awards time I’ll be very disappointed. In addition Jeff Nichols is now on my radar. As the writer and director of this film he shows much skill. I look forward to seeing what this young filmmaker does next.

Rating: Must See An electric experience