generous loyal readers:
Insider Film Review is now a KDworld enterprise!
visit www.kdworld.net
~ it's like the truth, only real.
hope to see you there even More often than you've been here. thanks for your support!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
fool me once....
duplicity--
while superstars clive owen and julia roberts prove capable sparring partners in central dance of lust and mistrust, pic is all about setup. and writer/director tony gilroy (michael clayton) knows a thing or three about Smart dramatic tension. wordless slo-mo clash of titans paul giamatti and tom wilkinson serves as perfect prologue--epic feel, hilarious, brilliant. script continues cracking along briskly, cleverly flashing back & forth to reveal depth of complex cons and twists, well played. lets itself down mightily in endgame, however, when all comes revealed a la perry mason mysteries: smug victors gather around to retrace their steps of genius for apparently less intelligent audience. plus, all that fancy footwork and our heroes come up short? where's the payoff for Us?
setup: B
while superstars clive owen and julia roberts prove capable sparring partners in central dance of lust and mistrust, pic is all about setup. and writer/director tony gilroy (michael clayton) knows a thing or three about Smart dramatic tension. wordless slo-mo clash of titans paul giamatti and tom wilkinson serves as perfect prologue--epic feel, hilarious, brilliant. script continues cracking along briskly, cleverly flashing back & forth to reveal depth of complex cons and twists, well played. lets itself down mightily in endgame, however, when all comes revealed a la perry mason mysteries: smug victors gather around to retrace their steps of genius for apparently less intelligent audience. plus, all that fancy footwork and our heroes come up short? where's the payoff for Us?
setup: B
Sunday, March 15, 2009
nightmare reality show
gomorrah--
an in-depth, from all angles look at one of contemporary italy's most dangerous mafia families. based on novel that apparently hit so close to home, author and contributors were/are targeted with death threats. pic boasts documentary-style immediacy. cast comprised of primarily non-professional actors, locals hired for authenticity. end credits even feature statistics decrying camorra crime clan's most vile perpetrations, ranging from environmental pollution to mass murder. winner of cannes 2008 grand prize of the festival and nominated for 2009 golden globe for best foreign language film.
immediacy: B+
an in-depth, from all angles look at one of contemporary italy's most dangerous mafia families. based on novel that apparently hit so close to home, author and contributors were/are targeted with death threats. pic boasts documentary-style immediacy. cast comprised of primarily non-professional actors, locals hired for authenticity. end credits even feature statistics decrying camorra crime clan's most vile perpetrations, ranging from environmental pollution to mass murder. winner of cannes 2008 grand prize of the festival and nominated for 2009 golden globe for best foreign language film.
immediacy: B+
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
who's watching...?
watchmen--
first, if you're upset pic is not enough like the source material, quit your bitching. author alan moore refused to attach his own name to film, suggesting no movie version could do justice to his work! was that not enough of a clue for you? if you're such a rabid fan, you shouldn't have even Gone (the more contemptible complaint), and thus have only yourself to blame whichever way you whine. besides, truth be told, Only film to cling tighter to graphic novel roots was sin city--nothing to be righteous about.
brightest aspect of 150 min. geekapalooza is director zack snyder's already evident (too early to call Signature?) visual style. he also definitely knows comics, reveres his players and shows them off well, delivers kick-ass seamless sfx, and won't skimp on graphic sex & violence. heck, he frames fights and fornicating Brilliantly. political themes certainly are outdated, and many characters standard comic fare, so although moore's warning may appear prescient, don't shoot the director.
geekapalooza: B
first, if you're upset pic is not enough like the source material, quit your bitching. author alan moore refused to attach his own name to film, suggesting no movie version could do justice to his work! was that not enough of a clue for you? if you're such a rabid fan, you shouldn't have even Gone (the more contemptible complaint), and thus have only yourself to blame whichever way you whine. besides, truth be told, Only film to cling tighter to graphic novel roots was sin city--nothing to be righteous about.
brightest aspect of 150 min. geekapalooza is director zack snyder's already evident (too early to call Signature?) visual style. he also definitely knows comics, reveres his players and shows them off well, delivers kick-ass seamless sfx, and won't skimp on graphic sex & violence. heck, he frames fights and fornicating Brilliantly. political themes certainly are outdated, and many characters standard comic fare, so although moore's warning may appear prescient, don't shoot the director.
geekapalooza: B
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
anybody order the underwhelm?
the international--
feels, in every way, like your average james bond film. haven't seen naomi watts in such a thankless role in years, certainly not since she became a star. clive owen does what we'll call the heavy lifting, yet in such thriller-by-numbers material, it's very often the bad guys (read: character actors) who stand out. here it's broadway star brian f. o'bryne who comes off looking like a (most unassuming) badass. director tom (run, lola, run) tykwer's one slick shoot-em-up not enough to lift pic out of big budget mediocrity. he could use some help staging intimate talking (non-action) scenes. we're set up to be frightened by premise--who controls the Debt is in control; i.e., omnipotent financial power structure--yet resolution sure proves awfully simplistic.
bond: C+
crossing over--
oo, this one had me cringing from the get-go. writer/director wayne kramer somehow assembled a generous cast of A-list actors--harrison ford, ashley judd, ray liotta--to have a go at his passion project. no amount of star power, however, can rescue pic from such stock direction and rubbish diaolgue. when these venerable thesps are not looking wooden, they're certainly sounding ridiculous. ambitious? sure; connect-the-dots stylings of Crash. comparisons end there.
rubbish: D
feels, in every way, like your average james bond film. haven't seen naomi watts in such a thankless role in years, certainly not since she became a star. clive owen does what we'll call the heavy lifting, yet in such thriller-by-numbers material, it's very often the bad guys (read: character actors) who stand out. here it's broadway star brian f. o'bryne who comes off looking like a (most unassuming) badass. director tom (run, lola, run) tykwer's one slick shoot-em-up not enough to lift pic out of big budget mediocrity. he could use some help staging intimate talking (non-action) scenes. we're set up to be frightened by premise--who controls the Debt is in control; i.e., omnipotent financial power structure--yet resolution sure proves awfully simplistic.
bond: C+
crossing over--
oo, this one had me cringing from the get-go. writer/director wayne kramer somehow assembled a generous cast of A-list actors--harrison ford, ashley judd, ray liotta--to have a go at his passion project. no amount of star power, however, can rescue pic from such stock direction and rubbish diaolgue. when these venerable thesps are not looking wooden, they're certainly sounding ridiculous. ambitious? sure; connect-the-dots stylings of Crash. comparisons end there.
rubbish: D
Friday, February 20, 2009
heartbroken
i am heartbroken, and i can barely stand it. yes, it sounds And feels awfully melodramatic. i'll be brief:
i worked for more than 10hrs, easily, on my oscar breakdown & predictions--had it finished and polished, even--and now the text is forever lost. all of it. irretrievable.
it was almost certainly my best academy award piece ever, undoubtedly my most extensive.
i will not be writing another one for sunday's ceremony. it just takes too much time, and i have lost my drive.
i will list my forecast here, below. although there will be no big surprises this year (ah, but isn't this very attitude what enables a true surprise...?), i expect you'll do very well in your office pool if you copy my picks. if you want to Win your office pool, you May want to switch a select few. i will even suggest which ones might be smartest to switch (read: if i Don't mention it, don't switch). if you have a weighted scoring system and/or if you're interested in further breakdown, have Any questions/comments, etc., you are welcome to contact me directly. i Luv talking about this silliness.
not-so-subtle reminder lessons: copy & paste material periodically In Addition to auto save procedure; more importantly, enjoy this life of easy unattachment.
hope you have a Great oscar night. more soon (when i get my drive back)....
in order (hopefully):
supporting actress--penelope cruz
supporting actor--heath ledger (absolute #1 lock of the year)
animated feature--wall-e (high value certainty for weighted system)
costume design--the duchess (also high)
film editing--slumdog millionaire (darkhorse--i.e., Could win--the dark knight)
makeup--benjamin button (bank on it)
sound editing--the dark knight (darkhorse = wall-e)
sound mixing--the dark knight (ditto)
documentary feature--man on wire (longshot--i.e., only if there's no justice in the world--trouble the water)
foreign language film--waltz with bashir (darkhorse = the class)
original score--slumdog millionaire (high)
original song--"jai ho" from slumdog
visual effects--benjamin button (high)
art direction--benjamin button (darkhorse = dark knight; [paints an appropriate picture, eh?])
cinematography--slumdog
original screenplay--milk (longshot = wall-e)
adapted screenplay--slumdog (longshot = ben button)
live action short film--spielzeugland (toyland), (low); Should Win = auf der Strecke (longshot = new boy)
animated short film--presto (darkhorse = this way up)
documentary short--didn't see Any of them. pundits claim the witness = Will Win. my educated guess says Should Win = the conscience of nhem en
actress--kate winslet (contender = meryl streep), (low)
actor--sean penn (darkhorse = mickey rourke), (low)
director--danny boyle
picture--slumdog millionaire (longshot = ben button)
feels less melodramatic now that i've done That. and i obviously had to have Some drive to crank even That out. humph.
i worked for more than 10hrs, easily, on my oscar breakdown & predictions--had it finished and polished, even--and now the text is forever lost. all of it. irretrievable.
it was almost certainly my best academy award piece ever, undoubtedly my most extensive.
i will not be writing another one for sunday's ceremony. it just takes too much time, and i have lost my drive.
i will list my forecast here, below. although there will be no big surprises this year (ah, but isn't this very attitude what enables a true surprise...?), i expect you'll do very well in your office pool if you copy my picks. if you want to Win your office pool, you May want to switch a select few. i will even suggest which ones might be smartest to switch (read: if i Don't mention it, don't switch). if you have a weighted scoring system and/or if you're interested in further breakdown, have Any questions/comments, etc., you are welcome to contact me directly. i Luv talking about this silliness.
not-so-subtle reminder lessons: copy & paste material periodically In Addition to auto save procedure; more importantly, enjoy this life of easy unattachment.
hope you have a Great oscar night. more soon (when i get my drive back)....
in order (hopefully):
supporting actress--penelope cruz
supporting actor--heath ledger (absolute #1 lock of the year)
animated feature--wall-e (high value certainty for weighted system)
costume design--the duchess (also high)
film editing--slumdog millionaire (darkhorse--i.e., Could win--the dark knight)
makeup--benjamin button (bank on it)
sound editing--the dark knight (darkhorse = wall-e)
sound mixing--the dark knight (ditto)
documentary feature--man on wire (longshot--i.e., only if there's no justice in the world--trouble the water)
foreign language film--waltz with bashir (darkhorse = the class)
original score--slumdog millionaire (high)
original song--"jai ho" from slumdog
visual effects--benjamin button (high)
art direction--benjamin button (darkhorse = dark knight; [paints an appropriate picture, eh?])
cinematography--slumdog
original screenplay--milk (longshot = wall-e)
adapted screenplay--slumdog (longshot = ben button)
live action short film--spielzeugland (toyland), (low); Should Win = auf der Strecke (longshot = new boy)
animated short film--presto (darkhorse = this way up)
documentary short--didn't see Any of them. pundits claim the witness = Will Win. my educated guess says Should Win = the conscience of nhem en
actress--kate winslet (contender = meryl streep), (low)
actor--sean penn (darkhorse = mickey rourke), (low)
director--danny boyle
picture--slumdog millionaire (longshot = ben button)
feels less melodramatic now that i've done That. and i obviously had to have Some drive to crank even That out. humph.
Monday, February 16, 2009
what you see is what you get
taken--
nobody does international action thriller like producer luc besson. this one's as tidy as they come, no fluff, and thankfully not begging--like most within the genre--to be cool. clocks in at 93min and feels even quicker. star liam neeson's smarts, size, and composure make him easy sell as retired CIA badass. he's jason bourne 25 years down the line. maggie grace does a perfectly bouncy 17 as well. a pair of truly indelible scenes more than make up for a couple that take the easy way out.
tidy: B+
coraline--
another animated gem from stop-motion wizard, director henry selick (the nightmare before christmas, james and the giant peach). another dark, magical realm, somewhere very far from land of shiny happy kiddie flicks. really must be seen in 3-D to be fully appreciated, as nuances of the painstaking handicraft don't fully translate to flat bigscreen medium. not the wild-ride, involved Adventure i hoped for, yet wondrous and full of imagination just the same.
imagination: B
nobody does international action thriller like producer luc besson. this one's as tidy as they come, no fluff, and thankfully not begging--like most within the genre--to be cool. clocks in at 93min and feels even quicker. star liam neeson's smarts, size, and composure make him easy sell as retired CIA badass. he's jason bourne 25 years down the line. maggie grace does a perfectly bouncy 17 as well. a pair of truly indelible scenes more than make up for a couple that take the easy way out.
tidy: B+
coraline--
another animated gem from stop-motion wizard, director henry selick (the nightmare before christmas, james and the giant peach). another dark, magical realm, somewhere very far from land of shiny happy kiddie flicks. really must be seen in 3-D to be fully appreciated, as nuances of the painstaking handicraft don't fully translate to flat bigscreen medium. not the wild-ride, involved Adventure i hoped for, yet wondrous and full of imagination just the same.
imagination: B
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
see all the nominees!
oscar nominated short films--
good news: these standout works, in years past only publicly available in l.a. & nyc for the one week preceding the big ceremony, have opened Early and are now also (allegedly) available via itunes. i haven't been able to find them online, but maybe You can. here, a brief rundown on the two options available (as separate admission tickets) at theaters:
animated--
considerably more commercial crop than last year's, and better for it. extraordinarily deep competition warrants inclusion of highly commended (just shy of nomination) bonus few. familiar powerhouse names, like pixar, shine again.
deep: A-
live action--
not one within this dour quintet excites. quality filmmaking, to be sure, yet it feels more like governing board is out to represent international flavor than to showcase true elite. and why so short on Fun, y'all? we want Fun!
dour: C
and WOW! check This out: best picture showcase!
feb 21, day before the oscars, amc theatres will offer all five best picture nominees on select screens nationwide for only $30 (only $25 for moviewatcher members)--large bucket of popcorn included w/ free refills all day! plus you can come & go as you please. for all pertinent details go to:
http://www.amctheatres.com/promos/showcase/
good news: these standout works, in years past only publicly available in l.a. & nyc for the one week preceding the big ceremony, have opened Early and are now also (allegedly) available via itunes. i haven't been able to find them online, but maybe You can. here, a brief rundown on the two options available (as separate admission tickets) at theaters:
animated--
considerably more commercial crop than last year's, and better for it. extraordinarily deep competition warrants inclusion of highly commended (just shy of nomination) bonus few. familiar powerhouse names, like pixar, shine again.
deep: A-
live action--
not one within this dour quintet excites. quality filmmaking, to be sure, yet it feels more like governing board is out to represent international flavor than to showcase true elite. and why so short on Fun, y'all? we want Fun!
dour: C
and WOW! check This out: best picture showcase!
feb 21, day before the oscars, amc theatres will offer all five best picture nominees on select screens nationwide for only $30 (only $25 for moviewatcher members)--large bucket of popcorn included w/ free refills all day! plus you can come & go as you please. for all pertinent details go to:
http://www.amctheatres.com/promos/showcase/
Friday, February 6, 2009
noble undertaking
the class--
feels as much like a documentary as any fiction you'll see. story is, in fact, written by a teacher, who stars alongside many of his actual colleagues and former students. scenes are, in effect, recreations of situations familiar to them all. notably unfamiliar to all of us, however (unless you're an instructor of teens in city as massive & multinational as paris), is just how monstrous are the challenges--and how few and bittersweet the rewards--within such a setting. winner of top prize at cannes festival 2008, and worthy nominee for best foreign language film at this month's oscars.
bittersweet: B+
feels as much like a documentary as any fiction you'll see. story is, in fact, written by a teacher, who stars alongside many of his actual colleagues and former students. scenes are, in effect, recreations of situations familiar to them all. notably unfamiliar to all of us, however (unless you're an instructor of teens in city as massive & multinational as paris), is just how monstrous are the challenges--and how few and bittersweet the rewards--within such a setting. winner of top prize at cannes festival 2008, and worthy nominee for best foreign language film at this month's oscars.
bittersweet: B+
Monday, February 2, 2009
site move in time for oscars
you may (or may not) have noticed that i've offered up very little writing here in the new year. naturally, there are not many new releases out in pre-awards season that float my boat--very few, at least, that i've not already seen.
also playing a significant factor is my impending move to another blog site--one that filters through a privatized domain. official announcement soon to come; do be on the lookout.
and in the meantime, get your ass out to see all of the nominated films (oscars, independent spirit awards, razzies). you've got less than three weeks.
also playing a significant factor is my impending move to another blog site--one that filters through a privatized domain. official announcement soon to come; do be on the lookout.
and in the meantime, get your ass out to see all of the nominated films (oscars, independent spirit awards, razzies). you've got less than three weeks.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
oscar nom eve
less than 12hrs from now the nominations for the 2009 academy awards will be read live here in los angeles. very exciting day for the town. now, i'm not getting my ass out of bed to See or Hear the noms read live--i'll simply pore over the list online as so many millions will upon rising--however, let my appreciation for sleep fool thee not: i am Full with anticipation.
and this is Not a great year for movies. again. certainly not as good as last year. a few real gems within the heap of mediocrity. i don't expect there will be a lot of surprises in the nominations, either. maybe two or three in the major categories. yet let my confidence in the surety of the early returns fool thee not: i am anxiously awaiting Official word.
yes, a thrilling morning awaits us--one that is to be followed by an entire Month of speculation, congratulations, and of course anxiety. and i'll be one of the many thousands in this magical town who's swimming in it all and counting down the days (and counting down the daze...). feb22 is the date to save. i'm Excited.
10hrs, 25min, and....
and this is Not a great year for movies. again. certainly not as good as last year. a few real gems within the heap of mediocrity. i don't expect there will be a lot of surprises in the nominations, either. maybe two or three in the major categories. yet let my confidence in the surety of the early returns fool thee not: i am anxiously awaiting Official word.
yes, a thrilling morning awaits us--one that is to be followed by an entire Month of speculation, congratulations, and of course anxiety. and i'll be one of the many thousands in this magical town who's swimming in it all and counting down the days (and counting down the daze...). feb22 is the date to save. i'm Excited.
10hrs, 25min, and....
Sunday, January 11, 2009
visions of war
amended 1/14:
decided to try letter grades in 2009 instead of star ratings. with this change you can expect a more accurate reflection of my assessment of each film. i welcome your comments.
waltz with bashir--
one of the boldest, most creative films in years in any genre. this decorated documentary's also collecting distinction in foreign, animated, screenplay, and mixed media categories. brilliantly explores the universal power & mystery of memory while translating traumatic personal experience into silver screen magic. art direction and original score are also stellar, and the back-to-reality ending devastating.
magic: A
defiance--
producer edward zwick has an impressive track record with history pics--painstakingingly dissecting fascinating actual events, reshaping meaningful moments into digestible hollywood morsels. this here, however, amounts to nothing more than captivating true story filled with tired war cliches. dramatic scenes consistently feel stagey. the score is thrilling, and daniel craig is fun to watch--a natural leader. accents, although not egregious, are not so natural. if choosing between WWII pics, go see valkyrie instead.
stagey: C
decided to try letter grades in 2009 instead of star ratings. with this change you can expect a more accurate reflection of my assessment of each film. i welcome your comments.
waltz with bashir--
one of the boldest, most creative films in years in any genre. this decorated documentary's also collecting distinction in foreign, animated, screenplay, and mixed media categories. brilliantly explores the universal power & mystery of memory while translating traumatic personal experience into silver screen magic. art direction and original score are also stellar, and the back-to-reality ending devastating.
magic: A
defiance--
producer edward zwick has an impressive track record with history pics--painstakingingly dissecting fascinating actual events, reshaping meaningful moments into digestible hollywood morsels. this here, however, amounts to nothing more than captivating true story filled with tired war cliches. dramatic scenes consistently feel stagey. the score is thrilling, and daniel craig is fun to watch--a natural leader. accents, although not egregious, are not so natural. if choosing between WWII pics, go see valkyrie instead.
stagey: C
Monday, January 5, 2009
best of 2008?
talking with friends over the past month or so, i became convinced that creating a Favorites list would be a cool thing to do. it would give Me a much-needed chance to reflect on the year in film, and revisit the lot before awards season, while providing you readers an easy opportunity to peruse by category the pick of the proverbial litter, plus a few stinkers.
so here it is!
now a reminder, or what you might even call a bit of a disclaimer: films listed are not what i'm labeling the Best of '08. no, instead, they are my Favorites--the ones that got me, grabbed me, touched me, moved me.... my favorite performances, on the other hand, simply Are the year's best. (take it to the bank.)
there is no preset number of listees, just a record of what really Worked. and i've picked some memorable "genres" to which i feel you're likely to favorably respond.
for a full breakdown of the Best, be sure to check back here for my oscar preview around the beginning of february. i'll give full-blown analysis of every nomination in every category, and offer my take on both who will win and who should win.
(click or copy/paste link below to see last year's predictions.)
http://insiderfilmreview.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html
standouts by category:
action--
the bank job [yep, the Only one i Really liked all year; but Man, is it good!]
animated--
wall-e
kung fu panda
horror/terror--
the orphanage
the strangers
comedy--
tropic thunder
role models
baby mama
superhero--
the dark knight
iron man
vampire flick--
let the right one in
twilight
how i saw 'em:
others with 4 or 5 star rating (highly recommended)--
milk
the fall
frost/nixon
seven pounds
man on wire
the curious case of benjamin button
the edge of heaven
the wrestler
slumdog millionaire
elegy
changeling
happy-go-lucky
vicky cristina barcelona
the visitor
snow angels
least favorite films of the year--
10,000 bc
in bruges
the happening
madagascar 2
standout performances:
actress--
anne hathaway (rachel getting married)
sally hawkins (happy-go-lucky)
angelina jolie (changeling)
melissa leo (frozen river)
actor--
richard jenkins (the visitor)
frank langella (frost/nixon)
sean penn (milk)
mickey rourke (the wrestler)
brad pitt (the curious case of benjamin button)
supporting actress--
emma thompson (brideshead revisited)
rosemarie dewitt (rachel getting married)
taraji p. henson (the curious case of benjamin button)
penelope cruz (vicky cristina barcelona)
viola davis (doubt)
supporting actor--
heath ledger (the dark knight)
robert downey jr. (tropic thunder)
ralph fiennes (the duchess)
eddie marsan (happy-go-lucky)
josh brolin (milk)
michael shannon (revolutionary road)
michael sheen (frost/nixon)
wow, i really hope i didn't Forget anything. if i Did, i'll make a note of it in my next post.
later this week i'll be reviewing several new releases--the first batch from the 2009 crop.
so here it is!
now a reminder, or what you might even call a bit of a disclaimer: films listed are not what i'm labeling the Best of '08. no, instead, they are my Favorites--the ones that got me, grabbed me, touched me, moved me.... my favorite performances, on the other hand, simply Are the year's best. (take it to the bank.)
there is no preset number of listees, just a record of what really Worked. and i've picked some memorable "genres" to which i feel you're likely to favorably respond.
for a full breakdown of the Best, be sure to check back here for my oscar preview around the beginning of february. i'll give full-blown analysis of every nomination in every category, and offer my take on both who will win and who should win.
(click or copy/paste link below to see last year's predictions.)
http://insiderfilmreview.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html
standouts by category:
action--
the bank job [yep, the Only one i Really liked all year; but Man, is it good!]
animated--
wall-e
kung fu panda
horror/terror--
the orphanage
the strangers
comedy--
tropic thunder
role models
baby mama
superhero--
the dark knight
iron man
vampire flick--
let the right one in
twilight
how i saw 'em:
others with 4 or 5 star rating (highly recommended)--
milk
the fall
frost/nixon
seven pounds
man on wire
the curious case of benjamin button
the edge of heaven
the wrestler
slumdog millionaire
elegy
changeling
happy-go-lucky
vicky cristina barcelona
the visitor
snow angels
least favorite films of the year--
10,000 bc
in bruges
the happening
madagascar 2
standout performances:
actress--
anne hathaway (rachel getting married)
sally hawkins (happy-go-lucky)
angelina jolie (changeling)
melissa leo (frozen river)
actor--
richard jenkins (the visitor)
frank langella (frost/nixon)
sean penn (milk)
mickey rourke (the wrestler)
brad pitt (the curious case of benjamin button)
supporting actress--
emma thompson (brideshead revisited)
rosemarie dewitt (rachel getting married)
taraji p. henson (the curious case of benjamin button)
penelope cruz (vicky cristina barcelona)
viola davis (doubt)
supporting actor--
heath ledger (the dark knight)
robert downey jr. (tropic thunder)
ralph fiennes (the duchess)
eddie marsan (happy-go-lucky)
josh brolin (milk)
michael shannon (revolutionary road)
michael sheen (frost/nixon)
wow, i really hope i didn't Forget anything. if i Did, i'll make a note of it in my next post.
later this week i'll be reviewing several new releases--the first batch from the 2009 crop.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
what star power can (& should) do
the curious case of benjamin button--
rather like a less whimsical forrest gump in that it ties protagonist to decades' worth of historical events. even has its own magical through-line, a la floating white feather, in spectral hummingbird. at heart of things, an elegant love story. from production standpoint, money well spent in every department; absolutely breathes Quality. likely to garner most oscar nominations and must be considered best picture front-runner. should earn brad pitt his first nod for lead actor, as well.
Quality: 5 stars
valkyrie--
despite early pre-production struggles and measure of questionable buzz, tom cruise & co. do pull pic off with aplomb. credit bryan singer & christopher mcquarrie (director and writer, respectively, of the usual suspects) with vision. they spin fact-based nazi struggle for internal power into noble crusade. it is fascinating tale, one deserving of big budget treatment. assemblage of international talent--top german-language actors from award-winning films like the lives of others, black book, and downfall, plus cream of brit crop--enables formidable ensemble.
aplomb: 3 stars
* the edge of heaven (BONUS dvd review)--
winner of 18(!)--thus far--major international festival awards, including screenplay distinction, cannes 2007. frequently compared to critical darling babel, Much better at connecting the dots. authentic, gritty performances by talented multi-national cast. establishes writer/director fatih akin as one to watch on world cinema scene.
gritty: 4 stars
rather like a less whimsical forrest gump in that it ties protagonist to decades' worth of historical events. even has its own magical through-line, a la floating white feather, in spectral hummingbird. at heart of things, an elegant love story. from production standpoint, money well spent in every department; absolutely breathes Quality. likely to garner most oscar nominations and must be considered best picture front-runner. should earn brad pitt his first nod for lead actor, as well.
Quality: 5 stars
valkyrie--
despite early pre-production struggles and measure of questionable buzz, tom cruise & co. do pull pic off with aplomb. credit bryan singer & christopher mcquarrie (director and writer, respectively, of the usual suspects) with vision. they spin fact-based nazi struggle for internal power into noble crusade. it is fascinating tale, one deserving of big budget treatment. assemblage of international talent--top german-language actors from award-winning films like the lives of others, black book, and downfall, plus cream of brit crop--enables formidable ensemble.
aplomb: 3 stars
* the edge of heaven (BONUS dvd review)--
winner of 18(!)--thus far--major international festival awards, including screenplay distinction, cannes 2007. frequently compared to critical darling babel, Much better at connecting the dots. authentic, gritty performances by talented multi-national cast. establishes writer/director fatih akin as one to watch on world cinema scene.
gritty: 4 stars
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
business that's personal
the wrestler--
i can't imagine a more appropriate star vehicle for mickey rourke at this stage of his career. and i can't imagine anyone else doing this role justice; he is sheer perfection. darren aronofsky's brutally intimate character study is a heartbreaker. gruesome hard knocks of modern-day gladiator's fading spotlight mirror the crumbling of his identity and deterioration of his very existence. marisa tomei's Stunning soulful stripper represents hope in more ways than one.
heartbreaker: 4 stars
revolutionary road--
not the first utterly depressing breakdown of 50's suburban culture. heralded reunion of kate winslet & leonardo dicaprio is all about tone. this time, rather than discover couple's freeing connection, we witness their suffocating dissolution. Busy(!) cinematographer roger deakins (also framed the reader and doubt) and composer thomas newton command while stars shout at each other. michael shannon, in juicy loony supporting role, justifiably calls into question sanity of everyone & everything Settled around him.
tone: 3 stars
* still life (BONUS dvd review)--
winner, best foreign language film, l.a. film critics. tricky title proves doubly telling. story explores parallel estranged relationships alongside china's yangtze river, where in spots entire villages were displaced by three gorges dam. quiet camera and subdued performances harmonize to reveal emotional core. pic unfolds gracefully into portrait of patience and resilience of human spirit.
patience: 3 stars
i can't imagine a more appropriate star vehicle for mickey rourke at this stage of his career. and i can't imagine anyone else doing this role justice; he is sheer perfection. darren aronofsky's brutally intimate character study is a heartbreaker. gruesome hard knocks of modern-day gladiator's fading spotlight mirror the crumbling of his identity and deterioration of his very existence. marisa tomei's Stunning soulful stripper represents hope in more ways than one.
heartbreaker: 4 stars
revolutionary road--
not the first utterly depressing breakdown of 50's suburban culture. heralded reunion of kate winslet & leonardo dicaprio is all about tone. this time, rather than discover couple's freeing connection, we witness their suffocating dissolution. Busy(!) cinematographer roger deakins (also framed the reader and doubt) and composer thomas newton command while stars shout at each other. michael shannon, in juicy loony supporting role, justifiably calls into question sanity of everyone & everything Settled around him.
tone: 3 stars
* still life (BONUS dvd review)--
winner, best foreign language film, l.a. film critics. tricky title proves doubly telling. story explores parallel estranged relationships alongside china's yangtze river, where in spots entire villages were displaced by three gorges dam. quiet camera and subdued performances harmonize to reveal emotional core. pic unfolds gracefully into portrait of patience and resilience of human spirit.
patience: 3 stars
Thursday, December 18, 2008
let them have animation
following some really questionable logic, i felt compelled to go see an animated twin bill. as if i need to be running to the multiplex, adding even more to my docket. what can i say? i luvs me some movies.
madagascar: escape 2 africa--
all the earmarks of one to stay away from. yet i bit. and i coulda/shoulda done without. here we have one of those seemingly thrown together projects, hastily greenlit to cash in on success of predecessor. hokey script culls from prior greats. load roster with name voice talent, and that's entertainment? uh, no; not for me. granted, target demo kids (3-8 maybe?) don't know difference or care. bottom line is business, of course, so I'll do best to not support next low-grade waste of time.
uh, no: 0 stars
bolt--
above pic wishes it could be this fun, smart, fresh. not quite as "awesome" as it purports to be, yet sure to speak to kids of all ages and entertain their parents, too. nice mix of animation styles. dig the peeks inside the hollywood machine and the dissection of Celebrity. would prefer, however, not to have miley cyrus crammed down my throat.
all ages: 3 stars
madagascar: escape 2 africa--
all the earmarks of one to stay away from. yet i bit. and i coulda/shoulda done without. here we have one of those seemingly thrown together projects, hastily greenlit to cash in on success of predecessor. hokey script culls from prior greats. load roster with name voice talent, and that's entertainment? uh, no; not for me. granted, target demo kids (3-8 maybe?) don't know difference or care. bottom line is business, of course, so I'll do best to not support next low-grade waste of time.
uh, no: 0 stars
bolt--
above pic wishes it could be this fun, smart, fresh. not quite as "awesome" as it purports to be, yet sure to speak to kids of all ages and entertain their parents, too. nice mix of animation styles. dig the peeks inside the hollywood machine and the dissection of Celebrity. would prefer, however, not to have miley cyrus crammed down my throat.
all ages: 3 stars
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
prepare to be challenged
seven pounds--
as biggest movie star on the planet, will smith has his pick of projects (and directors and co-stars and...). it says quite a lot that he selected this story by a rookie screenwriter. and that he went back so quickly to work with helmer of the pursuit of happyness. gabriele muccino Did help smith access something emotionally special therein, directing star to second best actor nom. even More spiritual punch this time around. equally critical: smith's genuine chemistry with rosario dawson (previously partnered on MIB2), who glows--grounded, connected, beautiful, sublime. a wonderful, powerfully moving film.
chemistry: 5 stars
synecdoche, new york--
first time behind the camera for triptastic scribe charlie kaufman. and here's his most personal, most out-there project yet. reminiscent of more esoteric of samuel beckett plays. certainly too deeply existential to grab mainstream moviegoers; some will hail it as genius. we're privy to base inner-workings of protagonist (a writer/director revealing truly heartbreaking self-awareness--is he not kaufman? everyman?), in on the ceaselessly challenging joke of life for many laugh out loud moments and even more melancholy. all the world's a stage, we're reminded. now do with that what you will.
esoteric: 3 stars
as biggest movie star on the planet, will smith has his pick of projects (and directors and co-stars and...). it says quite a lot that he selected this story by a rookie screenwriter. and that he went back so quickly to work with helmer of the pursuit of happyness. gabriele muccino Did help smith access something emotionally special therein, directing star to second best actor nom. even More spiritual punch this time around. equally critical: smith's genuine chemistry with rosario dawson (previously partnered on MIB2), who glows--grounded, connected, beautiful, sublime. a wonderful, powerfully moving film.
chemistry: 5 stars
synecdoche, new york--
first time behind the camera for triptastic scribe charlie kaufman. and here's his most personal, most out-there project yet. reminiscent of more esoteric of samuel beckett plays. certainly too deeply existential to grab mainstream moviegoers; some will hail it as genius. we're privy to base inner-workings of protagonist (a writer/director revealing truly heartbreaking self-awareness--is he not kaufman? everyman?), in on the ceaselessly challenging joke of life for many laugh out loud moments and even more melancholy. all the world's a stage, we're reminded. now do with that what you will.
esoteric: 3 stars
Saturday, December 13, 2008
respect must be paid
cadillac records--
first off, i consider jeffrey wright one of the great actors of this generation. here he's joined by a stellar ensemble, including adrien brody, mos def, eamonn walker (hbo's oz), and rising stud columbus short (stomp the yard). international mega-star beyonce knowles brings cache of another sort as well, introducing to a wide-reaching crop of entertainment biz fans everywhere these vital chapters of music history. writer/director darnell martin deserves praise for tackling such an ambitious tribute. script clicks with energy, thanks primarily to rockin' soundtrack, overflowing with early rhythm & blues classics.
tribute: 3 stars
the reader--
indisputably packaged, positioned, and presented as Important oscar pic. felt more like three separate films to me, however, the latter two draining life from bold, fun, sensual central flashback storyline. crafty conceit thus bogged down in its own earnestness. kate winslet delivers as expected (no more, no less), ralph fiennes is sufficiently dour, while newcomer david kross truly leads. core strength in Look: legendary cinematographer roger deakins reveals luminous beauty; costume designer ann roth does wonders.
expected: 3 stars
first off, i consider jeffrey wright one of the great actors of this generation. here he's joined by a stellar ensemble, including adrien brody, mos def, eamonn walker (hbo's oz), and rising stud columbus short (stomp the yard). international mega-star beyonce knowles brings cache of another sort as well, introducing to a wide-reaching crop of entertainment biz fans everywhere these vital chapters of music history. writer/director darnell martin deserves praise for tackling such an ambitious tribute. script clicks with energy, thanks primarily to rockin' soundtrack, overflowing with early rhythm & blues classics.
tribute: 3 stars
the reader--
indisputably packaged, positioned, and presented as Important oscar pic. felt more like three separate films to me, however, the latter two draining life from bold, fun, sensual central flashback storyline. crafty conceit thus bogged down in its own earnestness. kate winslet delivers as expected (no more, no less), ralph fiennes is sufficiently dour, while newcomer david kross truly leads. core strength in Look: legendary cinematographer roger deakins reveals luminous beauty; costume designer ann roth does wonders.
expected: 3 stars
Thursday, December 11, 2008
catholic church & vampires together again
doubt--
john patrick shanley won tony award and pulitzer prize for hit play. adapts & directs his own work for screen with what appears to be The dream cast. focus now justifiably shifts to actors, with four frequently mentioned for award consideration. they are indeed good--alongside trio of A-listers, viola davis stands out in small supporting role--yet bigger even than names brought in or accolades handed down is hype. and frankly, pic just does not boast a whole lot of Special. writing never Impresses, direction feels basic and flat. count on plenty of notice and little to no hardware.
hype: 3 stars
let the right one in--
truly original perspective on traditional vampire mythology. and damn cool. children are the focus--how they live, how they connect, how they love. hard enough for young human to battle his way through adolescence; try being vampire girl next door. goes just a touch further down road to trite than i'd prefer, yet doesn't lose freshness. this terrific film may not be at a theater near you anymore, so put it in your dvd queue Now.
freshness: 4 stars
john patrick shanley won tony award and pulitzer prize for hit play. adapts & directs his own work for screen with what appears to be The dream cast. focus now justifiably shifts to actors, with four frequently mentioned for award consideration. they are indeed good--alongside trio of A-listers, viola davis stands out in small supporting role--yet bigger even than names brought in or accolades handed down is hype. and frankly, pic just does not boast a whole lot of Special. writing never Impresses, direction feels basic and flat. count on plenty of notice and little to no hardware.
hype: 3 stars
let the right one in--
truly original perspective on traditional vampire mythology. and damn cool. children are the focus--how they live, how they connect, how they love. hard enough for young human to battle his way through adolescence; try being vampire girl next door. goes just a touch further down road to trite than i'd prefer, yet doesn't lose freshness. this terrific film may not be at a theater near you anymore, so put it in your dvd queue Now.
freshness: 4 stars
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
a study in contrast
australia--
would you expect anything less than the most showy of spectacle from the man who conjured up moulin rouge! and romeo + juliet? fittingly and wisely, baz luhrmann's sprawling, reportedly $140M antipodean epic is narrated by an aboriginal boy (newcomer brandon walters), a dazzling youngster who declares the saga's storybook intentions from the start. then you're in for a 160-minute jaunt through WWII-era aussie cattle country, replete with pin-up cinema icons--preposterously hunky hugh jackman paired with porcelain nicole kidman, who appears to have done something tragic to her lips--extravagent, fantasy-colorful production design, and the requisite cast of thousands. with countless allusions to gone with the wind and the wizard of oz, pic is tribute to old hollywood glamour And celebration of historical oz. broad in every sense, sporadically fun, and (did i nearly neglect to mention?) Long.
storybook: 2 stars
wendy and lucy--
as close to antithesis of luhrmann production as i can presently imagine. read one review (i'm sure not the Only one such) labeling this film minimalist. if by that, critic meant ain't nothin' goin' on, then slap said label here. director/co-writer kelly reichardt proves relentlessly patient, makes most of simple emotional observations. michelle williams deserves praise for her work--it's so very minimalist--even more for Taking the job; without her, pic, as sweet as it is, would never have seen the light of day.
simple: 1 star
would you expect anything less than the most showy of spectacle from the man who conjured up moulin rouge! and romeo + juliet? fittingly and wisely, baz luhrmann's sprawling, reportedly $140M antipodean epic is narrated by an aboriginal boy (newcomer brandon walters), a dazzling youngster who declares the saga's storybook intentions from the start. then you're in for a 160-minute jaunt through WWII-era aussie cattle country, replete with pin-up cinema icons--preposterously hunky hugh jackman paired with porcelain nicole kidman, who appears to have done something tragic to her lips--extravagent, fantasy-colorful production design, and the requisite cast of thousands. with countless allusions to gone with the wind and the wizard of oz, pic is tribute to old hollywood glamour And celebration of historical oz. broad in every sense, sporadically fun, and (did i nearly neglect to mention?) Long.
storybook: 2 stars
wendy and lucy--
as close to antithesis of luhrmann production as i can presently imagine. read one review (i'm sure not the Only one such) labeling this film minimalist. if by that, critic meant ain't nothin' goin' on, then slap said label here. director/co-writer kelly reichardt proves relentlessly patient, makes most of simple emotional observations. michelle williams deserves praise for her work--it's so very minimalist--even more for Taking the job; without her, pic, as sweet as it is, would never have seen the light of day.
simple: 1 star
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