* * * * Heroes - Season 1 (disc 5): (Drama, sci-fi, mystery, thriller) I don't usually watch television. One of the reasons is my schedule. I work shift work, twelve hours at a time, nights, and weekends. If I found a series I liked, I'd have a hell of a time watching all the episodes. I don't own a TiVo, and Comcast only has CBS on demand. Aside from my schedule, I find most network programming to be poor. Poor quality, poor line up, poor selection, etc. I prefer the movies. With NetFlix, I can watch what I want, on my schedule. If I don't like it, I've only myself to blame. Anyway, I've been hearing quite a lot of buzz about this particular series; from friends at work, and reviews online. Given the subject matter, I figured I'd give it a try. Wow! I'm impressed. What's the series about? A group of people, from all over the world, are slowly discovering the fact that they have super powers. Abilities which cannot be accounted for in the general populace. A high school cheer leader with incredibly augmented healing abilities. An artist who sees, and illustrates the future. A politician with the ability to fly. A Japanese cubicle worker with the power to bend space and time. A mysterious mom on the run, has an extremely violent alternate personality; and many others with super powers. As these characters struggle in self discovery, we're introduced to a terrifying universal plot. One of the heroes paints images of the future. One of the pictures illustrates a massive explosion, set in downtown New York. Will these heroes come together in an effort to avert this forthcoming disaster? This disc contained four episodes. This is some awesome television. I'll keep watching. 5 out of 5 (for the series so far)
* The Morning After: (1986 - Mystery, thriller, drama) I watched this one on Comcast on Demand. It had been in my NetFlix queue so I took the opportunity to speed up the delivery. Not to be confused with 'The Day after Tomorrow' or any of the eight plus titles with the same name. This stylish film noir style mystery features Jane Fonda and Jeff Bridges in a thrilling tale of murder and deception. When Alex Sternberg (Jane Fonda) wakes from an alcoholic induced stupor to find a dead man in her bed, she freaks out! Stabbed in the back, who did it? Did she do it? Jane Fonda is a party girl, she drinks - heavily, sleeps around - presumably, passes out - occasionally, and can't for the life of her remember what the hell happened. As she struggles to cope with this deadly mystery she seeks assistance in her former hair dresser husband (Raul Julia), and Turner Kendall (Jeff Bridges), a chance acquaintance who lends a helping hand. The movie contains some excellent neo-noir segments. The camera work is very good, the acting outstanding, and the directing (by the legendary Sidney Lumet (Network, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, 12 Angry Men)) fantastic. The pacing is great. As the mystery unfolds, things get more confusing. Jane Fonda did an outstanding job in this movie. The sound track was horrible, and the ending was a bit predictable, but very satisfying. I really liked this movie. I give it a 4 out of 5.
* R-Point: (2004 - Horror, war, mystery / South Korea) I watched this one on Comcast on Demand. It had been in my NetFlix queue so I took the opportunity to speed up the delivery. A stylish horror flick. Written and directed by a relatively new talent - Su-chang Kong. This movie illustrates this directors ability to bring atmosphere and mood to the screen. The story here is a paranormal war story. There's a bunch of history in this movie. Things I didn't know, but now must research. Fascinating historical aspects. During the Vietnam war, a South Korean base in Nah-Trang (yeah, see what I mean? I had no idea that the South Koreans fought in that conflict) receives a radio call from their missing platoon. Missing and presumed dead this call shocks the brass. They put together a 'rescue' team in short order. They send in a decorated veteran, and eight other soldiers. The mission - Find the missing soldiers, effect a rescue, and get back safely. What should be a routine and relatively easy mission, turns into a horrific experience, when the patrol stumbles into the swampy confines of a haunted killing ground. This movie does a good job of mixing genres, and I enjoyed some of the camera work, but some of the acting was a bit over the top. I liked it. 3 out of 5.
* Hang 'Em High: (1968 - Western, drama, action) A Clint Eastwood western in the tradition of the Sergio Leone. While this western wasn't directed by Sergio Leone (directed by Ted Post (The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, Colombo), it certainly seemed like it was written for him. Apparently, he was busy working on 'Once upon a time in the west'. The lead character is the classic western loner. Trying to survive on his wits and his guns. This man is a law abiding citizen, he's laid down his guns and taken to the saddle to raise cattle. On one unlucky day, he runs into a lynch mob who thinks he's a cattle rustler and a murderer - A fatally tragic case of mistaken identities. This time around, I watched my DVD copy. Last time I watched, I saw the 'made for TV' version, and several scenes were missing from that version. My DVD copy runs 114 minutes. Obviously, the TV edit had to be shortened to accommodate commercials. The missing footage moves the story forward too quickly and we lose some essential character development when those extra scenes are dumped on the cutting room floor. Back to the story. In this tale of western justice, the judge is a hanging judge, and the protagonist (played in the style of 'the Man with no name' by Clint Eastwood) uses the law to exact vengeance on those who wronged him. The west was a harsh place. Nowhere near as clean and clear cut as the Lone Ranger would have you believe. The directing was pretty good, and the soundtrack was well done. I really liked the signature staccato sound effects that punctuated the movie (the direction and music were both crafted to emulate the pairing of Leone and Morricone). This version gets 4 out of 5.
* Ace in the Hole: (1951 - Drama, satire) Written (in part) and directed by Billy Wilder, this movie tells a tale of media. Set in the late 40s/early 50s, this drama is a scathing satire pointed squarely at the media outlets of the day. Starring Kirk Douglas in the lead role, one quote sums up the sentiment of the movie; "Bad news sells papers, because good news is no news." Slick and savvy, Kirk Douglas plays a big city newspaper reporter. New in town, he sells himself to the editor of a small town paper. After a year of waiting, he's sent to cover another 'boring' story. The annual snake-hunt. Along the way he learns of a personal tragedy, and invents his 'break-out' story. This Ace reported stumbles upon human tragedy in a man trapped underground. Pinned by a cave collapse, one artifact hunter soon becomes the center of a 'Media Circus'. This dark satire focuses on the scruples of the media and it's incessant appetite for tragedy and suffering. Written far too early for it's time, the disgraceful sentiments expressed in this film fit today's media like a soiled used condom. The characters are universally unlikable. Even the 'victim' is a scavenger of sorts. While the premise is winning, and the execution well conducted (by director Billy Wilder), the characters lack any compassion, and that's the problem with this movie. A remake in today's media climate could definitely work. 3 out of 5.
* Kagemusha: (1980 - Drama, historical, war / Japan) Written (in part) and directed by my favorite director (Akira Kurosawa), this award winning movie almost didn't make it to the silver screen. In a immensely ridiculous turn of events, Akira Kurosawa couldn't find enough funding to film this movie. Two American directors (George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola) stepped in as executive producers in order to secure the necessary funding. I can't imagine why Akira Kurosawa would have a problem obtaining funding for this movie. Nonetheless, Lucas and Coppola ensured adequate funding. After it's release, the movie went on to international acclaim , and commercial success. I watched the feature, and two feature length documentaries on the bonus disc. Kagemusha is another epic Samurai movie - In the tradition of Ran and Seven Samurai, Akira Kurosawa manages to create a vivid pictorial history of feudal Japan. In the late 16th century, Japan is gripped by civil war as competing clans clash in conflict to unite all of Japan under a single banner. Here we focus on one particular clan (The Takeda clan). The leader of the clan; Shingen is a legendary figure, a towering leader, a powerful glue that holds the clan together, provides it with clear vision, indomitable will, and a powerful totem. Leading his armies in battle, Shingen is wounded by a snipers precise shot. Wounded, he is spirited away, and the clan's prestige, power and vision are immediately threatened. As spies attempt to discern Shingen's health, the generals debate the consequences, should he die. Luckily, the lord and his brother have prepared for this possibility - When Shingen dies, he is secretly buried, and his 'double' is pressed into service as a stand-in for Shingen. This low caste, common criminal is thrust into a dangerous position. Posing as the lord, extreme measures must be taken to carry off this sublime duplicity. Secrecy is paramount, and the survival of the clan is at stake. As the years pass, this thief's values change, his purpose evolves, he emulates, becomes and comes to honor all that Shingen stood for. A masterful movie, filled with uncompromising vision, outstanding acting, and the visual treats that one comes to expect from the masterful Kurosawa. Nothing less than a 5 out of 5.
* The Ghost and the Darkness: (1996 - Adventure, drama, action) Starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas. This story is based upon the true story of two African lions that killed 130 people over a nine month period. Val Kilmer stars as Lt. Col. John Paterson, a British military engineer, sent to Africa in order to build a bridge over the Tsavo river in Uganda. Set in the late 1800s, the British East African railway is competing with the Italians and Germans, and Paterson is the man sent to take charge of the operation. After the lions begin killing workmen, the project slows down, virtually coming to a dead stop, before Remington, the great white hunter (played by Michael Douglas) is called in. Together they hunt down and destroy these man killers. Excellent acting by Val Kilmer., fantastic location shots, and superbly mastered sound, marks this oscar winning movie as a wonderful adventure into the fierce and dangerous heart of Africa. 4 out of 5.
* The Game: (1997 - Mystery, suspense, drama, adventure) A paranoid masterpiece of suspense and mystery. Directed by David Fincher (Alien 3, Fight Club, Seven), this stylish, dark and moody movie is a non-stop head game. Wealthy financier, Nicholas Van Orton (played by Michael Douglas) is a high powered executive. Haunted by the suicide of his father, he is quickly approaching a fateful rendezvous with destiny. As his birthday approaches, his brother (played by Sean Penn) offers him an unusual gift. For the man who has everything... Consumer Recreation Services offers a variety of tailored experiences to their clientele. Nicholas Van Orton's adventure begins with a rigorous series of physical and psychological tests. Followed by the 'Insurance Release' waiver. That's when the action begins. This movie accelerates forward at a breathtaking pace, sweeping the viewer up in a paranoid, twisted tale of deception, danger, and death defying endings. If you can ignore some of the minor inconsistencies (this is hollywood), you'll be swept away in a fantastic flurry of truly dizzying, non-stop excitement. Michael Douglas was outstanding in his portrayal of a man frayed by events out of his control. The direction was excellent, as was the lighting, sets and costumes. The best part of this movie was head twisting story. 5 out of 5.
* A Night at the Roxbury: (1998 - Comedy) Starring Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Molly Shannon, Dan Hedaya and Richard Grieco, this ridiculous Saturday Night Live production was far funnier than it should be. Poor production, direction and acting mark this movie as something destined to flop, and it did - at the box office. I however, couldn't help but laugh at this comic gem. Despite the ridiculous plot, poor dialog, and universally bad acting, I found myself entertained and laughing throughout the movie. The reason? Will Ferrel, Chris Kattan and Molly Shannon. Perhaps they didn't realize what a flop they'd been burdened with. Thankfully, they were fully committed to the insane, inane, and preposterous characters they played. It was the level of commitment - sticking to the lame jokes, and ridiculous dialog - that made this hollywood garbage something worth watching. The story is an entirely predictable vehicle for cheesy characters and stock schlock laughs. Thanks to the Ferrel, Kattan and Shannon, it rises above the cutting room floor as a lesson in dedication to the art form; becoming fun in spite of it's incredibly burdened handicaps - Thank you for the laughs. 3 out of 5.
* Twin Peaks - Season 1 (disc 1): (1990 - Crime, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller) A television series, which ran from 1990 - 1991. This show (created principally by David Lynch (one of my favorites (Dune, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet) and David Frost (Known primarily for witting television shows)), is a landmark effort in the sea of television series. Despite it's abbreviated seasons (only 29 shows), it marked a new era in network television shows. Here was adult drama, hollywood quality production, brought to the small screen. The first season featured some bizarre, ingenious and unusual stories. Filled with dramatic mystery, moody, quirky characters, and some fantastic locations. This twisted series not only told a tale of rich, deep engrossing mystery, it introduced us to an alternate world of mind bending possibilities. Television could be rewarding, rich and engrossing. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Michael Ontkean and many others. Here is the series premier. This is the full two hour introductory episode. A truly spectacular beginning. Immersing the viewer into the depths that are Twin Peaks, this show was nothing short of spectacular. 5 out of 5.
* * * * Twin Peaks - Season 1 (disc 2): (1990 - Crime, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller) A television series, which ran from 1990 - 1991. This show (created principally by David Lynch (one of my favorites (Dune, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet) and David Frost (Known primarily for witting television shows)), is a landmark effort in the sea of television series. Despite it's abbreviated seasons (only 29 shows), it marked a new era in network television shows. Here was adult drama, hollywood quality production, brought to the small screen. The first season featured some bizarre, ingenious and unusual stories. Filled with dramatic mystery, moody, quirky characters, and some fantastic locations. This twisted series not only told a tale of rich, deep engrossing mystery, it introduced us to an alternate world of mind bending possibilities. Television could be rewarding, rich and engrossing. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Michael Ontkean and many others. Disc 2 contains four episodes of exciting, unusual entertainment. At this point I feel I must mention the music in this series. Two people are responsible for series original music. Angelo Badalamenti and David Slusser. The music is expertly crafted. Creepy, moody and rich, the music was perfectly matched to the mood of this series. It was part of the fabric that made this series a fundamentally new experience in the land of television. Season 1 - Disc 2. Nothing less than 5 out of 5.
* Network: (1976 - Drama, comedy, satire) What can I say about a movie that won TEN Academy Awards?! Written by Paddy Chayefsky, Directed by Sidney Lumet (The Morning After, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico), starring William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty and many others. Released in 1976, this movie is a satirical, dramatic classic. An outstanding cast and original story lift this movie up so high that watching it becomes an experience that one can't forget. Believable, current, and gripping, the characters and story are just as fresh and current today as they were in '76. Peter Finch plays a network anchor who's fed-up with all the bull-shit. One of my favorite movie lines - "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!". When aging anchor, Howard Beale, is sacked by the executives of UBS, he loses his cool and announces his impending suicide on national television - Tune in next tuesday! That ought to get the ratings up there. When Howard has a psychiatric episode, the Network decides to exploit the episode by giving the audience what they want. A somewhat comedic, cynical, satire, full of sensational truth. Beale is the mad prophet of the air-waves, articulating the rage of the common man, and the common man loves it. Ratings soar and the executives are blinded by the amazing success of this grating and irritating anchor. When Beale reveals a bit too much of the 'truth', the network executives are not amused. 5 out of 5.
* * * Twin Peaks - Season 1 (disc 3): (1990 - Crime, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller) A television series, which ran from 1990 - 1991. This show (created principally by David Lynch (one of my favorites (Dune, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet) and David Frost (Known primarily for witting television shows)), is a landmark effort in the sea of television series. Despite it's abbreviated seasons (only 29 shows), it marked a new era in network television shows. Here was adult drama, hollywood quality production, brought to the small screen. The first season featured some bizarre, ingenious and unusual stories. Filled with dramatic mystery, moody, quirky characters, and some fantastic locations. This twisted series not only told a tale of rich, deep engrossing mystery, it introduced us to an alternate world of mind bending possibilities. Television could be rewarding, rich and engrossing. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Michael Ontkean and many others. Disc 3 contains three episodes of exciting, unusual entertainment. It's hard to imagine why this show was canceled. I remember loving it back in 1990. I watched it then, and still love it now. 5 out of 5.
* Waking Life: (2001 - Drama, animation, fantasy, mystery) My second viewing. Written and directed by Richard Linklatter (Dazed and Confused, Slacker, A Scanner Darkly), here is a very niche film. It's something I'm interested in, but most viewers won't be. It's Philosophy. The film itself is a 100 minute long, ambling, rambling discourse on lucid dreaming. The entire film is shot using a rotoscope (over-animation) technique. Richard Linklatter has used this technique (a proprietary digital method of rotoscoping) in two films; this one and A Scanner Darkly. In this film it is used in order to allow a continuous feel from waking life and dream life sequences. It is used so that the viewer will not be able to immediately tell when the character is in a dream or waking state. It is also used to allow certain special effects that could not be accomplished otherwise. While I normally dislike animation, it's the Anime style of animation that really bothers me. Rotoscoping has a much more realistic feel and flavor. I feel that it is well suited to film, when the subjects are actual people. In this movie, the viewer follows the main character (Wiley Wiggins) as he engages in discourse with a number of philosophers. It's a fairly one sided conversation, but the ideas and thoughts are expressed in a vivid, exciting, manner. The rotoscoped characters seem imbued with a an ethereal type of charm. The movie is thought provoking, but a bit slow. All about lucid dreaming. The conscious vs unconscious mind. Trance like states, reality vs fantasy. Excellent philosophical fodder. 4 of 5.
* Michael Clayton: (2007 - Crime, drama, thriller, mystery) Written and directed by Tony Gilroy (Wrote scripts for - Dolores Claiborne, The Devil's Advocate, Proof of Life, the Jason Bourne trilogy). This movie marks Gilroy's directorial debut, and it's fantastic. Seven academy award nominations and one win. Starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton (won Academy Award - Best performance by actress in supporting role), Sydney Pollack and others. In this movie George Clooney plays Michael Clayton; a high-priced legal fixer. Working for a big time New York law firm, he's the one they call in when things get complicated. He get's things done. He's a fast talking, good looking, smooth operator. He knows the law, he knows how far he can bend it, he's good at cleaning up the messes made by big-shot clients. When he tries to clean up the mess made by an old friend, things get complicated. The characters are complex, independent, and self motivated. A dark fantasy centered on a class-action court room drama. This movie focuses off center, at the sharks circling in the bloody waters. When the characters act independently, anything can happen. The acting was excellent, the direction great, the writing gripping. The music could have been better. A great directorial debut by Tony Gilroy. 4 out of 5.
* Blade Runner: (1982 - Sci-fi, action, drama, thriller, crime) This time around, I watched my favorite sci-fi movie with the director's commentary track (From the Final Cut version). Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson, Brion James and others. This movie is based on a novel by Philip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), the quintessential cyber-punk author. Many of his books have been made into movies (Blade Runner, Total Recall, Screamers, Minority Report, Paycheck, A Scanner Darkly), and this is one which received some excellent attention. Ridley Scott's direction and the screen play writers did an outstanding job, as did the actors. Harrison Ford plays a less than heroic detective in a seedy, down-and-out dark future, where clones, robots and people are packed together in an increasingly tense and violent existence. Rutger Hauer and a group of his friends? play model 6 replicants, searching for mortality and morality beyond their programmed termination dates. This movie isn't a simple, single genre, single theme movie. It's deep, layered, subtle and complex. The brooding, moody, 80's music was as dark as the film, and fit as snuggly as a synthetic hand. The performances in this movie were exceptional. The sets, lighting, and costumes helped created a vision of the future that has been often emulated but never duplicated. The special effects for their time were astonishing. A technological achievement seldom equaled, never exceeded. A great movie. A genre defining/defying 5 out of 5. The Ridley Scott commentary was great, but somewhat dull. I'll try a different track next time.
* Dersu Uzala: (1975 - Adventure, drama / Russia, Japan) I had no idea (until recently) that this was a remake. Based on a novel (memoirs) by Vladimir Arsenyev, the Soviet film industry produced a film adaptation back in 1961. Unfortunately, that version is not available on DVD, but I would like to see it some day. Pronounced 'Dare-Sue' 'Ooze-ala') Another movie by Akira Kurosawa. Another cinematic masterpiece! Another academy award winner from my favorite director. Written (in part), and directed by Akira Kurosawa, this film was produced in Russia (with the Soviet film industry). This movie tells the tale of a Russian officer leading a group of soldiers through the Siberian wilderness on a survey expedition at the beginning. of the 20th century. With a native (Dersu Uzala) guide leading the way, they learn the secrets of the forest, come to respect nature, value the native peoples, overcome hardships, form bonds of friendship, and take us with them on a great journey into the unexplored Russian wilderness. Visually breathtaking, the Siberian Wilderness is untouched and beautiful. Watching this movie was more than an adventure, it was also a learning experience for me. As I took notes - Yup, I got five pages of notes, I realized how little I knew about Russia. It's people, the animals, the places. The exploration of this movie moved me beyond the movie. Quite an experience. The acting was pretty good, the music o.k, but the story is the star here. Survival, friendship, adventure. Wonderful direction and camera work. This one gets a 5 out of 5.
* Notes on a Scandal: (2006 - Drama / U.K.) This one came from Kim's queue. I mistook it for a movie I was interested in... Starring Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy and Andrew Simpson. This situation based drama is pulled right out of the headlines. The story; Barbara, a veteran school teacher - played by Judi Dench, befriends Sheba, the hot, younger, first time teacher played by Cate Blanchett. Things become complicated when Barbara spies Sheba giving one of her students (Steven played by Andrew Simpson) some 'extra attention'. The movie quickly becomes a convoluted affair of co-dependency, conspiracy, blackmail, and twisted morals. The acting was outstanding, the music very good, and the writing excellent. Unfortunately, it's not my cup of tea. I can't stand soap-operas, and this movie was just that. Granted, it was an extremely well acted, well written, high quality soap-opera, but a soap-opera nonetheless. Melodramatic, situation based drama, where the characters hold some morally questionable ground. I didn't like it. 2 out of 5.
* Mafioso: (1962 - Comedy, crime, drama / Italy) A wonderful little comedy. A farcical look at Sicilians, Italy, the Mafia, and stereotypes. Antonio is a happy-go-lucky supervisor at the local auto factory. He's married, with two kids, a beautiful wife, and a great job. When he takes his wife to meet his parents (for the first time) and see his hometown, the trip to Sicily becomes something of an adventure, as Antonio is called upon by the local 'Don'. While Antonio is attempting to keep his sophisticated wife from fleeing the backward burbs of Sicily, his luck is pressed even further when the 'Family' decides to honor him by allowing him to repay the favor of his job up north. Setting him up as an assassin is just another one of those family obligations that he thought he escaped upon moving to Milan. The movie does an excellent job of walking that narrow line between comedy and tragedy. This fast paced, well directed movie is dripping with atmosphere and panache. The locations are fantastic, and the acting was pleasant to behold. The subtitles were a bit off, but the story is so visual that most of the dialog was unnecessary anyway. 4 out of 5.
* The Long Riders: (1980 - Western, adventure, action) Here's another story of the James - Younger gang. A far better production than the last 'Jesse James' movie that I saw. This one had some pretty good direction (by Walter Hill (The Warriors, Red Heat, Last Man Standing)) and music. The movie is an epic adventure, which follows the James, Younger and Miller brothers as they embark on their legendary journey of retribution and havoc. It's another sympathetic portrayal of the gang, but it covers quite a bit of territory in their careers as criminals. Focusing on the waning days, the cast (featuring four sets of real-life brothers — the Carradines, the Keaches, the Quaids and the Guests) does a fine job playing four sets of outlaw brothers in this gritty retelling of the James-Younger gang. As the Fords join the gang, you know the movie is nearing it's fateful ending. 4 out of 5.
* Knightriders: (1981 - Action, adventure, drama) Something of a cult classic. This independent movie was directed by George A. Romero (Yes, the king of Zombie movies) and starred Ed Harris as the King to a group of traveling renaissance performers. The main attraction of this traveling caravan are the 'Knightriders'. This group plays camelot from the back of their motorcycles. Jousting, bike stunts, merriment and romance rule the day. Until the leader begins to crack under the pressures of the groups financial troubles, personality conflicts, and troubles with local law enforcement. Very original film, written and directed by George A. Romero. The production value was low, with terrible sound production and editing, but the story was great. Filled with poignant, subtle commentary on integrity, principles and personal values. The acting by Ed Harris and Tom Savini (as the Black Knight) was great. The rest of the acting was mediocre. The pacing was excellent, and the ending outstanding. Thankfully, this wasn't a grindhouse movie featuring explosions and gore. It was a serious drama, with some great direction. Far more than your standard B-movie zombie flick. 4 of 5.
* Germany, Year Zero: (1948 - Drama, war, historical / Italy - Germania anno zero) This is the third part of Roberto Rossellini's trilogy about post war Europe. I've already seen Roma citta' aperta (I rated it 4 out of 5), I haven't seen Paisa yet, but I'd like to. Unfortunately, it's not available on NetFlix (not on NTSC format DVD). Here is an excellent example of the neo-realist style of cinema. Roberto Rossellini depicts postwar (post WWII) Germany in a bleak light. The movie follows Edmund, a young boy living in the rubble of the crushed German capitol. It's 1947, and this ordinary German family is fighting for it's survival in the devastated society that is a humble post-war Germany. Crammed into barely standing apartment, the family and other tenants do what they must to survive in the ruins of their shining socialist dream. The father is sick, the sister a prostitute, and an older son is afraid to turn himself in to authorities. The twelve year old Edmund wanders the ruins of blasted Berlin, looking for scraps of coal, handouts and the lure of work. When Edmund misinterprets the Nazi propaganda of a former school teacher, he commits an atrocious crime which results in a deadly 'Final Solution'. The music, camera work, and acting were superb. 4 of 5.
* Vantage Point: (2008 - Action, drama, thriller) Kim and I went and saw this one in the theater. Here's a movie that reminds me of Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. A multiple points of view retelling of a crime. The movie tells the story of a terrorist act in the center of a large Spanish plaza. The previews give away so much of the plot, that it's hard not to spoil the movie. O.k. here goes. Moments after he arrives in Spain for a antiterrorism summit, terrorists shoot the president of the United States. Not to worry though, that was just a double. The real action starts after that initially explosive opening sequence. The movie starts very quickly, and then the replays begin. The movie takes us back to the beginning, and then forward into the near future. Showing us multiple different points of view, we see the story through the eyes of multiple characters. The movie had a lot of energy, moved amazingly fast, and left me wondering why it was so long. The cast was huge. Staring Dennis Quaid, William Hurt, Matthew Fox, Sigourney Weaver, Forest Whitaker and many others. The acting was pretty good, but the editing was the star of this movie. There was an awesome car chase - Of course there was, but overall, the movie lacked much in the way of substance. I enjoyed the story, the editing and the thrilling political aspects of the movie, but I was disappointed by the pacing and length of the movie. 3 out of 5.
* Beowulf & Grendel: (2005 - Action, adventure, drama, fantasy / Canada, U.K.) Another version of the epic Scandinavian poem. This version features some outstanding locations. Shot in the desolate fjords and valleys of Iceland, one can easily imagine Giants and Trolls lurking amongst the frozen landscape. Starring Gerald Butler as the Beowulf the legendary warrior, and Stellan Skarsgård as the cursed king of the Danes.When the call goes out for a Hero, Beowulf and his men at arms arrive from across the sea. Armed with might of arms, and a sturdy code of conduct, Beowulf finds himself outmaneuvered by the cunning and fiercely strong Grendell. As Beowulf encounters mounting moral dilemmas, we come to see the plight plaguing these heroic men. Layered on top of this man vs beast action adventure is the story of early Christianity, offering redemption, salvation and a place in heaven for the just. A tangled tale of blood, beer, sweat and heroic deeds. Despite some mediocre acting and directing, I give this a 3 out of 5. I liked it.
* The Fifth Element: (1997 - Action, adventure, romance, sci-fi, comedy, thriller) Written (in part) and directed by Luc Besson (The Big Blur, La Femme Nikita, the Professional). This movie stars Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas, Gary Oldman as Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, Ian Holm as Father Vito Cornelius, Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod and many others. The cast was outstanding. The acting was terrific. Bruce Willis continues to play John McLane, and Milla Jovovich was perfect as LeeLoo. Luc Besson creates a slightly more frenetic version of the Blade Runner world. The comedic touches lifts us up into a somewhat more colorful future. Bruce Willis is a down on his luck cabbie in 23rd century New York. He's also entrusted with the protection of the universe's last hope. Milla Jovovich stars as the incarnation of an alien species sent to earth to retrieve the mythic elements which will protect this universe from destruction at the hands of an ultimate evil. Willis and Jovovich are paired up against Gary Oldman as Zorg the crazed arms dealer and the opportunistic Mangalores. Sexy, smart, snappy and visually stunning, this movie combines all the right elements to create an entertaining masterpiece. 5 of 5.
* All the King's Men: (2006 - Drama, thriller, historical) A Comcast On Demand free selection. The original is in my queue. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Zallian (known more for his screenplays/writing than directing (American Gangster, The Interpreter, Gangs of New York, Hannibal, A Civil Action, Clear and Present Danger, Schindler's List)) This movie featured a great cast - Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Sean Penn, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini. Based on a novel (same name) by author Robert Penn Warren, here's a tale of down south (Louisiana) political corruption during the 50's. The main character; Willie Stark is based on Huey Long the actual governor of Louisiana. Sean Penn's portrayal started out o.k., but quickly went way over the top. His hyper-exagerated arm and body gestures were quite disturbing. The charismatic Stark is a home-grown politician who gains the support of working class citizens in a highly charged socioeconomic climate. Jude Law plays a do good lawyer, swayed by the populist appeal of Sean Penn's character. As the movie progresses, the plot moves from election to post-election shenanigans. We begin to realize that Stark is just as morally corrupt as those he fights against. Excellent story, soured by a bizarre performance in Sean Penn. I'm looking forward to the remake. 3 out of 5.
* Napoleon Dynamite: (2004 - Comedy, drama) Here's a movie where I jumped the gun. Something of a rare occurrence. After seeing previews, and having friends recommend the movie, this selection jumped from must see (on my Netflix queue) to must buy. I bought a copy a soon as it came out, and I'm glad I did. Geeks rule! This movie chronicles one geeks journey through a week of high school hell. It brought back a lot of memories for me, the characters were full of flavor. Quirky and real, tragic and truthful. Yeah it was funny, but is was also satirical and dramatic. The pacing and directing were fantastic. The music and characters transported me back to 1982 (just like one of the characters in the movie). I graduated in 1982, and this movie was my time machine. 5 out of 5.
* Duck, You Sucker: (1971 - Adventure, action, western, comedy, crime / Spain - Giù la testa) aka A Fistful of Dynamite. A Comcast on Demand selection. This movie wasn't available on Netflix until June of 2007 (with the release of the Sergio Leone trilogy). Directed by Sergio Leone (one of my favorite directors), this movie - staring Rod Steiger and James Coburn was a fantastic piece of cinema. Shot on location in Mexico, the locations and sets are absolutely fantastic. The unforgettable music was masterfully handled by Ennio Morricone. The acting, especially that of Rod Steiger (with hair) was terrific, and the direction was great. Comedic, dramatic, action packed and politically charged, this movie was a great western/war movie. Set during the Mexican Revolution, this movie is a great epic that pits two characters together, against a world at war, where the stakes are higher than we're led to imagine. A fantastic movie. 4 out of 5.
* War Made Easy - How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death: (2007 - Documentary) Another anti-war documentary. This one isn't all that good. The basic premise of this movie. The president, his administration, and the media, lied about the war and the reasons for it. Wow! Politicians and pundits lied to us! The media in our nation is no longer an objective or accurate source of information. All the dissenting voices were ignored, and every one who wasn't waving a flag was labeled unpatriotic. We rushed into this war, and now we're paying the high costs associated with that mistake. The administration made it easy for the press to cooperate in their plans. Don't bother doing your own reporting, we'll just have a bunch of press conferences where we'll tell you everything you need to know. There wasn't anything new, shocking, or revealing, in this documentary. The camera work (what little there was) wasn't very good, and the narration was hit or miss. Oh, yeah, just in case the documentary wasn't left enough (it is an anti-war film), they had to get Sean Penn to narrate part of the movie. His efforts were unexceptional, flat and monotone. 2 out of 5.
* Lost Highway: (1997 - Drama, mystery, thriller, crime) Written (in part) and directed by one of my favorites - David Lynch, this movie is bizarre, fragmented, mystery. Starring Bill Pullman (as Fred Madison), Patricia Arquette (as Madison's wife and a mobster's girl), Balthazar Getty (as a mechanic / Fred madison transformed?), Robert Loggia (as Mr. Eddy / Dick Laurent), and Robert Blake (as the paranormal stranger). Fred Madison's wife is found dead after some sort of odd break-in. The police suspect Fred, and he can't convince them otherwise. Madison is convicted of the murder and sentenced to death. Waiting in his cell, Fred begins to suffer from intense pain - consciousness crushing, reality distorting headaches - when something truly bizarre happens! This movie features a twisted time-line, some great lighting, camera shots, direction and pacing. The acting was very good as well. It was definitely a David Lynch story. A surreal, twisted, neo-noir story, inhabited by psychotic characters and suspect emotions. The colors (lots of contrast, vivid, yet dark), music (ethereal, haunting and cacophonic), and camera motion (hypnotic, out of focus, and intentionally focused) create a disturbing other-worldly equilibrium. A place where the viewer cannot discern fact from fantasy; a place where people can be in more than one place at a time; a place where nothing is as it seems. I enjoyed the four dimensional trip into the mind of one disturbed Fred Madison. 4 out of 5.
* Wristcutters - A Love Story: (2006 - Comedy, romance, drama / U.S. U.K.) I wonder why it took so long for this movie to be released? Maybe it took a long time to secure the music rights? Written and directed by Goran Dukic, this movie is based on a short story by Etgar Keret. Here's a romantic comedy. The story is relatively simple. Boy loses girl, with a parallel track - Girl loses boy. As the two protagonists search for each others lost love, they find love in each other. It's been done a thousand times before, and this movie wouldn't be worth noting if it weren't for the setting and location. Most of the story takes place in purgatory. Yes, the place between heaven and hell. A place where everyone has died an unexpected death. By accident or intent, they're in a never changing, timeless land of very little hope. The landscape is a desert littered with the ruins of a disposable society. A place where you'd better lower your expectations. A grim and dreary place, a place where the sound of rice crispies are muted, the stars don't shine, and you can't get your headlights fixed. Following the lovelorn characters in their quest for redemption was a memorable journey, the ending is joyous, uplifting, and happy, without being overly dramatic or sappy. The characters are slightly quirky, slightly sad, imperfect, loveable, tragic and delightful. There are no big name actors here, but there is some talent. The direction, artistic and otherwise was outstanding. I look forward to more movies helmed by Dukic. 4 out of 5.
* Cop Land: (1997 - Action, crime, drama, thriller) Written and directed by James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma (2007), Walk the Line, Identity, Kate & Leopold, Girl Interrupted), this movie features a fantastic cast - Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Peter Berg, Janeane Garofalo, Robert Patrick, Michael Rapaport, Annabella Sciorra. This movie features (in my opinion) the best acting ever elicited from Sylvester Stallone. What would have seemed an impossible pairing - Stallone and De Niro, works well when Stallone doesn't try to play his usual dramatic, over-the-top, character. I'm very happy with the acting by everyone involved. Ray Liotta, De Niro and Stallone all gave outstanding performances. The story is one of corrupt cops in New York. Living just outside the city, a group of NYPD officers have established a community where they can raise their families in relative safety. Unfortunately, Garrison New Jersey is only as safe as the corrupt cops who live there. Stallone plays the Sheriff of Cop Land. He's expected to look the other way when he finds the residents behaving badly. At some point the fetid waters rise above this man's moral high ground - and he acts. It's a fine morality play, a classic western, dressed in blue and black. The pacing, direction, lighting, sound work, music, locations, sets, costumes, and Acting (with a capital A) are all outstanding. I can't believe it was robbed of an oscar. 5 out of 5.
* Lost in Translation: (2003 - Drama, comedy, romance) Written and directed by Sofia Coppola (daughter of Francis Ford Coppola), this movie features Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Marvelous. Truly splendid. A bitter-sweet drama of loves potential. What could have been but never was. More meaningful than the typical illicit love story. Two Americans are stuck in Tokyo. Bill Murray plays an American actor who's past his prime, Scarlett Johansson plays the young neglected wife of a high flying fashion photographer. Murray's acting was slightly more subtle than usual, just as good as always. Johansson's acting was dreamy, excellent, very natural. Adrift in a sea of strangers, and despite their differences, these two loners find comfort in their similarities. Both are examining themselves, their future, their values. Well cast, appropriately paced, excellent directing (Sophia Coppola won an Academy award for this movie). Scarlett makes this movie work. Packed with desire, and dripping with chemistry. Bill Murray's character does the right thing by Scarlett's character, even if he's not a saint. I'll watch this one many more times. 4 of 5.
* The Shootist: (1976 - Drama, western) Directed by Don Siegel, starring John Wayne (John Bernard Books), Lauren Bacall (Bond Rogers), Ron Howard (Gillom Rogers), James Stewart (Dr. E.W. Hostetler), Richard Boone (Mike Sweeney), and others. An aging gunfighter is approaching the end of his life in the early 20th century. The time when such men made their own laws is coming to an end, and the west is no longer 'wild'. It's been tamed, subjected to the 'civility' of law, and forever changed as a consequence. As his birthday approaches, the gunfighter learns that he has 'a cancer'. The doctor gives his a few weeks, and he tries to maintain a low profile as things wind down. Unfortunately, the legend he's built, the old-ways, the pistols on his hips won't let him end his life on a quiet note. His legacy, his lifestyle and his honor demand something more spectacular. Aside from being an excellent story, script, movie in it's own regard. This movie is made much better by the fact that John Wayne is basically playing himself. He know's he's dying, yet he holds his head up high, and leaves the stage in the way we've come to expect. Truly outstanding. John Wayne's last movie. 4 out of 5.
* Cockfighter: (1974 - Drama) I watched this one because it starred Warren Oates, and it came up on a list of cult classics. Well, like most cult classics, you either love it or hate it. In my case, I hate it. The story - Warren Oates plays Frank Mansfield, a southern man, a cracker, a compulsive gambler, a cockfighter. Frank lost out on his last chance to win the 'Championship Cocksman' medal a few years back. Since then he's taken a vow of silence, sworn off women, and sunk every last cent he's got into cockfighting. He's gonna win that medal if it's the last thing he does. The story focuses on Cockfighting. Filmed back in '74, when the film industry didn't give a damn about animal cruelty, this movie features staged cock fights where the animals are allowed to kill each other. The 'sport' if you can call it that, has since been outlawed in the U.S. and I for one find it disgusting, brutal and futile. This movie was pretty good, and Warren Oates acting was outstanding, but I couldn't get past the piles of dead roosters in the bathtub. Soaked in blood, still twitching from involuntary muscle response, these animals were carelessly discarded in an effort to entertain. I didn't find it entertaining. I can't rate this higher than 2 out of 5.
* The Unholy: (1988 - Horror) A Comcast on Demand selection. About 25% of these 'Free' movies suck. This one is so bad that you can't find it on region 1 (U.S.) DVD. Thank goodness for small miracles. The only talent of any note in this movie is Ned Beatty whose appearance is limited to a minor supporting role. The story - Priest is murdered in his church, three years later another priest is miraculously saved from a twenty story fall. Any connection? No - not really. O.k. let's just draw a connection. A couple more priests decide that the 'miracle' priest is 'the one' to exorcise the demon that inhabits the church of St. Agnes. The evil demon appears as a super sexy, 80's hairdo sporting, fashion model, with gobs of makeup, mostly naked, succubus, who tries to seduce and corrupt the priests sent to the church. Nothing really happens in this movie until the 10 minute climax. That's when the stumbling rubber suited midgets and poorly articulated rubber puppet monster attack! The acting was either wooden or laughably staged. The music and sound editing terrible. The use of fog machines, colored lighting, and fake blood was forced, obvious and overused. The script atrocious, and the overall production weak. At times the movie was visually stimulating, while simultaneously lacking any substance. The only thing this movie had going for it was the nudity. Unfortunately, not even the frequency booby flashes could save this hellish disaster. 1 out of 5.
* Wal-Mart - The High Cost of Low Price: (2005 - Documentary) Director Robert Greenwald (Xanadu, Iraq for Sale) pulls no punches in this scathing expose of Wal-Mart. A well crafted effort, with some terrible camera work. It's a deeply personal story, told by alternating between Wal-Mart's sweet talk and interviews with those impacted by Wal-Mart's policies and practices. Wal-Mart didn't get to be number one by being nice. This movie illustrates why their prices, wages, and morals are all equally low. There are plenty of reasons to dislike Wal-Mart, and there's nothing new in this movie. The movie brings all that together into a single documentary. The impact is significant. This is another example of how corporations are killing the American ethic, family and values. Regardless of your political bent, the practices, policies and morally questionable behaviors of Wal-Mart should leave a bad taste in your mouth. A fine example of what happens when all the gloves are taken off, and businesses are allowed to regulate themselves. The most disturbing part of this movie (for me), was the revelation of tax subsidies afforded to Wal-Mart. This mage-giant corporation makes more money than most countries, it doesn't deserve any tax breaks at all! Despite the opportunity to make a very powerful film, this one has many production problems. Sound, video and editing are all sub-par. 3 out of 5.