Category Archives: FilmReview

2011, Acceptable for children, Based on a Book, Based on true facts, Basically Sad, Bullying, DO NOT MISS, Race Relations, Wonderful acting

The Help (2011)

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From NetFlix:

In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.

After viewing this film for about 15 minutes I was glued to my seat while cringing and steaming the entire time at the Southern culture of that civil rights era in the Jim Crow south. At first I almost decided to stop watching because surely those self-centered, empty-headed, racist Southern belles were only some caricature invented by Hollywood. Even so, just watching their superb performances was enough to set my blood boiling. That probably means the actresses were doing their job well.

Despite the tension throughout the film, I will spoil you only by saying that if you persevere you will finally feel happy.

Somehow I would like to know if Mississippi has changed (without having to visit Jackson). Mississippi is often cited these days as the worst state in the union. Here are just a few statistics from the US census bureau:

  • Black population 37.0% (12.6% US)
  • High school graduates (over 25) 79.6% (85.0% US)
  • Bachelor’s degree (over 25) 19.5% (27.9% US)
  • Median household income $37,881 ($51,914 US)
  • Persons below poverty line 21.2% (13.8% US)

Baltimore has always been split between northern and southern sympathizers. In my childhood in Baltimore I had many racist friends and close relatives. Hence I need to avoid feeling smug about those “ignorant” southerners.

Kathy says the book, which I have not yet read, was wonderful. As far as this film is concerned:

DO NOT MISS THIS FILM !!!

2002, Basically Sad, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Magic Realism, Quiet, Redemption, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Till Human Voices Wake Us (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Dr. Sam Frank is haunted by his first love, an unforgettable romance that ended in loss and terror. Years later, he’s become an expert in the psychology of repression but remains a loner. Then, a beautiful stranger on a train changes everything.

At the end of this quiet, slow, sad love story, do not expect everything to have made sense. Just appreciate the parallel between Sam’s boyhood first love and his encounter as an adult with Helena Bonham Carter. Expect a semi-happy ending of acceptance with a bit of magic realism thrown in.

2008, B-movie, Love Story, Quiet, Sci-Fi, Suspense

The Happening (2008)

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From NetFlix:

When a deadly airborne virus threatens to wipe out the northeastern United States, teacher Elliott Moore (Mark Wahlberg) and his wife (Zooey Deschanel) flee from contaminated cities into the countryside in a fight to discover the truth. Is it terrorism, the accidental release of some toxic military bio weapon — or something even more sinister? John Leguizamo and Betty Buckley co-star in this thriller from writer-director M. Night Shyamalan.

Not all disaster films are created equal. Some are quiet, most are mayhem. Some gore is inevitable. Some end well but lately, in keeping with our current cultural pessimism, most do not end well. Some are isolated (to, say, just the Titanic). Some are global (as in “War of the Worlds”). Some come from an earthly threat as in global warming. Some come from out there somewhere, say an asteroid or nasty aliens.

In “The Happening” we are confronted with a rather quiet, not terribly gory, temporarily unexplained local disaster. Eventually we get an explanation for which you might have to suspend disbelief. But hidden in all the excitement is a love story. Spoilers are not allowed so you will have to watch the film to see who survives (if anyone … wicked laugh to follow).

Congratulations to Mark Wahlberg who does not take his shirt off even once. His acting is acceptable, but the story is better and fairly inventive.

One critic said it best in that this film is a “genuinely enjoyable B-movie for anyone inclined (or able) to see it that way”.

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, British Mystery Series, Crime, Detective, Mystery Film

Midsomer Murders (1997-2012)

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Beginning in 1997 British TV has offered 91 (by my count) episodes of a detective series called “Midsomer Murders”. As in much British TV of this nature you are immersed in a green, fertile, picturesque, made-for-gullible-Americans locale where everything seems so quaint, friendly, folksy, and what we hope is typically British. But that is precisely why Kathy and I enjoy the series. Yes, you do see blood and you could not very well have a murder mystery without a murder or three. But even the occasional torture scene is downright polite. All of this contrasts completely with another current British TV suspense culture which often goes out of its way to be gory, explicit, pessimistic, and gloomy in the extreme. Examples of the latter are “Waking the Dead” or “MI-5”. Whereas Kathy does NOT leave the room for “Midsomer Murders”, there are scenes from the rough series that send her flying in terror. Somehow the sex and violence does not seem to phase yours truly.

Another attractive feature of the series is the slower pace. Plots can be complicated but often there is discussion between characters that tries to explain what is happening.

Additionally an episode is willing to include some “sideshow attraction” such as fifteen minutes of a cricket match or a town’s tradition of a donkey race. That may sound stupid, but actually these extras only add to the charm of the series.

And again I applaud the intelligent tradition in British drama to use actors who are not handsome or beautiful but just plain interesting.

If you want a complete catalog of the series, go IMDB. In addition to learn all about the fictional county called Midsomer as well as the large cast of characters you can try Wikipedia.

Beginning in 2006 the DVDs offer subtitles which Kathy and I need. Therefore I have listed below only those episodes which offer subtitles.

Season 9

Four Funerals and a Wedding
Country Matters
Death in Chorus
Last Year’s Model

Season 10

Dance with the Dead
The Animal Withing
King’s Crystal
The Axeman Cometh
Death and Dust
Picture of Innocence
They Seek Him Here
Death in a Chocolate Box

Season 11

Shot at Dawn
Blood Wedding
Left for Dead
Midsomer Life
The Magician’s Nephew
Days of Misrule
Talking to the Dead

Season 12

The Dogleg Murders
The Black Book
Secrets and Spies
The Glitch
Small Mercies
The Creeper
The Great and the Good

Season 13

Sword of Guillaume
Made-to-Measure Murders
Blood on the Saddle
Silent Land
Master Class
Noble Art
Not in my Backyard
Fit for Murder

Season 14

Death in the Slow Lane
Dark Secrets
Echos of the Dead
The Oblong Murders
Sleeper Under the Hill
Night of the Stag
Sacred Trust
Rare Bird

Season 15

The Dark Rider
Murder of Innocence

Let me know when you have seen all of them.

2011, Complicated, Computer geeks, Could Be Hard To Watch, Detective, Explicit sex, Nudity, Occasional gore, Rape, Religious Theme, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense, Torture, Violent

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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From NetFlix:

When a young computer hacker is tasked with investigating a prying journalist, their separate missions become entangled amid a decades-old conspiracy. David Fincher directs this English adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel.

By now you have probably read Stieg Larsson’s book (or maybe the entire Millenium trilogy). Because I have done so, I was a little disappointed in some few plot changes. But for the most part the film follows the book.

All the characters are well chosen. Daniel Craig correctly plays an understated Mikael Blomkvist. Blomkvist was equally a calm and quiet character in the Swedish film version. For my tastes Christopher Plummer looked too healthy as Henrik Vanger at the start of the film. But after his heart attack he looked like a tired, sick old man. Yorick van Wageningen is a wonderfully sleazy lawyer who rapes Lisbeth and gets paid back in spades. Stellan Skarsgård is excellently creepy as Martin Vanger.

But in the end the film captures the book well. Enjoy!

2002, Crime, Frenetic, Mediocre, Plot Twist, Satirical ultra-violence, Vulgar

The Hard Word (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Guy Pearce, Joel Edgerton and Damien Richardson play three brothers — Dale, Shane and Mal — who are out on bail and awaiting trial for armed robbery when they decide to attempt one more massive heist before they’re hauled off to jail. To top it off, their criminal lawyer (Robert Taylor) is sleeping with Dale’s wife (Rachel Griffiths). Oh, what a tangled web they weave — but will everything unravel?

By “satiric violence” I refer to films like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). This current film is nowhere near as violent (but people do get shot). As just another “major heist goes wrong” film, there is nothing special here. However, there are funny unexpected little bits here and there. Think of the film as part of a Guy Pearce festival.

Just OK, but fun enough.

2002, Acceptable for children, Adventure, Fantasy, Feel Good For All, Sci-Fi

The Time Machine (2002)

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From NetFlix:

Based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells, this sci-fi adventure stars Guy Pearce as Alexander Hartdegen, a scientist and inventor who’s determined to prove to a doubtful world that time travel is actually possible. In the 1890s, he builds a time machine that sends him progressively farther into the future — eventually hurtling him 800,000 years from now to a strange time in which mankind has divided into two races: the hunters and the hunted.

PG-13 is just about right for this sci-fi whose visual effects are on the order of “Hugo”, that is to say, special effects with a more human, old-fashioned, down-to-earth look. Of course there are spooky, nasty, human-devouring creatures living under the earth 800,000 years from now. One of their masters, the Über-Morlock is played by none other than Jeremy Irons (who else would you expect ?).

Just plain kiddie sci-fi fare with orchestral background (did I mention old-fashioned ?) and a happy ending somewhere 800,000 years in the future.

2009, Basically Sad, Crime, Detective, Imperfect, Italian, Love Story, Nudity, Plot Twist, Quiet, Sex Scenes

The Double Hour (2009)

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From NetFlix:

In the wrong place at the wrong time, Sonia takes a bullet to the head during an art robbery. She survives, but later finds herself haunted by visions. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman.

Unfortunately the plot of this Italian film (with non-optional subtitles) is somewhat flawed. Sonia’s double life does not really work or even matter to the film except in some trivial details. For the following reasons this film might be worth viewing:

  • There are some surprise plot twists.
  • All the actors do a good job at their craft.
  • Ambivalence and an underlying sadness lend some urgency to the plot.
  • Listening to an easy Italian is fun.

Nothing special, but I enjoyed the film.

2011, Based on true facts, Biographical, Bullying, Clint Eastwood, Crime, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, FBI, Gangs, Gay theme, Kidnapping, Lawyers, Love Story, Psychological Drama, Violent, Wonderful acting

J. Edgar (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.

Looking for an “Actor’s actor” ? Go no farther. Current movie reviews lament the fact that we are seeing a series of young male wannabes with tight abs who don’t last because they lack the acting skills. But Leonardo DiCaprio is the quintessential chameleon. His portrayal of J. Edgar is nothing less than astonishing. Even if it were complete fiction, the film would be riveting (as the NetFlix caption says).

For a discussion of historical accuracy you can read the Wikipedia article. This article also discusses Hoover’s sexuality. Clint Eastwood, the director, wisely stayed away from any depiction of cross-dressing (except for one brief suggestion) or explicit sexual behavior (except for some kisses). Just enjoy the marvelous production and stop wondering how much is true. If even a little bit were true, Hoover was a dangerous paranoid.

This is NOT a film for titillation. Instead it focuses on Hoover’s bulldog no-holds-barred approach to getting his way, even if it meant blackmailing every politician in Washington. It focuses also on: Hoover’s insecurity, his emotional dependence on his mother (with whom he lived all his life) and Clyde Tolson (who had his own house), his lying, and his barely legal methods.

In all fairness you should read the Wikepedia biography of Clyde Tolson. He was NOT the seemingly weak character portrayed in the film.

Nixon is portrayed as a profane thug.

Additionally I marvel at the long list of known supporting actors, among whom we find:

  • Armie Hammer (who?) played Clyde Tolson very well. Believe it or not, Armie Hammer’s father is the CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation. Armie was 25 years old during the filming.
  • Josh Lucas played Charles Lindberg, who was very important to the story.
  • Damon Herriman (who?) played Bruno Hauptman, the supposed kidnapper of the Lindberg child. Today the debate still rages over the guilt of Haputman. Once again see the Wikipedia article.
  • Naomi Watts played Helen Gandy, the famous personal secretary for Hoover for 54 years. She is most remembered for spending weeks after Hoover’s death destroying Hoover’s blackmail materials, his “Personal File” (much to Nixon’s chagrin). Once again see Wikepedia.
  • Big surprise: I kept staring at Hoover’s mother and couldn’t believe my eyes. Indeed it was Judi Dench. She spoke a perfect American accent. More to the point she was a professional support actor who received no special credit.
  • Remember Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding)? He played Colonel Schwarkopf.
  • My own award for “Appearing everywhere but not famous” goes to Zach Grenier (who?) whom I once met in person in the San Franciscon Museum of Modern Art. His is the only name I can drop because I never meet anyone famous. Look him up in IMDB and I am willing to bet you have seen him somewhere. He is currently playing a pain in the neck in “The Good Wife” on TV.

Officially I go out on a limb: DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

2011, Drama, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, French, Italian, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Unusual, Violent

Unforgivable (2011)

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From NetFlix:

This moody drama follows the increasingly chaotic life of Francis, a crime novelist who moves to Venice to write his next book. After starting an affair with a young beauty, Francis suspects her of cheating — even as his own daughter goes missing.

“Unforgivable” is spoken in French and Italian with subtitles. Its other name is “Impardonnables”.

What a crazy mixed-up bunch of dysfunctional people! Not a single character would classify in my book as “normal”, whatever that means.

Nor are all the subplots entirely believable. We start with Francis who was a womanizer that left each woman if she confronted him about his multiple affairs. At this point he is probably in his sixties. He is in Venice and visits a rental agency looking for an apartment to rent. Lo and behold the rental agent, Judith, is the former Chanel model Carole Bouquet who just happens to be “drop dead beautiful”. You may not believe it, but during the filming she was 54 years old. At any rate she shows Francis a house on one of the Venetian islands and during that house inspection he asks her to live with him in this island house and she, of course, accepts. For me, seeing an older man having sex with a younger beauty was a first. Needless to say Judith is bi-sexual.

And the plot continues on its bizarre path. We get to meet fatherless sons finishing prison terms for violent tendencies, Judith’s former (woman) lover who is dying of cancer, Francis’ married daughter who is currently on leave from her husband in order to pursue a young Italian drug dealer, etc.

You probably get the idea by now. Not that the film was boring, just weird. Good luck!