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

Straw Dogs

There are many reasons to do a remake, but when one does it is more satisfying when the film is given a fresh take. In Straw Dogs (2011) the film has been moved to the American South instead of a small remote English village. And in contrast to Dustin Hoffman’s mathematician the main character is now a screen writer played by James Marsden. His wife (Kate Bosworth) grew up in this backwater town and to quote her ex-lover Charlie she’s had the bus schedule memorized since she was fifteen.

David Sumner (Marsden) never questions why his television star wife wasn’t keen to move back to her hometown. All he knows is that her childhood home has been left to them and it would provide a remote, quiet place for him to finish his latest historical film. At first Amy Sumner is a big celebrity returning home. Everyone wishes her well, welcomes her back and offers condolences on the cancelation of her series. But it is only a matter of time before her husband sees who the real town celebrities are, the ex-winning football coach (James Woods) who is now a drunk and his star team who is still reaping the glory of their championship season.

In the south, football rules and Amy was a cheerleader and Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard) was the quarterback. All these years he’s never forgotten about her but she has found a different kind of man to warm her bed. She loves her husband very much, but in this culture he is not considered much of a man. His khaki pants, oxford shirts and shoes without laces are a source of amusement to the men. For them if you don’t drink, hunt, and play football you might as well be wearing a dress.

Without consulting his wife, David hires her ex-boyfriend to fix their roof but he’s so wrapped up in his book research that he’s not aware of the signs. His wife is distressed and there is obviously some history going on other than the book that David is writing. Charlie is clearly lusting after Amy and his crew is equally disrespectful. When Amy asks David to defend her honor he demurely plays it off. Amy is mad because David just doesn’t get it. In this culture you need to protect what is yours.

David’s apparently weak nature and non-confrontational ways lead him into a tragic mistake. When this mistake escalates to disaster, we find what kind of man David truly is. Straw Dogs examines the definition of manliness, and the dynamic between husbands and wives. Things have changed a lot since the first film in 1971 but these are issues still worth examining.
 
It was really nice to see James Marsden given an opportunity to exercise his dramatic chops. It was also satisfying to see James Woods in an unlikable character role. I was also impressed with Alexander Skarsgard. His performance is multi-layered which keeps him from playing a stereotypical role. I like the change of setting for this film. I think the south was a good choice and added a lot of interesting elements. If you are going to do a remake, make it fresh. I believe that Straw Dogs has met that goal.

Rating: First Run A fresh look on what it means to be a man

Drive

Drive is a visceral treat where lighting, pace and sound combine to place you into the head of a Hollywood stunt driver. We know nothing of this man (Ryan Gosling) except for the fact that he showed up one day at the auto shop of a man named Shannon (Bryan Cranston) and asked for a job. Shannon has been exploiting him ever since. Not only is “Driver” a good mechanic but he’s an excellent driver as well. Shannon has a side business providing cars for motion pictures and his protégé fits right in. He’s game for anything and executes his stunts with precision, skill and fearlessness. Shannon, naturally, takes a cut on all his jobs.
 
Driver lives a lean existence in a high rise apartment overlooking the city of Los Angeles. Not much of a sleeper he will often roam the city at night with only his music for company. Without explanation we learn that he is sometimes a wheelman for petty criminals and thieves. He has a meticulous process and a code and always calls his own shots. He is very good at what he does and he has no intention of getting caught. The man is unflappable and has nerves of steel.
 
Down the hall from him lives a pretty woman (Carey Mulligan) who is raising her son alone because her husband is away in prison. They begin a chaste relationship but there is an obvious affection there. He helps her out with a car problem and becomes attached to her son. He soon becomes very protective of them and enjoys their company. It is the first time we ever see him smile or open up.
 
When Irene’s husband is released from prison the driver steps out of the picture and respects the husbands place. Even the husband, no matter what his suspicions, can see that he is an honorable man. He is happy that someone was looking out for his wife and kid no matter what the attraction. But unfortunately Standard (Oscar Isaac) brings home a lot of baggage with him from prison. He is being pressured to perform a robbery in order to pay off a prison debt. To protect Irene and Benicio from further threats the driver offers to help him pay off his obligation to get keep Benicio and Irene safe. He becomes a wheelman for a robbery one more time.
 
This film is so stylish and Gosling is the epitome of cool. I could easily see this as a franchise character for him. The movie has that European feel where violence is not only shown, but felt and Carey and Ryan have a nice palatable chemistry. I also enjoyed seeing a different side of Los Angeles. Downtown can be both beautiful and dilapidated. It all depends on where you look; the director, Nicolas Winding Refn shows us both sides.

One surprising performance is when Albert Brooks drops his funny man image and displays his dark side as a brutal ex- Hollywood producer with a very nasty business partner (Ron Perlman). Albert Brooks makes an excellent villain and shows the amoral callousness of a man who only loves money. This film may open up a whole new world for him. I especially was impressed with his final scene with Bryan Cranston. I’ll never forget the emotional notes played in that scene ranging from savageness to compassion. Albert Brooks really stands out in this role.

I liked this film, especially the way it used lighting to convey the driver’s emotions. The directing is to be commended for it’s mastery of timing and tone. Ryan Gosling says little in the film so these clues tell us what we need to know. Whether it’s speeding up or slowing down, the style of the film tells us what Gosling’s blue eyes do not. There is so much more to learn about him. I’d love to see a sequel to this film.

Rating: First Run Style and substance

Moneyball

“There’s something romantic about baseball”, quotes Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, General Manager of the Oakland A’s. But later he answers to a colleague, “Adapt or die!” This is his dilemma. Managing the team with the smallest budget in the American League Billy Beane is sick and tired of having his players snatched out from under him and losing to teams with deeper pockets. In order to solve his problem and forced to stay within his budgetary constraints, Beane has decided to put his career on the line and try something new, Sabermetrics.

Moneyball is the true story of Billy Beane who had the courage to stand up to 150 years of baseball tradition in order to apply a mathematical theory to the recruiting and signing of baseball players. His assistant (Jonah Hill) provides the analysis and Beane provides the clout to do it his way. He incurs the wrath of his scouting team, his manager (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and most importantly the fans. But he knows that if he commits to the idea fully and it works, he’ll be changing the game of baseball forever.

Sabermetrics was created by a statistician and baseball historian by the name of Bill James. He named his abstract Sabermetrics after the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR). But the beauty of this film is that the math doesn’t matter. The film is so smartly written and entertaining that the statistical analysis is in the background and the people are brought to the front. This is a story about human nature, resisting change, and courage in the face of opposition. It is more than a baseball movie; it is more than dry statistics. It is about seeing players with new eyes and finding value in the under-appreciated.

Brad Pitt is excellent as Billy Beane. His character is so fascinating that you are constantly watching his face to see what he is thinking. He looks completely natural in this setting and when surrounded by his scouts and managers you feel like you are sitting in a real recruiting session. When I first saw Philip Seymour Hoffman I barely recognized him. He looks like a hundred managers you’ve seen before and when he opposes Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane you just want to go up and smack him. He represents tradition and the way things have always been done and Jonah Hill’s character represents new ideas and a way of leveling the playing field. The chemistry between Hill and Pitt is outstanding. They are these quirky little Davids standing up to Goliath.

It is unusual for Hollywood to make a film about math but after the success of last year’s The Social Network, it only goes to show that a good story is a good story. If a film is well cast, passionately acted, expertly directed and begins with a good script, then even statistical analysis can be interesting and fun. Moneyball is an excellent film with lots of laughs, insight and a memorable performance by Pitt. Not only does it get you in the locker room, but behind the scenes and in the front office too. I loved this insider’s look into the game of baseball and even if you are not a fan there is much here to love.

Rating: Must See Even if you are not a fan of baseball, there is much here to love