Loosely based on Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility, From Prada to Nada tells the story of two sisters who lose all their wealth and privilege the day their father dies of a heart attack. When an unknown half-brother emerges to share the estate they learn that their father was actually bankrupt. Nora and Mary must leave their Beverly Hills lifestyle behind and move in with their aunt in East LA.
Nora (Camilla Belle) the sensible one takes the transition in stride. She is all about education and earning her law degree so she can study anywhere. But Mary (Alexa Vega) is taking things hard. She lives to shop and her aunt has just sold her luxury car to pay for her tuition. She has also been reduced to driving a beat up economy car and canceling all her credit cards.
Raised in Beverly Hills with servants and speaking no Spanish, Nora and Mary do not fit well in East LA. Their skin color does not fool the local residents and they love to intimidate the girls and watch them squirm. But soon Nora embraces the neighborhood culture and dreams of opening a law clinic there, whereas Mary only embraces Hispanic culture when she falls in love with a visiting Mexican professor.
Like Sense and Sensibility, Nora is tormented by falling in love with Edward Ferris, the genial brother of her evil sister-in-law. Edward (Nicholas D’Agosto) is a lawyer and he gives Nora a job in his law firm. Following the Jane Austin story further, Mary has a long-suffering admirer in Bruno (Wilmer Valderama). Like Col. Brandon in the novel he is selfless man with a good heart. It takes awhile for Mary to see through her deceiving lover and appreciate the noble man across the street. There is a lot more to this Bruno than Mary realizes. He is really the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
What I liked the most about this movie was that even though it showed the Hispanic people as stereotypes it still respected and honored the culture. All the clichés are there like Cholas, gang-bangers, low-rider’s and running from the I.N.S. But this film is more like a love letter; it actually makes East LA look like a cool place to live. The supporting characters can be broad and two-dimensional, but they are fun. The film does not take itself too seriously.
Even though I enjoyed this movie and found it sweet, I was distracted by the Jane Austin comparisons. This film is “loosely” based on Sense and Sensibility. And where the novel is beautifully constructed and all the story threads come to a satisfying conclusion, From Prada to Nada skipped some of the richest details and presented a more streamlined version. This was disappointing in a way. I would have almost preferred that they skipped the comparisons altogether and developed a more original story.
I liked this film but because it lacked depth I am going to recommend it as a rental or a bargain matinee. But I do encourage you to see it. I completely support smaller independent films especially when they feature cultures that are often overlooked in main stream cinema. From Prada to Nada will appeal to anyone. Get out of your comfort zone and see it.
Rating: Bargain Matinee Jane Austin goes to the hood
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
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Just Go With It
Just Go With It has redeemed the romantic comedy. After a string of bad ones lately I was ready to give the genre up, but Just Go With It has restored my faith. Adam Sandler is at his charming Wedding Singer best and I will go as far as to say that this is now my favorite Jennifer Aniston movie. The banter between Sandler and Aniston is so much fun. There is a sense of familiarity and closeness between them, yet they also seem to challenge each other to be even funnier. I really like them as a comedic couple. I’d love to see them do another film.
The rest of the supporting cast is equally good. Brooklyn Decker provides the beautiful fresh face that is so enticing that a man would lie and invent an entire family for. And Nick Swardson comes to the party with a bizarre hilarity that’s hard to describe. He plays Adam Sandler’s insufferable cousin who inserts himself into the fake family in order to get a free trip to Hawaii.
Usually kids in comedies can be quite superfluous, but Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck were not only necessary to this film they more than carried their comedic weight. I found Bailee Madison a little pretentious in the movie trailers, but in the context of the film she is very funny. They are complete characters and not cute little props or gag devices. Both of them added greatly to the enjoyment of the film.
Romantic comedies can be quite predictable but this one has a lot of surprises. Joke seeds would be planted in the dialogue of the film and later would spring up as full blown belly-laughs. There is also some good running gags like substituting the word poop with the name Devlin. Adam Sandler runs this bit into the ground but it never stops being funny. When we finally meet the real Devlin (Nicole Kidman) she is so deliciously over-the-top crazy you can’t believe that this is the same dramatic actress currently nominated for an Academy Award. She is really great in this role and should do comedy more often. Seeing her going toe-to-toe with Jennifer Aniston is a delight.
As the lie in this film grows to become more and more entangled you can’t believe how ridiculous it gets. Yet the cast seems to keep everything grounded. I sure that the director Dennis Dugan deserves some of the credit. The pace and tone of this film is good throughout and the script is very well balanced. As a comedy Just Go With It is top-notch and as a romantic comedy it is sweet; tame enough for the older kids but raunchy enough for the adults. This film is great for the family or a date. With this movie Aniston and Sandler deliver. I loved the Devlin out of this film.
Rating: First Run I loved the Devlin out of this film
The rest of the supporting cast is equally good. Brooklyn Decker provides the beautiful fresh face that is so enticing that a man would lie and invent an entire family for. And Nick Swardson comes to the party with a bizarre hilarity that’s hard to describe. He plays Adam Sandler’s insufferable cousin who inserts himself into the fake family in order to get a free trip to Hawaii.
Usually kids in comedies can be quite superfluous, but Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck were not only necessary to this film they more than carried their comedic weight. I found Bailee Madison a little pretentious in the movie trailers, but in the context of the film she is very funny. They are complete characters and not cute little props or gag devices. Both of them added greatly to the enjoyment of the film.
Romantic comedies can be quite predictable but this one has a lot of surprises. Joke seeds would be planted in the dialogue of the film and later would spring up as full blown belly-laughs. There is also some good running gags like substituting the word poop with the name Devlin. Adam Sandler runs this bit into the ground but it never stops being funny. When we finally meet the real Devlin (Nicole Kidman) she is so deliciously over-the-top crazy you can’t believe that this is the same dramatic actress currently nominated for an Academy Award. She is really great in this role and should do comedy more often. Seeing her going toe-to-toe with Jennifer Aniston is a delight.
As the lie in this film grows to become more and more entangled you can’t believe how ridiculous it gets. Yet the cast seems to keep everything grounded. I sure that the director Dennis Dugan deserves some of the credit. The pace and tone of this film is good throughout and the script is very well balanced. As a comedy Just Go With It is top-notch and as a romantic comedy it is sweet; tame enough for the older kids but raunchy enough for the adults. This film is great for the family or a date. With this movie Aniston and Sandler deliver. I loved the Devlin out of this film.
Rating: First Run I loved the Devlin out of this film
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sanctum
Adventure film is my favorite genre, so with Sanctum I was ready to dig in and enjoy all the exotic locales and action. But instead I experienced shortness of breath, neck tension, and the over-all feeling of my entire body being clenched. In other words this film hit me too close to home and I was way too caught up in my personal memories to give any objective observations.
In my life I have been rock climbing once, I’ve repelled into a cavern, and have gone spelunking several times. I’ve also gone scuba diving once, but not all activities at the same time. Being a novice and inexperienced in all of these I was terrified of making a rookie mistake. I listened carefully, followed directions, but even then I had some mishaps. Luckily none were fatal.
When I watched Sanctum and saw some of the characters in harrowing situations, my sense memory was so strong that I was right there with them. The beauty of Sanctum is that the cinematography is extremely realistic. Filmed on location and using underwater cameras and 3-D techniques that James Cameron has developed over the years has allowed director Alister Grierson to get right into every nook and cranny. There is nothing more terrifying than being stuck in a wormhole and knowing that no one else can get to you. The space is so tight that it is all up to you. You either control your fear, work it out, or die.
When I had my experience it wasn’t underwater, thank goodness, but it was 410 feet below the earth’s surface. It was late in the afternoon, after dozens of visitors and the oxygen was thin. I had an asthma attack and had to crawl out of a tight spot one-inch and one breath at a time. There was a person stuck behind me and I felt terrible for him. A guide stayed ahead of me to offer encouragement and the rest of the group went topside. When the three of us finally reached the surface it was dark, the gift shop was closed and everyone was waiting for me in the parking lot. I could have died that day, but all I felt was embarrassment for holding the others back and delaying our plans. It is amazing what goes through your mind.
My companion sitting next to me in the movie thought that some of the acting was weak and that part of the script was cliché, but I was so caught up in the realism of the movie that I felt it keenly and didn’t notice. When I went rock climbing for the first time, I didn’t have the technique or the upper body strength to hold my position so I fell and slid down the rock face. After three failed attempts I had to take an alternate route with someone coaching me and helping me up the side. Therefore when the characters were struggling in the film I felt every scrape and bruise with them. Parts of the film were very hard for me to watch.
I don’t know how much experience the actors have with diving and climbing, but I noticed in the credits that each one had a diving double and a climbing double. The script for the film was based on writer Andrew Wight’s real life experience and director Alister Grierson has a lot of short film credits dealing with caves and underwater footage. That’s how he met James Cameron. Hauling all that equipment to the caves must have been a monumental task let alone caring for the cast and crew. I can’t even imagine the logistics involved. Even craft service would have been a nightmare.
As far as the actor’s are concerned that must have been some audition. Not only do they have to act and develop their characters they have to perform all the basics of repelling, diving and rock climbing in the film. None of which are easy. Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rogue) is a veteran actor, I like to imagine him having a great adventure doing this project, but on the other hand it could have been quite unpleasant. Filming takes a long time and being underground that long must have been tiresome. I hope one day to see a “making of” short. That must have been some undertaking.
Sanctum was a stirring experience for me bringing back a lot of fear and anxiety, but for others I think that they’ll find it thrilling and exhilarating. You won’t find any more compelling or realistic footage. James Cameron will long be remembered for the innovations and contributions that he and his collaborations have brought to the world of movie-making. This film is worth seeing for the cinematography alone. If you have one ounce of adventurer spirit in you I think you will like this film. For me, I think I need some counseling. I’m afraid of the dreams I’ll have tonight.
Rating: First Run A film for the adventurer in you
In my life I have been rock climbing once, I’ve repelled into a cavern, and have gone spelunking several times. I’ve also gone scuba diving once, but not all activities at the same time. Being a novice and inexperienced in all of these I was terrified of making a rookie mistake. I listened carefully, followed directions, but even then I had some mishaps. Luckily none were fatal.
When I watched Sanctum and saw some of the characters in harrowing situations, my sense memory was so strong that I was right there with them. The beauty of Sanctum is that the cinematography is extremely realistic. Filmed on location and using underwater cameras and 3-D techniques that James Cameron has developed over the years has allowed director Alister Grierson to get right into every nook and cranny. There is nothing more terrifying than being stuck in a wormhole and knowing that no one else can get to you. The space is so tight that it is all up to you. You either control your fear, work it out, or die.
When I had my experience it wasn’t underwater, thank goodness, but it was 410 feet below the earth’s surface. It was late in the afternoon, after dozens of visitors and the oxygen was thin. I had an asthma attack and had to crawl out of a tight spot one-inch and one breath at a time. There was a person stuck behind me and I felt terrible for him. A guide stayed ahead of me to offer encouragement and the rest of the group went topside. When the three of us finally reached the surface it was dark, the gift shop was closed and everyone was waiting for me in the parking lot. I could have died that day, but all I felt was embarrassment for holding the others back and delaying our plans. It is amazing what goes through your mind.
My companion sitting next to me in the movie thought that some of the acting was weak and that part of the script was cliché, but I was so caught up in the realism of the movie that I felt it keenly and didn’t notice. When I went rock climbing for the first time, I didn’t have the technique or the upper body strength to hold my position so I fell and slid down the rock face. After three failed attempts I had to take an alternate route with someone coaching me and helping me up the side. Therefore when the characters were struggling in the film I felt every scrape and bruise with them. Parts of the film were very hard for me to watch.
I don’t know how much experience the actors have with diving and climbing, but I noticed in the credits that each one had a diving double and a climbing double. The script for the film was based on writer Andrew Wight’s real life experience and director Alister Grierson has a lot of short film credits dealing with caves and underwater footage. That’s how he met James Cameron. Hauling all that equipment to the caves must have been a monumental task let alone caring for the cast and crew. I can’t even imagine the logistics involved. Even craft service would have been a nightmare.
As far as the actor’s are concerned that must have been some audition. Not only do they have to act and develop their characters they have to perform all the basics of repelling, diving and rock climbing in the film. None of which are easy. Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rogue) is a veteran actor, I like to imagine him having a great adventure doing this project, but on the other hand it could have been quite unpleasant. Filming takes a long time and being underground that long must have been tiresome. I hope one day to see a “making of” short. That must have been some undertaking.
Sanctum was a stirring experience for me bringing back a lot of fear and anxiety, but for others I think that they’ll find it thrilling and exhilarating. You won’t find any more compelling or realistic footage. James Cameron will long be remembered for the innovations and contributions that he and his collaborations have brought to the world of movie-making. This film is worth seeing for the cinematography alone. If you have one ounce of adventurer spirit in you I think you will like this film. For me, I think I need some counseling. I’m afraid of the dreams I’ll have tonight.
Rating: First Run A film for the adventurer in you
Another Year
Tom and Gerri are a well-adjusted, mature, couple that loves gardening and spending time with each other. Tom (Jim Broadbent) is a geologist and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) is a mental-health counselor. They have a warm inviting home and a large kitchen in which they enjoy entertaining their friends and family. They are a kind, generous, patient couple, but after a visit from Mary, their patience is put to the test.
Mary (Lesley Manville) is a co-worker of Gerri’s and she is a bit of a lonely heart. Divorced, middle-aged and single, she is envious of Gerri’s family and often seeks them out for company. When she does visit, she drinks to excess frequently becoming an overnight guest by necessity. For twenty years Gerri has been a friend to Mary.
During the course of the year, Mary’s behavior becomes more and more inappropriate. Tom and Gerri are concerned for her and try to be good friends. But when Mary begins to intrude on family matters, Gerri starts to loose her British reserve. Her face tells the real story but Mary is too self-involved to see the difference. Her boorish behavior is getting harder and harder to take. Will Tom and Gerri tell her to go?
Another Year is blessed with a strong, mesmerizing performance by Lesley Manville. Her character is such a “Debbie Downer” that she is hard to be around and yet at the same time she elicits great sympathy. You almost wish that Gerri would tell her off and do her some good.
I found Another Year very easy to identify with. I think we’ve all had that friend or relative that’s hard to be around. But you stick with them out of hope, charity, or the realization that you can be annoying too. This film is a wonderful character study and has exceptional performances. It’s worth a look and will surely start a conversation at home. If you don’t have a friend like Mary, maybe you’re the one in the group like her. See this film and watch for the signs.
Rating: First Run A study of manners
Mary (Lesley Manville) is a co-worker of Gerri’s and she is a bit of a lonely heart. Divorced, middle-aged and single, she is envious of Gerri’s family and often seeks them out for company. When she does visit, she drinks to excess frequently becoming an overnight guest by necessity. For twenty years Gerri has been a friend to Mary.
During the course of the year, Mary’s behavior becomes more and more inappropriate. Tom and Gerri are concerned for her and try to be good friends. But when Mary begins to intrude on family matters, Gerri starts to loose her British reserve. Her face tells the real story but Mary is too self-involved to see the difference. Her boorish behavior is getting harder and harder to take. Will Tom and Gerri tell her to go?
Another Year is blessed with a strong, mesmerizing performance by Lesley Manville. Her character is such a “Debbie Downer” that she is hard to be around and yet at the same time she elicits great sympathy. You almost wish that Gerri would tell her off and do her some good.
I found Another Year very easy to identify with. I think we’ve all had that friend or relative that’s hard to be around. But you stick with them out of hope, charity, or the realization that you can be annoying too. This film is a wonderful character study and has exceptional performances. It’s worth a look and will surely start a conversation at home. If you don’t have a friend like Mary, maybe you’re the one in the group like her. See this film and watch for the signs.
Rating: First Run A study of manners
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Concert
A janitor working at the Bolshoi theatre in Russia is standing at the back of the house silently conducting the Bolshoi orchestra. His eyes are closed in ecstasy enjoying every movement when an unbalance in the orchestra destroys his rapturous mood. As he tries to will them back into perfect harmony his cell phone goes off and the real conductor shoots him a deadly glance. Andrey is now banded from watching rehearsals.
Back in Paris, Andrey Simonovich Filipov (Aleksey Guskov) was a brilliant conductor with a promising career, but he was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Exiled to Russia, he and his musicians now work various odd jobs, but have never given up their love for music. For Filipov, music is universal so he never cared where his musicians came from as long as they were good. But in post-war Europe he was penalized for taking a moral stand and now he is suffering with the others.
One day while cleaning the boss’ office, Andrey intercepts an invitation for the Bolshoi Orchestra to play a last-minute concert at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris. The Americans who were supposed to play cancelled suddenly and they were hoping that the Bolshoi could take their place in two weeks time. Knowing that the director was going on vacation, Andrey decides to impersonate the orchestra and call out all his old musician friends to help. Eliciting the help of the very manager that fired him 30 years ago, Andrey scours Moscow for other musicians to fill in the gaps. They also need instruments, visas and money to travel on.
Knowing that they have the Chatelet Theatre over a barrel the rag-tag orchestra makes some ridiculous demands. But being out of the music business for years, their demands are still less expensive than the Americans would have been so they agree. The only catch is that the Russians have to pay for their airfare upfront and the French will reimburse them latter. This creates a tremendous burden for Andrey, but he is driven. He’ll do anything to conduct an orchestra again.
One of Andrey’s demands is a French soloist by the name of Ann-Marie Jacquet (Melanie Laurent). Unbeknownst to her she is the daughter of Andrey’s previous star soloist who died in a Russian prison camp. Andrey has been following her career for years and wants more than anything to meet her. She is one of the reasons behind this hare-brained scheme. Andrey is driven by love, guilt and passion.
The Concert is a comedy and parts of it are completely ridiculous, but what makes this film so great is its finale. When the concert finally comes together and all the pieces have fallen into place, the result is purely miraculous. I have never played in an orchestra before so I’ve never had this experience, but there is something so heavenly, so spiritual when musicians get it right that I defy you to fight back the tears. The Concert will leave you weeping and like all good music it will touch your soul.
Rating: First Run Experience heaven through music
Back in Paris, Andrey Simonovich Filipov (Aleksey Guskov) was a brilliant conductor with a promising career, but he was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Exiled to Russia, he and his musicians now work various odd jobs, but have never given up their love for music. For Filipov, music is universal so he never cared where his musicians came from as long as they were good. But in post-war Europe he was penalized for taking a moral stand and now he is suffering with the others.
One day while cleaning the boss’ office, Andrey intercepts an invitation for the Bolshoi Orchestra to play a last-minute concert at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris. The Americans who were supposed to play cancelled suddenly and they were hoping that the Bolshoi could take their place in two weeks time. Knowing that the director was going on vacation, Andrey decides to impersonate the orchestra and call out all his old musician friends to help. Eliciting the help of the very manager that fired him 30 years ago, Andrey scours Moscow for other musicians to fill in the gaps. They also need instruments, visas and money to travel on.
Knowing that they have the Chatelet Theatre over a barrel the rag-tag orchestra makes some ridiculous demands. But being out of the music business for years, their demands are still less expensive than the Americans would have been so they agree. The only catch is that the Russians have to pay for their airfare upfront and the French will reimburse them latter. This creates a tremendous burden for Andrey, but he is driven. He’ll do anything to conduct an orchestra again.
One of Andrey’s demands is a French soloist by the name of Ann-Marie Jacquet (Melanie Laurent). Unbeknownst to her she is the daughter of Andrey’s previous star soloist who died in a Russian prison camp. Andrey has been following her career for years and wants more than anything to meet her. She is one of the reasons behind this hare-brained scheme. Andrey is driven by love, guilt and passion.
The Concert is a comedy and parts of it are completely ridiculous, but what makes this film so great is its finale. When the concert finally comes together and all the pieces have fallen into place, the result is purely miraculous. I have never played in an orchestra before so I’ve never had this experience, but there is something so heavenly, so spiritual when musicians get it right that I defy you to fight back the tears. The Concert will leave you weeping and like all good music it will touch your soul.
Rating: First Run Experience heaven through music
The Company Men
In high school it’s about getting into a good college, then it’s about being at the top of your class. After graduation, it’s landing a prestigious job and then climbing up the corporate ladder. Better money, better toys, marriage, kids, mortgage; it’s all about having the best and looking successful. Then, the music stops and all you have left is stuff.
They call it the rat race because you can’t stop and that wheel has to keep turning. It’s all about the next best thing and keeping what you have. The Company Men is a fictional film focused on one corporation. Now a public company, in order to show profits, they have merged departments and cut their workforce. But these men and women who have just lost their jobs are the very men and women who built up the company in the first place. No one is immune, no one is safe, and so everyone who is left is looking over his or her shoulder waiting for the axe to fall.
Tommy Lee Jones plays Gene McClary a top executive for an international transportation company. He and his college best friend, Craig T. Nelson started the company years ago and now they are reaping the benefits. James Salinger (Nelson) is the owner of the company, but when you go public, the stockholders are now who you work for. The downsizing is Salinger’s idea and he is ruthless. “We are a business, not a charity”, he would roar. “They got their paycheck. We don’t owe them anything.”
Ben Affleck plays Bobby Walker, regional sales manager. After twelve years of bringing the company their top clients he is now out on his ear. Also gone is thirty year veteran Phil Woodward, Chris Cooper. He started on the manufacturing floor and worked his way up through the ranks. Bobby Walker is convinced that he’ll find a new job right away, but Phil is almost sixty. For him, this is the end of his life.
The company has provided all its ousted employees with a job placement service and Bobby Walker has been going everyday. He was sure that there was something out there for him, but the competition has been fierce. Weeks have turned into months and now Bobby is getting desperate. He sold his Porsche, walked away from his mortgage and now his wife and kids are living with his parents. Finally, at his lowest point, he has humbled himself and has gone to his brother-in-law to beg for a job doing construction. Jack Dolan, Kevin Costner has taken on a money-losing renovation project just to keep his crew working through the winter. He knows what it’s like to not be able to provide for your family. He offered Bobby a job before, but he was too proud to take it. Bobby has just learned that his brother-in-law is not such a bad guy.
This is one film in which Tommy Lee Jones’ hangdog expression really fits the part. He disagrees with the downsizing of the company and thinks they should ride things out. He’d rather go a year with no growth than layoff his work force. He sees these people not as company assets, but as individuals. These layoffs are killing him and he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He now looks around him and sees all the executive perks as distasteful. That painting could pay somebody’s mortgage and that lunch at the club could feed a family for a week. McClury doesn’t even enjoy all these luxuries. He’s a simple man at heart. But how can he help all those who have been so callously thrown away. McClury is heavy in thought looking for an answer.
The Company Men as a film gives no answers, but rather it’s a record of our current economical situation. It’s like a mirror being held up to our culture. Will it strike a chord, and will it incite change? The answer is, probably not. But just talking about it does help and we have to know that this crisis is temporary. In the movie Ben Affleck’s character calls his HR rep (Maria Bello) everyday just to cuss her out. When his friend says, “Man, that’s not going to get you anywhere.” Ben replies, “yeah, but it sure makes me feel good.” That’s what this film is about. It’s cathartic. Sometimes you just have to cuss.
Rating: First Run Sometimes you just have to cuss
They call it the rat race because you can’t stop and that wheel has to keep turning. It’s all about the next best thing and keeping what you have. The Company Men is a fictional film focused on one corporation. Now a public company, in order to show profits, they have merged departments and cut their workforce. But these men and women who have just lost their jobs are the very men and women who built up the company in the first place. No one is immune, no one is safe, and so everyone who is left is looking over his or her shoulder waiting for the axe to fall.
Tommy Lee Jones plays Gene McClary a top executive for an international transportation company. He and his college best friend, Craig T. Nelson started the company years ago and now they are reaping the benefits. James Salinger (Nelson) is the owner of the company, but when you go public, the stockholders are now who you work for. The downsizing is Salinger’s idea and he is ruthless. “We are a business, not a charity”, he would roar. “They got their paycheck. We don’t owe them anything.”
Ben Affleck plays Bobby Walker, regional sales manager. After twelve years of bringing the company their top clients he is now out on his ear. Also gone is thirty year veteran Phil Woodward, Chris Cooper. He started on the manufacturing floor and worked his way up through the ranks. Bobby Walker is convinced that he’ll find a new job right away, but Phil is almost sixty. For him, this is the end of his life.
The company has provided all its ousted employees with a job placement service and Bobby Walker has been going everyday. He was sure that there was something out there for him, but the competition has been fierce. Weeks have turned into months and now Bobby is getting desperate. He sold his Porsche, walked away from his mortgage and now his wife and kids are living with his parents. Finally, at his lowest point, he has humbled himself and has gone to his brother-in-law to beg for a job doing construction. Jack Dolan, Kevin Costner has taken on a money-losing renovation project just to keep his crew working through the winter. He knows what it’s like to not be able to provide for your family. He offered Bobby a job before, but he was too proud to take it. Bobby has just learned that his brother-in-law is not such a bad guy.
This is one film in which Tommy Lee Jones’ hangdog expression really fits the part. He disagrees with the downsizing of the company and thinks they should ride things out. He’d rather go a year with no growth than layoff his work force. He sees these people not as company assets, but as individuals. These layoffs are killing him and he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He now looks around him and sees all the executive perks as distasteful. That painting could pay somebody’s mortgage and that lunch at the club could feed a family for a week. McClury doesn’t even enjoy all these luxuries. He’s a simple man at heart. But how can he help all those who have been so callously thrown away. McClury is heavy in thought looking for an answer.
The Company Men as a film gives no answers, but rather it’s a record of our current economical situation. It’s like a mirror being held up to our culture. Will it strike a chord, and will it incite change? The answer is, probably not. But just talking about it does help and we have to know that this crisis is temporary. In the movie Ben Affleck’s character calls his HR rep (Maria Bello) everyday just to cuss her out. When his friend says, “Man, that’s not going to get you anywhere.” Ben replies, “yeah, but it sure makes me feel good.” That’s what this film is about. It’s cathartic. Sometimes you just have to cuss.
Rating: First Run Sometimes you just have to cuss
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Dilemma
In The Dilemma, much has been said about the comedic partnering of Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop) and Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball), but for me it was all about Channing Tatum. What a delightful surprise. This guy was hilarious. After seeing him in films like Dear John and Step It Up, this performance from him was completely unexpected, but he ended up being my favorite part of the movie.
The Dilemma tells the story of two best friends who are venturing out on their own as a car design team. Together since college, they make an excellent partnership, Ronny as the smooth talking promoter and front man and Nick as the design genesis. Their goal is to convince a major car company to let them design a vehicle that is both eco-friendly and sexy, capturing the sound and excitement of a muscle car.
Right before their first big presentation, Ronny (Vince Vaughn) discovers that his best friend’s wife is cheating on him. The dilemma is whether or not to tell Nick (Kevin James). Geneva, Nick’s wife (Winona Ryder) is stepping out with Zip (Channing Tatum), a muscle bound, tattooed, yet over-sensitive pretty boy. When Geneva is confronted she tells Ronny to butt out, that there is more to their marriage than he can see. But Ronny doesn’t heed her advice and tries to fix things on his own. What he does is screw things up even further and injures his own love live with his girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly).
The Dilemma is not a light hearted comedy, it is rather dark. Vince Vaughn’s character has a gambling problem and Kevin James’ Nick is a manic workaholic that visit’s massage parlors to reduce stress. Winona Ryder’s character is cheating on her husband, but is using blackmail to keep it a secret. She still loves her Nick and doesn’t want to hurt him, but she is lonely and trying to fulfill her own sexual needs. Jennifer Connelly’s Beth has trust issues and rightly so. She immediately thinks the worst and jumps to the wrong conclusions.
I did not mind the tone of this film, I actually like dark humor, but this film had a hard time remaining balanced. Director Ron Howard has made this a message film which makes things even more strange. This movie asks us how much we really know about the people we love and where does trust end? But overall I liked the film and found enough there to keep me entertained. It was nice seeing Kevin James and Vince Vaughn stretching their dramatic chops, but what was even nicer was discovering a new comedic talent in Channing Tatum. I’m telling you, Channing Tatum is funny. I look forward to more from this talented young man.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A dark comedy with a few bright spots
The Dilemma tells the story of two best friends who are venturing out on their own as a car design team. Together since college, they make an excellent partnership, Ronny as the smooth talking promoter and front man and Nick as the design genesis. Their goal is to convince a major car company to let them design a vehicle that is both eco-friendly and sexy, capturing the sound and excitement of a muscle car.
Right before their first big presentation, Ronny (Vince Vaughn) discovers that his best friend’s wife is cheating on him. The dilemma is whether or not to tell Nick (Kevin James). Geneva, Nick’s wife (Winona Ryder) is stepping out with Zip (Channing Tatum), a muscle bound, tattooed, yet over-sensitive pretty boy. When Geneva is confronted she tells Ronny to butt out, that there is more to their marriage than he can see. But Ronny doesn’t heed her advice and tries to fix things on his own. What he does is screw things up even further and injures his own love live with his girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly).
The Dilemma is not a light hearted comedy, it is rather dark. Vince Vaughn’s character has a gambling problem and Kevin James’ Nick is a manic workaholic that visit’s massage parlors to reduce stress. Winona Ryder’s character is cheating on her husband, but is using blackmail to keep it a secret. She still loves her Nick and doesn’t want to hurt him, but she is lonely and trying to fulfill her own sexual needs. Jennifer Connelly’s Beth has trust issues and rightly so. She immediately thinks the worst and jumps to the wrong conclusions.
I did not mind the tone of this film, I actually like dark humor, but this film had a hard time remaining balanced. Director Ron Howard has made this a message film which makes things even more strange. This movie asks us how much we really know about the people we love and where does trust end? But overall I liked the film and found enough there to keep me entertained. It was nice seeing Kevin James and Vince Vaughn stretching their dramatic chops, but what was even nicer was discovering a new comedic talent in Channing Tatum. I’m telling you, Channing Tatum is funny. I look forward to more from this talented young man.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A dark comedy with a few bright spots
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