* Dial 'M' for Murder: (1954 - Crime, mystery, thriller) Written by Frederick Knott (based on his play) and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This U.S. produced movie starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings in a love triangle turned messy murder mystery. When former a former tennis star discovers his wife's cheating, he concocts a plan to kill her and live comfortably on her fortune. When the contract killer ends up dead on the living room floor, the conniving husband is forced to fabricate a secondary scenario that puts his wife in prison. As usual, nothing ever works the way you plan it. Double-crossing, blackmail and affairs of the heart compete for your attention in this thriller directed by Hitchcock. 4 out of 5.
* Bonnie and Clyde: (1967 - Action, biography, crime, drama, romance) Directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Gene Wider, and others. Here's an American crime story. Lovers in crime Bonnie Parker (played by Faye Dunaway) and Clyde Barrow (played by Warren Beatty) team up with a rag-tag band of family and friends in the cross-country crime spree. Mixing mayhem with humor, this movie takes a lighthearted approach, while simultaneously shocking with its intense scenes of violent imagery. Set in depression era America. A small-town girl and just released convict create a wake of popular sentiment as they crisscross the southwest robbing banks as they go. On the run from the law, they can't last long in this ill-fated story of love meets bullets. While I enjoyed the direction and acting, the juxtaposition of comedy and violence left a bitter taste in my mouth. 3 of 5.
* * * * Heroes - Season 1 (Disc 6 (2006 - 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 was still in my queue after I'd watched the season closer - bummer! Some sap must have been sitting on the disc, as it was listed as long wait for some time. Thanks to the NetFlix watch instantly capability, I was able to add Heroes (season 1) to my watch instantly queue, and watch episodes 20 - 23 using my Roku player. The first season gets 5 out of 5, and I'm moving on to season 2.
* Death Valley - The Revenge of Bloody Bill: (2004 - Horror) Written and directed by nobody I heard of before, and hopefully I won't hear from them again. The direction and writing were horrid. The actors were good looking, and they tried their best to act... Unfortunately, all their effort was wasted by the dire direction, editing and writing. The story - if you must. A drug dealer looking for revenge kidnaps a college debate team? Then they drive into the desert in search of the drug dealers missing mule. What they find is a ghost town full of zombies. Unfortunately, none of the characters can manage to get in the van and drive away, so most are eaten by the zombies. Apparently the zombies are led by some former confederate general. This zombie general hates 'black people' because... Oh yeah, he hates the town people too. They lynched his sister. Thankfully one of the debate team knew all this, because otherwise he'd have to recite it from memory, and that would sound like he was reading his lines off a cue card. Man this movie was bad, and the head-banging music made me nauseous. I'm certainly glad I only paid a dollar for it. 1 out of 5.
* Blue: (1993 - Drama, music / France, Poland - Trois couleurs: Bleu) The first part of a film trilogy by Krzysztof Kieslowski. Polish writer/director filmed this movie in Paris, France. The film stars Juliette Binoche in the lead role. She plays the part of a young woman (Julie) who's life is shattered when her husband and young daughter are killed in an auto accident. She withdraws from her former life, leaving everything behind; home, career, family, friends. She tries to start over, but society hasn't forgotten the legacy of her husband. A renowned composer, he was working on a momentous piece designed to unite the European people behind the E.U. As the public demands closure in this regard, it is her husbands dedication to music and the common goals of the E.U. that draws Julie back to the land of the living. Excellent writing, direction, acting and music. Unfortunately, the pacing was a bit too slow for me, but the film never bored. The only flaw in this outstanding work. 3 out of 5.
* White: (1994 - Comedy, drama / Poland, France - Trzy kolory: Bialy) The second film in the trilogy by Krzysztof Kieslowski. Polish writer/director filmed this movie in Paris, France and Warsaw, Poland. The film stars Zbigniew Zamachowski in the lead rol. He plays the part of Polish immigrant (to France), Karol Karol. The film begins when Karol is humiliated in court by his wife (played by Julie Delpy). She divorces him because he won't consummate their marriage. Embarrassed, broken hearted and broke. Karol takes to begging in the subways of Paris before he's befriended by another Pole (played by Janusz Gajos). Together they travel back to Poland. The journey there is a bit humorous, as Karol is smuggled into the country. Once there he begins a new life by returning to his former life. This time around he becomes the man he should have become. This time around he is independent, capable of standing on his own. A curious film, with several unexpected turns, humorous, heartfelt and ultimately uplifting. 4 out of 5.
6* The Office - Season 1: (Episodes 1-6 (2005 - Comedy, Drama)) The U.S. version of a BBC original. 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. And now, thanks to my Roku player, I can watch these episodes (and many others) any time - no waiting for disc delivery. Just grab the remote and select a show! Like it's British progenitor, this show is a serial comedy featuring a crazy cast of characters who work at a company which supplies paper and office supplies to small businesses. Unlike the original, we're never given any reason for the cameras that film these office workers. The omnipresent and voyeuristic presence of the cameras can be a bit distracting, but it's something most audiences dismiss with little effort. A totally dysfunctional social climate constitutes the stage where this drama takes place. The characters are absolutely fantastic, but unlike the British series there's no mistaking these actors with the characters they portray. The writing is witty, biting, funny, but far more fantastic than anything I could imagine in the real world. Thankfully it's funny enough to make me laugh. 4 out of 5.
* Red: (1994 - Drama / Poland, France - Trois couleurs: Rouge) The final episode in the trilogy by Krzysztof Kieslowski. Polish writer/director filmed this movie in Geneva, Switzerland. The film stars Irène Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant in the leading roles. Irène plays a young french model (Valentine), while Jean-Louis Trintignant plays a retired judge. Valentine is a young model living her very busy life in Geneva, Switzerland. Her life is complicated when she accidentally hits a dog with her car. When she brings the injured animal to the owners door, she discovers a rich and engrossing character. Someone who changes her life. Someone who teaches her about intimacy, honesty, compassion and true romance. In my opinion, this is the best of the three movies. Primarily because it illustrates a real connection between two people, while the first two movies were really about individuals. Excellent acting, direction and pacing. This third film does tie the three segments together, but the movie really didn't need the other two to stand on it's own. I give this movie a 4 out of 5. Now that I've seen all three, I can imagine a greater depth upon a revisit to the movies. The characters spanning the three movies are universal to the themes of the movies, and their lives span all three films. I wish I had the time to watch them again. Unfortunately, I haven't the time. Like the characters in these three movies, I'm destined to follow my busy life until the inevitable happens.
* The Lost World: (1925 - Adventure, fantasy, sci-fi) This silent film is the first screen adaptation of the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A wonderful story told with fantastic animation (clay models). The actors are stars of a bygone era, and I didn't recognize any of the names. The story - Professor Challenger, a brilliant and well respected scientist has returned from an expedition to Brazil with audacious claims of 'Living Dinosaurs'. While the press, peers and most of society mock and ridicule his preposterous reports, he's only interested in one thing. What the press hasn't reported is the fact that one of their party (Ms. Maple White) is still trapped in the jungles of Brazil. Eventually he manages to finance and organize a rescue party. The Professor, a young reporter, a seasoned hunter and the daughter of Maple White soon set off to that remote plateau in the jungles or Brazil. Once there we're treated to the amazing spectacle of living dinosaurs. Flying, fighting, battling for pre-historic dominance in the modern world (of the 1920s!). The party learns of Ms. Maple White's fate and barely manages to escape with their lives. When they return to London, all the critics are silenced by the sensational and indisputable proof - They've come back with a living breathing brontosaurus! It's a fantastic movie, but the film is sorely in need of some serious restoration. The stop-motion animated dinosaurs were great, the pacing was perfect, and the adventure unforgettable. I'm going to try some of the remakes. This movie has been done eight or more times, but this is the original. I give it a 4 out of 5.
* Destiny: (1921 - Fantasy, drama / German - Müde Tod, Der) Written and directed by famed german director, Fritz Lang. This silent movie is a fantastic tale about death and love. Can love overcome death? A young couple's stay at a small village inn is interrupted by an uninvited guest. When Death comes calling, the young lovers are separated by tragedy. The young woman's fiance is led away to the land of the dead by Death himself. As her grief permits her to see and speak with Death, she strikes a bargain with the grim reaper. Death presents her with three fateful scenarios. Three couples of young lovers are fated to a misfortunate parting. If she can forestall the death of any one, her beloved will be returned to life. Becoming the woman in each of three scenarios, she tries to forestall destiny but fails. In a final bid, death offers her a last chance. Bring a life to him within the hour and he will relinquish her fiance back to the land of the living. Can she manage to wrest he lover back from the land of the dead? The lead character's transformation to the female characters of the three stories is poorly illustrated, and her motivation in each scenario seems unclear. Aside from these problems, the film suffers from poor condition. 2 of 5.
* * * * Twin Peaks - Season 2 (Disc 4 (1990-91 - 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. I'm watching the second season now. 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 4 contains four episodes (Season 1 = 7 episodes; Season 2, disc 1 = 8-10, disc 2 = 11-14, disc 3 = 15-18, disc 4 = 19-22) of exciting, unusual entertainment. In these four episodes are some personal stories. While the story of Windham Earle is beginning to develop, the writing has clearly turned inward. These four episodes focus more on the characters of the series than they do on any overarching threat. This disc continues the cross dressing FBI agent played by David Duchovny. 4 out of 5.
* Empire Records - Remix! Special Fan Edition: (1995 - Comedy, drama) Directed by Allan Moyle (Pump up the volume) and starring a great cast - Anthony LaPaglia, Debi Mazar, Rory Cochrane, Johnny Whitworth, Robin Tunney, Renée Zellweger, Ethan Embry, Coyote Shivers, Brendan Sexton III, Liv Tyler, James 'Kimo' Wills, Ben Bodé. This dramatic comedy is a great teen movie. Who would have thought that a movie made in the mid 90's would be considered a classic in it's ethics? Despite the raver/slacker tendencies of some of the films characters, they are actually motivated by something other than their own petty problems. The story is very uncomplicated. It's a day-in-the-life for a group of kids working at an independent music store. Unfortunately, little do they know that the store is on the verge of buy-out by a mega-corporation. It's the death of innocence, the end of an era, the demise of independence. There are many themes buried in this movie's simple plot. The characters are colorful, complex and oh-so-sexy! After this film was released, we started to see a sharp decline in these independent music outlets, a homogenization of the rebellious spirit which thrived on independence. Do your kids express themselves? Or do they express a corporate brand of individuality? The music store that serves as a focus for this movie is a gathering place for an entire generation of dreamers, slackers and free spirited rebels ready to conquer the trials of adulthood. When greed and self-interest threaten to crush that spirit with a corporate franchise, the kids fight back. All the personal dramas disappear and these kids unite behind a real threat, the end of individuality and the right to be themselves. The cast was enthusiastic, hot and energetic. The story was surprisingly complex, despite it's relatively simple exterior. The music was fantastic. An awesome movie. 5 out of 5.
6* Auschwitz - Inside the Nazi State: (6 episodes (2005 - Documentary)) A newer entry in the Nazi documentary category. This program (2 discs, 6 episodes, appx 50 minutes per show) was produced for TV by the BBC. It presents one of WWII's most emotional subjects - 'The Final Solution'. How did the Nazi regime manage to reduce huge segments of mankind to a disposable problem? What twisted morals permeated the German society? Could this ever happen again? Excellent production, clear narration, great integration of archive footage and great interviews. An in depth examination of man's inhumanity to man. 4 out of 5.
* The Final Cut: (2004 - Sci-fi, thriller, drama / Canada, Germany) Written and directed by Omar Naim, this movie stars Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino, James Caviezel and others. The premise - From the day that people are born (approximately 20% of the population), they're implanted with a Zoe chip by Eye Tech. This device records a person's entire life experience in a permanent record. When they die, these memories are extracted and a 'Cutter' edits the images for a family focused 'Rememory' ceremony. Robin Williams is a 'Cutter' in this futuristic tale. He takes the job of editing the sordid life story of a recently deceased Eye Tech executive. A segment of society sees the practice - Recording, 'Cutting' and displaying a persons entire life - as an invasion of privacy, an insult to the human condition, and a socially affecting influence on human relations. Led by an ex-cutter, this group attempt to obtain the uncut footage from this high profile lawyer and use it to crush 'Eye Tech' with a public scandal. The story has lots of potential, but the movie was too short to truly explore any of the finer points. The direction was fair, and the acting o.k. Unfortunately, poor pacing and a lack of character development also hurt the movie. A fine first effort for Omar Naim. 3 out of 5.
11* Heroes - Season 2 (Episodes 1-11 (2007 - 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. With the addition of 'Watch Instantly', I've even more flexibility to watch these shows whenever I want. The first season blew me away, and the follow-up was nearly as good. 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. A politician with the ability to fly. A Japanese cubicle worker with the power to bend space and time. A villain you can hate and many others with super powers. As these characters struggle in self discovery, a threat of devastating viral infection threatens our future. Secret agendas, new discoveries, and epic adventure abound in season 2. It lacked the focus of season 1, but the production value is getting more sophisticated. I give season 2 a 4 out of 5, and I've added season 3 (not yet available on DVD) to my 'Watch Instantly' queue.
* The Time Machine: (1960 - Adventure, sci-fi) David Duncan wrote the screenplay for this version of the H.G. Wells novel and George Pal directed. Starring Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux. When a scientist (H.G. Wells played by Rod Taylor) invites a close group of friends over for dinner, he reveals an astonishing advancement taken as a parlor trick. Little do they realize that he's really done it. In the midst of Victorian England, populated with horse drawn carriage and gas lamp lighting, he's created a working, life size time machine. Disappointed with their short-sighted dismissals and cautionary attitudes, Wells pushes forward. Setting himself behind the controls of that amazing machine, he pushes the lever forward - Into the future, the far, far future. The adventure of a lifetime follows, and we're swept away with him. Outstanding special effects (It won an oscar for the effects), excellent pacing, direction and most of all, a smashing sci-fi tale that tells a cautionary story of the future. 5 out of 5.
* Before Sunrise: (1995 - Drama, romance / U.S. Austria, Switzerland) Directed by Richard Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Waking Life, School of Rock, A Scanner Darkly). The screenplay was written by Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan. Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, this movie is a wonderful love story, a fantastic adventure, a deep and meaningful conversation. Not your usual hollywood production. Here is a one night stand without the usual stain of illicit sex or bitter animosity. Ethan Hawke plays an American tourist (Jesse) on the way back home after a bitter revelation. While riding on a train across Europe, Jesse meets Celine (played by Julie Delpy); a beautiful young French girl. As the day progresses, the two quickly become embroiled in a hopelessly romantic liaison when Jesse convinces Celine to disembark in Vienna. Together they explore the city, confide in each other, and finally fall in love as the movie comes to an end in a park under the stars of Vienna's dreamy summer evening sky. With a promise they depart upon their separate ways, and we're left with the memories of their words, dreams and deeply moving love. Utterly convincing acting (because of the chemistry), wonderful camera work, and a masterful screenplay. 5 of 5.
* Mutual Appreciation: (2005 - Drama, comedy) Written and directed by Andrew Bujalski, this independent movie featured a cast of unknowns, in a movie that felt like a film student submission in a college course on how to make a low budget film without a plot. It was dull, pedantic, presumptuous and painfully constructed. I didn't finish the movie, so you can choose to disregard my rating if you like. A movie about young hopeful students. Moving from one pre-conceived conversation to the next, it felt a lot like Richard Linklater's Waking Life, but it lacked the artistic touches. These tongue in cheek comedic interludes and conversations lacked any sense of conviction. As the characters stumbled about their misconstrued constructs of life, I struggled to stay awake. In the end, I couldn't stomach it any longer. Good sound work and editing, but that's the best I can say about this movie. 2 of 5.
* Before Sunset: (2004 - Drama, romance) Directed by Richard Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Waking Life, School of Rock, A Scanner Darkly, Before Sunrise). The screenplay was written by Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan. Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, this movie is the sequel to 'Before Sunrise'. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reprise their roles as Jesse and Celine. Love struck commuters who spent a fabulous night together nine years ago are reunited in Paris. Jesse is in Paris promoting his book; a book about their rendezvous in Vienna. Celine shows up as he's wrapping up his last book signing. There lives have moved beyond those idealistic dreams from long ago, but here's there chance to reconnect and possibly re ignite the love they left with a rushed promise so many years ago. The acting was better than the first movie, and the dialog more natural, but the connection lacked the conviction I felt in the original. Another beautiful conversation, a midsummer's stroll through the streets of Paris, through the hearts of two conflicted lovers. 4 out of 5.
* Adam's Rib: (1949 - Comedy, romance) Starring Spencer Tracey and Katharine Hepburn are both lawyers (Adam and Amanda Bonner). Married, they take opposing sides in a high-profile case of attempted murder. The couple on trial are a quarreling married couple. Amanad takes on the defense as a way to defend women's rights. As the trial heats up, so does the Bonner's marriage. A contentious courtroom drama with flourishes of comedic romance. Ultimately, all ends well as the trial comes to a close and the Bonners reconcile. Oddly, this movie sought to focus our attention on equal rights while simultaneously demonstrating stereotypical behavior which places women second. Notice the title of the movie - "Adam's Rib" which implies that women are subservient to, derived from, and nothing without men. Well written, great direction and wonderful acting. Hepburn and Tracey definitely had some fantastic chemistry on screen. My biggest complaint was the pacing. This movie was paced like the debate team finals in an ivy league college competition. The other problem was the story itself. I won't argue the murder case or it's merits, but I will say that it served as a poor mechanism to pair these actors, and lacked legs outside the premise of a plot for a romantic comedy. 3 of 5.
* Outsourced: (2006 - Comedy, romance) Starring Josh Hamilton as Toad/Todd and Ayesha Dharker as Asha. When Todd's entire call center is outsourced to India someone has to train the new manager. The movie is a great examination of globalization, a treat of cultural differences, a feel good comedy, and a not so serious romance. While Todd tries to explain American business practices to these new employees, they teach him a few lessons about life. The writing was witty and light, the acting was unpretentious and unpracticed. The directing was excellent, as was the editing and soundtrack. A light hearted comedy with a circular ethic and happy ending. 4 out of 5.
* The Fast and the Furious: (1955 - Crime, action, mystery) A Roger Corman story, starring John Ireland and Dorothy Malone is co-directed by John Ireland and Edward Sampson. This is not the movie you're thinking about. The rights to the title were purchased for 2001 movie starring Vin Diesel, but the stories are very different. Here is a movie about a man on the run. Wrongly imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit, Frank Webster (Played by John Ireland) has broken out of prison. While he wants to clear his name, he doesn't trust the cops and he ends up on the run. When his cover is blown, he kidnaps a beautiful young women and the race is on. Driving her souped up Jaguar, the two enter a professional race and try to make Mexico while the police pull the noose tight. The story wasn't very original, and it followed some fairly predictable plot lines. The pacing had problems; the movie was rather slow and dull at times. The acting was mediocre at best. The best part of the movie were some of the racing scenes and the classic cars depicted. Thankfully, I only paid a buck for this movie. 2 out of 5.
* Laura: (1944 - Crime, film-noir, mystery, romance, thriller) Directed by Otto Preminger (The Man with the Golden Arm, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, Advise & Consent, In Harm's Way), this movie starred Gene Tierney (as Laura Hunt), Dana Andrews (as Detective Lt. Mark McPhereson), Clifton Webb (as Waldo Lydecker), Vincent Price (as Shelby Carpenter). It's a stylish film-noir, crime, thriller set in New York city. Lt. Mark McPherson is investigating the murder of a beautiful woman named Laura Hunt. While conducting interviews with friends, family, and suspects, Lt. McPherson falls for the idea of who Laura was. Why would anyone want to murder this beautiful, wonderful, loving woman? Obsessed with his image of Laura, McPhereson is startled when the plot twist arrives - As was I. Quite a turn indeed. I certainly didn't see it coming. As the end game unravels, the movie moves up a notch. From standard Film-Noir fare to something surprising, intriguing and elegant. The dialog was sophisticated, and the acting top-notch. Gene Tierney (as Laura Hunt) was smokin'. Dana Andrews (as Lt. McPherson) was intense, obsessed and good looking. Vincent Price was humorous and stoic. The music throughout was excellent. Reminds me a lot of Twin Peaks (first season). 4 of 5.
* The Phantom of the Opera: (1925 - Drama, horror) There are many versions of this movie (appx 15 listed on IMDB), but this is the oldest existing adaptation. Starring Lon Chaney (as Erik, The Phantom), Mary Philbin (as Christine Daae), Norman Kerry (as Vicomte Raoul de Chagny), Arthur Edmund Carewe (as Ledoux) and others. The Paris opera house is 'haunted' be a disfigured composer known simply as 'The Phantom'. This haunted man inhabits the recesses and rafters of the opera house. Watching from afar, he falls in love with Christine, whom he's grooming to become the next Diva of Paris. He manipulates events, disguises himself, and lures Christine into his underground lair. Once he has her where he wants her, his true identity is revealed when Christine unmasks his charade. The Phantom declares his love, only to be spurned by Christine's love of Raoul. Now a prisoner in his underground lair, Raoul is alerted to a problem when she fails to arrive at their lovers rendezvous. The ending is climactic, cinematic and tragic. This black & white, silent picture was hardly black & white, as it was filmed using technicolor prints. Various colors; Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow, lent various moods to the movie. The music also helped to enhance those moods, and the movie was a moving, dramatic story of love, ambition, deception and destruction. 4 out of 5.
7* John Adams: (2008 - Biography, drama, history) An HBO produced, seven episode TV mini-series. This epic drama starred Paul Giamatti in the lead role, and a huge supporting cast to portray the hundreds of other characters. The set work, props and costumes were unbelievably good. The digital effects and camera work were awesome. The music was wonderful, and the direction great. Here's an in-depth, epic story. 50 years of American history in a dramatic mini-series. I saw some things in the movie that weren't quite accurate, but all in all, I felt that the series got it right. Paul Giamatti gives an excellent performance, as do the rest of the cast. This series did a great job illustrating the ideals, historical events, and dramatic cross-roads which created our nation. I hope HBO makes more shows like this one. My only criticism was the camera work in the final episode. There was no need for hand held 'shaky-cam' shots, and the tilted/off-angle shots were to dramatic and too sudden to achieve the desired effect. 4 out of 5.
* 4D Man: (1959 - Sci-fi, horror, action, romance, thriller) An atomic age sci-fi thriller starring Robert Lansing and Lee Meriwether. When Scott Nelson (played by Robert Lansing) burns down his makeshift lab, he's left with nowhere left to go. He seeks out his estranged brother Tony. Tony is working as a research scientist in a government sponsored lab. Scott moves in with Tony, but things quickly become complicated when Scott and Linda (Tony's girlfriend and co-worker) hit it off. Relations become more strained when Scott gets a job at the lab. Soon he's working on a secretive project which will permit him to fuse or pass objects through each other. When his amplifier imbues him with the ability to enter a 4th dimensional state, he finds that he can pass through solid objects. Given these new powers, Scott decides to use them to rob a bank, and advance his personal desires. Unfortunately, this new power doesn't come without cost, and Scott soon finds that he ages significantly after passing through solid objects. Soon afterwards comes another horrid discovery. Scott finds that phasing through a person causes them to age extremely rapidly. Their life energy is sucked away, and he regains the youth lost by phasing through solids. The results are terrible and tragic. Someone must put an end to Scott's 4D rampage, and the movie ends with deadly consequences. Pretty good acting, great music, and an awesome story. 4 of 5.
22* The Office - Season 2: (Episodes 1-22 (2005 - Comedy, Drama)) The U.S. version of a BBC original. 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. And now, thanks to my Roku player, I can watch these episodes (and many others) any time - no waiting for disc delivery. Just grab the remote and select a show! Like it's British progenitor, this show is a serial comedy featuring a crazy cast of characters who work at a company which supplies paper and paper products to small businesses. Unlike the original, we're never given any reason for the cameras that film these office workers. The omnipresent and voyeuristic presence of the cameras can be a bit distracting, but it's something most audiences dismiss with little effort. A totally dysfunctional social climate constitutes the stage where this drama takes place. The characters are absolutely fantastic, but unlike the British series there's no mistaking these actors with the characters they portray. The writing is witty, biting, funny, but far more fantastic than anything I could imagine in the real world. Thankfully it's very funny. Giving me something I need in my life - An escape from the ills of my job. Maintaining a fine line between sarcasm, humor, and office satire. Admittedly, it took a while for me to warm up to this show, but it came half the distance. Getting better as it progressed, I'm looking forward to the next season. 5 out of 5.
* I Was Nineteen: (1968 - Biography, drama, history, war / East Germany - Ich war neunzehn) An epic neo-realist film. Based upon the director's (Konrad Wolf) personal diary entries. This film depicts the waning days of World War II in Europe, as told through the eyes of Gregor Hecker, a 19 year old German born Soviet soldier. Gregor is a Lieutenant in the Soviet Army, and his German heritage gives him a unique perspective on the struggle unraveling East of Berlin. Traveling with Gregor are two very different comrades charged under his command. Together they traverse the devastated countryside, negotiating the surrender of German troops, assisting the wounded, displaced, and disillusioned. An authentic portrayal of optimism, conflict and crushed ideals. Outstanding acting and direction are complimented by superb production, set work, locations and props. 4 out of 5.
* Witness: (1985 - Drama, romance, thriller) Directed by Peter Weir, written by William Kelly, starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis. In this thriller, a young Amish woman is traveling to Philadelphia when her young son, Samuel is witness to a murder. An honest cop (played by Harrison Ford) tries to protect the boy and his mother, but the murder was committed by a member of the police force, and the group must go into hiding inside the Amish community. While Ford and McGillis hide out in the Amish community, a cautious romance develops. Outside the community, the crooked cops kill off Ford's partner and continue the search for the witness. Eventually, Ford's presence inside the Amish community is compromised, and the crooked cops come for them. It's a taught police thriller, with light romantic elements, set in the Amish community. The unique setting, excellent writing, and splendid acting set is apart from other police dramas. An excellent movie. I give it a 4 out of 5.
* Rendition: (2007 - Drama, thriller) Another movie in the 'War on Terror' genre. This one is directed by Gavin Hood (Tsotsi) and written by Kelly Sane. The story is a typical rant against the current administration. A cautionary war on terror tale, where 'extraordinary rendition' is the 'cause du jour'. Highly transparent political motives color every character in the movie. The acting is mediocre across the board, but I must say that I was pleased to see Jake Gyllenhaal in a lead role, despite his less than convincing acting. I also appreciated the fact that some less than 'hollywood' actors got a chance to shine. Yigal Naor as Abasi Fawal was especially good. The story opens with a terrorist act. Jake Gyllenhaal's (playing a young CIA 'pen pusher') character is forced into the more ugly role of case officer when his 'Knuckle Dragger' companion is killed in a bomb blast. 'I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.' then determines that an American resident (green card permanent resident) is a prime suspect in this recent bombing. Returning to the U.S. after a business trip to South Africa, the suspect is picked up when he lands in Chicago. His pregnant wife (played by Reese Whitherspoon) and their young son (Nine years old?) are at the airport waiting for him when he disappears. The suspected terrorist/husband is whisked away to Egypt, and drama ensues. The story that follows could easily be boiled down into a five minute montage containing scenes of torture, a crying pregnant wife, and earnest images of zealous 'martyrs'. The story lacks any real depth or character development, and it's blatant bias is a ridiculous sound-byte/polemic for those opposed to the ill-advised/terrible practice of 'extraordinary rendition'. The only redeeming feature of the movie is the twist at the end. While it isn't exactly ground-breaking, I thought it was well handled. 2 out of 5.
23* The Office - Season 3 : (Episodes 1-23 (2006 - Comedy, Drama)) The U.S. version of a BBC original. 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. And now, thanks to my Roku player, I can watch these episodes (and many others) any time - no waiting for disc delivery. Just grab the remote and select a show! Like it's British progenitor, this show is a serial comedy, a mockumentary featuring a crazy cast of characters who work at a company which supplies paper and paper products to small businesses. Unlike the original, we're never given any reason for the cameras that film these office workers. The omnipresent and voyeuristic presence of the cameras can be a bit distracting, but it's something most audiences dismiss with little effort. A totally dysfunctional social climate constitutes the stage where this drama takes place. The characters are absolutely fantastic, but unlike the British series there's no mistaking these actors with the characters they portray. The writing is witty, biting, funny, but far more fantastic than anything I could imagine in the real world. Thankfully it's very funny. Giving me something I need in my life - An escape from the ills of my job. Maintaining a fine line between sarcasm, humor, and office satire. Admittedly, it took a while for me to warm up to this show, but it came half the distance. Getting better as it progressed, I'm looking forward to the next season. 5 out of 5.
* Strike: (1925 - Drama / Soviet Union - Stachka) Written (in part) and directed by Sergei Eisentein (The Battleship Potemkin, Alexander Nevsky). As Eisentein's movie debut, it's full of experimental and innovative camera work. It's a movie about labor vs management. The struggle of the proletariat over the bourgeoisie. A propaganda tool for the Soviet Union. The story - A factory workers suicide triggers the strike of workers in Czarist Russia. The result is a powerful struggle between labor and management. The owners and leaders of this factory, city, society, treat the workers like crap. They wring life's blood, sweat, tears and more from the people, as if they were cattle or some sort of disposable commodity. When the workers revolt, the ruling class turns their considerable power against the workers. They mobilizing spies, provocateurs, the media, the police and ultimately the army in their efforts to crush the strike. Outstanding camera work, a fantastic soundtrack, excellent pacing, direction and editing. This black and white, silent movie was captivating, gripping, and a very revealing look inside the foundations of the socialist movement. In this film, one can clearly see a warning to the 'ruling class' of America. How much longer will it be before labor unions have been completely crushed in America? What recourse will the worker be left with then? 4 out of 5.
* The Godfather of Green Bay: (2005 - Comedy, romance) Written, directed by, and starring Pete Schwaba, a comedian from the Menominee/Marinette region. When I saw the preview for this movie, I knew I'd have to watch it. First of all, yes I'm originally from Wisconsin. Kim and I were born in raised in 'da Woods. My parents live near Marinette, and we're very familiar with many of the locations and cultural idiosyncrasies shown in this movie. The story is a silly little hollywood type tale. A couple of stand up comedians decide to drive to Wisconsin on the off chance that they'll be scouted by a 'Tonight Show' promoter. On the way there, they accidentally run down a big time mobster. Unbeknownst to our two comedians, the mobster is on his way to Green Bay to off some local wannabe gangster. Fate causes their paths to cross again, when they all end up in the same town, at the same bar, on the same night! Throw in a little love interest, and you've got yourself one of those typical hollywood comedies. What made the film for me were the stereotypes and the great cast. Yes, the Yuppers (and upper Wisconsinites) do talk like that'cha know. While the acting wasn't the greatest, there was a level of passion and enthusiasm that ran through this movie like an electric current. The actors were really into it. You could tell that they were having the time of their lives, especially that doofus (Eric Price) playing 'Ratboy'. 4 out of 5.