Aug (NF20/MM4)

* Righteous Kill: (2008 - Crime, drama, mystery, thriller) Directed by Jon Avnet (Fried Green Tomatoes, Uprising). Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy, and others. Turk (De Niro) and De Niro (Al Pacino) star as two aging detectives (De Niro is what? 65, and Pacino 68) in the NYPD. The film opens with them at a shooting range, and the scene is very tends to paint them as young and energetic. I almost got the sense that this was going to be an action flick. With that thought in my head, much skepticism followed. Tasked with investigating a vigilante serial killer, the two are less than enthusiastic to stop this killer, as the murder victims are killers, thugs, drug kingpins and other low lifes. When the investigation gets bigger, two younger detectives are added to the team. The net draws tighter and the killer becomes bolder. A romantic sub-plot - With De Niro 'banging' a much younger crime scene investigator (Carla Cugino - 37 years old - and very hot) was completely preposterous, unnecessary, and added nothing but disbelief to the character. The 'twist' was highly predictable, and the plot contained nothing we haven't seen a hundred times before. The acting by 50 Cent and Leguizamo was actually more memorable than De Niro or Pacino. The direction was lacking, but the camera work and editing were very well done. I was looking forward to this film - De Niro and Pacino together again - but the story was so poorly constructed, cliched and stale that I just can't imagine why anyone would want to watch this movie. The final scene seals the deal with a final score of 2 out of 5.
* The Unknown Woman: (2006 - Drama, mystery, thriller / Italy, France - La Sconosciuta) Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso,The Star Maker, The Legend of 1900, Malena) co-wrote and directed this thriller starring Kseniya Rappoport as Irina - a Ukrainian woman looking for revenge. Irina has stalked out a young affluent Italian family, and intentionally inserted herself into their lives. She's trying to find the man who enslaved, beat, and exploited her in the Ukrainian sex trade. As she carefully plots her revenge, she becomes attached in ways she'd rather not. As she continues her quest, someone else has discovered her presence in the home. The movie culminates in a tense show down which threatens her and the family. The film contains some rather explicit flashbacks, but the Irina's past is a strong motivating force for the character, and it's inclusion is important to the story. When Irina's past catches up to her, there's no telling what might happen. The slightly non-linear editing was excellent and the direction outstanding. The acting was also top notch. 4 out of 5.
* The Brave One: (2007 - Crime, drama, thriller / U.S., Australia) Directed by Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire, The Butcher Boy, The Good Thief), starring Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen, and others. Jodie Foster starring in a dramatic thriller. It's a powerful lead role, and Jodie Foster met its demands.She plays a New York City talk radio host. While out for a walk, her and her fiancé are attacked in Central Park. He dies, but she survives. Afterwards, she's withdrawn and reserved, but that changes when her job is threatened. She buys an unlicensed gun for 'protection', and things begin to returning to normal. She carries the gun with her everywhere she goes, and eventually she finds herself alone on a subway. Once Erica takes the law into her own hands she finds that she's willing to do so again and again. In the course of investigating her assault case, she becomes friends with a police detective, and that proves troublesome as the cops start investigating the vigilante killings in the city. As Erika becomes more bold, the police move closer. Will she be able to avenge David's death before the police find their vigilante? Excellent acting from Jodie Foster, but a very linear story. The direction, pacing and editing were excellent. 3 out of 5.
* Meet John Doe: (1941 - Comedy, drama, romance) Directed by Frank Capra (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life), starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Brennan, Edward Arnold, Spring Byington, James Gleason and others. When the spunky reporter Ann Mitchell (played by Barbara Stanwyk) is about to lose her job, she cooks up a scheme which ensures her job, but creates a controversy. She pens a false suicide pact from "John Doe" - a fictitious character planning to leap to his death from the roof of city hall. The paper publishes it, and readership skyrockets. The paper wants to keep the readership high, so they recruit a fake 'John Doe' (played by Gary Cooper). This 'John Doe' espouses his philosophy, political views, and dissatisfaction with the system - as scripted by Ann Mitchell. The paper continues to promote him as a populist pundit and common man. Competing papers do their best to expose the scam, and the owner of the paper is planning to use John Doe as a political pawn in a bid for the White House It's a sophisticated political satire, a drama, a thriller with heart and a little romance. A movie about an average Joe who falls into the powerful world of politics and corporate shenanigans. Excellent acting, great direction and a surprisingly sophisticated story, reflecting on the influences of the day. 4 out of 5. I found this gem in one of WalMart's one dollar boxes (In the seldom used checkout lanes).
* The Snows of Kilimanjaro: (1952 - Adventure, drama, romance) Directed by Henry King, starring Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Ava Gardner and others. In this movie (based on short story by Ernest Hemingway), Gregory Peck plays a wounded man. An author, journalist, great white hunter; a man beset by the woes of modern life - escaped from the responsibilities of society by way of adventure in Africa. Unfortunately, he's wounded, infected, and fading fast. His wealthy wife (Susan Hayward) stands by his side while he recounts (through death-bed flashback) the mistakes he's made throughout his life. His failures, regrets and second thoughts. As he's finally reached the end of his life, he reaches out for what he has, but will it all be to no avail? A good story, but a very bad film transfer. No subtitles, and plenty of film artifacts, fading and a seriously ill soundtrack. The acting by Gregory Peck was excellent, but Hayward and Gardner didn't do so good. Despite the poor transfer, it still gets a 3 out of 5. I found this gem in one of WalMart's one dollar boxes (In the seldom used checkout lanes).
* Watchmen: (2009 - Action, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller) I recently purchase a copy of Watchmen on Blu-Ray. While the images are perfect, and I enjoyed the HD displayed on my 52" television, I'm still not convinced that HD is all that it's cracked up to be. I'm sorry, but I just don't see the improvement everyone is screaming about. This latest iteration on consumer video is nowhere near the transformative experience we got when VHS transitioned to DVD. Picture quality is better, but it's not 'that much better'. The 'HD Interactive' options are difficult to use. Come on - I had to create an account, then I had to type in my user name and password in order to access the BD-Live features. Just to access the features! I then attempted to access some of the BD-Live options. Guess what? They aren't all available yet? What? How long have they had to get this working? I then attempted to download and play some additional content. Guess what? It failed! I downloaded a video, but it wouldn't play. I got some type of cryptic error message. That's enough for now. Then I turned to the special features on the disc. The special features were difficult to locate on this disc, extremely slow to access, and they weren't integrated into the film. They only worked separately from the movie. That's not what Blu-Ray promised. We can get that with standard DVD, and sometimes it's integrated into the movie. The BD experience is, in my opinion - an over-hyped, marginal improvement in service for the consumer. $30.00 for this BD disc is not worth the price of two standard definition DVDs. I probably won't be buying any Blu-Ray for quite some time. Maybe I'll wait until the price comes down to that of standard definition DVD. I might rent Blu-Ray, but I probably won't be buying any. It's just not worth the price. Now for the movie....

Directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead (2004), 300), starring Malin Akerman as Laurie Jupiter aka Silk Spectre II, Billy Crudup as Jon Osterman aka Dr. Manhattan, Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias, Jackie Earle Haley as Walter Kovacs aka Rorschach, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Edward Blake aka The Comedian, Patrick Wilson as Dan Dreiberg as Nite Owl II, and many others. Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore (writer) and Dave Gibbons (illustrator), here is an adult comic book brought to the silver screen. Once again we see the evolution of super hero movies. Dark, gritty, very film noir in nature. With adult themes and very complex characters, this movie moves comic books beyond the tableau of teenage fantasy, into the realm of complex social and moral subtext. The story - In an alternate future, the 1985 of this story is a place where costumed vigilantes (some with super powers, some highly trained physical specimens) have been shut down by the government. The populace is more fearful of unchecked vigilantes than they are of the criminal elements they suppress. When a retired super-hero is killed in a brutal slaying, an investigation is launched by another member of the now banned group. As Rorschach begins his investigation, we're provided background and character development in a very well constructed diary method. Here is an America fearful of the Soviets, obsessed by the 'bomb' and ruled by a fascist regime where presidents 'rule', and fear is used to control the masses. As the conspiracy thickens, it becomes apparent that part of the plot is a ploy to discredit all super heroes. Eventually, as Rorschach gets closer to the truth, he's framed for a crime he didn't commit. With Rorschach behind bars it's only a matter of time before the mastermind behind these assassinations is able to execute his ultimate solution. Outstanding acting, especially that of Jackie Earl Haley as Rorschach and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian. The direction was also outstanding, as was the music/soundtrack, sound and camera work. The cgi (except for the strange looking cat creature towards the end of the movie) was also well done. 5 out of 5.
* Something the Lord Made: (2004 - Drama, history, biography) Another fine film from HBO. Directed by Joseph Sargent (From Here to Eternity, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three). Starring Alan Rickman (as Alfred Blalock), Mos Def (as Vivien Thomas), Mary Stuart Masterson, Kyra Sedgwick, and others. The movie tells the story of two men - One white, one black. One privileged, one oppressed. One arrogant, one humble. One educated in the finest schools, one self-educated. Beginning in the early 30's, these two men team up together in Nashville, Tennessee, when Alfred Blalock- A Vanderbilt educated, white cardiologist - hires Vivien Thomas - a young black man, with no formal education - as a manual laborer. Vivien's skill at carpentry and fine mechanical work makes him better at handling a test tube than a mop or broom. Dr. Blalock soon moves him into position of lab assistant. When Dr. Blalock moves to Johns Hopkins, Vivien goes with him. Together, this unlikely team takes on the challenge of 'Blue Babies'. Social pressures threaten to derail their efforts, but the two men overcome the prejudices of racism and save the lives of thousands as they pioneer the field of Heart Surgery. Inspiring, powerful acting, and an excellent production. Great period work marks this story of American social strife and medical achievements. 5 out of 5.
* Scarface: (1932 - Crime, drama, film-noir) Directed by Howard Hawks (Sergeant York, His Girl Friday, To Have and Have Not, Rio Bravo) and produced by Howard Hughes. The movie starred an outstanding cast of silent era actors; Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins, C. Henry Gordon, George Raft, Vince Barnett, Boris Karloff and others. The story is a violent tale of Chicago bootlegging, racketeering, and gang wars. Full of cliched characters (with strong facial and body language posturing - a carry over from the silent era), racial stereotypes and classic gangster dialog, this movie manages to glorify the violent lives and deaths of Chicago's mobsters. The gangsters and their molls are depicted as glamorous characters who act out their desires and get what they want, while the cops are depicted as powerless stooges who simply sit around waiting for these criminals to do themselves in. The pacing was incredibly fast, and the dialog delivered like staccato bursts from the gangster's Tommy guns. The direction was excellent, and their was plenty of action. 3 out of 5.
* Rio Bravo: (1959 - Western, romance, drama) Directed by Howard Hawks (Sergeant York, His Girl Friday, To Have and Have Not, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) and starring a great cast; John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, Walter Brennan, and others. Somewhat reminiscent of High Noon, here is a film where the Sheriff of a po-dunk, backwater, Texas town, holds a criminal under arrest until they can get him into the hands of a more secure jail. Holding this killer won't be easy, as he's got a gang of outlaws looking to free him from the Sheriff's jail. John Wayne plays Sheriff John T. Chance, Dean Martin plays the on again/off again, recovering alcoholic/former deputy Dude (aka 'Borachón'), Ricky Nelson plays the brash young gun Colorado Ryan, Angie Dickinson plays the romantic interest Feathers, Walter Brennan plays Stumpy the crippled, goofy, older deputy and Joe Burdette play Claude Akins, the prisoner. Despite its similarities to other westerns, this is an archetype of western films. It's a model for the genre, and it sets the benchmark for many that followed. The story is well crafted, with characters that epitomize western values, leaving no question as to which side they're on. The acting by Dean Martin and Walter Brennan was excellent. The direction outstanding. The pacing is just right - Not too fast, nor too slow. An excellent morality play, that doesn't take itself too seriously. Mix in a bit of gun play, some romance, and a good amount of character drama, and you've got an excellent movie. 4 out of 5.
* Gigantic: (2008 - Comedy, romance) Co-written and directed by Matt Aselton. Starring a great cast (for an Indie film); Paul Dano, Zooey Deschanel, Edward Asner, Jane Alexander, John Goodman and others. The story - Brian (a Mattress salesman) is planning to adopt a Chinese baby, despite the fact that he's single, with less than stellar job prospects, and no clear goals. His life is complicated when he meets Happy, the daughter of an overbearing, eccentric, and wealthy man. Unfortunately, the writing takes ordinary characters, adds an odd twist to each, and expects us to praise the underlying normalcy of these two characters. The chemistry between Deschanel and Dano is non-existent. The characters come off as so eccentric that we can't identify with them. A quirky, romantic, comedy, that fails to connect. 2 out of 5.
* Fat Man and Little Boy: (1989 - Biography, drama, history, war) Directed by Roland Joffe (The Killing Fields, The Mission), starring Paul Newman, Dwight Schultz, Bonnie Bedelia, John Cusack, Laura Dern, Ron Frazier and others. Here is - ostensibly - a historical, bio-pic about the people who developed the first nuclear bombs. A military man (General Leslie Groves - Played by Paul Newman) and a scientist (J. Robert Oppenheimer - Played by Dwight Schultz) manage to wrangle a team of scientists and engineers in order to harness the atom. This film focuses on the human aspects of the research team. The personal problems encountered by all those involved in the project. While this fictional film focused on the interpersonal conflicts of the team, and the difficulties of harnessing those involved in the Manhattan Project, it misses the mark by failing to look at the more technical aspects and the overall ethical challenge involved in creating this weapon of mass destruction. The acting, sets and costumes were all very satisfying. Unfortunately, the direction wasn't the best, and the story dragged on at times. 3 out of 5.
* Point Blank: (1067 - Action, crime, thriller, drama) Directed by John Boorman (Hell In the Pacific, Deliverance, Zardoz,The Emerald Forest), starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O'Connor and others. Here's an interesting action, thriller with a simple story and careful character development. Lee Marvin plays a single minded gangster. Walker's wife and partner shoot him in the middle of a heist, leaving him to die on Alcatraz island. He survives and begins a quest to extract vengeance upon those who owe him. He's the lone gunman against the system, and this criminal is going to make those bastards pay. The sound and camera work were great. So was the scenery, pacing and editing. The acting was fair, but the simple story made for an engrossing experience. 4 out of 5. Lee Marvin's character feels very much like the character played by Tommy Lee Jones in 'No Country For Old Men'.
* Les Paul - Chasing the Sound: (2007 - Documentary, biography, history, music) A television episode produced for the series - American Masters. This documentary was directed by John Paulson, starred Les Paul, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck and others. It's a tribute, biography and history lesson. All about Les Paul the musician, inventor, legendary artist. It's the authorized biography of the 'Wizard of Waukesha'. Not only was Les Paul the inventor of (one of) the electric guitar, he was also a talented recording artist (two #1 hits with his wife Mary Ford) and innovator in the music recording industry. This documentary spends as much time on Les Paul the musician, as it does on his technical achievements in the recording industry - Inventing multi-track recordings, overdubbing, the solid body electric guitar, and more. Excellent music, editing, and camera work. 4 out of 5.
* Fanboys: (2008 - Adventure, comedy, crime, drama) Directed by Kyle Newman, starring Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler, Jay Baruchel, Kristen Bell and others (including William Shatner, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams and others in cameos). This movie is a remake of a fan produced internet short. Some studio threw a bit of serious money behind the effort, and the results aren't all that bad. The story - A collection of male nerds - in their mid 30s - and one gal geek, decide to embark on a fantastic adventure into Star Wars history by implementing a scheme they cooked up back in 5th grade. Drive cross-country, break into Skywalker ranch, and watch Episode I prior to its general release. O.k. plot holes aside, it's a typical road trip movie. There's a few sub-plots, and there are encounters with characters who would thwart their efforts. In the end, they achieve their goal, and all is well in geekdom. The production value is a bit low, but the old school effects are in keeping with the scale of the movie. The casting and acting were well done. Sam Huntington and the rest of the cast appeared to thoroughly enjoy their roles, and that was the best part of the movie. Filled with Star Wars trivia and some excellent Star Wars vs Star Trek friction, the plot isn't much to build on, but this road trip contained a good amount of humor and the results were a good trip down memory lane. May get better mileage on repeat viewing, but fans of Star Wars may rate this a 3 out of 5 after the first viewing.
* Gran Torino: (2008 - Crime, drama) Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this movie also features Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Dreama Walker, Brian Howe, John Carroll Lynch and others. Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski - A grumpy old Korean War veteran and widower living in a working class neighborhood of Detroit. His family struggles to relate with his disgruntled ways, and he eschews those 'people' who inhabit the spaces around him. As a character, he's racist, full of prejudices and unwilling to change his ways. When two things (a personal illness and attempted theft) trigger a change in Walt, he's forced to confront his prejudices, the relationships with his family, and the gangsters that terrorize his neighborhood. It's a movie about changing social norms, family relationships and overcoming prejudice. The writing and acting were excellent. The locations and camera work well suited to the story and the editing perfectly executed. The ending was a bit of a surprise, and helped push this movie up a notch on my rating. 5 out of 5.
* The chronicles of Riddick: (2004 - Action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller) Directed by David Twohy (The Arrival, The Arrival 2, Pitch Black), starring Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roache and others. I've seen, I own, I love Pitch Black. A masterpiece of Sci-Fi. I went to see Riddick based on the character and the actors portrayal. As an action flick, Riddick rises above the tide. A cinematic masterpiece, music that enhances the visual expression, costumes that speak of a deeper vision, sets and special effects that complete the cinematic experience. There are action scenes unlike any other movie. Combat that is a blur, a montage, a transmogrified visual representation of pain and fury. Unfortunately, the characters that cry out for development are swept up in a fast paced story that leaves this audience wishing for more. More background, better acting, and a deeper meaning. The DVD version that I own is an unrated director's cut. The additional scenes add character depth, motivation, and additional background for this sci-fi inferno of non-stop action and thrilling adventure. My favorite 'action' flick. 5 out of 5.
* Alien Trespass: (2009 - Comedy, horror, sci-fi, thriller / U.S., Canada) Directed by R.W. Goodwin, starring Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, Robert Patrick, Jody Thompson, Dan Lauria and others. This movie is a spoof/homage to the sci-fi 'B' roll movies of the 1950s. It's tongue in cheek, it's funny, dramatic and campy, but it doesn't quite hit the notes at the right time. The story - a basic copy of many classic 'B' sci-fi movies - starts when an alien spaceship crashes somewhere in the California countryside. A scientist goes to investigate, but his body is taken over by an alien force. In the meantime, a one-eyed, tentacled, horror has escaped from the damaged spacecraft. As this mutant terrorizes the countryside, the townsfolk investigate the site where the 'meteor' came down. The cinematic work and visual effects are far from period. The costumes, sets, and style all feel a bit antiseptic and too polished. In the end it's the flat, passionless, performances that ultimately left me feeling under-whelmed with this well produced, but barely entertaining homage. 2 out of 5.
* Blindness: (2008 - Drama, mystery, romance, thriller / Canada, Brazil, Japan) Directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardner), starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Alice Braga, Danny Glover, Gael García Bernal, Sandra Oh and others. A plague spreads rapidly around the world. Taking the sight of its victims, it leaves the survivors with the burden of care. Contagion forces these victims into isolation wards - Old abandoned factories, hospitals for the mentally insane, a ward of isolation from the sighted world. While the ward contains your usual mix of humanity, there is no law, and soon the strong impose their will over others. We are taken along for the ride in the guise of one sighted woman living amongst the blind. Conditions inside deteriorate rapidly, while the world outside crumbles, the world inside mirrors the conditions of the characters. A bleak, violent, and tragic movie. The direction and acting were good, and the messages about man's inhumanity powerful. Thankfully, the movie doesn't end on a down note. 3 out of 5.
* Doubt: (2008 - Drama, mystery) Written and directed by John Patrick Shanley (Joe vs. The Volcano). Starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and others. The secret lives of nuns and priests. Here is an excellent movie about changing social values. Set in the mid 60s, America and the Catholic church are undergoing social transformation. A new priest, with new ideas of openness, has arrived at St. Nicholas's Catholic school in the Bronx. He's charismatic, he befriends children, and he upsets the head nun. When questions arise regarding the newest student (a black boy), doubt brings accusations, and the results play upon the fears of all concerned. Awesome acting by all the principles. Great direction, a magnificent script, and great camera work. Should have won an Oscar. 4 out 5.
* The Flight of the Phoenix: (1965 - Adventure, drama) Directed by Robert Aldrich (The Dirty Dozen, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, The Longest Yard (1974)). Starring James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch, Heinrich Dorfmann, Ernest Borgnine, Ian Bannen, and others. The story is simple, dramatic, and believable. A cargo plane filled with oil workers and military members is flying over North Africa when it runs smack-dab into a sandstorm which forces a crash landing in the middle of the Sahara desert. With animosity running nearly as high as the temperature, the survivors put their faith in the risky scheme of a German experimental aircraft designer. As food and water run low, so does the will to survive. Can these men manage to come together long enough to bring their plan into action? Outstanding acting by a great cast. Excellent pacing and direction. 4 out of 5. Remade in 2004 with Dennis Quaid.
* Demetrius and the Gladiators: (1954 - Action, drama) Directed by Delmer Daves (Broken Arrow (1950), 3:10 to Yuma (1957)). Starring Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Anne Bancroft, Jay Robinson, Barry Jones, William Marshall, Richard Egan, Ernest Borgnine and others. It's a theatrical sequel to a movie called 'The Robe' (about the Christ and early Christianity). Very play like, the direction emphasized character distinction through physical presence. A huge production, the sets were truly magnificent, lavish and over the top. Just like the acting. Speaking of acting. The totally over the top performance by Jay Robinson as Caligula was outstanding. The story - A freed greek slave (Demetrius) is forced into the arena after he attacks a Legionnaire. Demetrius becomes a gladiator, but he refuses to kill another man. His Christian values threaten his life, but the wife of a powerful Roman Senator sees potential in this interesting man. His life is spared, but the danger is far from over. As the Roman's scheme for power in all it's forms (including the robe of Christ), the other characters strive to simply stay alive. When Demetrius's true love is slain, he loses his religion and becomes a hardened gladiator seeking the power that struck down his love. Despite it's completely predictable plot and historical shortcomings, this morality play provided ample entertainment. 3 out of 5.
* Shiver: (2008 - Horror, thriller / Spain - Eskalofrío) Directed by Isidro Ortiz. Starring Junio Valverde, Blanca Suárez, Jimmy Barnatán, Mar Sodupe and others. It's a pretty good horror story with one problem - The main character device. The story - A young boy has a medical condition which strains his relationships. He can't abide sunlight. It causes him physical pain, and his canines are getting more and more pointed. This bizarre condition causes undue strife in the big city, so his mother (a single parent) moves them to a remote village in a deep valley. There they embark on a new beginning, in a place where sunlight is in short supply. Soon after their arrival, animals, then people start to show up as meals to some unknown 'creature'. Santi is a prime suspect - Strangers usually are, and here's one with an unusual condition. Has Santi become a vampire? Who or what is stalking the citizens of this sleepy village? Great suspense, and a well crafted story. Unfortunately, I wasn't convinced by the primary character device. If the story had taken it's time (only 90 minutes), they wouldn't need such a blatantly obvious and hard to believe character device. Good acting, and excellent camera work - made all the better by the locations. 4 out of 5.
* Coraline: (2009 - Animation, adventure, fantasy, family) Screenplay and direction by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach). Featuring the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr, Ian McShane and others. Coraline is stop motion animation that looks like cgi. It's really amazing! In this story, a young girl discovers a secret door in her new home. This door leads (ala Being John Malkovich / Alice in Wonderland) to another world. A parallel reality where everything seems to be just the way she likes it. Her workaholic parents dote on her, she eats her favorite foods and the annoying neighbor boy can't open his mouth. She's offered a permanent place in this world, if she gives up her real parents, and sews buttons over her eyes. It's a great 'Girl Power' movie, an excellent family film. The main character is likeable, adventurous, strong, and brave. Quirky, creepy and a little dark, this movie is something like Alice in Wonderland meets the Nightmare Before Christmas. 4 out of 5.
* Choke: (2008 - Comedy, drama) Screenplay and direction by Clark Gregg (Fat Man and Little Boy, (500) Days of Summer). Starring Kelly Macdonald, Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston, Brad William Henke, Clark Gregg, Joel Grey, Jonah Bobo. The characters in this movie are quite colorful, and the movie contains a lot of nudity. The main character (Victor Mancini) is a med school drop out (to care for his mother - who has Alzheimer's) with plenty of problems. He's a sex addict, works in a colonial theme park, and feigns choking to scam money from the customers that 'save' him. It's a character based drama with comedic elements. The story is Victor's life. When he isn't scamming money from restaurant patrons (to help pay for his mother's care), he's attending 12-step meetings, indulging his sex addiction, or suffering the tourists at his colonial theme park job. A primary focus of the movie is Victor's identity. Who is his father? Is he really the biological son of Christ? Amusing, well written, great acting and direction. Another Indie Drama in the sea of comedic, indie, dramas. 3 out of 5.