Genre: Drama, Romance

Year: 2010

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Rachel Bilson, Tom Sturridge, Richard Jenkins, Blythe Danner, Matthew Davis

Director: James Keach

My Review: Tom Sturridge (as Will Donner) and Rachel Bilson (as Emma Twist) star in this new talent romantic showcase. Will and Emma have known each other forever… Or so it seemed, until Will's parents died in an accident, and he and his brother (Scott Mechlowicz) had to move away. Emma and Will went their separate ways… Or at least Emma did. Secretly, Will followed Emma. Moving, taking odd jobs, working as a clown/street performer. He did everything he could in order to be near her, but never told her why he couldn't move on with his life. It's a romantic movie with some subtle comedic treatment. The acting was o.k. Nothing special. The characters were a bit off-beat and mismatched, but the sentiment of this unlikely pair was well directed (by James Keach). Simple and entertaining. The plot and characters are never very deep or complex. The best acting came from Tom Sturridge, who did a good job playing the rather unorthodox character of Will Donner. I was never quite sure whether the character was a little bit 'lacking' in mental capacity, or just that naive and care-free. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: A Hollywood-set romantic tale of a guy who is content to live his life without a job yet with the love of his life, a young actress.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Year: 1967

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Houghton, Cecil Kellaway

Director: Stanley Kramer

My Review: A classic movie with a fantastic cast (Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton). Here's a great movie about racial integration, segregation, social justice and social change in America. Filmed and set in the late 60's, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn play two liberal Californian's who consider themselves progressive until their daughter decides to bring her fiance' home for dinner. Dr. John Prentice is a smart, successful, witty, charming, good looking man, with a bright future and good financial prospects. Just the kind of man they'd hope their daughter might marry - There's only one problem… He's black! An academy award winning drama, disguised as a comedy. It's dated, but it's still relevant, fresh and funny. The superb acting, writing and dialog make it a lasting classic. A powerful story which openly tackles the social issues of the day (in the 60s). I give it a 5 out of 5. A classic movie with a fantastic cast (Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton). Here's a great movie about racial integration, segregation, social justice and social change in America. Filmed and set in the late 60's, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn play two liberal Californian's who consider themselves progressive until their daughter decides to bring her fiance' home for dinner. Dr. John Prentice is a smart, successful, witty, charming, good looking man, with a bright future and good financial prospects. Just the kind of man they'd hope their daughter might marry - There's only one problem… He's black! An academy award winning drama, disguised as a comedy. It's dated, but it's still relevant, fresh and funny. The superb acting, writing and dialog make it a lasting classic. A powerful story which openly tackles the social issues of the day (in the 60s). I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: Joey Drayton brings her fiancé, Dr. John Prentice, home to sunny San Francisco to meet her affluent parents. Their liberal persuasions are now put to the test, for although the young man is an ideal choice (he's highly and internationally respected in the medical field, and he's impeccably mannered, handsome, well dressed and of a respectable California family), he's black. The film, which covers one busy day in the Drayton home, is essentially a drawing-room comedy, a series of cross-conversations between the young doctor and the girl's parents, and finally between all sets of parents and offspring. A simple dinner is extended to include the doctor's parents, who fly up from Los Angeles for the evening, and the crusty but benevolent old Irish priest, a friend of the family. Thus, the title of the film . . .

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Year: 2008

Country: Denmark

Rating:

Starring: Jakob Cedergren, Lene Maria Christensen, Kim Bodnia, Lars Brygmann, Anders Hove

Director: Henrik Ruben Genz

My Review: A Danish thriller with some great writing and directing. Jakob Cedergren plays Robert Hansen, a Danish cop reassigned to a remote farming community as a reprimand for some domestic issues. Unfortunately for Robert, an assignment that should've been no more exciting than extricating cows from the bog, turns out to be far stickier than he could have imagined. He's managed to step into something extremely twisted. In no time at all, he's stuck up to his waist in intrigue, murder, complicated personal relations and a town with a million secrets. Excellent writing and direction by Henrik Ruben Genz. The plot threads translate easily for this English speaking viewer and the characters are rich, well developed and identifiable. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Robert Hansen is a cop in Copenhagen who makes a mistake, is remanded for therapy, then assigned to a small town in South Jutland, where cows and problems disappear into the mud. He quickly learns that the town bully, Jørgen, beats his wife, an outsider like Robert. He tries to get her to swear out a complaint against Jørgen; she flirts with Robert. When someone dies and Robert knows the prime suspect is innocent, he halts vigilante justice and things get complicated. He wants to protect himself and the daughter of Jørgen, and he wants to reconnect with his own daughter back home. Is rural justice his ticket back to Copenhagen? Is there any chance at happiness?

Genre: Documentary

Year: 2009

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring:

Director: Lucy Bailey, Andrew Thompson

My Review: A dramatic documentary and legal thriller about present day (2008) racism, persecution, social justice and the truth about the lessons we seem to never learn. The writing, editing and narration of this documentary were simply outstanding. Here's a story that reminds us that racism exists everywhere, that the struggle is universal; not confined to one race, color or ethnicity. The lessons we learn about racism and prejudice can never be taken lightly, that there is no such thing as enough reflection on social justice in a world where society can always blame minorities for the woes of the majority. In this documentary, the director/story follows Michael Campbell and his family of white farmers in a politically volatile Zimbabwe. Much of the film footage is shot clandestinely, and provides a thrilling inside look at the charged landscape of a ruthless Africa where might makes right. In 2000, the government of Robert Mugabe decided implemented a 'Fast Track' land reform program, which was essentially an illegal land grab where the land of whites and political opponents was taken (in many instances by force) and redistributed to political supporters, donors, and the poor black residents of Zimbabwe. The documentary follows the dramatic personal story and the legal battle of the Campbell family as they appeal to the SADC (South African Development Community) court for justice and a chance to continue farming in Zimbabwe. A highly charged film, with obvious bias nonetheless serves to illustrate the ugly truth of racism despite it's color. I give this film a 5 out of 5.

Summary: In 2008 Mike Campbell - one of the few remaining white farmers in Zimbabwe to have held fast in the face of the violent 'Land Reform' programme - took the unprecedented step of challenging President Robert Mugabe before the SADC International Court (SADC - South African Development Community) to defend his farm, which is also home to 500 black workers and their families, and to charge Mugabe and his government with racial discrimination and with violations of Human Rights.

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi

Year: 1967

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: Robert Hutton, Jennifer Jayne, Zia Mohyeddin, Bernard Kay, Michael Gough

Director: Freddie Francis

My Review: It's a cheesy 50s sci-fi story without any fancy special effects. Just some sound effects and camera angles and film treatment. A flying "V" formation of meteorites crashes into a farmers field and the scientists are called up to investigate. When they get there they quickly conclude that the only way to learn anything about these meteorites is to have a crack at them in the middle of the field. One of the scientists pulls out a hammer and chisel. As soon as the chisel strikes the rock… Blammo! Queue the sound effects, anguished looks, odd camera angles, psychedelic music. Close up now, look anguished, look confused, look calm, look collected, look calculating. You're an alien now. Speak, speak as if the mysterious moon men are controlling your body. Speak as if you are a superior life form! Let the invasion begin. The movie is a bit of fun, but there's really nothing new to see here. Costumes, some make up, a few hokey sets, flash lights for alien weapons, and a corny script. The acting was abysmal, but it matched the writing, so I can't fault the actors too much. It's made for T.V. quality, and British T.V. programming in the 50s wasn't all that hot. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Summary: Astronomers investigate a mysterious meteorite shower in a rural English farm field, - exceptional because the space rocks all fell in a V formation. Dr. Richard Arden, preeminent in the field of extraterrestrial study, is not permitted to accompany his colleagues, including his girlfriend Lee Mason, because he is still recovering from the effects of a recent motor accident. The scientists are summarily taken over by some alien force, and others in the area are dying from a mysterious "crimson plague," which covers their bodies with drops of blood. Temple seems the only person immune to both maladies, so if he can discover the reason for this immunity, he may yet foil the alien plan to take earthlings back to the moon for their own sinister purposes.

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller

Year: 2008

Country: France, UK

Rating:

Starring: Lena Headey, Ulrich Thomsen, Melvil Poupaud, Michelle Duncan, Asier Newman

Director: Sean Ellis

My Review: A France U.K. co-production. Set in London (with some obvious architectural landmarks), this movie nonetheless left me confused as to the setting. There are many French speaking actors in the movie, and some Americans. Gina Heady's performance was o.k. but the role didn't allow for much theatrical expression. All the characters were very subdued, as if they were all zombies - trapped in their suburban London existence, unable to commit the smallest act of defiance or joy. Geographically, I couldn't quite figure out where we were (the setting), until I spotted the London Exchange dild… I mean, building. Anyway the movie. Yes the movie. The camera work, pacing and direction were quite good. An excellent sense of dread and suspense permeates this movie, but the story never delivers. We're led all the way to the end of this 'doppleganger' takeover movie, and we're never quite sure what's going on. There is no exposition, and very little dialog. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite figure out what this supernatural force was, what it wanted, and why it was stalking Gina (played by Lena Headey)… Of course the final ten minutes gives us a good turnabout revelation, but I left the movie feeling a bit disappointed. Creepy and methodical, it lacked visceral impact and a decent soundtrack (too much silence). I liked it, but only for it's sense of dread and suspense. Oh yeah, that an a few booby shots :-) I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: In London, the radiologist Gina McVey organizes a surprise birthday party to her father John McVey with her boyfriend Stefan Chambers, her brother Daniel McVey and his girlfriend Kate Coleman. On the next day, she sees herself driving a car on the street and she follows the woman to her apartment, where she finds a picture of her father and her. While driving back, she has a car crash and loses parts of her memory; further, she believes Stefan is another man. Gina decides to investigate what is happening and unravels a dark reality.

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciarán Hinds, Toby Jones

Director: Mikael Håfström

My Review: Colin O'Donoghue (as Michael Kovak, the young priest in training) teams up with Anthony Hopkins (as Father Lucas, the wizened old exorcist) in this dramatic horror flick inspired by a true story. Based on the book 'The Making of a Modern Exorcist', the story loosely follows the experiences of the author. In the movie, Michael Kovak joins the Catholic Church in seminary. After attending four years of school, he renounces his intentions to become a priest. As he's about to leave for good, he experiences his faith renewed after an accidental death. His patron manages to convince him to attend a seminar on exorcism in Rome. Michael agrees to attend, but his skepticism continues to push him away from the church. His instructors sense this and decide that he needs to have some first hand experience. They send him to the veteran Jesuit exorcist, Father Lucas Trevant. At first Michael's skepticism seeks answers in psychology, but eventually he realizes that something more is causing the phenomenon he's experiencing. The movie featured outstanding acting by Anthony Hopkins (a truly outstanding performance in a very powerful role) and a fantastic sense of dread was established by the well executed pacing, camera work, music and lighting. The acting by O'Donoghue was good as well, but overshadowed by veterans Hopkins and Rutger Hauer. A far more realistic approach to exorcism and the Catholic church. I thought the treatment was very believable in a clinical sense. While the movie contained a fair amount of strong supernatural visual effects, the story itself wasn't all that frightening. More suspense and drama than horror. Excellent production, direction and acting, but a supernatural thriller lacking the 'bite' necessary to punch it over the top. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Michael, the son of a funeral director grows indifferent to his father and joins a Seminary. On his way to the course completion, he is overwhelmed by a strong lack of faith. His religious beliefs are further jolted when he sees a young girl haplessly dying in a road accident for whom he reluctantly performs the ritual to absolve her sins. His mentor still believes in him and urges him to go to Italy to take an exorcism course hoping that he it would strengthen his faith in Christianity. In Italy he attends a session from Father Xavier who soon becomes aware of his skepticism. As a result he sends him to an eminent Jesuit exorcist, Father Lucas, whose ways though questionable are quite effective. He witnesses the exorcism of a sixteen year old girl but still seems unconvinced. Father Lucas explains him that it takes multiple sessions over a long stretch of time to completely free a victim from the omen...

Genre: Drama, History, War

Year: 2009

Country: France

Rating:

Starring: Simon Abkarian, Virginie Ledoyen, Robinson Stévenin, Lola Naymark, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet

Director: Robert Guédiguian

My Review: They all died for France. This French film is a historical drama which focuses on the 'Army of Crime' French resistance fighters, primarily the foreign born patriots who fought to eliminate Nazi control of France during WWII. For various different reasons, these men and women were fiercely determined to destroy the Nazi rule of France. They were jews, communists, refugees, immigrants with nowhere left to go. If the land of Liberty (France) fell, where else could they go? Led by a poet and a group of young idealists, this group of resistance fighters did all they could to strike back at Nazis. The movie featured some very good acting, a great screen play, and an eye for historical accuracy. The biggest disappointment in this film was the horrible subtitles. With only 1 in 10 words getting translated, it was sometimes difficult to catch the nuance and subtlety of some scenes. The spelling and grammar errors also detracted from the film experience. The other problems with the film were the depictions of Nazis as courteous gentleman, who just happened to be on the wrong side of the conflict. I liked the film, but it was nowhere near as good as 'Army of Shadows'. There were some brutal scenes of torture in this movie. While one particular scene added a degree of realism to the movie, it was in fact quite inconsistent with the treatment of violence throughout the movie. I give this movie a 3 out of 5.

Summary: The poet Missak Manouchian leads a mixed bag of youngsters and immigrants in a clandestine battle against the Nazi occupation. Twenty-two men and one woman fighting for an ideal and for freedom. News of their daring attacks, including the assassination of an SS general, eventually reaches Berlin.

Genre: Art House & International

Year: 1969

Country: France

Rating:

Starring: Maurice Chevalier, Georges Bidault

Director: Marcel Ophüls

My Review: This documentary compliments my recent viewing o 'The Army of Crime' by Robert Guédiguian. Here is a complete (251 minutes) recounting of the French resistance during Nazi occupation. Directed by Marcel Ophüls, this outstanding film (in two parts) takes a hard look at life under Nazi occupation. France wasn't simply defeated, they surrendered. While some members fled the country, and others fought on from outside France, the French Vichy government (that which remained intact after Germany's initial assault) collaborated with the Nazis. Here is a record of that complicity, the human cost, the attitudes and the valiant struggles to resist and restore the legitimate French government. With archival footage and in-person interviews (twenty-five years later), the director provides a detailed recounting on the nature of the internal conflict. How France fought itself, the invaders, and the infections of anti-semitism, xenophobia, and anti-communist propaganda which infected their culture for 20 plus years. An excellent, Oscar nominated documentary that evenly covers all sides of the resistance movement and Nazi occupation. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: A chronicle of a French city under the occupation. Director Marcel Ophuls combined interviews and archival film footage to explore the reality of the French occupation in one small industrial city, Clermont-Ferrand. He spoke with resistance fighters, collaborators, spies, farmers, government officials, writers, artists and veterans. The result is a shattering portrait of how ordinary people actually conducted themselves under extraordinary circumstances. By turns gripping, horrifying, and inspiring, Academy Award nominee The Sorrow and the Pity is a triumph of humanist filmmaking and a testament to the power of cinema. Before Shoah, Schindler's List, The Long Way Home, and The Last Days, there was The Sorrow and the Pity.

Genre: Biography, Crime, Thriller

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken, Linda Cardellini

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

My Review: A crime drama based upon the true events surrounding Irish mobster Danny Greene's life. Here's a man who faced the Mafia and wrestled control away from the Italian mobsters who controlled crime in Cleveland, Ohio during the 70s. Based on a novel by Rick Porrelo, the story follows the harsh life of Danny Greene. Danny was a hard working longshoreman who dreamt of making life better for his family. As a union member, he stuck up for other workers, and refused to bend when the Italian mobsters acted dishonorably. Challenging their authority, he allied himself with others in an effort to overthrow the entrenched power of the mob. Starring Ray Stevenson, Vinnie Jones, Marcus Thomas, Vincent Donofrio, Linda Cardellini, Laura Ramsey, Paul Sorvino, and many others in great cast, this movie was co-written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh. It's a move that puts him well ahead of his previous best effort - The Punisher (2004). Excellent character development, screenplay and direction. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970's.