Category Archives: 2009

The International (2009)

From NetFlix:

Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and New York Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) team up to expose a global financial institution’s money laundering, arms dealing and other illegal rackets. But as the pair race from New York to Milan and beyond to pursue their case, they soon discover that the ruthless bank will stop at nothing to continue its profitable activities. Tom Tykwer directs this tense thriller.

Clive Owen plays Clive Owen in this ordinary but entertaining conspiracy suspense film. Of course, considering our current financial bank crisis, it makes sense to cast the banks are the bad guys. Just go with the flow, enjoy some of the easy outs the plot takes (magic realism, anyone ?), sit back and chew your fingernails. The shoot-out in the OK Corral (i.e. the Guggenheim Museum) is not bad.

When the screen finally goes black, stay with the film for the final credits because there are screen flashes of aftermaths.

For my money, if you really want a Clive Owen film that is a lot of fun, do not miss Shoot ‘Em Up. If you want a serious Clive Owen film that is better than “The International” try Inside Man.

Last Chance Harvey (2009)

From NetFlix:

Dustin Hoffman stars in this romantic dramedy as Harvey Shine, a
struggling jingle writer who risks losing his job to attend his
daughter’s London wedding, only to discover he is not exactly welcome
at the ceremony. While seeking refuge in the airport bar, Harvey meets
a lonely statistician named Kate (Emma Thompson) and soon finds himself
happily thrust into an unexpected romance. Hoffman and Thompson both
picked up Golden Globe nominations for their roles.

This is one sweet film. Hoffman and Thompson really pair off well. Beware: there are some tensely embarrassing moments for poor Harvey. But isn’t it rare these days to find a gentle feel-good movie suitable for all viewers ?

Do you believe this: Thompson (born in 1959) is 50 years old. Hoffman (born in 1937) is 72 years old. Not bad!