Category Archives: FilmReview

2006, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Disturbing Image, Explicit sex, German, Grim, Love Story, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, Psychological Drama, Rape, Unusual, Violent

The Free Will (2006)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

When a convicted rapist (Jürgen Vogel) takes a job at a German print shop, he befriends the owner’s daughter (Sabine Timoteo), a young woman who’s been sexually abused by her father, and an intense but complicated bond forms between them. Matthias Glasner directs this Tribeca Film Festival selection that explores the boundaries of an unconventional romance between a former victimizer and one who’s been victimized.

At 2 hours and 44 minutes, this German film with optional English subtitles is a tough watch about which I shall now try to warn you. In what follows “he” is the rapist and “she” is the woman victimized by her father. You might NOT want to see this film because:

  • At the beginning you see an ugly rape scene. You can easily skip over this part and begin with his being released from prison.
  • Unfortunately he later relapses and there occurs a rape scene that is nowhere near as bad as that first scene but still ugly.
  • The film is very slow moving.
  • Fortunately we only get a hint of the father’s abuse. In fact we never really know if his abuse was sexual. At the very least he made his daughter a substitute in some ways for his deceased wife and prevented the daughter from being independent.
  • Intense loneliness is a constant presence.
  • Sadly the story does not end well.

So why on earth did I stick with this film? First of all I like independent films and this film has just that flavor. Also the film takes its time with the two characters. You can feel the sad conflicts with with they struggle, especially the self-hating rapist. Throughout the film, alas, I was rooting for them as a couple. Recidivism is all too real and there is nothing idealistic in filming the struggles of each of the characters.

Hopefully I have discouraged you from watching an unusual film which for me was fascinating.

2011, Flirting, Imperfect, Love Story, Mediocre, Sex Scenes

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal’s adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) — but is she more interested in Robbie’s recently unwed father?

Steve Carell belongs in this shallow, unlikely, but possibly acceptable tale of love complications and family problems. His history in “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live” fits the bill.

But Julianne Moore can and has done much better: “Far From Heaven”, “The End of the Affair”, “The Shipping News”, “An Ideal Husband”, etc.

Most of all Ryan Gosling should be more careful in choosing movie roles. After such successes as All Good Things (2010) and Blue Valentine (2010) to say nothing of Lars and the Real Girl (2007), why choose lesser parts ?

Perhaps you can accept the plot, although I couldn’t buy it!

2009, Biographical, British, Drama, Love Story, True Story

The Young Victoria (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.

While visiting our daughter Kate in London we just happened to see this film on television. Lucky for us the timing could not have been better. That Victoria and Albert were truly devoted to one another is made quite clear by the film. In addition Albert was an honest, sincere consort that really tried to help the British commoners and to protect Victoria from various predators trying to control such a young queen. Her devotion to him after his early death from typhoid at age 42 is splendidly manifest if you visit the lighted Albert memorial at night. Also wonderful is the Victoria and Albert museum (called the “V & A”).

Such a well-done historical drama comes well recommended.

2011, Acceptable for children, Acceptable Trash, Cowboy, Mayhem, Sci-Fi

Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Scott Mitchell Rosenberg’s graphic novel series leaps to the screen as amnesiac gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) stumbles into the Wild West town of Absolution, where he’s confronted by potent enemy Col. Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) and a terrifying problem: invading aliens. Aided by the lovely Ella (Olivia Wilde), Jake rallies a posse of the townspeople, Dolarhyde’s minions and local Apache warriors to fight off the extraterrestrial threat.

While flying us to London British Airways showed this film. Acceptable trash such as this is just fine for an unthinking air flight where the best outcome might be going to sleep.

Daniel Craig should stick to better films such as Defiance (2008). Maybe he is tired of being James Bond.

Harrison Ford was 69 years old for the filming. For me he will always be Indiana Jones.

Kids will love it!

2003, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Conspiracy, Drama, Gay theme, Made For TV, Nudity, Political statement, Sex Scenes, Spy Theme, Wonderful acting

Cambridge Spies (2003)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In 1934, four brilliant Cambridge men are recruited to spy for Russia. Fueled by youthful idealism, a passion for social justice and a talent for lying, they take huge personal risks to pass Britain’s biggest secrets to Moscow.

At the start of the film there is a disclaimer that some of the details are fictional. Let us hope that at least we get some insight into why these four men decided to spy for Russia. If nothing else, the acting is superb and the scenes both in England and in Germany ring true. Sex, both straight and gay, seems to pervade the atmosphere.

Cambridge’s four young spies are as follows:

Give this British production a strong recommendation.

2009, Crime, Dark, Detective, Drama, Kidnapping, Prison, Serial Killer

Stolen (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Investigating the mystery behind the mummified, half-century-old remains of a young boy found in a box at a construction site gives a detective (Jon Hamm) key clues to his own son’s disappearance eight years prior. Unfolding through flashbacks, this mystery-thriller from director Anders Anderson also stars Josh Lucas, James Van Der Beek, Jessica Chastain, Rhona Mitra, Jimmy Bennett and Beth Grant.

What distinguishes this child abduction plot from the many others is that two abductions, one fifty years older than the present abduction, are developed in tandem. Josh Lucas is the father in the older case whereas Jon Hamm is the father detective in the present case. Little by little the two cases merge in a clever way.

Jon Hamm will probably always be remembered as Don Draper of the TV series Mad Men (2007).

Josh Lucas was the high school teacher Barry Anderson in Daydream Nation (2010).

Rhona Mitra, who plays Jon Hamm’s wife, played Tara Wilson as one of the many lascivious women employees of Boston Legal.

Both plot and acting are acceptable.

2007, Acceptable for children, Comedy, Feel Good For All, German, Unusual

Vitus (2007)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Pushed to succeed and live up to his parents’ ambitions at an early age, young Vitus (played by Fabrizio Borsani and Teo Gheorghiu) is a virtual genius and a prodigy at the piano. But as Vitus grows older, he decides on a different path: one that leads to an ordinary childhood. Julika Jenkins and Urs Jucker co-star in writer-director Fredi M. Murer’s heartfelt tale, which won the Swiss Film Prize for Best Film of 2007.

Grab this film soon because true feel-good (non-animated) films for adults and children are an endangered species. However, in order that this film be a feel-good for you, you must suspend disbelief during the entire story. That is because the boy Vitus is too good to be true. But that is the charm of this unusual film. Just watch as the young genius performs miracle after miracle. No, the plot is NOT cloying and is instead full of surprisingly original and fun ideas.

Robert Schumann’s piano concerto in A minor is the musical theme of the film and is the concerto that Vitus plays at the end of the film.

English subtitles are available for this Swiss film in which the actors speak Swiss German,
Hoch Deutsch, and English.

Of all the actors I recognized only one: the Swiss actor Bruno Ganz plays the free-spirited grandfather. If you haven’t seen him in the wonderful Italian comedy “Bread and Tulips” from 2000, don’t miss it!

In my humble opinion, “Vitus” is DON’T MISS !!!

2009, British Mystery Series, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Detective, Disturbing Image, Drama, Grim, Gritty, Made For TV, Occasional gore, Police Story, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense

Whitechapel (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

UPDATE IN DEC 2014:

You may now stream all three seasons (3 episodes per season) from Amazon provided you purchased Amazon Prime (which has many benefits). Each season solves one crime. Each season is gory and you should read the following which is an old review just to be fully warned.

OLD REVIEW:

As an ardent fan of MI-5 (having watched 38 episodes), I first saw Rupert Penry-Jones as the character Adam. Using IMDB I found that he also appeared in a British TV series “Whitechapel” of which only one season is available from NetFlix.

Be forewarned that this excellent series (all on one disc) is gory, as in “Jack the Ripper” because the search is on for a serial killer trying to exactly duplicate the crimes of the original Ripper.

Penry-Jones plays DI Joseph Chandler who is an upper-class Brit who has been groomed to quickly climb the police hierarchy. But first he must prove himself by catching the maniac before more deaths occur. He is resented by the rank and file under his command, especially DS Miles played by Philip Davis. Philip Davis is one of those secondary actors whom you have probably seen many times. Most notable for me is his role as the husband of “Vera Drake”, another worthwhile British film. This conflict among the policemen is actually the most important theme in the series and its resolution is very satisfying.

Wonderful acting, but not for the squeamish.

2011, Bullying, Circus, Disturbing Image, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Sex Scenes, Trains

Water for Elephants (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.

After reading Sara Gruen’s popular novel “Water for Elephants” it is easy to see that the original story had to be adapted for a film. For example, in the book we read about Jacob’s life in a nursing home when he is in his nineties. Frankly, I preferred the film.

Someone once opined that one successful way to make a movie is to just tell a good story. Indeed this is a captivating story that held my attention for several reasons. August was so out of control that I kept waiting for the explosion. Jacob and Marlena made such a good couple that eventually they had to somehow get together.

You do see at least indirectly some cruelty to animals, especially Rosie the elephant. Mostly you see the bloody results of August’s anger toward Rosie, which could be difficult for young children.

And the ending is so goody good good that I just snickered a bit. Great film!

Based on true facts, Cancer theme, Drama, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Beginners (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Ewan McGregor (now 40 years old) is not afraid to appear in movies outside the mainstream such as “Moulin Rouge” or “I Love You Philip Morris”. In fact, if you are looking for a good time, search for Ewan McGregor in IMDB for a long list of films. His biography in IMDB points out his determination to NOT conform.

And who could forget Christopher Plummer (now 82 years old) in the romantic role of Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” from way back in 1965.

Mélanie Laurent (age 28) is a French actress who appears in both French (“Jusqu’à Toi”) and American (“Inglourious Basterds”) films.

Possibly this film is not for everyone for reasons such as:

  • One half of the film centers on the 75 year old father coming out as gay.
  • Another important theme is the son’s difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • You could hear a pin drop because this is such a quiet film.
  • “Move Slowly” is the film’s motto. Often the young couple just stare at each other.
  • There is humor but it is very quiet and subtle.
  • Should I believe that a 75 year old gay man can find a young lover ?
  • You watch the father slowly succumb to lung cancer.

Despite these possible objections, I loved this unusual film.